Back to Basics - Creating Exercises with Vectorworks

It is all very well learning how to customise Vectorworks, learning how to create your own Vectorworks tools, and other cool stuff. If you do not know the basics very well it is a waste of time. It may seem to be tedious that we go over the basics again, but I really feel that revisiting the basics will make your process faster and more productive.

I have a manual that teaches the basic creation tools. The reason for this is that all professional teams make sure that the players know the basics very well. I have been reading about a famous basketball coach who made his players shoot hundreds of shots each day from different parts of the court. If the basketball players are professionals why do they need to practice the basics so much? Well, the answer is that even professional sportsmen need to practice the basics because then the basics become automatic. When the players are under pressure they can carry out the basics automatically because they have been practicing.

Rencently,  I was teaching some highly skilled users. When I used the Select Similar and the Visibility tool they were surprised. Although they had seen the tools, they had never used or thought about using them before.Teaching these uses about these tools created a real spark of interest and they were very happy that the training covered these tools. The users felt that these tools gave them a real increase in productivity.

Often when I see users struggling, they are not struggling so much with the advanced features of Vectorworks, they are often struggling with the basic tools and concepts. That is why we are going to have some back to basics sessions. This manual session is looking at creation tools from the Basic tool set.

Selection Tool

cadmovie942 (you have to be a subscriber to watch the movie)

This is the first tool that you should learn and it is the most useful. This tool is used to select objects so that you can an work with them (copy, edit, modify, etc.). There are several options that go with this tool. Setting these options (modes) to suit your drawing style will make Vectorworks work better for you.

When you are finished using the other creating tools, click on this tool.

Pan Tool

cadmovie943 (you have to be a subscriber to watch the movie)

This tool is used to move the view around the screen. Typically, you would use this tool when you are zoomed in so that you can move the screen across to see the required area.

Zoom Tool

cadmovie944 (you have to be a subscriber to watch the movie)

This tool is used for zooming in or out. Drawing is a lot easier if you adjust the zoom level to clearly see the objects you are creating, editing, or dimensioning.

Text Tool

cadmovie945 (you have to be a subscriber to watch the movie)

This tool is used to create or edit text. If you create drawings without any text, it can be very difficult for others to understand the drawing. Text becomes important to write descriptions of the objects and to create instructions on the drawings.

Introduction to Lines

cadmovie949  (you have to be a subscriber to watch the movie)

Lines can be described by coordinates (X and Y) or they can be described  by length and angle. The coordinates are called Cartesian coordinates and the length and angle are known as Polar coordinates.

The Object Info palette allows you to select in which way you would like to see the coordinates.

This is a sample of the manual that is available in my store. The manual comes with the exercise file so that you can follow the instructions and learn to use the basic tools. 

Buy Now!

Vectorworks Teachers online webinar

If you are teaching Vectorworks this is a must! This session will help you to teach Vectorworks, it will give you a place to discuss teaching strategies and it will help you to use existing exercises, or help to develop new exercises. There are a huge number of resources on this site, these meetings help you to find the ones you need.

Book now… (free to subscribers)

Vectorworks Webinars Bookings Page

Archoncad has updated the webinars booking page for December and January 2014. Don't wait, book now.

December 2013 – Wrap-up for 2013

It is important at the end of the year to look back at the main topics we have covered this year. These sessions are are a quick run though all the topics we have covered this year. These sessions are a great way to get an overview of all the topics for the last year. 

January 2014 – Introduction to BIM

There is a lot of talk about BIM and IFC at the moment. The UK is moving to a situation where all building projects will have to be created using BIM principles. But what are these? How do you set up your projects to achieve this? This workshop is an introduction to setting up your projects correctly. We will be having a new manual for this session, and it will lead onto IFC later in the year. Make sure you book for this session. 

Special Interest Groups

Don't forget about these. A special interest group is interactive online webinar that lets you get drill down deep into Vectorworks. The interaction between attendees allows you get the best information, tried and tested by users around the world, but Jonathan keeps control over the session, making sure that everybody understands the topics. 

podcast160 - Converting a PDF from Vectorworks to Greyscale

podcast159 - Calculating the Volume of Concrete with Vectorworks

podcast158 - Clip Cube in Vectorworks

Vectorworks Guide to Productivity 2014

Here it is, the Vectorworks Guide to Productivity. 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 are 194 movies and a total running time of 5:44:49. 

On sale now for Black Friday...

Reviews of this manual:

Review 1 : 5 stars 

Just downloaded your file,,,,,,, whoooo, this is excellent, Just excellent, I went over some of the items, and its a great way to see and find the videos on any subject, I watched the roof dormer, excellent. Just used the search tool and found all the items I wanted with ease, the videos are just perfect.

Review 2 :  5 Stars

I purchased the first “Guide to Productivity” for Vectorworks 2010. The text, videos and exercises were very easy to follow and actually fun. Jonathan has an incredibly easy way of explaining and demonstrating the power of Vectorworks. Searching and finding topics is very easy. Building your BIM model or presentation marketing can easily be created when following the steps in the manual. As a production resource it is invaluable. Since I purchased it I’ve kept it on my computer desktop, sometimes open on my second monitor. I am delighted to have the update for 2014.

