There are two basic ways to split a worksheet. This movie is a short introduction to the two methods
Friday, February 28, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
How to Switch Viewport Styles for Wall Components
Jonathan explores the art of creating architectural drawings with an efficient method for toggling wall components and enhancing visual clarity. Discover how to swiftly switch between viewport styles to either display or hide wall components while maintaining essential details like windows. Jonathan also hints at an extended tutorial for deeper insights into setup processes available for his YouTube and website members. This episode is a must-listen for design enthusiasts looking to optimize their drawing techniques and explore data visualization options effectively.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Mastering the 3D Dagger: Transform Mode Tips and Tricks
Explore the intricacies of the "transform mode," also known as the 3D dagger, with Jonathan as he navigates the challenges users face with this feature. Learn how to manipulate and orient objects in 3D space, moving them in various directions and rotating them with ease. Discover how this mode facilitates efficient 3D modeling by using different planes for extrusion. Jonathan also shares simple tips on switching modes and resetting transformations to streamline your workflow. Perfect for anyone looking to master 3D object manipulation and enhance their design skills.
Monday, February 03, 2025
Creating a Barge Flashing With Fascia Using the Railing #jonathanpickup #vectorworks
In a previous movie, I showed you how to create a barge flashing using the railing toolol. This movie is a follow-up to that and shows you how to create a flashing and a fascia using the railing tool.
Sunday, February 02, 2025
Mastering Chimney Design with Simple Modeling Techniques #jonathanpickup #vectorworks
Join Jonathan as he navigates the complexities of designing a chimney using handy techniques with creative tools. Discover the step-by-step process to craft the essential parts of a fireplace, with tips for measuring and manipulating 3D shapes to achieve the perfect design. Jonathan shares his insights on overcoming challenges and optimizing workflow, providing value to both beginners and seasoned designers. Help him reach his goal of 10,000 subscribers while enhancing your design skills with his expert guidance.
Saturday, February 01, 2025
New Website Under Construction to learn Vectorworks
I'm gradually migrating hundreds of movies from my old site to the new one and it's going really well. The new site is going to be the best place to learn Vectorworks. It's not my job to show how clever I am with Vectorworks, it's my job to explain to the users how to achieve what they need.
Here is a typical quote from a member: "I was about to give up on Vectorworks until I found your website with tutorials and workflow walk throughs. It really puts it all together for me and allows for a more efficient model /document / rendering production. Thanks again for making all this available!”
There are video courses on the website
- Foundation course - this course covers all of the most important basic concepts that every Vectorworks user needs to know.
- Landscape course - this course covers all of the most important Vectorworks landmark tools and techniques.
- Architect course - this course covers all of the most important Vectorworks Architect tools and techniques.
- 3-D modelling course - this course covers all of the most important 3-D modelling tools and techniques needed by most users.
- Domestic Design course - this course focuses on using Vectorworks architect for specific domestic construction.
There are regular online interactive workshops each month :
- Getting started - especially for people that are new to Vectorworks or for fundamental concepts. We spend time insuring that we understand the basic concepts first. If you are a new user, this is for you.
- 3-D modelling - this workshop is where users bring their questions about 3-D modelling and rendering. these sessions tend to be a lot of fun with really cool 3-D modelling.
- Architect - the sessions are especially for people trying to get the best out of Vectorworks architect. These are not always attended by Architects and designers but often by landscapers as well.
- Landscape - these sessions are especially for people trying to get the best out of Vectorworks landmark. These sessions will focus on Landscaping features but this is not just limited to landscapers many Architects also attend the sessions to learn the best for Landscaping and site modelling.
- Workshop topic - these sessions will cover a specific topic which are agreed by the users at the end of each year. They will cover a range of topics from space objects to cabinet design. Often there will be a written manual provided with each session.
Join us and learn to love Vectorworks: https://www.skool.com/jonathan-pickup
Friday, January 31, 2025
Texture Beds in Vectorworks
I was teaching the landscape workshop today and the question of texture beds came up. A texture bed is a site modifier that does not change the site model, instead it gives a graphic representation of an area on the site model. I often think of this as throwing a blanket over the site model and it just drapes over the side but does not affect or change the contours.
