Markus Dohner Posted January 30, 2005 Share Posted January 30, 2005 What are the pros and cons of the callout tool and it's properties? I'm from the old school and use text blocks and arrows. Does anyone use the database feature that is connected to VW Architect? Some of my students like the old way with manual text and arrows, but I'd like to convince them that the callout tool is the best choice. Any thoughts out there regarding this? Quote Link to comment
Jonathan Pickup Posted January 30, 2005 Share Posted January 30, 2005 I use the call out tool a lot, mostly with the database option, but not always. The nice thing is that it takes the same time to type in a note as it does to add the note to the database. When it comes to making up a demolition plan I find the call out tool with the databse and the keynote option really useful. So often in projects you get repeating notes: ?Remove existing door for later re-use. Fome in opening and make good? that note can be stored in the database and used really quickly. Some notes are easier to type, but you can still use the call out tool for this. Ah, i almost forgot, you can set your preferences for the callout tool so that it always draws the same arrow, arrow size, angle, and you can control the line weight of the arrow head separate from the arrow line... Quote Link to comment
Vectorworks, Inc Employee Robert Anderson Posted January 30, 2005 Vectorworks, Inc Employee Share Posted January 30, 2005 Markus, you asked for pros and cons. Here's a starter list: PROS 1. You can place text and leader with a single tool operation instead of two. 2. You can reshape text and leader in a single operation without having to use the reshape tool and a double selection. 3. Database content lookup (if you want it). 4. Keynote referencing (if you want it). 5. Lasso end marker (not available in standard line styles). 6. Arc and bezier leader styles. CONS 1. You can't set the style of a subselection of the text to be different from the text as a whole. Quote Link to comment
Kevin Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Markus, the callout tool is a text block and arrow but with more options. I really cannot see how anyone would want to use a text block and then add an arrow to it. Why make more work for yourself? Quote Link to comment
B.Balemi Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Kevin I think that may be an over simplification. Jonathans point is spot on. Its not extra work with the data base , this is one of VWorks many strengths. We just have to keep abreast of its developement. Regards Brendan Quote Link to comment
Cloud Hidden Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Since the last upgrade to VW, the callouts default to a max width of 0, instead of 2". And I have to constantly reset this. Ideas? Other than that, I like the convenience. Quote Link to comment
jfmarch Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 we are just beginning to look at the callout tool in conjunction with a databse of drawing notes. it seems like a good tool, but has some weaknesses (which i will be adding to the wishlist): there appears to be no control over the numbering of the general notes, or key notes legend, text blocks. we would like to have the option to either turn the numbers off, or change the numbers to suit our needs (perhaps number them according to CSI format) it would also be nice to be able to sort the notes in either of those text blocks. let's say after editing them to be able to sort them according to a number system. but overall it seems an excellent tool to save time and remove error levels... [ 01-31-2005, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: jfmarch ] Quote Link to comment
Cloud Hidden Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 I've used that pref button in the past...what I didn't notice before reading another answer just now is the "All New Documents" radio button. It's not like they really hid it...but I'd not needed to look for something like that before, and just overlooked it. Talk about wearing blinders!!! Thanks for answering. Quote Link to comment
Jonathan Pickup Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 hidden cloud, when you first go to place a callout, cilck on the preferences button on the mode bar and change your preferences, I change all of them so that the callout suits my style better. just in case you weren't aware of it, you can do the same thing with all plug-ins that have preferences.. If you do this in a new file then save it as your default template, you won't have to do it again. Quote Link to comment
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