Great work Jon !!

Cadmovie 1000 Posted

For the last seven years I have been making cadmovies for my subscription web site, This month I posted the 1000th movie. That is a lot of movies to make. Subscribers get access to all the movies, manuals and webinars that I post each month.

If you want to see the 1000th movie, you can click on this link. To celebrate this achievment, I have made this movie public. 

podcast157 - Settings for a Roof in Vectorworks

This is a short movie showing you how to set the attic, soffit and fascia on a Vectorworks roof. The attic settings can be useful for setting a ceiling height in the roof layer.

visit http://store.archoncad.com

Learn to Customise Vectorworks in 29 mins

I have just added a new product to my store, a movie called "Customising Vectorworks". This movie works though several parts of Vectorworks and shows you how to edit the Vectorworks workspace to make it easier for you to find the tools you want and how to start creating custom tool (without learning any programming).

Table of Contents

• Workspaces
• Move Palettes
• Editing The Workspace
• Creating a New Menu
• Adding a Menu Command
• Adding a Keyboard Shortcut
• Removing a Command
• Removing a Menu
• Adding a Separator to a Menu
• Contextual Menus
• Tool Palettes and Tool Sets
• Create a New Tool Palette
• Adding Tools
• Adding Tools Together
• Hot Keys
• Deleting Tools
• Export Workspace
• Custom Selection
• Custom Tool/Attribute

Buy the movie here...

cadmovie995 – Basic Editing Tools – Part 5

Rotate Tool – This tool is used to rotate objects, groups, symbols, etc. Do not use this tool to rotate your view. You can rotate the selected object, or by changing your options in the Tool bar, you can rotate a copy of the selected object.

see movie...

cadmovie994 – Basic Editing Tools – Part 4

Reshape Tool – This is one of the most powerful tools that you need to learn and Vectorworks. Not only do you use this tool to reshape polygons, you also use it to reshape all polygon-based objects (plants, roofs, site models, etc.).

see movie...

cadmovie993 – Basic Editing Tools – Part 3

Attribute Mapping – The attribute mapping tool can be used to adjust your graphics ( hatches, gradients, etc.) as well as being able to adjust textures and decals.

see movie...

cadmovie992 – Basic Editing Tools – Part 2

Select Similar – This tool will select all objects that are similar. This makes it easy to select all of your walls, without accidentally selecting other objects.

see movie...

cadmovie991 – Basic Editing Tools – Part 1

Eyedropper – This tool is used to copy attributes from an object and apply them to other objects that may or may not be selected. This is a very powerful tool and can be used to copy more than just the graphic attributes.

see movie...

Layers and Classes

Layers and classes are always confusing until you have a good straegy for when to use Layers and when to use Classes. The manual is desinged to help you develop this strategy.

 Design layers and classes are the two most important organising concepts that you need to understand in order to create drawings in Vectorworks. I still find some users are confused about when to use a Design Layer and when to us a Class to organise their drawings. I use three simple rules to decide when I need a new Class, and three simple rules to decide when I need new Design Layers. 

If you understand layers and classes fully, you will find it a lot easier to create your drawings because you know when whether should be applying a class to an object or whether you should be putting that object in a layer. 

This short manual is a great way to understand when to use layer and when to use classes. 

Buy Now, while it is on SALE!

archoncad store now open

For the last seven years I have been making movies and manuals for my subscribers. I have created a lot of content over this time (1500 movies, 80 manuals, numberous posts). But I can understand that some users do not want to subscribe to regular payment. I am making some of my manuals and movies avaialble on this new web site:

http://store.archoncad.com

The breth and depth of manuals, movies, podcasts and online webinar is unbelievable, and far beyond what you can find on any other site. 

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 21 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

These posts were added to my web site:

Why Customise Vectorworks?

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13715/why-customise-vectorworks/

Vectorworks has hundreds of tools and commands, and they have all been set out

in the interface, or Workspace as it's called, and they have been set out to

suit most situations.

0028 Numbers - Part 1 - Introduction

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13699/0028-numbers-part-1-introduction/

Numbers is the native iOS spreadsheet program. It does not come free with your

iPhone or iPad, you will have to purchase it from the iTunes App Store. It is

designed to be a very simple and easy to use spreadsheet program.

0027 - Newstand - The Place to Buy an Read Magazines and Newspapers

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13681/0027-newstand-the-place-to-buy-an-read-magazines-and-newspapers/

If you like to read magazines and newspapers, then you should check out the

that. This app is designed to collect together all of your subscriptions for

newspapers and magazines.

0026 - Clocks on the iPad with iOS6

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13685/clocks-on-the-ipad-with-ios6/

Before iOS6 there was no clock app on the iPad, which I was always amazed about.

Now, Apple have finally fixed this with a new iPad clock app. This is not just

the copying of the iPhone app to the iPad, it’s a different app altogether.

