Drawing Details with Procreate

I have been asked for the settings I use with Procreate to draw my freehand details. This movie shows you the tools I use, the settings I use, and how i use the tools.

I'm a big fan of Procreate to draw details, sketch over photos, and explore design options.

Speed up your detailing in Vectorworks

 https://jonathanpickup.bio

I use the contextual menu to speed up my drawing. In this movie, i show you how to use the Select Connected Object command and the Compose command to make your drawing more consistent, then I show you how fast it could be it you had better access to these commands join the membership: https://archoncad.com/

Making Symbol Details In Vectorworks 2024

Jonathan Pickup demonstrates how to create a reusable symbol in Vectorworks software. He starts by selecting the necessary information and converting it into a symbol. He emphasizes the importance of naming symbols in a way that allows easy retrieval. Jonathan assigns the symbol to the "none" class and sets the insertion point at a consistent location for alignment purposes. He then shows how to insert the symbol into a project and adjust its position using the insertion point. By following this strategy, designers can efficiently reuse details and maintain consistency in their projects.

Creating Symbols In Vectorworks 2024

 Jonathan Pickup demonstrates how to use symbols to create details quickly and accurately. He shows how to create a symbol for timber framing, assign it to a specific class, and set the insertion point for easy placement. He also explains how to create variations of the symbol for different sizes of timber. He emphasises the importance of creating symbols with the correct insertion point to improve speed and efficiency in drawing details.

Creating A Detail Library In Vectorworks 2024

 Jonathan Pickup shares his strategies for managing details in architectural projects. He emphasizes the importance of setting up details as individual viewports to create unique identifiers and back references. He also discusses the use of imported information from consultants and manufacturers, as well as the use of 2D symbols and detail components to quickly create details. Jonathan highlights the value of drawing sections at the correct elevation to accurately dimension steel work. He invites viewers to join his upcoming webinar where he will explore different methods of creating details in Vectorworks.

Managing Repetitive Details: Creating Symbols and Organising Drawings

Managing Repetitive Details: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to this workshop on managing repetitive details. In this session, we will explore different strategies for effectively managing repetitive details in architectural drawings. We will discuss the importance of using symbols, creating a naming convention, and organizing details on separate layers. Through a detailed analysis of a workshop transcript, we will delve into the implications and potential impact of these strategies. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage repetitive details in your architectural projects.

Introduction: The Challenge of Repetitive Details

Managing repetitive details is a common challenge faced by architects and designers. Repetitive details refer to elements in architectural drawings that are used repeatedly, such as windows, doors, and cladding systems. These details often require precise placement and consistent graphic style to ensure accuracy and readability. However, creating and managing these details can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

In the workshop, the host, Jonathan, addresses the question raised by Jane about how to effectively manage repetitive details. He emphasizes the importance of using symbols and creating a naming convention to facilitate reusability. Additionally, he highlights the use of script palettes and classes to control the graphic style of details. These strategies not only save time but also ensure consistency across projects.

Using Symbols for Repeatable Parts

One of the key strategies Jonathan suggests for managing repetitive details is using symbols for repeatable parts. Symbols are reusable objects that can be easily placed and modified in architectural drawings. By creating symbols for individual components, such as window sills and architraves, architects can save time and ensure consistency in their drawings.

Jonathan demonstrates this approach by creating symbols for a window sill and a head detail. He emphasizes the importance of choosing an appropriate insertion point for the symbols to ensure easy alignment with other elements. He also suggests converting the symbols to groups to allow for easy modification without affecting other instances of the symbol.

Barry raises a concern about the repeatability of symbols and the need for customization. Jonathan proposes the use of the “convert to group” option, which allows architects to make changes to individual instances of the symbol without affecting other instances. This flexibility ensures that symbols can be customized to suit specific project requirements.

Creating a Naming Convention for Symbols

In addition to using symbols, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of creating a naming convention for symbols to facilitate easy retrieval and reuse. He suggests using a systematic approach to naming symbols, including relevant information such as the type of detail, cladding type, and size. This naming convention ensures that architects can quickly locate and use symbols in different projects.

Jonathan provides an example of a symbol naming convention for a window sill detail. He includes information such as the cladding type, manufacturer, and size of the timber. This detailed naming convention allows architects to easily identify and select the appropriate symbol for their projects.

Organizing Details on Separate Layers

Another strategy discussed by Jonathan is organizing details on separate layers. By creating separate layers for different types of details, architects can easily manage and control the visibility of details in their drawings. This approach allows for better organization and reduces the risk of errors or omissions.

Jonathan demonstrates this strategy by creating separate layers for one-to-five scale details and one-to-ten scale details. He explains that one-to-ten scale details are typically used for foundations, while one-to-five scale details are used for more intricate elements such as windows and doors. By organizing details on separate layers, architects can easily toggle the visibility of specific details based on the project requirements.

