amybeginner Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Hello, I'm a Microstation user, and have used AutoCAD also, Vectorworks is all new to me. I'm looking at how to reference in another Vectorworks file. For example I'd like to be able to reference in a first floor plan into the file for drawing the second floor plan (and be able to turn the first floor file off and on and copy bits from it). In short it is the digital equivalent of using tracing paper on a drawing board for an architect. I've already figured out how to reference in jpgs to allow me draw over sketches I've made. I know how to do this in other CAD packages but haven't found where the toolbar or drop down option is for this. I've been using Vectorworks now for a total of 4 hours so please be clear as I'm not too familiar with shortcuts etc just yet. Amy Vectorworks version 2011 Quote Link to comment
VincentCuclair Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 In VWs you need to import the dwg and save it as a native VWs file first (as opposed to AutoCAD, Microstation and ArchiCAD that reference dwgs straight off), this is best done in a clean new file especially created for this purpose (importing dwgs into active files can cause a lot of problems). You then create a DLVP (design layer viewport) using the dwg imported file as the external reference. The advantage of this is also that when the dwg changes you simply create a new VWs file with the new dwg import and with the same name and replace the old one, the changes will then be visible after update in your working file. Quote Link to comment
VincentCuclair Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 (edited) Btw. In VWs you can snap to pdfs if they were created in other cad programs, this is a very usable alternative to xrefs. (it is even possible to explode these pdfs to lines....) Edited September 26, 2012 by Vincent C Quote Link to comment
ray isaacs Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 yes, vincent. i can confirm that importing dwgs into active files can cause lots of problems. tech support is looking some of those right now. using pdf's as bridge is one of the ways i get around this. you mention exploding a pdf into lines. this would help immensely. how do you do that? ray Quote Link to comment
Bob Holtzmann Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 (edited) With the imported PDF selected, use the Menu: Modify ->"Edit PDF" command. If that doesn't work, Ungroup it. Edited September 26, 2012 by Bob-H Quote Link to comment
ray isaacs Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 thanks, bob and vincent. that's good to know: editing and ungrouping the pdf. it's not a substitute for effectively importing dwg's. but, until vw gets this worked out. it is a useful workaround. cheers, ray Quote Link to comment
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