0025 - Moving and Editing Notebooks in Evernote

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13693/0025-moving-and-editing-notebooks-in-evernote/

In my business I use Evernote every day. It has become my main way of storing

notes that I want to access on my tablet, smart phone and desktop computer. It

does not matter where you happen an iPad one android tablet, a smart phone or an

iPhone, a Macintosh computer or a Windows computer. This cloud-based database

allows you to store notes and access them from any device.

Using Evernote 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13677/using-evernote-2/

I'm a big fan of using Evernote (http://evernote.com/). I use it to record

notes, photos, audio notes, and clippings from web sites. I have some overseas

colleagues that use even more than I do. You can sort noted into groups

(notebooks) that relate to a topic or project.

Business Card Scanner - SamCard-Business Card Reader 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13674/business-card-scanner-samcard-business-card-reader/

I thought I would try out another another business card scanner to see if my

results were any better than the last one. Part of the challenge with business

card scanners is the graphic design of the business cards, they are not always

consistent.

iPad Basics Part 18 - Organizing the Home Screen 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13671/ipad-basics-part-18-organizing-the-home-screen/

When you have installed several applications on your iphone or ipad, it can be

tricky to find the applications you want. There is a way for you to group

applications together and to rearrange the location of them.

iPad Basics Part 17 - Setting a Passcode Lock 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13668/ipad-basics-part-17-setting-a-passcode-lock/

If you have a tablet, iPad, smart phone, or iPhone, you should set a passcode to

prevent unwanted people accessing your phone or tablet.

iPad Basics Part 16 - Push Email on the iPhone 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13665/ipad-basics-part-16-push-email-on-the-iphone/

The iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch have an ability to click your e-mails

automatically. The way this works is that your e-mail server will automatically

push your e-mails to your device as soon as they are ready. This is known as

push e-mails.

iPad Basics Part 15 - Setting up Email on the iPhone 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13663/ipad-basics-part-15-setting-up-email-on-the-iphone/

When you start with your iPhone or iPad you have to tell the device where to

collect your e-mail from. This requires you going through a series of setting up

questions.

Introduction to Evernote 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13649/introduction-to-evernote/

Evernote is an application that I use on my smart phone, tablet, iPhone, and

computer. It creates an online database where you can store notes, and it

synchronizes the notes between your devices. This is a very powerful piece of

software, and it is one of my recommended applications.

Business Card Scanner - CamCard Lite for iPhone and iPad 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13652/business-card-scanner-camcard-lite-for-iphone-and-ipad/

I quite often get business cards handed to me, and I am never quite sure what to

do with them. After all, I want run a paperless office, so I'm not very keen to

have a stack of business cards on my desk to look through.

iPad Basics Part 14 - Search on the iPhone

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13654/ipad-basics-part-14-search-on-the-iphone/

The iPhone and the iPad allow you to search through your contacts, calendars,

notes, and so on looking for information. This really means that if it is stored

on your phone you can search for it.

iPad Basics Part 13 - Splitting and Merging your Keyboard on iPad

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13645/ipad-basics-part-13-splitting-and-merging-your-keyboard-on-ipad/

The iPad has the ability to split the keyboard to make it easier to type with

your thumbs. This can make it a lot easier if you have to stand while using your

iPad.

iPad Basics Part 12 - Adding International Keyboards 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13646/ipad-basics-part-12-adding-international-keyboards/

If you need to write in different languages you can set your device to use

different keyboards. There is a huge selection of keyboards that you can use,

and it is easy to jump between the different keyboards.

iPad Basics Part 11 - Using International Punctuation 

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13642/ipad-basics-part-11-using-international-punctuation/

If you write in other languages, other than English, you might have to access

international punctuation. Even if you said your keyboard to be English, you can

still access some of the international punctuation symbols that you need.

iPad Basics Part 10 - Multi-Task Bar

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13639/ipad-basics-part-10-multi-task-bar/

The multi-task bar on your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch allows you to access all

the applications the running on your device. It allows you to shut down

applications, jump to other applications, access your music player controls, and

so on.

iPad Basics Part 9 - Punctuation Tricks

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13636/ipad-basics-part-9-punctuation-tricks/

When you are typing and you need to access punctuation marks, they can be a bit

slow to tap on the 123 button to access your punctuation, then you have to tap

on the ABC button to get back to your regular keyboard. I found the trick to

make this easier.

iPad Basics Part 8 - Download Previous App Purchases

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13633/ipad-basics-part-8-download-previous-app-purchases/

Once you have purchased apps from your iTunes Store, may automatically download

to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod. But for some reason you have deleted your app you

can always download it again.

iPad Basics - Setting Autodownload on the iPad

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13630/ipad-basics-setting-autodownload-on-the-ipad/

You can change the settings on the iPad so that if you buy a song or app on

your desktop machine (or other iOS device) it will automatically download to

your iPad.

iPad Basics Part 7 - Signing Into iCloud on a Decktop Machine

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13627/ipad-basics-part-7-signing-into-icloud-on-a-decktop-machine/

