What Should a Vectorworks User Group Be?

I have run the Vectorworks user group in New Zealand for several years. For the past 3 years I've run the user group online, with a specific structure, known topics and an electronic manual each month. You can see an example of this on this web site.

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/usergroup/join_nz.php

This site spells out my ideas for a user group, but when I talk to others, they say that a user group should have more interaction, that it shouldn't be so structured and it should be more about sharing information and tips and tricks. When we started a user group in New Zealand, it was just like that. But the problem I noticed was that some people use the user for learning and not for sharing, or you would get users talking about esoteric topics and beginners would feel left out and they would never come again.

User groups have to teach a beginner something useful at a basic level to help them make them into regular Vectorworks users, regular users need to know more about how to complete specific tasks, and power users learn something. My user group meetings try to follow this structure each month, so everyone take away something from the meeting. There is time for feedback, and sharing tips and tricks, but having a specific topic helps to focus those tips and tricks. Even online I try to get people to share.

Many of my subscribers have been in from the first year. And still they love to come and learn something. I hear that people really respond to the notes I write. This month, I’ve just finished off the notes for my user group. I wanted to cover Annotation, and it has turned into a 35 page manual about annotation. This is typical of my monthly manuals, they cover a huge amount. Luckily, the 35 pages is mainly taken up with screen shots, not words. If you have ever seen my manuals you will know that I like to fill them with pictures and movies, not words. Anyway, back to the users, they keep the manuals, which can be printed, and refer to them again and again. In a multi-person office, the notes get sent around to everyone that needs them.

Writing notes is not easy for most user group leaders, it takes a lot of time that they do not get paid for. Since I write so much, is there anything I can do to help other user group leaders?

I think it should be easier to start a user group, and I'm looking for way to make it easier. I think there should be user groups in every major city, with some of the big cities have 2 or more user groups. I have all the resources need to run a user group. For example, look at the list of topics on this page http://www.archoncad.co.nz/usergroup/topics.php I have manuals for each topic. If you had access to all these topics, wouldn’t it be easier to start a user group. NNA helps out with suggestions on getting started and will help you find people in your area to attend http://www.nemetschek.net/community/usergrouptips.php

If you are intersested, contact me jon@archoncad.co.nz

New Vectorworks Community - Vectorworking

Personal Invitation

Join VectorWorking

the New Online Community

for Architects, Landscape & Lighting Designers

Novedge is the proud host of a new online social community for all users and enthusiasts of Nemetschek Vectorworks, with user groups dedicated to each Vectorworks version and complementary products. The new community, called VectorWorking, hosts videos, tutorials, tips & tricks, and provides a unique environment where Vectorworks users can meet, share experiences, and learn from each other.

We welcome you to join this new community and connect with other designers and professionals. Membership is free and your privacy will be strongly protected.

Join VectorWorking Now!

archoncad November Newsletter

Top 5 Training Tips

1. Take the attitude that training is really employee development. That will help you think more strategically about what your employees need to learn.
2. Recognize that formal training programs are only part of the picture. Most real training occurs on the job.
3. Help employees develop problem-solving skills and the ability to think by giving them work that will stretch them.
4. Set an example. Your own pleasant attitude and good work habits will influence your workers.
5. Understand that when you give employees an opportunity to grow, their job satisfaction and your ability to retain them as employees both increase substantially.

(source http://www.score.org/5_tips_tr_1.html)

Courses

One of the best ways to get started with Vectorworks is to attend course, but why attend one of my online courses? The answer is that my courses are different. You learn in small chunks. Each session is one hour long, just long enough to learn a lot, not so long that you can't keep up. Each session has a maximum of four users, and usually no more that three. This means you get individual attendion. Learning online seems strange to many people, but it works very well. You can see my screen and hear me, and, if you want, I can watch your sceeen. This lets me watch you carry out a task and correct you if you make a mistake. Each session has homework, so you practice. this is so important. Those that practice really make fantastic progress. You have two sessions each week, so there is time to practice.

There are courses on a range of topics, for more information please visit this web site:

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/training/online_training.php

Vectorworkout

If you haven't seen Vector-workout, then get ready for a better, faster way of learning some areas of Vectorworks. If you don't like reading much, then Vector-workout is for you. If just want to get straight into the movies, with out all the words, then Vector-workout is for you. If you are looking for a training resource that makes it easy to dip into, then Vector-workout is for you.

