more drawing organization

[Gytis]

For my cabinet and millwork shop drawings, I build a 3D model of, e.g., a kitchen, on a design layer, then use viewports and sheet layers for various plans, sections, and details. This is standard enough, I think. I also make unit-level drawings, where each cabinet, or door, or panel gets its own sheet layer with multiple viewports; to do this, I create a design layer for each discrete object. A viewport referencing the main 3D model design layer can be cropped, but not isolated to a single object, so far as I know. I could also create a class for each object and control visibility that way, though I prefer the flexibility of a design layer.

My question is: as both these techniques become laborious and create large numbers of design layers/classes on top of the others necessary, is there any other, more efficient, way to structure?

[CipesDesign]

Gytis, If it was me I would use a discreet class name for each object. That way they could each be made visible/invisible in each VP and/or saved view.

[Kevin]

If memory serves me correct. There is a Vectorworks module that does cabinets. I think that it is made by the parent company of NNA. It will cost some money but may be just what you need.

[Kevin]

This software may be what I was referring to:

http://www.interiorcad.com

[Gytis]

Peter- yes, I've tried discrete classes, still like design layers better. It's more, uumm...discreet.

Kevin-yes, I've been using interiorCAD for years (see signature). Great for the cabinet symbols, but drawing organization is still VW.

Thanks for the ideas.

[Robert Anderson]

Gytis, why not put your cabinet units into symbols?

[Gytis]

Robert, the cabinet units are usually symbols; however, I don't understand how this helps in regards to my original post. Don't I still need a design layer to carry the solitary symbol, as opposed to the primary design layer of all assembled symbols? ... in order to have VPs of the single symbol?

[P Retondo]

VPs can be clipped, so you can have multiple viewports from a single design layer. This could cut down on the number of layers you are using. Viewports are named, so you can find the one you want.

[Robert Anderson]

Gytis, I think the best way is to use cropped VPs and classes to isolate your individual pieces. In essence, what you are doing here is hand-rolling a "parts management" system.