If you want to use a desktop machine in conjunction with your iPad then you

should sign in to iCloud so that you can share information between your desktop

machine and your iPad.

iPad Basics Part 6 - Signing Into iTunes

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13623/ipad-basics-part-6-signing-into-itunes/

You don't have to use iTunes on your desktop machine, but if you do, you can log

in to buy  apps, songs, movies, and so on. If you use a desktop macine, you can

backup your iPad to it, and so on. I use my desktop machine to store all my

iTunes songs movies, and TV shows. The reason is that I have got too many to put

on my iPad at one time so I need somewhere to store them.

iPad Basics Part 5 - Creating an Email Signature

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13619/ipad-basics-part-5-creating-an-email-signature/

Your ipad comes standard with an email signature, which usually says "Send

from my iPad". I think this can be improved and made more business-like.

iPad Basics Part 4 - Introduction to Safari

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13617/ipad-basics-part-4-introduction-to-safari/

This movie is not designed to be an exhaustive look at Safari. This is designed

as an introduction to Safari to make sure that you understand the main parts and

how to use it.

epodcast179 - Using a Massing Model as a Site Modifier

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13599/epodcast179-using-a-massing-model-as-a-site-modifier/

A massing model can be used as a site modifier.

epodcast178 - Editing the Roof on a Massing Model

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13598/epodcast178-editing-the-roof-on-a-massing-model/

Massing models are great way to place existing buildings around your site, to

give your project a context. When you place a massing model, you can choose to

have a flat roof or a hip roof.

Landmark_SIG_029 Special Interest Group June 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/06/13593/landmark_sig_029-special-interest-group-june-2013/

In this session we looked at creating a hatch, tiling, applying the hatch and

tile to a hardscape, using a stir as a site modifier and the resources for

leaning how to control stairs.

Upskilling Your Office

When new poeple start in your office, it is the perfect time to make sure that they know Vectorworks well. Since they will be working for you, it's important that they know how to use Vectorworks first, then they need to understand how you are using it.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 20 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

BIM_SIG_021 Special Interest Group April 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12774/bim_sig_021-special-interest-group-april-2013/

In the session had only one attendee. Lucky for him, he was able to have

one-on-one training as part of his subscription. His main area of problem was

roofing. So in this session we looked at his roof challenges and how we can cope

with them in Vectorworks.

BIM_SIG_020 Special Interest Group April 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12770/bim_sig_020-special-interest-group-april-2013/

In this session we started to look at how to control 2D graphics on elevations.

This session followed on from the recent epodcast that looked at the ability to

use the 2D graphics from the classes to give the elevations hatching it would be

live to the 3-D model.

epodcast176 - Unshaded Polygon Rendering for Elevations

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12762/epodcast176-unshaded-polygon-rendering-for-elevations/

For a long time we wanted to have the ability to automatically hatch our

elevations. There are several workarounds, but no one had yet figured out away

to make the hatching on our are elevations automatic.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 19 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week I posted the following blogs:
SST_1304 - Creating Construction Details
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12488/sst_1304-creating-construction-details/

Creating construction details is a major part of your contract documentation.
But how should you create  these details? Is it possible to use BIM techniques
to create all your detailing?

For some projects, using BIM techniques will not give the content all the
graphic style required for detailing.

Online Sessions for April 2013
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12485/online-sessions-for-april-2013/

This month the online workshop sessions will be looking at detailing in
Vectorworks. we also have special interest group meetings for Vectorworks
architect, Vectorworks landmark, and for the education sector. Do not forget to
book now....

Education_SIG_003 Education Special Interest Group March 2013
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12478/education_sig_003-education-special-interest-group-march-2013/

In this session we looked at the resources that are on this web site and we
looked at t

epodcast175 - Clip Cube for 3D Modeling
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/04/12471/epodcast175-clip-cube-for-3d-modeling/

Vectorworks 2013 introduced this concept called the Clip Cube. The clip cube
is a 3-D modeling technique that allows you to hide all the 3-D objects outside
of the clip cube.

Education_m_002 - Extrusions and Modeling 
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12417/education_m_002-extrusions-and-modeling/

Introduction

3D modeling in Vectorworks is fun and it allows you to create objects that have
never existed before.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 18 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week I posted the following blogs:

Education_m_001 - Introduction to 3D Modeling
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12364/education_m_001-introduction-to-3d-modeling/

Introduction to 3D Modeling

In this exercise you will create a simple 3D model using simple tools and
commands. You can then use this model to create drawings using a new concept
called Viewports. We will be using a quick command to create the viewports from
the 3-D model. This command is only available if you using Vectorworks
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, or Designer. The command we will be using is not
available if you have Vectorworks Fundamentals.