At present we have 2 titles avalable under the Vector-workout banner. Both titles cover the same area of Vectorworks, one is written for Vectorworks 2009 and the other for Vectorworks 2010. The titles are called Introduction to Building Infromation Modeling (BIM) and they focus on changing your workflow from 2D drawings only to creating a 3D model with additional data, and using that to create your drawings and schedules. This is an import area of change for Vectorworks users. There is a lot of talk about BIM and what it can do. This is the guide you need if you are not using viewports, live elevations, live sections and worksheets. Order your manual from this site: http://www.archoncad.co.nz/training/vector-workout.php#introBIM2010

Coming in mid-November is a new title called the Vector-workout Guide to Productivity. This resource has all the tips and tricks I have been teaching for the five years, in one convenient place. With over 120 movies, you will find several new techniques that will save you time and effort. I strongly believe you wiill save 15-30 mins a day by following these techniques. That may not sound much, but at 15 minutes a day, you will save 1.25 hrs a week, 5 hours a month. If you want to make more money using Vectorworks get this manual, in two weeks you will re-pay your investment.

Normally, I don't talk about upcomming manuals, but this time I thought it's time to try a new technique, a pre-release sale. If you order now, before the release, you will get a 25% discount. Visit this site for more information:

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/training/vector-workout.php#productivity2009

Manuals

NNA announced the release of the second edition of the essential turorial and the architect tutorial manuals. These have been updated got vectorworks 2010. Many of the screen shots have been updated and all the movies have been remade. We have also added file formats for vectorworks 2008 and 2009 to enable users with older versions of vectorworks to use these manuals.

For more information, visit this web site:

http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php#at

I have just finished the updates to the Landmark Tutorial manual and the 3D Modeling manual to bring them up to Vectorworks 2010. The landmark manual has a new park exercise that I have been using with my online course. This exercise bring together simple drawing techniques to create a quick landscape plan. The 3D Modeling manual has updated and I have added new exercices on working planes and creating contours. I expect to see NNA announcing these manuals before the end of the month.

Short Sharp Training

This month the short sharp training will be looking at annotation. Without notes and dimensions, your drawings are pretty sad, so this is an important topic. Creating text and a dimension is pretty straight forward, but there are really good ways to control text and dimensions to make sure your drawings look the way you want then too. Then there are the specialist annotation tools like the drawing labels, title blocks, elevation benchmarks and my personal favorite, the callout tool.

There is one free session available, limited to 10 people, with no question and answer time. Subscribers, you have the choice of three sessions to attend, at different times to suit various time zones. You also have more time for questions and don't forget to download your written notes with linked movies.

Users report that even when they know Vectorworks really well, they still learn soemthing from me every month. Even if you learn a small trick that saves you a minute each day, that works out to be a big saving each year. You should subscribe for 6 months, you will re-pay your investment many times over with the skills and techniques you learn.

For more information, visit this web site:

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/usergroup/join_int.php

Vector-workout Guide to Productivity

For a long time I have been collecting tips and tricks for Vectorworks. Many of these have made their way into my Short Sharp Training (monthly). But there has not been a single place to find all my tips and tricks before. Finally, here it is, all my productivity tips and tricks in one place.

How would you like to be efficient and productive with Vectorworks? Would you like to have a library of movies that shows you the best way to use Vectorworks? Would you like a library of movies that shows you how to solve problems with Vectorworks?

Here it is, the Vectorworks Guide to Productivity 2009. This is the ultimate productivity guide. This is a collection of all my tips and tricks. I have designed this guide for people that can use Vectorworks to a basic level, but want to be really effective. So, you might find there are really basic topics here, and really advanced topics. I have included several basic topics to ensure you are doing the basics well, and the advanced topics for users that need to know much, much more.

There is so much in this guide. I thought about listing all the movies, but the list was too long. Instead I have created a sample of the Guide to Productivity so you can download it and look at the structure of the guide and see several complete movies. Download the sample here.

For a limited time, you can pre-order this guide for a reduced price of $99US from this web site:

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/training/vector-workout.php#productivity2009

Be quick though, when the guide starts shipping the price will be $135US.

Contents (main headings)

Productivity Techniques

Constraint Palette (Snaps)

Object Info Palette

Resource Browser

Graphics

Layer and Class Standards

Property Line Tool

Drawing Site Plans

Importing and Exporting DXF Files

Site Modelling

Dealing With Walls

Dealing With Roofs

Stairs

Annotation

Vector-workout is a downloadable movie based training resource offering fast and easy access to instructive movies, ideal for sharpening vectorworks skills quickly.

