Area Lights and Renderworks in Vectorworks 2011-2012

In the past we used to use area lights to replicate light coming in window, and Vectorworks 2011/2012 we don’t have to do this the other, more realistic ways of creating lights

In previous versions of Vectorworks, we used to use area lights on Windows to replicate sunlight coming in to the window. This wasn’t perfect but it did a reasonable job in Vectorworks 2010 and before. you might notice that the area light in front of the door stop you seeing the door. So while the effect of the light is reasonable the downside is that the area light prevents you from seeing out the window, or out the door.

In Vectorworks 2011/2012, we have a better way. in this image there are no light sources other than an environmental light called HDRI White. HDRI White is a standard Renderworks environment like that comes with Vectorworks. when you use it as an environment light, it brings in white light through every window, giving you rendering a nice glow. I have also added indirect lighting that creates the bouncing light in the room. 

If you add a sun, the results are even better.

Read more... (you have to be a subscriber to follow this link)

Become a subscriber...

Site modeling manual updated for Vectorworks 2012

I have updated my site modeling manual on the Kindle store for Vectorworks 2012. This manual covers how to create a site model from imported 2-D information, imported 3-D information, and scanned or PDF images.  This manual is designed to show you the quickest ways to create site models, and how to modify them using the site modified tools.

 You can find the manual here on the Kindle bookstore.

Quickstart manual Available for Vectorworks 2012

I have updated my QuickStart manual for Vectorworks 2012 on the Kindle bookstore. 


This quick start manual is designed to get people started quickly, it is not designed to teach you everything you need to know about Vectorworks. what this manual does cover are the basic concepts about how Vectorworks  behaves.


If you have been using Vectorworks before, this is not the manual for you. If you have never used Vectorworks before and you have just  received Vectorworks 2012 then this would be a good introduction to the basic concepts.


See the manual here...

Work available in New Zealand

I've just had an e-mail from one of my clients looking for a Vectorworks architect in Auckland, New Zealand.  if you live in New Zealand we are qualified to work in New Zealand you might want to look at this advert.

If you want to check out the work they do visit their website http://stevenslawson.co.nz/

Stevens Lawson Architects are seeking an Architectural Technician for a full time position, with 5-7years experience, with the desire to work on exciting projects across a broad spectrum, to join our Parnell based studio.

Strong CAD (Vectorworks) documentation and detailing experience with both residential and commercial projects, time management, communication skills and computer skills are essential, along with a great attitude and enthusiasm for architecture   .

Contact: John Scouller  john@stevenslawson.co.nz

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Today I was very sorry to hear that Steve Jobs has passed away. When I grew up Steve Jobs was always around, and he was always making great stuff. He has created some truly amazing inventions, and I think he has changed the way we think about music,  about computers and what we expect from life (our gadgets).

 This is the passing of a giant.

Site Modeling with Vectorworks

Next week the Vector-workout Subscription will be looking at site modeling in Vectorworks. Site modeling is a topic which many people seem to struggle with. I will be teaching the basic concepts of site modeling, and showing you how to get the best from site modeling without getting confused. It seems like a complicated subject, but it can be made simple.

Some users find it hard to understand how to get the source data into the file to create the site model. There are several ways to do this, and some are reasonably easy. The trick is to work methodically, and I have a few suggestions to make it easy, and as accurate as possible. 

Once you have your site model, you can modify it. Some users do not how how easy the site model could be adjusted.  There are several techniques you can use to modify the site model, and you can choose if these modify the existing site model, or a proposed site model. 

To me, it is important to understand the concept of the site model and what its limitations are. If you understand the reasoning behind the site model and modifiers, you will be able to create a site model that closely resembles the terrain on your site.

Once you understand the concept behind site modeling, you should be able to create some fun areas quickly, like this stepped site with a ramp. 

I have written a manual for this session which subscribers can now download from the subscriber website. 

If you want to learn more about being a subscriber, you can find more information here. 

If you would like to attend a short sharp training session on site modeling, you can find information about it here.

Nemetschek Vectorworks Announces Vectorworks 2012 U.S. Virtual Event

Columbia, Md. (September 1, 2011) – Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. presents the Vectorworks® 2012 U.S. Virtual Event, Sept. 13-16, 2011, to unveil the next version of Vectorworks software.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m. EDT on Sept. 13 with a keynote address by CEO Sean Flaherty and CTO Dr. Biplab Sarkar, the event will include demonstrations on what’s new in Vectorworks Architect, Landmark, Spotlight and Fundamentals software, as well as feature videos and information about popular Vectorworks plug-ins. Industry experts will be on hand to answer questions, and attendees will have the opportunity to network with other designers and share their experience through social media.

