Can a SAVED VIEW be copied?

[Adam E]

Can a saved view be copied from one document to another? How can it be done?

I am working on several different floor plans for a client and would like to show the same views for each plan.

[Petri]

No. If this is only about layer & class visibilities, then there are ways with quite simple scripts. Theoretically also 3D views, but at least I've never done it.

Can't you lower the bridge instead raising the river - combine the floor plans into a single file?

[Adam E]

Unfortunately, my client makes tons of revisions and the file size is already around 80mb. Combining plans would make the file unmanageable. Usually, I start out by saving all the views I like in the document and then re-save different versions. Unfortunately, if I decide that I want a different view, I can't transfer that new view to the other revisions.

[Petri]

80 MB file does sound big. Scanned images, rendered images? Huge 3D-objects from AutoCAD?

If you use Workgoup Referencing and only take layers with vector data, I can't believe you get unmanageable files. Well, if you do, then perhaps you should do a series of WGR-files, pulling in the relevant data from a number of sources.

Having said that, there are technical possibilities for exporting layer and class visibilities and using them in other files.

[Adam E]

I am laying out a trade show booth. My client manufactures helicopters. I have five different ones in this floor plan - they were originally 3ds models. In addition to the models and my structure, there is also electrical information, spatial dimensioning and a saved hidden line perspective view. This stuff all adds up.

I am working on another job where I received IGES files from my client. The file for this job is around 130mb and totally unmanageable. I am in the process of re-drawing items and deleting as much as possible. I have it down to 80mb so far.

I have been using VectorWorks for 10 years now and have often wondered about copying views from one document to another...thanks for your help anyway.

[Adam E]

When I say 'copying views', I am specifically talking about 3d views.

[Petri]

Do you have RenderWorks cameras set up? They can be copied between files.

[Adam E]

Although I own RenderWorks, I have not actually used it in years....tried it when it first came out. Never really used though.

[Petri]

Well, there is the solution you have been asking for. Easy!

However, 3D-views CAN be stored & exported; I've just never needed it. If you export as VectorSript, the current view is there, looking like this:

Projection(1,0,1239.520000000000209,-619.760000000000105,619.760000000000105,619.760000000000105,-619.760000000000105);

SetView(#0.0000000000000d,#0.0000000000000d,#0.0000000000000d,0,0,0);

In VectorScript, there are, I believe, procedures/functions for GETting projection and view. You might be able to write a script that saves the settings as a "stand-alone" script that you just "RUN" in any file. (Totally untested theory.)

Your pick.

[Adam E]

I will look into it...

Thanks!

[Petri]

If I were you, I'd go for the cameras... I write VectorScripts all the time, but could not be bothered!

[G_Hannigan]

Petri's suggestion to copy & paste a Renderworks Camera object should do what you want. You can use a hidden line render with it even though it is called Renderworks Camera, just go to the drop down in the OIP and select the render mode of choice.

[Adam E]

Copying RenderWorks cameras is definitely the way to go. Thank you both for your AWESOME advice --- very helpful.