Creating Symbols with Drop Down Attributes

[HSTEW]

Hello,

 

Let me start by saying I am fairly new to Vectorworks, however I have been drafting in Autocad for 17+ years now. I am trying to create a Block or "Symbol" in Vectorworks that allows me change that symbols appearance from a predetermined list of other symbols or appearances. For example in Autocad if I was drawing a part that used all three types of screw heads; Phillips, Flat and Hex I could create a one block that has all three of the those 2D representations nested in it, then use a visibility state to switch between them. In Vectorworks I have noticed a few plug-in objects that has this same functionality, however I can't seem to find a way to create one. Is this even possible in the current scope of Vectorworks for the user to create this kind of Symbol or is this something that has to be scripted in by the software developers?  Any advice would greatly appreciated, Thanks.

[mjm]

Classes and visibility should get you to the same place you mentioned AC getting you.

[HSTEW]

MJM,

Thanks for the response, although I have tired this solution and can't figure out how to keep all the different classes on and still use the symbol. I keep seeing all three representations stacked on top each other. 

In the example I listed in my original post I need to be able to use the same symbol from the resource manger but change between the different versions of the symbol. Reason for that is the drawing might have 300 philips heads, another 500 flat head and 100 hex heads. I know I could just make three different symbols and be done, but that doesn't help my workflow.

In Vectorworks I just found an "Electrical Receptacle" plug in object that has a drop down in the "object info pallet" for the different types of receptacles. Allowing the user to drop in as many of the same symbol in there work space then go back and make each one different. This is a perfect example of what I am looking to create, a symbol that I can populated 1000 times and then choose what I need each one to be from a predetermined list of options. Any suggestions?

[Andy Broomell]

Unfortunately this isn't currently possible as described, though it'd be an awesome functionality.

 

The closest workaround (outside of marionette) that I can think of for your situation is to have a separate symbol definition for each type of thing you want, and make sure that the Insertion Points align properly across the symbols. Then when you want to switch an instance from one type to another, hit the "Replace" button in the OIP which will switch the Symbol definition while keeping the object object in the same coordinates and (optionally) the class it's assigned to.

 

If you're dealing with records as well, you can utilize Modify<Convert<Replace with Symbol, which is similar the "Replace" button. You can even assign it a hotkey in the workspace editor if you'd like.

[Marissa Farrell]

I think Marionette is a great solution to this problem and I would be happy to work with you to get this started. 

[Bas Vellekoop]

There are several PIO that can do this.

You can change the type of the screw the size etc. in the pio.

In 2d and 3d as separate modes.

 

I hope there is a pio that suits you.

 

The link is one of them.

 

http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2019/eng/index.htm?#t=VW2019_Guide%2FDetails1%2FScrews.htm%23TOC_Lag_Screwsbc-1&amp;rhsearch=Details&amp;rhsyns= &amp;rhtocid=_11_0_7_0

Edited January 26, 2019 by Bas Vellekoop