Workgroup Llibraries

[jason schneider]

Workgroup Libraries show up in the RM, but not deeper in selection windows. What gives?

[zoomer]

Not sure if this is the case here,

but VW expects the same Folder Structure as there is in App or User Library.

AFAIK when setting up a Workgroup Folder, VW now creates this Folder

Structure automatically in later versions.

[jcogdell]

@zoomer Is correct, the resource manager displays anything in the workgroup folder location where as th resource selector for performance reasons is set to look in a specififc location in the workgroup folder set by the tool that the resource selector is part of. This is partially for performance and partially for workflow speed so that the tool filters to the correct libraries each time.

[jason schneider]

Gents - thanks for the response. It took 2 cups of coffee for this to sink in. 🥴

 

So I need to generate a separate .vxw file for materials, textures, hatches, etc, for custom resources, just like it is set up in the app folder, correct? Sounds like a job for a BIM manager. Unfortunately, I'm just a one-man shop, so I'll stick my library in the Favorites folder and get back to business. 🫡

 

Cheers!

[zoomer]

Maybe it would work if you just put a duplicate of your office library file

into any relevant folder of the VW folder hierarchy (?)

 

E.g. in the Wall Style Folder it should only look for and show Wall Styles (?)

Edited October 1 by zoomer

[jason schneider]

Yes, I think that would work for workgroups, but now I have a dozen or so files to manage based on the styles. The less time I spend managing files, the more time I can spend billing clients. Keep it simple - which can be tough with VectorWorks (and BIM in general) ;) 

[Pat Stanford]

A Shortcut/Alias should work in the Workgroup Libraries:Defaults folder also.  Make one shortcut for each file and put a duplicate of that shortcut into each appropriate folder.

 

Or if you don't need the Resource Picker in the Mode bar, stick with your current Favorites workflow.

 

Or just put everything in your Template file and then delete what you don't use later.

[Tom W.]

3 hours ago, jason schneider said:

I'm just a one-man shop, so I'll stick my library in the Favorites folder and get back to business. 🫡

 

So was the reason for using a Workgroup Library so that you can access the same resources from different computers?

 

I've only ever used Favorites (in the user folder). 

 

Do your resources show up in the Resource Selector when they are stored in the Favorites folder in the Workgroup Library?

[zoomer]

20 minutes ago, Tom W. said:

So was the reason for using a Workgroup Library

 

My first reason was the attempt to get rid of the imperial stuff (!) or hide ugly content libraries.

Or to keep legacy libraries like VB Plants.

 

So I copied desired parts of the VW Libraries to my Workgroup Folder and deactivated to use

VW Libraries in VW Settings.

I failed badly with that attempt though.

 

Not allowing VW Libraries leads to e.g. having no more Heliodons and such and it is illusional

to try to manage ALL libraries. Also moving downloaded VSS Libraries from App Library to

Workgroup Library (from expensive local Apple storage to cheap external SSD space) lead

to VW (2022 ?) to need to re-update Libraries - after each start of VW !?

 

Not sure why I still use a Workgroup Folder and batch convert it each September.

I think if it would work - I would love to have one ....

[jason schneider]

4 hours ago, Tom W. said:

Do your resources show up in the Resource Selector when they are stored in the Favorites folder in the Workgroup Library?

Yes they do. I guess it's part of my process to look for simplified solutions and clean up drawing standards with every new VW release. Every time I learn something new.\; A Favorites Library works for a small firm, but I'm sure a larger firm can benefit from well coordinated workgroups. 

[Tom W.]

7 hours ago, jason schneider said:

Yes they do. I guess it's part of my process to look for simplified solutions and clean up drawing standards with every new VW release. Every time I learn something new.\; A Favorites Library works for a small firm, but I'm sure a larger firm can benefit from well coordinated workgroups. 

 

But to clarify: placing your '_JSA Library v2025' vwx file in the 'Favorites' folder within Workgroup Libraries (as opposed to the User Libraries) solves your problem of not being able to access the resources within that file from Resource Selectors right?