Education_008 - Viewing
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12249/education_008-viewing/

Viewing

There are several viewing tools. Some of the tools are located in the Tool
palette, and some are on the View bar at the top of the drawing window. We will
look at the most useful tools and techniques later in this manual.

epodcast174 - 3D Snapping for 3D Modeling
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12317/epodcast174-3d-snapping-for-3d-modeling/

In Vectorworks 2011 you could snap to objects that were not on the working
plane. In Vectorworks 2013 there is now a preference that controls whether you
can snap to points that are not on the working plane.

Education_007 - Dimensions
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12248/education_007-dimensions/

Dimensions

A drawing without dimensions is pretty useless. It is important that when you
place dimensions you place them accurately. Learning to dimension your drawings
accurately will allow you to draw more quickly in Vectorworks.

Education_006 - Applying Graphic Attributes
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12247/education_006-applying-graphic-attributes/

Applying Graphic Attributes

Vectorworks is a very graphic program. We have control over the stacking order
of objects ( the way things appear at the front or the back), we can assign
colors to objects, we can change line weights and line styles, and so on. It is
important that you understand how to control the graphic style of objects so
that you can make your drawings more readable.

Education_005 - Snapping
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12205/education_005-snapping/

Snapping

Snapping in Vectorworks means that you use other objects on the screen to draw
accurately.

Education_004 - Basic Concepts
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12146/education_004-basic-concepts/

Basic Concepts

To be able run the software efficiently you need to learn the basic concepts of
Vectorworks first. This section of the manual is designed to show you the
concepts that form the basis of Vectorworks. We will learn to make a few simple
objects, how to select objects, who to delete objects, and how to delete
objects.

Apple Increases Account Security With Optional Two-Step Verification System for
Apple IDs
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12141/apple-increases-account-security-with-optional-two-step-verification-system-for-apple-ids/

Apple has implemented a new two-step verification system for Apple IDs (via
9to5Mac), adding an additional layer of protection for Apple accounts with an
extra security code and a "trusted" device.

Read more...

Landmark_SIG_023 Special Interest Group March 2013
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12134/landmark_sig_023-special-interest-group-march-2013/

This is the second session for the Landmark Special Interest Group for March
2013. The session started out with a discussion on what was included in my
latest Vectorworks Landmark Tutorial Manual for Vectorworks 2013.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 17 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week I posted the following:

Vectorworks Landmark Tutorial Manual for Vectorworks 2013 Announced

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12129/vectorworks-landmark-tutorial-manual-for-vectorworks-2013-announced/

I'm pleased to see that Nemetschek Vectorworks have announced my new Landmark

Tutorial Manual for Vectorworks 2013. All the movies in this manual have been

updated for the new version of Vectorworks. The feedback from this manual has

been very positive. Users are getting up to speed in a week with this

manual.

Landmark_SIG_022 Special Interest Group March 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12125/landmark_sig_022-special-interest-group-march-2013/

The consensus for today's special-interest group was to look at Renderworks

styles and lighting. Renderworks styles were introduced in Vectorworks 2012 and

they allow you to create a rendering style with lighting options, quality

options, and background options, and then save those settings. If you store the

Renderworks style in your library, you will be able to access the style in every

file.

New 'Yontoo' Adware Trojan Targets Major Browsers on OS X

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12107/new-yontoo-adware-trojan-targets-major-browsers-on-os-x/

Russian security firm Doctor Web this week highlighted a new trojan (via The

Next Web) affecting OS X systems and which installs an adware plug-in capable of

injecting ads into users' browsing experience.

As with other trojans, this new Yontoo malware relies on tricking users into

installing the package, which in this case masquerades as a movie trailer video

[...]

Book Review - Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial Manual 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12095/book-review-vectorworks-essentials-tutorial-manual-2013/

The fifth edition of my popular Essentials Tutorial manual has been out for a

little while now, but i found this review of the manual posted on my friend's

web site yesterday.

This morning, I thought I would review Jon Pickups's excellent book

“Vectorworks 2013 Essentials”, it's the first in the series and probably the

one [...]

BIM_SIG_019 Special Interest Group March 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12087/bim_sig_019-special-interest-group-march-2013/

In this session we looked at two main areas of Vectorworks. The first area we

looked at was Constraints. Vectorworks has several constants that you can use to

set up relationships between objects. The other areas we looked at were the

Reshape tool and the Move by Points tool.

epodcast173 - Property Line on Site Model

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12079/epodcast173-property-line-on-site-model/

I saw a discussion recently on the Vectorworks community board where a

Vectorworks user was trying to get an outline of the property onto the site

model.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 16 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week I added new posts to my web site:

PDF Quality on Export PDF

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12029/pdf-quality-on-export-pdf/

Some clients want to make sure that the PDF files they export are to a high standard. There are some settings you can use to control the output of PDF drawings, but it depends on how you are trying to create the PDF's

 

New Vectorworks Architect tutorial available

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12025/new-vectorworks-architect-tutorial-available/

I'm really happy that Nemetschek Vectorworks have just announced my new Architect Tutorial Manual for Vectorworks 2013. Each year when I update my manuals, I try to ensure that I have including the most up to date workflows.