Jonathan Pickup, the author, said "a client told me recently 'I'm too lazy to read the manuals, just give me the information. Quickly!' So, I've rethought how to deliver Vectorworks training resources as visual tools. Vector-workout is the result - it's a visual teaching revolution for Vectorworks. As they say, a picture tells a thousand words, and Vector-workout kits do this brilliantly – movies are the perfect alternative to slogging through endless textbooks"

Vector-workout training manual kits use pdf files with embedded self contained movies. When you open the files with Acrobat Reader, you have bookmarks on the left-hand side for quick access to the movies. Acrobat Reader has a built-in search function, so you can type in a word or phrase and have Acrobat search for you.

Vector-workout kits are structured in a logical way, and can be used sequentially. This allows the user to start with basic principles and work though the kit in a structured way, as you would do with a textbook manual. Alternately, they can be used non-sequentially - just use Acrobat Reader to find the specific movie you want and work smarter.

Jonathan Pickup's Second Edition of Vectorworks Architect and Essentials Tutorials Now Available

Jonathan Pickup's Second Edition of Vectorworks Architect and Essentials Tutorials Now Available

Columbia, Maryland (October 26, 2009)—Nemetschek North America is pleased to announce that the second edition of Vectorworks Architect and Essentials Tutorial manuals from Jonathan Pickup are now available for purchase. These tutorials offer Vectorworks® software users a different and effective method of learning, combining step-by-step instructions written in a conversational tone with movies. The tutorials are based on version 2010 but can be used successfully with prior versions of Vectorworks software.

The Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial Manual is a must-have workbook for anyone new to Vectorworks. The aim of this manual is to eliminate the mystery of computer-aided design and to give an understanding of how to use Vectorworks. It's designed to build a foundation of essential Vectorworks knowledge to include simple 2D drafting, 3D modeling, file organization concepts, and how to draw a simple building.

The Vectorworks Architect Tutorial Manual is a thorough "project-based" training workbook. The manual walks users through a domestic project and takes them through the process of documenting the existing site and building, preparing and presenting proposed renovations, and finally, creating the working drawings. Along the way there will also be strategies highlighted for creating concepts quickly and checking them in 3D.

These intelligent and approachable instructional manuals are appropriate for both students and professionals and provide a very practical approach to learning the software. The hard-copy workbooks come with a companion CD that contains exercise files for multiple versions of Vectorworks software (2008, 2009, and 2010 formats). The entire manual is also included on the CD as a PDF file with embedded instructional movies. Each workbook retails for $75 plus shipping and handling.

"The tutorial is very thorough, and I appreciate the site survey and topographical guidance," says Lloyd Brown of Highdesert Design Studio in Albuquerque New Mexico. "It has helped me greatly in increasing my productivity and efficiency in using Vectorworks."

To get a sense of the author's style and approach, Vectorworks users are encouraged to read the sample chapters and table of contents posted on the website.

The workbooks are part of Nemetschek North America's self-paced training options. These training materials are for people who like to learn on their own, and at their own pace. For more information and to purchase the manuals authored by Jonathan Pickup, please go to www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php.

Jonathan Pickup is an architect trained in New Zealand and in the UK with over 30 years of experience. He has over 15 years of experience in writing and producing Vectorworks manuals and providing customer support. His company, ArchonCAD, is the premier provider of third-party manuals and training resources for Vectorworks. He also runs the Vectorworks On-Line User Group and provides its main direction. For more information, please visit www.archoncad.co.nz/

Nemetschek North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nemetschek AG. A global leader in design technologies, Nemetschek North America has been developing CAD software for the AEC, entertainment, landscape design, and manufacturing fields since 1985. For more information, visit www.vectorworks.net

Making Vectorworks Fun

I was reading the Konstrukshon web log the other day. Steve has a movie on the piano stairs. These stairs are next to an escalator. most people choose the escalator, until they installed the piano stairs. Then, 66% more people chose to use the stairs, because they were fun to use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw

Next, is the rubbish bin (trash can) that sounds like the world’s deepest bin. The engineers made the bin sound like something falling a long way. In one day the bin collected almost twice as much trash as a nearby bin. People went out of their way to put rubbish in it, just because it was fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbEKAwCoCKw

This got me thinking. If you can change people’s behavior by making stairs or a rubbish bin fun, could you increase productivity by making work fun? If you look at the link, you will see that I’m late coming to this, but I’ve got there at last. You can make work more fun, and you will get more productivity from your workers. Of course it’s not just about giving away a party hat, it is certainly not about letting your workers goof off.

