This is how I am using Phasing for planning Schemes

[The Hamma]

Dynamic Phasing & Scheme Filtering

This workflow leverages Vectorworks Data Visualizations to create a dynamic "Scheme Filter." By stacking two visualizations—one that preserves existing geometry and another that isolates and colors only new additions—you can instantly toggle between design options using the Phasing bar. This eliminates the need for redundant classes or layers, providing clear, color-coded visual feedback for each project milestone.

 

Part 1: Project Phase Setup

First, you must define the "timeline" of your project so Vectorworks knows which objects belong to which scheme.

Go to AEC > Phasing > Phasing Settings (or click the Phasing dropdown in the View Bar and select Phasing Settings...).

In the Phases tab, create the following list in order:

Existing

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Assigning Objects: * Select your "base" building geometry and, in the Object Info Palette (OIP) under the Phasing section, set Created in Phase to Existing.

Select the unique objects for your first option and set their phase to Scheme 1. Repeat this for Scheme 2 and Scheme 3.

Part 2: Establishing the "Existing" Foundation

This visualization ensures your base building remains visible and "protected" from the hiding rules of the subsequent scheme filters.

Create a New Data Visualization: Name it "Phasing 1 Show Created in Existing".

Define Criteria: Set to (PHASECREATE='EXISTING').

Display Criteria: Set the dropdown to All Objects.

Edit Attributes: * Select the <All Objects> row and click Edit.

Ensure Fill, Pen, and Texture are all set to "Retain Original..." * This "claims" these 5 objects so they stay visible, but prevents the visualization from changing their look.

Draw Mode: Set Draw Mode for All Other Objects to Show.

Part 3: Creating the "Scheme" Filter (New Only)

This visualization isolates your "New" work for whichever scheme is currently active and hides everything else.

Create a New Data Visualization: Name it "Phasing 2 Show New Only".

Define Criteria: Set to (ALL & (INSYMBOL & (INGROUP))).

Display Criteria:

Left Dropdown: Objects using Function.

Right Dropdown: Phase Status in Active Phase.

Attribute Mapping:

"New" Row: Check the Apply box. Click Edit to set your specific attributes (e.g., Blue Pen, Light Blue Fill).

All Other Rows: Uncheck the "Apply" box for every other value (Existing, Demolished, etc.).

Draw Mode: Set Draw Mode for All Other Objects to Hide.

This hides any object that is NOT "New" in the currently selected phase (e.g., hiding Scheme 2 items while Scheme 1 is active).

 

Part 4: Activating the Multi-Scheme View

To make the arrows in your Phasing bar toggle the schemes correctly, you must enable both visualizations simultaneously.

In the View Bar, click the Data Visualization dropdown.

Select <Data Visualizations>.

Ensure both are checked in this specific order:

[1] Phasing 1 Show Created in Existing

[2] Phasing 2 Show New Only

Click OK.

 

How to Use

Now, simply use the arrows on the Phasing bar in your View Bar to cycle through Scheme 1, Scheme 2, and Scheme 3.

The Existing walls will always stay black/white.

The New walls for that specific scheme will turn Blue(as I have in my settings).

All other schemes will be automatically hidden.

 

 

 

Schemes Template.vwx

Edited April 8 by The Hamma

[line-weight]

What happens if you join the interior walls to the external walls? Do you then get join gaps on the external walls, for elements of hidden schemes? This would be more obvious in multi component walls of course.

[The Hamma]

37 minutes ago, line-weight said:

What happens if you join the interior walls to the external walls? Do you then get join gaps on the external walls, for elements of hidden schemes? This would be more obvious in multi component walls of course.

Yes you would see the gaps in the walls.  When working with phases I find it better to turn off the auto Join and only join walls that are in the same phase.  

[Rick Berge]

I would suggest picking a different name for the first phase, to avoid confusion.  Ideally phases have names related to time, not status. Worst case, at least pick one that's not exactly the same as a status name.  Original project, as-built, etc, lots of choices out there.  Looks like the forum meltdown stepped on all your attachments, but everything else sounds good 

[Jonathan Pickup]

   is phasing available in Landmark?

[Matt Panzer]

16 hours ago, Jonathan Pickup said:

   is phasing available in Landmark?

 

Yes.  But it needs to added to the workspace.  However, because this initial version of Phases is purely data based, no object specific changes have been made for phasing.  For example, the site model already has the idea of existing and proposed in the object and won't do anything different with regard to phasing.

[Jonathan Pickup]

thanks matt, but it would be powerful for planting. 

What if you relocate a hardscape, are you saying that the site model will not see the relocated hardscape? 

[matteoluigi]

is it right, that you can only set up a date with a two digit year? Or do I misunderstand something?

So, for example 1920 and 2020 both turn out to be in the year '20?

[Matt Panzer]

18 hours ago, Jonathan Pickup said:

thanks matt, but it would be powerful for planting. 

What if you relocate a hardscape, are you saying that the site model will not see the relocated hardscape? 

 

Component-based objects (walls, roofs, slabs, hardscape, etc.), cannot be reused as an object.  These are best dealt with via worksheets that compare the amount of the material of the objects being demolished to new objects using the same material.  This will allow you to see if you have enough reused material or if more will be needed.  Of course, you'd want to work in some percentage adjustment for material that cannot be reused (damaged or odd shaped pavers, etc.).

[Matt Panzer]

46 minutes ago, matteoluigi said:

is it right, that you can only set up a date with a two digit year? Or do I misunderstand something?

So, for example 1920 and 2020 both turn out to be in the year '20?

 

This looks like a bug and we just had one reported on it (VB-219119) and are looking into it.

[cberg]

I am interested in this topic.  However, I can't view @The Hamma's screenshots and video.  I also can't open the "Schemes Template" attachment. Was it removed when the forum was offline?  

 

 

Edited April 8 by cberg

[The Hamma]

23 minutes ago, cberg said:

I am interested in this topic.  However, I can't view @The Hamma's screenshots and video.  I also can't open the "Schemes Template" attachment. Was it removed when the forum was offline?  

 

 

I know they had some system maintenance about a week ago and I don't know if that killed the files but I have re edited the post To add back the photos and video. 

[cberg]

Thank you very much!

[cberg]

@Rick Berge I am trying to understand why you recommend naming the first phase something other than "Existing".

 

I think both the coffee break video (which I recall seeing but did not locate online) and the VW University video label the first project phase "Existing Conditions." That makes a little more sense to me than other suggestions, but that's just how my brain works.  

 

Just curious, is your recommendation based on conceptual/philosophical concerns, or is there something under the hood that will impact how phasing functions?  

 

 

Edited April 8 by cberg

[cberg]

I think I understand.  You are trying to distinguish between "time" and "object status".  Can we re-label "Existing" as "Existing to Remain"?

 

[Matt Panzer]

38 minutes ago, cberg said:

I think I understand.  You are trying to distinguish between "time" and "object status".  Can we re-label "Existing" as "Existing to Remain"?

Correct.  You certainly can name phases however you like as long as you understand that the name has nothing to do with the status of objects.  

[Rick Berge]

19 hours ago, cberg said:

I think both the coffee break video (which I recall seeing but did not locate online) and the VW University video

university.vectorworks.net: Coffee Break - Vectorworks 2026 Update 4 - Intro to Phasing

university.vectorworks.net search=phasing