I visited a client the other day for training, and I really wished that he had this manual. There were so many questions that he asked about roofing, setting up wall styes, creating areas, and so on, that were answered by this manual. It would have been easier for me to teach him and it would have made our training time more productive.

 

SST_1303 Vectorworks Service Select

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/03/12016/sst_1303-vectorworks-service-select/

Vectorworks introduced this service a few years ago. The aim of this service is to provide an upgrade each year, a video library, library objects and so on. The manual of now available for online reading and downloading.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 15 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

I have added some posts to my main web site this week. Click on the links to read more...

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 14 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week I posted the following blogs:

Archoncad Plugins

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11776/archoncad-plugins/

Over the years I have created several extra tools, or plug-ins, for Vectorworks.

These are very useful on older verisions of Vectorworks and some these are still

useful on the latest versions.

Education Resources

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11738/education-resources/

When you're teaching Vectorworks it's important for the students to understand

the basic concepts. Sometimes these basic concepts are abstract, and it can be

difficult for some students to understand how these basic concepts can affect

their later working.

Education_SIG_002 Education Special Interest Group February 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11761/education_sig_002-education-special-interest-group-february-2013/

This was the second session for the education special interest group, and again

we spent a lot of time discussing the structure that would be appropriate for

educational purposes.

Education_SIG_001 Education Special Interest Group February 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11740/education_sig_001-education-special-interest-group-february-2013/

This was the first session for the education special interest group. We spent a

lot of time discussing the structure that would be appropriate for educational

purposes.

BIM_SIG_018 Special Interest Group February 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11716/bim_sig_018-special-interest-group-february-2013/

In this session we looked at detailing again. We have covered detailing in an

earlier manual, but there are always questions about how to finish the project

and detail. Of course, how you detail depends on your drawing philosophy.

BIM_SIG_017 Special Interest Group February 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11714/bim_sig_017-special-interest-group-february-2013/

In this session we looked at detailing. We have covered detailing in an earlier

manual, but there are always questions about how to finish the project and

detail. Of course, how you detail depends on your drawing philosophy.

Try the 5-Inch iPhone Experience with this Printable Papercraft Model

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11711/try-the-5-inch-iphone-experience-with-this-printable-papercraft-model/

This mockup can be printed out at 100% scale (example), trimmed, and folded to

provide a three-dimensional paper version of the 5-inch iPhone.

Apple Updates Processors & Prices of MacBook Pro with Retina Display

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11709/apple-updates-processors-prices-of-macbook-pro-with-retina-display/

CUPERTINO, California—February 13, 2013—Apple® is making the MacBook Pro®

with Retina® display faster and more affordable with updated processors and

lower starting prices.

Mac Pro Now Unavailable for Purchase from European Apple Online Stores

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11706/mac-pro-now-unavailable-for-purchase-from-european-apple-online-stores/

As noted by 9to5Mac, the Mac Pro is no longer available for purchase from

Apple's European Online Stores.

cadmovie884 - Animations - Part 8

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11701/cadmovie884-animations-part-8/

Animationworks Light Object - The AW Light Object gives you control over then

the lights start, stop, rate of dimming, and intensity.

cadmovie883 - Animations - Part 7

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11697/11697/

Animationworks Sliding Object - As with the Rotating Object, the sliding object

uses a 3D only symbol.

cadmovie882 - Animations - Part 6

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11692/cadmovie882-animations-part-6/

Animationworks Rotating Object - This object does not need a path, so you can

place it anywhere.

cadmovie881 - Animations - Part 5

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11691/cadmovie881-animations-part-5/

Animationworks Moving Object and Path - This works in a similar way to the

camera object. You create the moving object path, then you attach a symbol to

the path.

cadmovie880 - Animations - Part 4

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11688/cadmovie880-animations-part-4/

AW Camera - The AW Camera is designed to work with the camera path object. You

have to place the camera path in the file first before you place the camera.

cadmovie879 - Animations - Part 3

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11681/cadmovie879-animations-part-3/

AW Camera Path - This tool is used to create a 3D path for an AW Camera. When

you create the 3D path, you can get around the problems with the standard

Vectorworks animation, where it can be hard to create a smooth turn.

cadmovie878 - Animations - Part 2

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11676/cadmovie878-animations-part-2/

Simple Animation (Move Along Path) - Move along a path allows you to set up a

movie that walks (or flys) through your design. It works by using a series of

views. Each view is a keypoint in your movie.

cadmovie877 - Animations - Part 1

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11674/cadmovie877-animations-part-1/

Simple Animation (Orbit) - The easiest animation to make is called and Orbit

movie. This movie flys around the model. It is effective for showing the outside

of a building or an object. You would not use this animation to walk through a

building.

I've lost my password...

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11473/ive-lost-my-password/

Sometimes you forget your password, or you have trouble logging in, so what

should you do? The answer is that there is an option on the login page you to

reset your password.

What Happened to archoncad.co.nz?