I used to work in a small office. We were not allowed to share a joke, or listen to the radio, or ipod, the boss did not communicate his intensions, thoughts and wishes. It was a very unhappy office and they had a high turnover of staff.

I once worked in the opposite of this in south London. It was a fun place to work, and even after 15 years, I still have fond memories of working in Vauxhall. It was the atmosphere, the bosses and all the staff.

Here are some links to blogs about making work fun:

Managing People - Motivation

Increase Productivity, Profitability, and Morale and Make Work Fun

So, there seems to be some evidence that you can increase productivity by making work more fun.

I like using Vectorworks and I have fun using it. When I attend a user group to answer questions, I like to have fun there too. After all, the people there have given up their evening, shouldn’t they have a bit of fun?

I believe that knowing more about Vectorworks makes it fun to use. Have fun learning, make Vectorworks fun, visit http://www.archoncad.co.nz

Camera Match for Vectorworks 2010 Released

Version 2010 (for Vectorworks 2010) Released!

Quickly and accurately align a 3D model view to a photograph! No more wasted time fiddling with 3D view controls that are just not designed for the task. Camera Match quickly finds the view by placing control lines on a photograph and clicking a button. If the view still needs tuning, Camera Match's powerful live tuning controls get the job done fast. After getting the view set, the CameraMatch masking tool magically brings it all together.

Http://www.panzercad.com

I’ve been using Camera Match for ages, and it is a real timesaver. I’ve shown my clients this tool. They are also very impressed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3229qXnJ9-8

archoncad releases old user group manuals

Each month SHORT SHARP TRAINING uses online training with a concise manual to cover a single task of Vectorworks, allowing you to drill down to the details of the task, along with movies that show you exactly how to complete the task. When you join the subscription service you can access up to a year of back issues. But what happens to the notes after a year?

Several of my subscribers have now asked to be able to access the older back issues, more than a year old. It was suggested by the subscribers that they be able to buy them. Following that suggestion, I have embedded all the movies into the notes. This means that you do not have to subscribe to the Short Sharp Training to see the movies, and it also means you do not have to be online to see the movies. At the end of the year I will convert the old notes and sell them as a downloadable set. You can see a list of the topics covered and when you purchase the notes, you will be sent a link to download the notes.

This was the year the online user group got underway with just a few subscribers.

List of Topics

0701 - Simple Roofs

• Roofs are easy to build and they are very flexible (editable). Using the standard VectorWorks roof you can make most of the roofs that you want. Once the roof is made you can make the roof framing for the roof. I also wanted to show you how you can edit all the framing sizes for the roof framer.

0702 - Introduction to 3D Modeling

• Before you can do any sort of complex 3D modeling you have to understand some of the basic 3D modeling concepts. That’s what this workshop is all about, learning the simple 3D stuff that you need to learn in order to make your 3D stuff.
• Layers for 3D modeling
• Extrusions
• Multiple Extrusions
• Tapered Extrusions
• 3D Primitives
• Solid Modeling

0703 - Building a Library

• There are a few ways to build your office library. This workshop contains valuable information about making your library.

0704 - Intro to Textures and Rendering

• Rendering in VectorWorks is where you start to enjoy your 3D Models, where you make them come to life. This workshop is an introduction to rendering (which is pretty easy), but rendering is nothing without textures which can make your models into something special.

0706 - Customising Vectorworks

• VectorWorks works really well, but if you edit the workspace, and customise the arrangement of the tools and menus you can work faster and happier. We will learn how to edit the workspace and add commands to the right mouse button.
• VectorWorks also has a built in programming language called VectorScript that lets you make your own tools and commands. We will learn how to do some basic programming and learn how to start to make your own tools and commands.

0707 - Annotation

• Annotation is more than just putting text and dimensions on the drawing, although I will be covering this to make sure you are doing it correctly, there are note tools, tools to store a database of notes and tools for labeling.

0708 - Introduction to Worksheets

• Worksheets allow you count and schedule stuff in VectorWorks. For example you can count all the trees in a site, schedule all the doors on a particular floor of a project, even find the weight of a bracket in a 3D model.
• Worksheets are an under used area of VectorWorks and this workshop should open your eyes about what you are able to do with them.

0709 - Making Drawings

• We use classes, layers, viewports and sheet layers. This workshop shows you how to use these concepts to make drawings

0710 - Dealing with Roofs

• Roofs for standard houses are easy, but what if you donÕt want a standard roof. This workshop will cover how to create a standard roof, how to edit a standard roof and what yo do when the standard roof wonÕt do what you want.

