Rotating complex objects/models

[AndiACD]

Can any one help me here. i have been trying to rotate a Symbol i created made up of a large number of parts, but regardless which tool i choose for the task VW tells me "Hybrid Objects can only be rotated in Plan/Top view."

Now, that would be fine if i needed to rotate it along the "Z" axis, but i need to rotate it along the "X" axis.

Along side this, there is the Hybrid factor. Well it's not! Yes many of the components are extruded from 2D shapes, but these are at the ground level of each object and as far as i recall have never selected a hybrid option for these models. Besides, VW refuses to leave 2D objects laying around in or between editing stages and always tells you they're to be deleted or that it can't be done, so what have i omitted or left in place to cause this.

i'm usually able to spin objects any way i want, shocks, arms, links, but this one's got me beat. Thanx for any help.

[Ray Libby]

You would need to give the version of VectorWorks you are using.

[Pat Stanford]

Symbols automatically have two parts. The 2D stuff is in one place and the 3D in another. When you edit a symbol by either right clicking and selecting Edit from the contextual menu or selecting it in the Resource Browser and selecting Edit from the menu, you will get your choice of editing the 2D part or the 3D part. If you are in Top/Plan view and double click the symbol, you will edit the 2D part. It you are in any other view and double click the symbol, you will edit the 3D part.

It sounds like you have gotten 2D stuff into your symbol "VW refuses to leave 2D objects laying around in or between editing stages". Try editing the 2D part and deleting whatever is there. Then you will have a strictly 3D symbol that you should be able to rotate.

Pat

[AndiACD]

Sorry Ray, i forgot the version part, but it doesn't work with this symbol in V11.5.1 or V2008(i have an evaluation copy and so far i'm a little disappointed that many quibbles i've had since v9 still haven't been solved).

Pat, those 2D items generally are the profile that forms the extrusion or sweep that makes the object. if they go, so does that part of the symbol. i've been through every editing stage of the symbol start to finish to ensure there is absolutely nothing where it shouldn't be, lines, 2D objects, locus, you name it and so far i've found nothing. it is possible there might be a line hidden somewhere under a profile, but i'm damned if i can find it.

Oh, i use the Apple/Command+bracket keyboard shortcut to access and exit the editing stages. Menu=Too many mouse miles and as for contextual menus! Never learnt! Guess it's time i did!

Thanx guys

Andrew