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11467/what-happened-to-archoncad-co-nz/

You might have ended up at this web site because you were looking for

www.archoncad.co.nz. So why are you here. Well, for the past year I have been

planning on changing my web site so that it can be more user friendly, so that

it can contain all my movies and manuals, and so that it is searchable.

podcast145 - Creating an Orbit Animation

Vectorworks has an easy way to create an animation, called the orbit point. While this is the simplest way to create animation, it also has the least options, making the result rather simplistic. However, if you want a quick method that give your clients an idea of the building, then this is an easy way to do it. It's also the easiest method to start using if you haven't created animations before.

There are some options that I don't cover in this movie but you will find them in my movie on this website : http://learn.archoncad.com

What Happened to archoncad.co.nz?

You might have ended up at my new web site because you were looking for www.archoncad.co.nz. So why the new site? Well, for the past year I have been planning on changing my web site so that it can be more user friendly, so that it can contain all my movies and manuals, and so that it is searchable.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 13 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week i posted the following blogs:

Google Nexus 7 Updated to 4.2.2

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11464/google-nexus-7-updated-to-4-2-2/

I switched on my Nexus 7 this morning to find a message that it was ready to

update to the latest version of hte operating system. All i had to do was OK the

install, and it updated over the air to the latest version. This is a nice piece

of news.

The People's E-Book

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11443/the-peoples-e-book/

I love e-books. I read them all the time, and my subscribers know that I write

them as well. I found this project that hopes to make e-book publishing easier

and more elegant.

epodcast171 - Tidying up Elevations

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11440/epodcast171-tidying-up-elevations/

I had a client call today, he was having trouble tidying up the elevations of a

house. He knows how to use most of the tools, but he was not just the tools in

the right order to get a fast result.

Interactive Workshops February 2013 - Animations

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11433/interactive-workshops-february-2013-animations/

Animations

When you present your design you cannot be sure that others are thinking of the

same thing that you are. One of the ways around this is to create images of your

design, so they can see it from several views.

SST_1302 Animations with Vectorworks (1st draft)

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11422/11422/

When you present your design you cannot be sure that others are thinking of the

same thing that you are. One of the ways around this is to create images of your

design, so they can see it from several views. These can be rendered views so

your client can see the light, shadows, and textures. These images work well

with printed media, but if you want them to fully understand design, a movie is

best.

CX - A New Cloud Storage System

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11419/cx-a-new-cloud-storage-system/

I have just seen this new cloud storage system called CX. This is a system that

lets you store your files on line (like Dropbox and iCloud and Google Drive).

With so many options, what will CX do for you?

The People's E-Book

I love e-books. I read them all the time, and my subscribers know that I write them as well. I found this project that hopes to make e-book publishing easier and more elegant.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 12 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week i posted the following blogs:

Animation in Vectorworks

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11398/animation-in-vectorworks/

This month we are looking at animations in Vectorworks. You can make movies

directly inside your Vectorworks files using the tools and commands. Of course,

you have to be careful how you set up your lighting, models, views and

rendering. When you set up the file correctly, you can produce high quality

movies.

Drawing a Stone Capping on a Wall

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11389/drawings-a-stone-capping-on-a-wall/

One of my clients was asking about drawing a stone capping on a wall. There are

two ways to deal with this, drawing a 2D plan view, or correctly modeling the

stone capping in 3D. This applies to more than just a stone capping, it applies

to any wall that has a capping on it.

epodcast170 - Adding Curved Text to a Curved Wall

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11385/epodcast170-adding-curved-text-to-a-curved-wall/

You can use the Text Along a Path command to add curved text to a curved wall.

Landmark_SIG_019 Special Interest Group January 2013

http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/02/11372/landmark_sig_019-special-interest-group-january-2013/

Like the other session this month, this session focused on creating and storing

plants. this session also had time to look at storing plants in the default

content and in the Resource Browser.

Animation in Vectorworks

 

This month we are looking at animations in Vectorworks. You can make movies directly inside your Vectorworks files using the tools and commands. Of course, you have to be careful how you set up your lighting, models, views and rendering. When you set up the file correctly, you can produce high quality movies.

Drawing a Stone Capping on a Wall

One of my clients was asking about drawing a stone capping on a wall. There are two ways to deal with this, drawing a 2D plan view, or correctly modeling the stone capping in 3D. This applies to more than just a stone capping, it applies to any wall that has a capping on it.

Read more...

 

epodcast170 - Adding Curved Text to a Curved Wall

You can use the Text Along a Path command to add curved text to a curved wall.

Read more...

 

Landmark_SIG_019 Special Interest Group January 2013

Like the other session this month, this session focused on creating and storing plants. this session also had time to look at storing plants in the default content and in the Resource Browser.

Landmark_SIG_018 Special Interest Group January 2013

The main topic for this session was how to create a plant from scratch, rather than duplicating an existing plant.

BIM_SIG_016 Special Interest Group January 2013

In the session we talked about creating template files. When you create a template it is tempting to put everything in the template that you think you will need. Unfortunately, this creates a very heavy template file with lots of textures, hatches, line types, and symbols that you might never need.