0711 - Graphics in 2D and 3D

• This workshop topic will cover 2D graphics such and hatches, gradients and images and 3D graphics such as textures and image props.

0712 - VW2008 - Plants and Wall Styles

• Plants have been substantially improved in VW2008. This workshop shows you how easy they are to use and how easy plants are to edit.
• You could re-use your version 12 wall style library in VW2008, but as I show you in this workshop would be better to update your library to use the new wall style capabilities.
• These two topics are based on VW2008. They will not work on older versions.

you can purchase all these notes here: http://www.archoncad.co.nz/usergroup/previous_topics.php

How do you Change the Name of a Viewport?

When you upgrade to Vectorworks 2010, you will find that viewports can have a name and a drawing title. The Drawing Title is the name that Vectorworks will use in the drawing label placed in the Annotations portion of the viewport.

When you update your drawings to Vectorworks 2010, you will have to check the drawing title on every viewport. To do this, you will have to select each viewport, then check the Drawing Title in the Object Info palette.

This could be a real hassle, so I’ve made a special tool that will make it easy to change the Drawing Title.

To use the tool, you click on the viewport.

This will open a dialog box. Type in the new Drawing Title.

Click on the OK button, and Vectorworks will update your viewport Drawing Title and the drawing label if you have used one.

How can you get this tool? This month, my Short Sharp Training (a subscription service) will be covering the upgrade to Vectorworks 2010, and I will be giving this tool to all my subscribers.

If you want this tool, subscribe to my Short Sharp training...

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/usergroup/join_int.php

What is Social Capital?

Jessie mentioned to me today about Social Capital. Of course, I went along with the conversation for a while before I said, “What is Social Capital?” I also turned to my favorite search engine to see what I could find out about social capital.

Wikipedia says that the term social capital fist came up in 1916. Who would have thought that is was so old. I thought the term was a new one to describe something related to the Internet. I think that social capital relates to us as humans and as social creatures, and the Internet is just the new way of being in touch.

This is from Wikipedia:

L.J. Hanifan's 1916 article regarding local support for rural schools is one of the first occurrences of the term "social capital" in reference to social cohesion and personal investment in the community.[3] In defining the concept, Hanifan contrasts social capital with material goods by defining it as:

"I do not refer to real estate, or to personal property or to cold cash, but rather to that in life which tends to make these tangible substances count for most in the daily lives of people, namely, goodwill, fellowship, mutual sympathy and social intercourse among a group of individuals and families who make up a social unit… If he may come into contact with his neighbor, and they with other neighbors, there will be an accumulation of social capital, which may immediately satisfy his social needs and which may bear a social potentiality sufficient to the substantial improvement of living conditions in the whole community. The community as a whole will benefit by the coöperation of all its parts, while the individual will find in his associations the advantages of the help, the sympathy, and the fellowship of his neighbors (pp. 130-131)."

When I first saw this, I thought, that can’t be relevant. But I believe I was wrong. I think this definition works well for today. All that has changed is our way of meeting. We now meet online and can choose who our friends are online. You can make friends with people overseas that you have never physically met.

Actually, it reminded me of my high school days when my teachers tried to get us to think, by introducing us to Marshall McLuhan. McLuhan talked about the world becoming a Global Village through the use of the telephone and TV. If only he could have seen Twitter. Now we have the ability to create and join our own global villages, we can belong to more than one village simultaneously and we can know what is going in our villages...

Time To Get The Firewood In

I have a tree in my yard that needs to be cut down, so I have started to cut up the tree and turn it into firewood. While I was stacking the wood, I was thinking about how wet the wood is and how it takes to dry out before I can burn it.

It’s spring here now, and it’s time to start thinking about getting in the firewood for next winter. You can’t cut down your firewood when you need it, because it has to dry out. You have to get your firewood in several months before you need it, so it can be ready for you when it gets cold. This is a metaphor for our businesses. We need to put in the training before we need it so we can practice and be ready.

How do we learn to use our CAD programs? Do we wait until we are in a desperate rush and then try to learn in a hurry? I have some clients that want to learn Vectorworks but they don’t think like a farmer, they don’t get the knowledge in in preparation for the rush, they try to learn when they are under pressure.

Before the recession, i had several clients say to me “I’m too busy right now to learn how to be productive...” There are definite signs that we are slowly coming out of the recession, although it might be a slow recovery. What better time to upgrade your software and learn how to use it really well.

