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When a new version of Vectorworks arrives on my computer, even before I get too far into its new or enhanced features, I dive into the Vectorworks Preferences. These preferences control a number of aspects that make my Vectorworks installation work for me and feel like it’s my design workshop, no matter what file I’m working in. (If you’re wondering if I ever simply want to import my preferences from the previous version to the new version, I typically don’t. I like having a hands-on approach here and it really takes very little time to do.) First, I revisit the Vectorworks Preferences that I am quite familiar with and adjust some of my “old favourites” (listed below). When doing so, I always give them a second thought, ensuring that I truly do want to set them as I am. Workflows can evolve and change over time, so I want to make sure that my Vectorworks Preferences are set the best way possible for the way I work now, not just for how I decided they should be set many years ago. Next, I like to see what preferences have been added in the new version of Vectorworks. As vital as it may seem to set certain longtime prefs to my liking, it is actually this second step that is far more important – often a new preference will reveal aspects of a larger new feature that has been introduced. And it is the mindset of being open to new features and new ways of working that will help improve one’s design practice. I have found that this is an incredibly important approach to have as the digital tools of our practice evolve. So with that said, I wanted to share a list of the Vectorworks Preferences I adjust –and why I adjust them– so that you can get a better sense of perhaps how you too can take control of your Vectorworks experience. Edit > Offset Duplications = Unchecked Why I adjust this pref: Even though duplicating an object can replicate the last distance & direction I moved an object by Option-Drag (Ctrl-Drag on Win), I like my duplicated objects to “stay put” until I do something with them. Edit > Arrow Keys > Pan > Disabled Why I adjust this pref: The ways that one can change the view of their design have evolved so much over the years that I never find I never want to navigate this way... plus I don’t want to press an arrow key by accident and chance my view, thereby disrupting my train of thought. Session > Create new Document on Startup = Unchecked Why I adjust this pref: I rarely need a brand new, blank document available at my fingertips the moment I fire up Vectorworks. I’m usually working on an existing file, so I prefer to save myself the time of having to close the newly created document. Session > Display Classes in pop-up menus hierarchically = Unchecked Why I adjust this pref: This is very much just a personal preference, but I like seeing the entire Class name on one line, both in the pop-up menus and in the Navigation Palette and Organization dialog window (so I switch off hierarchical view there too.) Session > Maximum number of Undos > 42 Why I adjust this pref: I like to experiment and sometimes I need to “back out” of what I’m doing a lot. Plus, if it can be the answer to life, the universe, and everything, it must be a good number of undo’s. 3D > Render mode... > OpenGL Why I adjust this pref: I like my solids looking solid in 3D, the moment I switch from Top/Plan to a 3D view. 3D > View... > Normal Perspective Why I adjust this pref: The view looks more realistic than the default orthogonal view. Autosave = NN Operations, custom single location Why I adjust this pref: I find that having the autosave interval set to “operations” (no matter how many it is) rather than “minutes” means that Vectorworks will wait until I complete my action before saving, instead of potential saving while I am mid-action. I opt for a single backup location of my choosing in order to keep each of my project folders as “light” as possible; I have only a single backup folder that I need to manage and clean out when I tidy up old backups. Interactive > Interactive Appearance Settings… Object Highlighting-Pre-selection-Active Layer = Green Why I adjust this pref: I find it useful to differentiate between what I am about to select versus what I currently have selected. That’s my list. I’ve found it only takes about a minute to set all of those prefs to my liking. Now, I’m not saying that you should change your Vectorworks Preferences to match mine. What I do recommend, however, is that whether you are a new or a long-time user, you take some time to look through yours and fine-tune Vectorworks to work for you. If you have a Vectorworks Preference that you adjust for a particular reason, perhaps share below which preference it is and how & why you adjust it.

I've been struggling with finding a way to use keynotes effectively in Vectorworks - and for us, one of the most essential aspects is the ability to revise keynotes as a project proceeds through the design process. Our office uses keynotes with a numbered prefix keyed to the CSI division format, and all keynotes have the same number throughout a project. We only place keynotes in a sheet legend if the keynote actually appears on a sheet, and keynotes may frequently appear on many different drawings - plans, elevations, sections. Attached is a sample file showing an alternate system for placing and reporting keynotes, based on a keynote record format attached to a custom symbol. The system uses worksheets on each sheet layer to report the keynotes on that sheet, and a separate 'master' worksheet to handle global editing of keynotes. Global editing is limited - text or reference fields may be edited, but editing the actual keynote number will break the link - the keynote number is providing the key link to the worksheet. I'd love to get feedback or suggestions that would improve this system. 170527 VW 2017 test.vwx

Good Morning, All - After struggling yesterday after switching from 2016 to 2018 I'm in need of some help. The title blocks threw me through a loop but I've gotten that all squared away. Trouble now is trying to add a simple field of "Revised By" into the revision data section of the sheet border. Could someone walk me through this? I'm hoping I'm missing something simple but can't seem to figure it out! Much appreciated! J

Hi, I have two separate issues. I've created a custom Smart Titleblock by editing a Vectorworks sheet border with our company logo and when I'm editing in 2d - the fonts show as desired but when I exit the symbol, they revert to some generic font. Is there anyway to change this? ALSO, when Creating Sheet Lists (Or Record Formats), is there anyway to add a record format that automatically creates assigns the Stacking Order of the sheet on the worksheet? I'd like to know what the record format for "stacking order" is. Thanks