Accessory 2D Component Default Insertion Below Parent 2D Symbol?

[Martin Benesh]

Hi All, 

 

I'm really excited about the 3D snapping implications of accessories. However, I have a suite of accessories like snapgrids, chimeras, etc. that I need a 2D component below the 2D symbol of the parent fixture. 

 

Is there a way I can resolve this issue?

 

Thanks,

Martin

[Scott C. Parker]

@Martin Benesh Can you post an example file with a couple of fixtures and accessories to play with? A quick sketch of what you're looking to do would be helpful as well.

[Martin Benesh]

Hi @Scott C. Parker, 

 

Attached here is a Vectorworks file and some screenshots detailing the problem! I can't get the accessory's 2D components to default insert underneath the symbol like in the "ideal photo". (Which I made from just dragging 2D geometry around.)

What appeals to me is the 3D functionality of accessories; automatically snapping things in place and aligning them!

 

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out! 

 

I appreciate all the help! 

 

Thanks, 

Accessory Sample for Forum .vwx

[aheininen]

Hi

I shamelessly use this opportunity to plug in my previous thread with same kind of subject about placement of accessories.

Any info on this @Scott C. Parker ?

 

When I tested your file, Martin I could not find a way to get stand to be below Light Device.

[Scott C. Parker]

On 5/14/2024 at 8:20 PM, Martin Benesh said:

I can't get the accessory's 2D components to default insert underneath the symbol

 

 

Hi @Martin Benesh it turns out that 2D geometry of accessories is hard coded to sit on top of the 2D geometry of lighting devices. This video shows a workaround of editing the 2D geometry of the stand so it looks as if it is sitting under the head of the light ng unit. I've also included the file. Accessory Sample for Forum .vwx  

 

[Martin Benesh]

Hi Scott, 

 

Understood! Thanks for getting back to me!

 

Might you have some recommendations; perhaps I could make a marionette command that could do something like what I want?

 

Thanks! 

[Scott C. Parker]

22 hours ago, Martin Benesh said:

Might you have some recommendations

Since the accessories are coded to land on top of lighting symbols, the only suggestion I have right now is to duplicate them and make your own versions, cutting out the 2D parts. We'll give it some thought, but it would be a while before anything happens since editing the symbols is a valid alternative. 

[Martin Benesh]

Copy that, Scott. 

 

Thanks for the help! 

 

Best,

Martin

[Scott C. Parker]

@Martin Benesh I saw your post on the FB group and someone gave some other suggestions. Did you have luck? I'm curious on your final solutions.

[Martin Benesh]

Hi, Scott! 

 

John Salutz recommended copying the lighting fixture's 2D geometry to a dummy accessory. That way one could reorder them in the Object Info Palette. I think it's a helpful recommendation, but I'll probably just move forward with two different symbols: one an accessory with the 3D geometry, and a second with just 2D geometry that I can place behind the fixture.

 

Best,

Martin