VectorWorks 2009 Announced

You might all know this already, but the latest version of VectorWorks has been announced:

http://www.nemetschek.net/

I am now in the process of upgrading my manuals to the new version. i always take this opportunity to look at the manuals, see if I can make them easier to use and make VectorWorks easier to learn. I will be adding podcasts to my podcast site and adding the same podcast to youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/archoncad

Comments about Short Sharp Training for Vectorworks

I’ve been working hard on the Vectorworks monthly manual each month and it’s nice to get some positive feedback. This comment came from a new user, who has already watched all my youtube movies.

Hi Jonathan,

I have watched all of the available training and am amazed at the clarity with which you explain the concepts in your training videos and the ease of understanding.

I am officially a Pickup training junkie and would like to thank you for making these available.

Again gratitude,

Simon P.

Subscribe to the short sharp training at this web site:

http://www.archoncad.co.nz/usergroup/join_int.php

UK and Europe Reseller for Archoncad Vectorworks Manuals

I worked with this reseller many years ago, when I was in the UK, and we always had a lot of fun selling and installing Vectorworks. We are back in touch now, and they are reselling my manuals in the UK and Europe. Façade-IT have been training and reselling Vectorworks for a long time, even longer than me. I worked with them for a while in the UK and I have found them to be extremely professional in dealing with customer and staff. They have some excellent additions for Vectorworks. Highly Recommended.

If you are looking for great training in Vectorworks, and of course, my manuals, check out Façade-it:

http://www.facade-it.co.uk/pricing/Vectorworks/training_pricing.html

Comments about Vector-workout™ Intro BIM

I have had a comment about my new training resource:

s soon as I began the exercises in the BIM Vectorworkout, I realized this was great easy to follow tutorial. I'm very impressed with the way Jonathan Pickup has illustrated what seems to be a complex "new" approach to architectural design.

You can read the complete comment and purchase the training here.

http://www.novedge.com/products/3889

I’m excited that the users are seeing the resource in the way I hoped they would. Fast, easy to learn, and quick to look back into.

Vectorworks 2009 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v.10.6) Stability Concerns

Technical Bulletin

Vectorworks 2009 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v.10.6) Stability Concerns

As many of you know, Apple will be releasing Snow Leopard on August 28, 2009. And as many of our customers work on a Mac platform, the release of Snow Leopard naturally brings up questions of compatibility.

Understanding that for the majority of our customer base, our software is a key component of their work flow, our CTO, Dr. Biplab Sarkar, does not recommend running Vectorworks 2009 (Service Pack 4 or earlier) on Snow Leopard at this point in time. Dr. Sarkar and his team are already in process, developing a version of Vectorworks 2009 that will be fully compatible with Snow Leopard and free to all Vectorworks 2009 users. Expect to hear notice of this version availability in early November, 2009. And, if you’re not already subscribed to our monthly e-Dispatch newsletter, please subscribe now so that you’ll get the announcement. http://www.nemetschek.net/community/edisp_subscribe.php

For those customers with software versions earlier than Vectorworks 2009, please note we do not have plans to update these older versions to support Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v.10.6).

Thank you for your understanding and patience. If you wish to read a more detailed technical explanation of the current stability issues with Snow Leopard, you’ll find that information on our ever-growing Vectorworks Knowledge Base site: http://cli.gs/JrsNtD If you wish to be kept abreast of all our latest updates on the Vectorworks Knowledge Base, you can subscribe to the feed of new posts there.

Respectfully,

Juan Almansa

Product Support Manager

Nemetschek North America, Inc.

T 410-290-5114

D 443-542-0716

S jalmansamd

E jalmansa@vectorworks.net

Windoor for Vectorworks 2009

I’m a big fan of the Windoor Manager from http://www.ozcad.co.au. I have been using it for several years now, in preference to the standard Vectorworks window or door. it is able to create corner windows with butted glass, glass bay windows, but it’s most amazing trick is that windows and doors can be in the same frame.

I was telling Steve Scaysbrook about windoor and he said he had never seen it, so we did a screen share thing and he recorded a short movie of me giving him an introduction to windoor manager.

To see this movie, go to Steve’s blog:

http://blog.konstrukshon.com/?p=1836

Reviews for the 3D Modeling in Vectorworks 2009

The reviews for my new manual on 3D modeling are starting to come in. The manual has been designed to get beginners up to speed with 3D modeling, and the reviewers seem to understand that.