Big Thank You to my subscribers and members #jonathanpickup #vectorworks
a big thank you to all my subscribers and members! 8000 subscribers amazing! I'm humbled!
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Troubleshooting Title Block Scale Updates in Vectorworks
In this episode, Jonathan Pickup addresses a common challenge in using Vectorworks’ Title Block Manager, specifically focusing on scale management. As users might know, managing scales efficiently is crucial in architectural design for maintaining accuracy across different layers and sheets. Jonathan shares practical tips on resolving scale update issues through strategic use of the Object Info palette, demonstrating how to fine-tune settings for optimal software performance and user satisfaction.
Jonathan emphasizes the seamless process of updating scales on the sheet layer using the Object Info palette. He explains the nuances between managing single title blocks and multiple viewports, highlighting advanced features like the automatic scale detection in matching scales. Jonathan's expert insights guide users through resetting software preferences— a common yet often misunderstood path to resolving persistent dialog box issues. This episode is packed with useful tips and advanced strategies to empower Vectorworks users in effectively managing title block scales and preferences, ensuring smoother project workflow and increased productivity.Wednesday, January 29, 2025
How to Create a Floor Plan from a 3D Model
Join us in this episode as Jonathan Pickup delves into the intricacies of converting 3D models into design layers, an essential skill for architects and designers using CAD software. Jonathan, an expert in architectural design technology, addresses a common query from a forum user on aligning models with design layers effectively.
Jonathan begins by discussing the importance of ensuring that model heights align precisely with design layers. Using his example setup, he details his method of setting up design layers labeled story A, B, and C, with specific height measurements. He further highlights the nuances of converting these models using tools within architectural design software, emphasizing the significance of using solid objects to avoid redundant inner and outer walls. Key Takeaways: * Understanding how to align design layers with model elevation is crucial for accurate design conversion. * It's more efficient to work with solid objects rather than shelled objects to prevent unnecessary wall generation. * The "model to floor plan" function is a valuable tool within architectural design software suites for converting 3D models into 2D plans. * Plans and models should be carefully synchronized in terms of elevation to ensure accurate representation and functionality within design applications. * Utilizing available space planning tools optimizes the workflow from model creation to floor plan executionTuesday, January 28, 2025
Calculating Elevations Along A Grade Object #jonathanpickup #vectorworks
Jonathan explores methods for calculating elevations along a grade object in Vectorworks, focusing on both mathematical approaches and using a 3D site model. Despite users preferring a 2D solution, Jonathan demonstrates how to utilize the stake object for precision and elevation determination along a grade in 2D. While changes to the grade object don't update automatically, this technique provides essential calculations for users needing data in a 2D format. Join in to discover practical insights and tips on managing grade objects within Vectorworks effectively.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Use Data Tag for Bracing
Jonathan explores the efficiency of using data tags in Vectorworks, showcasing how they can substitute plugin objects for adding bracing details. He demonstrates attaching record formats to objects to dynamically update data tags, taking advantage of Vectorworks' powerful record formats and tag functionality. Jonathan provides a step-by-step guide on configuring data tags to display relevant information like brace ID, type, and line length. Highlighting Vectorworks' standout capabilities among CAD programs, he emphasizes how this method enhances productivity and object customization without programming.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Mastering Circular Array Duplicates with Working Planes in 3D
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Quick Flashing Creation Using Railings in Vectorworks
Join Jonathan in an insightful exploration of creative techniques in architectural modeling using Vectorworks. Discover how Jonathan ingeniously uses the railing tool to create roof flashings, streamlining a usually complex process into something efficient and precise. This episode is a masterclass in utilizing Vectorworks tools in innovative ways that enhance design output while saving time and resources.
Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Using Data Tags to read Record Formats
Jonathan explores the efficiency of using data tags in Vectorworks, showcasing how they can substitute plugin objects for adding bracing details. He demonstrates attaching record formats to objects to dynamically update data tags, taking advantage of Vectorworks' powerful record formats and tag functionality. Jonathan provides a step-by-step guide on configuring data tags to display relevant information like brace ID, type, and line length. Highlighting Vectorworks' standout capabilities among CAD programs, he emphasizes how this method enhances productivity and object customization without programming.

