AMGeorge Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 Hello, I have been using Vectorworks for around 5 years now but only on files that other people have made. I was wondering, when i am building a new theatre in vectorworks how i should be using classes and layers. I have got a design layer for the building itself and then another one for lighting positions but i don't understand how classes relate into this, what should i be using the classes for? Quote Link to comment
zoomer Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 Classes = "What" vs Layers = "Where" You will use Layers to control Visibility, Edit ability and Separation of larger Themes, like : Layer_Theatre_Building Layer_Lights ... So you can easier edit your Lights without being hidden from building geometry. Depending on complexity you will want to further divide your project : Layer_Theatre_Building_1stFloor Layer_Theatre_Building-2ndFloor .... Layer_Lights_1stFloor ... This will allow separation of whole Theatre Parts and help drawing as Layers can have different Z-Height values. Classes are what is normally called "Layer" in other software. These will further divide in separation of the single individual parts, like : Class_Lights_0100W Class_Lights_0500W Class_Lights_1000W .... Class_Building_Walls Class_Building_Columns Class_Furniture_Seat_Fabric Class_Furniture_Seat_Chrome ... Together with both, Classes and Layers, you can easily switch between Stories/Floors of you Theatre with all Content (Building+Lights) AND/OR Just work on Lights only, without the Building AND/OR Just work on all 500W Lights only, with or without Building as a Reference Quote Link to comment
AMGeorge Posted December 13, 2015 Author Share Posted December 13, 2015 Thanks for your help. I have got rather confused with being in the right layer/class but i expect that will come with practice on drawing in vectorworks more than anything. Quote Link to comment
AMGeorge Posted December 13, 2015 Author Share Posted December 13, 2015 Another question, Can i move objects to difference classes? if i have created them when in the wrong class. Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment
zoomer Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 In your Object Info Palette (OIP) If you have any selection, on top of the OIP are 2 dropdowns for Layer and Class. There you can change/assign different Layer/Class for selected Elements. Quote Link to comment
AMGeorge Posted December 13, 2015 Author Share Posted December 13, 2015 Thank you. Inother quesetion, nothing to do with layers or classes, how do i makde lighting fixtures actually sit on the bars? I have placed them on the bar in the top/down view but when i go 3D they are under the theatre. This is rather frustrating. Thanks Quote Link to comment
zoomer Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Sorry, I'm no Spotlight user and haven't any clue about that light workflow ... Quote Link to comment
mjm Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 In order for lighting fixtures to automatically assume positional height, they need to be touching an object which has been parameterized as a lighting position. That lighting position must have a 'Z' height, then the position and fixture will all be at the correct 'Z'. Quote Link to comment
rDesign Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Thank you. Inother quesetion, nothing to do with layers or classes, how do i makde lighting fixtures actually sit on the bars? I have placed them on the bar in the top/down view but when i go 3D they are under the theatre. This is rather frustrating. Thanks To follow up on mjm's advice, the Vw2016 Help File page on Lighting Design Workflow should get you started. HTH. Quote Link to comment
AMGeorge Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 Thanks for both you. That has helped me out a lot. Quote Link to comment
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