The first review is from FRANÇOIS LÉVY of Austin, Texas:

Throughout, Pickup addresses topics clearly and succinctly. NURBS, which have traditionally overwhelmed users new to 3D, are covered in a highly approachable manner, if not in tremendous depth. This is appropriate for users first learning 3D work. The accompanying videos are short and to the point, and the author strikes a good balance between keeping the viewer’s attention and covering the material fully. Needless to say, having print, video, and sample files all together covers the bases for all kinds of learners.

http://www.francoislevy.com/blog/blogger.html

The next review in also in from Steve Scaysbrook from the UK:

Now I have 3D under my belt, to me the price was and is not a problem, the quality of the sketch’s and above all the embedded movies on the CD make it a must have addition to my tech library, I can thoroughly recommended this book to anyone who has 2D CAD and wants to start using 3D CAD As we all move into BIM, 3D work is going to become more and more important, and this book has been such an enormouse help in achieving competence in 3D CAD work, nice one Jon

http://blog.konstrukshon.com/?p=1826

Nick from Salt Lake City says:

I would recommend this manual to anyone who has an acute need/interest in the power of the Vectorworks 2009 rendering platform. It is an excellent way to delve into the program that otherwise has a rather steep learning curve. I would also recommend it to those basic users, like myself, for an excellent way to expand your skill set, proficiency and speed in using the program for your creative needs. Either way, 3D Modeling in Vectorworks 2009 by Jonathan Pickup is an excellent tool for anyone who uses this power and effective modeling and drafting program.

http://nickhutch.blogspot.com/2009/08/3d-modeling-in-vectorworks-2009-review.html

Kevin Lee Allen Design Blog says:

I strongly recommend that students of Vectorworks, new users or users moving into BIM documentation buy this book. The $75 investment will be quickly recouped. Well, a few bucks and few days to work through the exercises and begin to master these powerful tools. You will have an excellent guide.

http://klad.com/blog/?p=821#more-821

So, if you want to learn 3D modeling, the manual is now shipping from NNA. http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php

Vector-workout™ Introduction to Building Information Modeling

(Napier, New Zealand), 21 August 2009. Archoncad announce a new way to learn Vectorworks!

Archoncad is pleased to present a new service called Vector-workout™.

Vector-workout™ is a downloadable movie based training resource offering fast and easy access to instructive movies, ideal for sharpening vectorworks skills quickly.

Jonathan Pickup, the author, said "a client told me recently ‘I'm too lazy to read the manuals, just give me the information. Quickly!’

So, I've rethought how to deliver Vectorworks training resources as visual tools. Vector-workout™ is the result – it’s a visual teaching revolution for Vectorworks. As they say, a picture tells a thousand words, and Vector-workout™ kits do this brilliantly – movies are the perfect alternative to slogging through endless textbooks"

Vector-workout™ training manual kits use pdf files with embedded self contained movies. When you open the files with Acrobat Reader, you have bookmarks on the left-hand side for quick access to the movies. Acrobat Reader has a built-in search function, so you can type in a word or phrase and have Acrobat search for you.

Vector-workout™ kits are structured in a logical way, and can be used sequentially. This allows the user to start with basic principles and work though the kit in a structured way, as you would do with a textbook manual.

Alternately, they can be used non-sequentially - just use Acrobat Reader to find the specific movie you want and work smarter.

Jonathan also went on to say “we will launching a full range of Vector-workout™ kits soon, so there will be a variety of resources for all levels of user experience and design fields. These kits are very easy to use and so flexible that we know architects, designers, landscapers, etc, will find them ideal from improving their skills and productivity.”

The first set of resources available is the Vector-workout™ Introduction to BIM – go to www.archoncad.co.nz or www.novedge.com to view a preview of what this kit can do for you. This kit will suit beginners through to competent Vectorworks users.

Because Vector-workout™ kits are movie based, Archoncad offer it by web download, for instant access.

Each kit purchased will automatically entitle you to free download updates for that specific kit.

Available now www.archoncad.co.nz/training/vector-workout.php

Jonathan Pickup is an architect trained in New Zealand and in the UK with many years of experience. He has over 15 years of experience in writing and producing Vectorworks manuals and providing customer support. His company, ArchonCAD, is the premier provider of third-party manuals and training resources for Vectorworks. For more information, please visit www.archoncad.co.nz/

Architectural Technologist – AECnetwork

The Konstrukshon blog has an article about the AECnetwork.

The AEC Network is an informal, free of charge, global network for the construction sector. All are welcome in this network, all we ask (and this is very important) is that members do not spam other members with sales approaches. We would like to foster an atmosphere where people can openly discuss their areas of expertise and look for collaboration and do not want to discourage participation due to unwanted spam.

