Editing Objects in Vectorworks Spotlight

[Ricky Holdman]

I am having an issue in Spotlight where i import multiples of the same object, in this example a table with 8 chairs for a banquet diagram. When I go to edit the item individually and remove 2 chairs from around the table, it removes them from all of the same objects inserted into the diagram. This might be any easy fix but I would appreciate any feedback on this.

[michaelk]

That's how symbols behave.  Editing one makes them all change.

 

You will probably want to have a different symbol for each type of table layout.

 

(Or you're welcome to try this:  https://www.verysmallgroup.com/table-seating. It will make parametric tables that can each have different kinds and numbers of chairs on each side.)

[Ricky Holdman]

Ive never had this issue until i updated to 2024. I can open all my 2023 files and edit the same objects without it affecting any similar items in the file. Id prefer to not download a plug-in when its obviously a setting somewhere in the software.

[Pat Stanford]

One of the options for a symbol is to Insert as Group. That breaks the link between the symbol definition and the instance.  But it also make for large files and longer render times as every instance has to be calculated separately.

 

If you always want your symbols to insert as groups, you will need to find the symbol in the Resource Manager and Edit Symbol Options and make sure the Convert to Group is checked.

 

 

Or if you like the groups, but occasionally need to change one, you can select that object and us the Modify Menu:Convert:Convert to Group. This will effective do the same as the Symbol Options version, but only for that one instance.

[Ricky Holdman]

Pat Stanford.

 

That is exactly what i needed. Figured it out right before I saw your message. works like a charm! Thanks for the information