orbit object

[ddcpe]

Is there a way to orbit an object on a layer without orbiting the layer?

[bcd]

[ddcpe]

Thanks, but that doesn't do what I'm asking.  It orbits the layer view about the object.  I want to orbit the object independent of the layer.

[bcd]

This?

[ddcpe]

That rotates in the object about a vector normal to the working plane.  I need to orbit the object without changing the orientation of the working plane.  I think its not possible to do.  What I resorted to is to add another design layer.  Move the 3d crap over to that layer.  Fart around orbiting it to the view I wanted then viewport it onto the sheet layer where its displayed next to all the 2d line work.

 

Thanks

[Jonathan Pickup]

there used to be a plug-in for Vectorworks called animationworks that would rotate, move, and slide object while you made a movie. 

 

I'm not sure what has happened to it. 

[Claes Lundstrom]

4 hours ago, Jonathan Pickup said:

there used to be a plug-in for Vectorworks called animationworks that would rotate, move, and slide object while you made a movie. 

 

I'm not sure what has happened to it. 

 

Wasn't that Julian Carr's plug-in ?

[bcd]

12 hours ago, ddcpe said:

It orbits the layer view about the object.

 I don't' think I understand your use of the word orbit.

Orbiting an object is, in my understanding, a circular movement of your POV relative to an object's center.

 

 

Glad you found a solution.

 

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

@ddcpe

It is not quite clear what you are asking.  Are you asking for the view position to stay constant, let's say a stationary camera and the object of interest rotates in front of the camera.

 

Trying to dial in.

 

 

[ddcpe]

Yeah, I guess I didn't explain it well.  Basically I have a 3d object that I drew adjacent to some 2d line work on a design layer.  What I was hoping to do was to 3d rotate the object into a good isometric view but NOT rotate the 2d linework.  It seems like the orbit tool orbits the view of the layer and any object on it.  The tool does not orbit the object relative to the set viewpoint (ie: Top/Plan, Front, etc).

 

Thanks.

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

OK, dialling in.  I/we still may be missing something, but If I was doing this, I would use the 3D rotate tools to align the 3D object as you have pointed out.  The 2D work would remain stationary, etc.

 

If you want, post the file so we can look at it.

[EAlexander]

I think your only option here is to use the Translate and Rotate mode of the Direct Select tool.  Vectorworks isn't really set up to tumble objects around with a gimble like 3d software (Blender, Cinema4D) but the Translate and Rotate will let you do a brief version of it.

• Select your object
• Click on the Translate and Rotate button to activate the Gimble
• Grab one of the axis arcs in the center to rotate the object around.  Click once to grab it and a second time to drop the object.  Option: While rotating, hit tab and you can manually enter the number of degrees to rotate.

Not as elegant as other software, but a start.  You're restricted to one of the major planes.  The button over to the right with the gimble and white arrow  will let you relocate the Gimble on the object if you want to position/rotate from a different part of the object.  Hope that helps some.

 

Edited March 6 by EAlexander

[rDesign]

44 minutes ago, EAlexander said:

I think your only option here is to use the Translate and Rotate mode of the Direct Select tool.

This is assuming that @ddcpe is using Vw2024 or newer, which is when the Transform mode (3D dragger) was added to the Selection tool. Not clear what version they are using…

Edited March 6 by rDesign

[bcd]

Alternative:

Invoke Screen plane to keep the 2d elements in place on the screen

Use the Flyover tool to set the desired view of the 3d object

 

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

4 hours ago, ddcpe said:

he tool does not orbit the object relative to the set viewpoint (ie: Top/Plan, Front, etc).

Lot's of good info on this thread.  I am wondering if you get what you want out of VW's, will it work for you.  I think I know what you are wanting to do as I have done this throughout my career.  

 

When I am modelling something from 2D work, I register the plan views and then build the model.  Perhaps this is something that you might try.

 

See below