[Archoncad] Weekly Digest Email 11 (blogs and movies for Vectorworks)

This week i posted the following blogs:

Interactive Workshops January 2013
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/01/10637/interactive-workshops-january-2013/

Design layers and classes are the two most important organising concepts that
you need to understand in order to create drawings in Vectorworks. I still find
some users are confused about when to use a layer and when to us a class to
organise their drawings. I use three simple rules to decide when I need a new
class, and three simple rules to decide when I need new design layers.

SST_1301 - Layers and Classes
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/01/11291/sst_1301-layers-and-classes/

Design layers and classes are the two most important organising concepts that
you need to understand in order to create drawings in Vectorworks. I still find
some users are confused about when to use a layer and when to us a class to
organise their drawings. I use three simple rules to decide when I need a new
class, and three simple rules to decide when I need new design layers.

epodcast169 - When to Use Symbols
http://learn.archoncad.com/2013/01/11279/epodcast169-when-to-use-symbols/

Symbols are generally thought of as relatively small repeating objects. So first
of all you should use symbols whenever you need to repeat something, like
sanitary fixtures, light fixtures, furniture, and so on.

[The iPad Tutor] Weekly Digest Email 06

New posts added to the iPad tutor web site...

0069 Creating a Presentation on an Android Tablet
http://theipadtutor.com/2013/01/09/0069-creating-a-presentation-on-an-android-tablet/

One of my users has asked me about creating a presentation from information that
they got off the Internet. The challenge is that while they can find information
on the Internet and the web page how they take the photos they want and put
those together in a presentation.

0068 Creating a Presentation on iPad
http://theipadtutor.com/2013/01/09/0068-creating-a-presentation-on-ipad/

One of my users has asked me about creating a presentation from information that
they got off the Internet. The challenge is that while they can find information
on the Internet and the web page how they take the photos they want and put
those together in a presentation.

0067 Skype on Your Android Tablet
http://theipadtutor.com/2013/01/09/skype-on-your-android-tablet/

Skype is an application that allows you to speak to other skype users without
charge. You can have instant messages, audio conversations, video chat and more.
If you buy skype credits, you can phone others on their phones or mobiles

0066 Skype on Your iPad
http://theipadtutor.com/2013/01/09/skype-on-your-ipad/

Skype is an application that allows you to speak to other skype users without
charge. You can have instant messages, audio conversations, video chat and more.
If you buy skype credits, you can phone others on their phones or mobiles.

[The iPad Tutor] Weekly Digest Email 05

0065 Setting up a .mac Email account on an Android Tablet
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/30/0065-setting-up-a-mac-email-account-on-an-android-tablet/

When you get an android tablet you need to have a Gmail account in order to
connect to the application store, but what if you want to use a .Mac account to
collect your email? When I first got my android tablet I thought it might be
quite difficult to collect emails from my Mac accounts, but it's turned out to
be reasonably simple.

0064 Starting your Android Tablet for the First time
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/30/0064-starting-your-android-tablet-for-the-first-time/

When you first start your tablet or phone for the first time, you will have to
go through a series of  dialog boxes to set up your device. Generally, it's
easy to set up your tablet with a Gmail account. If you go to Gmail account then
there's only a couple questions to answer and your device will be up and
running.

Updated IPad apps Week 52 2012
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/30/updated-ipad-apps-week-52-2012/

This week I found my iPad listed these apps for updating. Most of the updates
look minor except for Documents 2 and Bamboo Paper. Documents 2 edits Microsoft
office office documents, Bamboo Paper is a sketching program.

0063 Connecting Bluetooth Keyboard to an Android Tablet
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/30/connecting-bluetooth-keyboard-to-an-android-tablet/

I have just bought a new bluetooth keyboard to use with my Nexus 7 from my local
computer place. I know I can use the onscreen keyboards, but for a lot of
typing, I like to use a full keyboard. This one was cheaper then the Apple
keyboards i have used in the past, so I thought it would be worth a try.

0062 Google Chrome on an Android Tablet
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/27/0062-google-chrome-on-an-android-tablet/

Google Chrome is a web browser that is available on many different devices. It's
the web browser that I tend to use all the time on all my different computers
and mobile devices.

0061 Introduction to an Android Phone
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/27/0061-introduction-to-an-android-phone/

When I read blogs about iPhones and Samsung phones and when I look at adverts in
magazines and on television I get the impression that android phones and iPhones
are interchangeable. The reality is that android phones and iPhones work
completely different underneath their user interface.

0060 Connecting a Google Nexus 7 to a Mac
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/27/0060-connecting-a-google-nexus-7-to-a-mac/

You might think that you can connect the Google Nexus 7 directly to your
computer. On a Macintosh this often does not work, but there is a solution.

Movies Using Google Nexus
http://theipadtutor.com/2012/12/26/movies-using-google-nexus/

It's taken awhile, but I finally have been able to connect my Google Nexus 7
tablet to my computer to make movies. This means that I will now be able to
upload movies showing you how to use your Android tablet 2 to its full
potential.