Constrain parallel lines?

[Mark Taylor]

I want to draw a 2D wall perimeter such that it is one single object and when I modify the shape it will retain the parallel nature and distance of the inner and outer lines as well as have the vertex connections stay intact.

When I use the "Double-Line Polygon" tool in "Create Lines" mode to draw a closed shape I end up with a collection of line segments that are not related to each other. This makes editing what I would consider one object very problematic.

I have a similar problem when using the same tool in "Create Polygons" mode. It does create a single object, but the inner and outer lines are not constrained by my original distance setting and therefore editing the positions of the verticies is not elegant either. Also, the end points, when connected, don't close the object, but rather just touch and display kind of a cut line.

What is the real way to do this?

[CipesDesign]

The wall tool is designed to create walls. Walls created with the wall tool are 2d/3d hybrid objects, and even if just used for 2d they have some powerful capabilities (although I would recommend learning about the 3d when you have time!)

[Mark Taylor]

Thank you, Peter,

I experimented with the wall tool, but it also seems to divide up into separate pieces. I can't just grab a vertex and drag it around without leaving behind the other edge. I think I'm really missing something here. Is there a setting a may have to change?

[CipesDesign]

First make sure that "connected wall mode" is enabled (at the top left of the VW window). Then, when you grab a wall and drag it, the connection(s) to adjoining walls will remain intact. Also, I stead of dragging a vertex, try grabbing the wall somewhere along its line.

One of the best ways to learn this (and many other functions and features) is in a new blank file. It allows you to experiment with one simple function at a time in s file with no critical data.

Hope that helps.

[Mark Taylor]

I don't see the "connected wall mode" choice when I choose either the 2D or 3D selection tools. The help file does show the button and states that this is a tool for Architect, Landmark, and Spotlight, but it does not show up for me. Is this a setting?

[mike m oz]

Make sure you have the Landmark Workspace active.

[Mark Taylor]

Yes, the "Landmark" Workspace is active. All the other choices are in the bar where they should be except for the "connected wall mode". The "Standard" Workspace doesn't show it either. I wonder where it went?

[mike m oz]

Try resetting Vectorwork's Preferences.

[Mark Taylor]

I reset the Vectorworks Preferences and destroyed many hours of settings. Still, the "connected wall mode" choice is nowhere to be seen. "Connected Wall Mode" can't even be found in the help file through direct search. I found it once using some other search, but I can't remember what it was.

I'm sure drawing simple constrained parallel lines is something Vectorworks should be able to do easily.

[mike m oz]

Mark I think you need to call support. If the connected walls mode is not showing when you have a Landmark workspace selected then there is a problem with your installation.

[CipesDesign]

Hey mike, I am away from computer right now, but maybe you could send a screenshot of the mode bar shiwing the connected walls mode. I'll bet that will solve the problem...

[mike m oz]

I've posted images in this almost the same thread: http://techboard.nemetschek.net/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=152958#Post152958