Josh NZ Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 I am currently working on a multi unit development. Currently there are 12 individual units (~100m² each). Each file has its on VW file. There is also one VW file which has a referenced VP for each of these units. This "master" file is ~550mb and is quite sluggish and prone to crashing. Soon will be adding another ~20 units for the next stage and I am concerned that the file will become unusable. Is this the correct approach? I think my comp specs are above recommended? The units aren't particularly complex, simple monopitch roofs, two cladding types. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment
zoomer Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 If your buildings are really the same and you don't need all these available in worksheets. You could try instancing these by Symbols instead of Design Layer Viewports. This way they will be saved only one time in file and view navigation will be better too. Sheet Layers could still use multiple Viewport copies to show Top Plan Views of all houses at one time. Quote Link to comment
Tom Klaber Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 More or less it sounds like you are doing it right. Any file that has 12-30 buildings all in one file is going to get big. What do you use the master file for? Just the masterplan? If it is just the masterplan you may not need to reference everything from the unit files. Quote Link to comment
Josh NZ Posted September 26, 2016 Author Share Posted September 26, 2016 I should have called them blocks instead of units. Each of the 12 blocks is different and comprises a combination of units. Eg Block 1 has units ABCBA, block 2 has units ADEDA etc, if that makes sense. Quote Link to comment
Josh NZ Posted September 26, 2016 Author Share Posted September 26, 2016 The master plan is really just used to show the relationship/distance from each block, roading, planting etc. Also the 3D perspectives that will be used for sales. Quote Link to comment
Tom Klaber Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 Yeah. Step one would be to symbolize everything you can. I am assuming you have Unity A as a symbol, but if you are serious about file size and performance - go through and symbolize everything that makes sense. I am not quite a"If it happens twice it should be a symbol" guy - but I am close. Run a purge to get rid of unneeded resources that might be hanging around. Quote Link to comment
zoomer Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 So you could draw your Units ABCDE... one time and combine these to your Blocks by Symbols ? Quote Link to comment
Vectorworks, Inc Employee Matt Panzer Posted September 27, 2016 Vectorworks, Inc Employee Share Posted September 27, 2016 Hi Josh, I've used similar approaches as well. One thing I'd look at is way to trim out necessary geometry in the master plan file. Are there any unnecessary classes that you can turn off in the reference viewports? If you're only needing the exterior shells, turning off plumbing fixtures, millwork, interior stairs, etc. (in the reference viewports) can make a world of difference. Quote Link to comment
Matt Overton Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 On 27/09/2016 at 10:33 PM, Matt Panzer said: Hi Josh, I've used similar approaches as well. One thing I'd look at is way to trim out necessary geometry in the master plan file. Are there any unnecessary classes that you can turn off in the reference viewports? If you're only needing the exterior shells, turning off plumbing fixtures, millwork, interior stairs, etc. (in the reference viewports) can make a world of difference. Also windows and doors produce a lot of fine geometry that isn't going to be visible at that sort of scale. You might get away with just showing glass and door and get rid of frames and sashes other fine details. Quote Link to comment
twk Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 Hi Josh, We've also just finished a sub division project ~60 houses. And have set it up as you have described. One master file that has the site layout and then viewport referencing in all the floor plan types and duplicated viewports in the master file where necessary. We've had to keep an eye on the main file size as well. A couple of tips: 1. In your references tab, under the Organisational dialog set each file to not be cached (more loading time during opening but keeps the main/master file size down) 2. As @Tom Klabermentioned, purge unused resources. Purging redundant textures has seemed to help us alot. Cheers Tui Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.