is there a section for people new to vectorworks?

[dave sec]

hi,

i've just started using vectorworks architect. i'm finding it frustrating so far, i think it's because i feel i have to keep clicking stuff constantly to select/deselect/perform actions and everytime i click something weird happens or i go into different 'levels' or something. i'm sure a lot of this is just due to not understanding the program properly.

right now i'm drawing basic 2d stuff in sketchup (simple plans/elevations/etc) and then importing them in vectorworks. i've discovered they import as 3d objects, and i first have to convert them into lines in order to mess around with them properly. (modify/convert/convert into lines). converting them into polygons would be nicer, but i don't think vectorworks can do this in any intelligent manner. then i select the lines i wish to turn into polygons, and use the 'compose' command. i tried 'convert - convert into polygons' but it doesn't work.

today i tried to set up a simple viewport by clicking 'create viewport', but all that happens is that a new sheet pops up with a couple of random lines on it. i think they are the lines i drew natively in vectorworks.

anyway, i'm desperately trying to claw through the manual. i'll be doing almost entirely 2d work in this program. i've been told i can draw my floor plan in vectorworks and it'll generate my sections and elevations automatically? if so, that would rule. if anyone has any tips for this kind of workflow, or if there's a good series on youtube that i can look at for beginner tutorials (i searched and didn't find much that was related to 2d), or any other tutorials floating around, please let me know. i didn't see a 'newbie' section or anything like that on this website, but if there's one i'd appreciate being pointed in its direction.

thanks!

[michaelk]

This is a good place to start:

http://www.nemetschek.net/training/free_resource.php

Start with the Fundamentals tutorial and then try the Architect tutorial.

hth

mk

[Jonathan Pickup]

I suggest a good manual on the essential parts of Vectorworks, then a good manual on Vectorworks architect.

http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php

my manuals all have movies in them to help you learn

[dave sec]

thanks!

i'm running through this now. i can't get exterior wall dimensions to show up, even after following the instructions. any chance anyone knows why this is?

[CipesDesign]

Is the class "Dimensions" visible??

[dave sec]

thank you!