Implications and Potential Impact

The strategies discussed in this workshop have significant implications for architectural practice. By using symbols and creating a naming convention, architects can streamline their workflow and improve efficiency. The reusability of symbols allows for consistent and accurate detailing across projects, saving time and reducing errors.

The use of separate layers for details also has a profound impact on project management. It enables architects to easily manage and control the visibility of details, ensuring clarity and readability in their drawings. This approach also facilitates collaboration with other professionals, as specific details can be easily shared or hidden as needed.

Furthermore, the adoption of these strategies promotes standardization and consistency in architectural drawings. By using symbols and following a naming convention, architects can ensure that details are uniformly represented and easily understood by contractors and other stakeholders. This consistency enhances communication and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or errors during construction.

To see the webinar for this, click here...

Detaling Basics - Cold Bridge

A Cold Bridge refers to a break in the insulation in the building that allows the transfer of heat. Usually this is a break in the insulation that allows the heat to escape – which can also be thought of as the cold coming into the building. This often occurs at building junctions and requires careful detailing. This also occurs with areas of different insulation values such as the studs on a wall.

Detaling Basics - Pressure Differential

Pressure Differential is the difference in pressure between the inside and outside. If the pressue difference is great, water can be drawn up vertical faces, through gaps, and into the building. The solution is to have air seals at all joints.

Vectorworks Tip 382 - How to Create a Linked Viewport With a Detail Reference

You can create a linked viewport by using a detail reference object. On the Object Info palette, choose the viewport that you want to link to. Then, the viewport will be permanently linked to the reference. If you move the viewport from one sheet to another, or change the number of the viewport, the reference will update automatically.

podcast134.mov - Detail Viewports in Vectorworks 2013

One of the new techniques in Vectorworks is Detail Viewport. I have been waiting for this technique for a while, and I think this will subsctantially change the way users structure their drawings in Vectorworks.



There is a known issue with Detail Viewports, but it only affects some Macintosh computers...
http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/1054/Tech+Bulletin%3A+Issue+with+Create+Detail+Viewport+-+Vectorworks+2013+-+Mac+OS+X+ONLY

What Design Layer Scale Should I Use in Vectorworks

When I draw in Vectorworks I like to keep the scale of the design layer at about the same as the scale of the viewports that I will be creating. This has come about from using Vectorworks for a long time, way before we had viewports, when the only way to create drawings with different scales was to use different layers with the correct scale.

Now that we have viewports, could you draw everything on one layer, then use the viewport scale to create the drawings and details? I guess you could, but it will cause trouble. Robert Anderson from Nemetschek North America puts it like this:

" The "Layer Scale" used by VectorWorks is primarily an exigency of "WYSIWYG" drawing. "Layer Scale" exists to allow graphic properties of the drawing or model to be represented properly, as though you were drawing at a particular scale on a piece of paper. It is a scaling value used to allow proper representation for these attributes:
     -Line weight;
     -Line style (e.g. length of dashes);
     -Marker (arrowhead) size;
     -Text size;
     -Hatch scaling;

In "WYSIWYG" drawing, in order to properly display these attributes, there has to be an intended output scale so you can see how the drawing will look at that intended format. The practical upshot of all this is that you should set your "layer scale" to be the same as the predominant output scale of your project. This will necessitate the least amount of attribute-scaling in viewports."

Try to use the minimum of layer scales.

So, if you want details at 1:5, then create a layer scale at 1:5. When you draw the detail, add the notes and dimensions, the details will look correct in the final viewports, with a minimum of editing (and effort), what you draw will be what you get.

There are two short manuals I have written that will help out here:
Creating drawings for a building project
Creating Construction Details

Using Colors for Line Weight in Vectorworks

I have just had a call from a client about using classes in Vectorworks to control line weight. When users come from AutoCAD,  they are often used to using Color by Layer. This allows the user to see the line weights of the lines on the drawings by the color of the lines.

This post has been moved to here...

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

Drawing Details in 3D

A good friend was wondering if it was easy to make 3D details in VectorWorks. I used to this is all the time for small details that would be easier to understand as a 3D view.

We should be asking the building component manufactures to supply us with 3D CAD details. Some of them are starting to look at this but we need to ask them specifically for VectorWorks details so that they learn how many of us there are.

To quote my friend:

“The rational of this being, that as so many details in NZS 3604 are shown as 3D drawings to be able to easily create 3D details like post/beam junction complete with Bomac brackets, washers, bolts & nuts, would be very advantageous. And further, with the greater attention to flashings in E2, to be able to create these little darlings as 3D models in VectorWorks would also be wonderful. Like figure 13 from NZBC E2/AS1. (parapet to wall junction including saddle flashing). It will make it easier to get approval for the drawings, as it will be easier for the approving officer to see what you mean.”

And I guess this means it will be easier for the builder as well...