Architectural Technologist – The Biker

Just when I thought life was hard, i saw this video on the Konstrukshon blog. This video has nothing to do with Vectorworks, but is it inspirational. When you think life is hard, watch this video and see how this person can do the impossible.

http://blog.konstrukshon.com/?p=1651

Support Konstrukshon.com

There is one web site I always check out for architectural technology and Vectorworks:

http://blog.konstrukshon.com

This week the author, Steve, joined an online demonstration of BIM and Vectorworks. The review is well worth a read. http://blog.konstrukshon.com/?p=1595

Steve also has an article about CAD Class tables and what classes should be used for. Again, well worth a visit. http://blog.konstrukshon.com/?p=1569

Just tell Steve I sent you.

3D Modeling Manual for Vectorworks 2009 now Available

My new manual is now shipping from NNA. http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php

3D Modeling in Vectorworks $75

The Vectorworks 3D Modeling Tutorial manual, by Jonathan Pickup, is a must-have workbook for anyone seeking to learn how to free-form model with Vectorworks. The manual will bring you to a competent level of 3D capability through exercises aimed at building a foundation of 3D Vectorworks skills. Specifically, you’ll learn how to create 3D forms through the use of extrudes, sweeps, solids, NURBS, loft surfaces, and 3D primitives.

One of my clients has just finished a course that uses this manual, and she was very happy:

“I have just completed Jonathon’s 3D course, and it has opened a whole new world for me. My design is no longer restricted to rectilinear planes. I can now do angled surfaces and compound curves, spin them around to have a look at them, and chop them into templates for fabrication.” Juliet, Exhibition Designer

Share Files on line

I’ve just been chatting with a friend of mine in the UK. He was talking about sharing files with other architects and it reminded me to tell him about an application one of my clients showed me, dropbox. Dropbox is an application that allows you to share files across your computers and it allows you to share the files with others.

It’s easier than a USB flash drive, and it’s quicker than email. Steve and I tried a small experiment. He created a shared folder for me, and he added a Vectorworks file to it.

I created a Workgroup Reference to the file and added it to my drawing using a Design Layer Viewport. This lets me move his file around, I can rotate it and so on.

This is not a lot different than traditional working.

Because this is a Workgroup Reference, I can update the reference if Steve updates the file from the other side of the world.

Go to the Navigation palette, and update the reference.

The Design Layer viewport updates. This is all over the Internet, and it is almost live. It did take about a minute for the update to appear on my computer, but I still this this is a fantastic way of shared working over the Internet.

Take my advice, go get dropbox.

Get training. Beat your competition. http://www.archoncad.co.nz/training/online_training.php

Permeable Paving

This isn’t really to do with Vectorworks, but I just had a call from this company:

http://www.suretechindustries.co.nz/

This is from their web site

• Works for both grass and gravel
• Big panel size means quick and easy installation
• Panels are lightweight and can be nested together, reducing storage and transportation costs
• UV stabilised injection moulded polypropylene will last a life time
• Made from 100% recycled materials
• Super strong - able to withstand 700 tonnes per square metre
• Can be pegged down for slope stabilisation
• Interlock securely - won't creep
• Designed to allow turf roots to grow without restriction

Help! I can’t Print to PDF!

One of my clients just phoned up in a panic. They were trying to print a job to PDF. All the drawings except for one printed without the text boxes. I thought it might be a font problem, so I suggested a change to Arial (always a fallback font).

“had a few veiwports and referenced viewports on the page - all that use Avante Garde. Then 2 schedules and 1 worksheet - also all used avante garde. No text at all would actually appear in the PDF - even fonts that were not avante garde. Once I deleted the suspect schedule viewport every other bit of text began to appear - then I changed the font to Arial made a new viewport and it worked fine.”

Short Sharp Manual - Intermediate Worksheets

Following the release of the short sharp manuals last month, I have added a new manual to the Short Sharp Manual page.

This manual is about Intermediate Worksheets. Not beginners worksheets, intermediate worksheets. The manual looks at 10 different worksheet examples to will focus on several worksheet issues. We will learn how to solve these issues using worksheets. We will look at several specific worksheet techniques to solve specific problems:
Counting Car Parks
Counting Site Areas (impermeable surface)
Building Occupancy for car park requirements
Building Occupancy for fire design.
Problems with design layer viewports.
Counting Landscape areas with several sites.
Problems counting just one sort of joist.
Bracing worksheet using connected worksheets, IF statements and sorting.
Roof Area calculations for downpipes or roofing materials.
Wall Area scheduling for quantity take-offs.

Find the manual here: http://www.archoncad.com/intermediate-worksheets.html