Extrude on path as parametric tool

[Chad Hamilton HAArchs]

Make a tool that makes “extrude on path” more parametric, and provide it as a tool.  It would be used for constantly for roof edges, complex railings, trims, but making the profile a setting would make it easier to use and easier to change.  The path and profile below are for a building I’m working on – I have to draw the path and copy the profile each time for different roof elements, and always have to adjust the profile location relative to the path each time.

[markdd]

I'm interested in what you are suggesting, and I agree that the finished object should have more parametric functionality.

 

1. The ability to swap one profile for another in the Object Information Palette using 2D shape symbols could be useful.
2. Perhaps the option to copy a profile shape rather than using it. This would mean that one wouldn't need to make endless copies of profile shapes.
3. Perhaps there's a better way to adjust the profile's position.
4. Currently, the reshape tool does a good job of adjusting the path.

What could a tool do over a command? I imagine that the ability to select an existing edge profile could be helpful in a combined workflow? 

[Chad Hamilton HAArchs]

I think the biggest advantage of a parametric tool for this would be that it would be used more.  But huge advantage would be the ability to numerically enter values, for example of the centroid of the shape object compared to the path, and to select from symbol resources standard or custom shapes, and possibly for some limited standard shapes, like circles or rectangles, to generate these within the tool.  It would also be good to assign texture(s) from within a parametric tool.  I think this kind of workflow would benefit both technical drawings, by making it easier to add perimeter shapes or trims to the model, but also would benefit early visualization, again by making it easier to add and texture/render elements in the model.  I agree with you, reshaping probably would not change.

[shorter]

Always thought the duplicate along path (DAP) command should result in an 'object' which would have the same sort of parameters as duplicate array, alonsgide the DAP parameters including Z values, and editablility like the curtain wall, i.e. be able to array a bunch of 3D extrusions or symbols or whatever but then allow editing of individual elements in the array in the X, Y, or Z.

[Paolo]

Do you know the 

Mouldings Plugins package?

 

The moulding plugins are a set of tools that take advantage of the built-in Vectorworks® “extrude along path” bringing an easy to learn user interface, a vaste parameter customization etc.