The online event will continue through Sept. 16 with feature-specific presentations led by members of the Nemetschek Vectorworks engineering team. Topics will include Building Design and BIM, Site Design, Collaboration Improvements, Entertainment Design, Rendering Improvements and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a license of Vectorworks 2012 with Renderworks® by inviting friends and colleagues to register, as well.

For more information and to register, please visit: www.vectorworks.net/2012-virtual-event/info

If you are a member of VSS then you need to attend to learn how to get the best from the new upgrade. If you are not a member of VSS, it think you should still attend to learn about the new features and concepts.

Back to School with Vectorworks

It is nearly Spring where I live, which means that it is Fall in the Northern Hemisphere, and time to get back to school. If you want to learn Vectorworks to use in school, you have several options. Nemetschek Vectorworks has a student portal . This allows you to get a free educational version of Vectorworks, and there are several free manuals to download, along with a video library.

There are you tube movies, just search Vectorworks in youtube and you will 100's of movies. 

The great way to learn Vectorworks is to use the self-paced Training from Vectorworks.  Here, you will find videos, free resources, and the training guides. The training guides are a great way to get started with Vectorworks, especially the Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial manual. This manual is designed to get you to use Vectorworks effectively from the beginning. 

If you teach Vectorworks, wouldn't it be nice to have access to Vectorworks training materials? Imaging going into a class and saying, "Please open your computers (tablet or smartphone) and download today's lesson, Quickstart to Vectorworks (or 3D modeling, or textures, etc)"

We have this ability right now, though kindle books and PDF manuals. Kindle books are great, because each student manages their own account.

Do you Need Sketchup if you Have Vectorworks?

I have been chatting with a couple of friends of mine about modeling in Vectorworks, and whether or not you need Sketchup along with Vectorworks. The argument in the past was that Vectorworks was alright for modeling simple buildings, but what about more complex shapes.

For a long time I have argued that Vectorworks is great for modeling complex shapes. I have used a bus stop project for a few years now to show that Vectorworks is perfect for urban design projects. But my friend Bill, still meets people that use Sketchup and they don't see the point of the bus stop.

I have been looking at my modeling manual, 3D Modeling in Vectorworks, 3rd Edition to make sure that this manual covers the topics you need. If you want to know more about Vectorworks in 3D, this is the manual you need. Not only does the manual have several exercises to teach you the most important techniques, but is also includes movies to show you how to work in 3D.

If you combine the Vectorworks 2011 techniques of working planes, planar graphics and the Push/Pull tool, I believe that you can create the models you want.

This model uses techniques that are in the 3D Modeling manual, and it only uses fairly simple techniques like working planes, planar graphics, Push/Pull tool and the Split tool.

When you render the model, it looks pretty reasonable, for a concept model. This model does not use any doors, windows, walls, or roofs. Everything here is built as raw 3D objects, just using simple techniques.

I have the building on a site, with a sun set for 12pm, 22 March, for my latitude and longitude. You can see the neighbouring house casts a small shadow that will affect the bedrooms on the left, but the patio is enjoying the sun.
Learn to use Vectorworks effectively, then you won't need Sketchup.

Should you use Vectorworks Fundamentals?

I usually use Vectorworks Architect, Landmark or designer when I'm working or writing my manuals. But for the past couple of weeks, I've been using the very basic Vectorworks Fundamentals ( the most basic version of Vectorworks you can get). I can't get over how many of the good things I'm used to using are not there. There are tools and techniques I use so much, I don't even think about them anymore.

For example, the Navigation Palette. I have gotten so use to this, it never occurred to me how much time is saves, until I had to make do without it.

Read more... (you have to be a subscriber to follow this link).

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Short Sharp Training for Vectorworks

Every month, I have an series of inline webinars for my subscribers. Over the last 5 years we have covered well over 40 topics, and often I get clients wishing that I would repeat the sessions. I have been asked several times if there is a way to attend just the sessions you want.




There is a way for Vectorworks users to join just the sessions that they want to. The system is called Sort Sharp Training. This system allows you to attend one session at a time. The classes are on line, with only a few people in each class.

You get a PDF manual to accompany the session, so you can read along, or print the manual and make your on notes. The manuals have all the step-by-step instructions, allowing you repeat the techniques you learned in the online session. Over time, these build up into substantial library.






Each session is self contained, so you can attend one, or several sessions. The sessions will repeat each month, and we will be adding sessions as they become requested.

Read more...

Creating Siding (Weatherboards) in Vectorworks 2010-2011

I found this great plug-in on the vectordepot web site, called the Frangisole (sunshade). This tool is designed to create simple sunshades.

The interface is really easy to use. You draw a line to define the length of the sunshade, and use the Object Info Palette to change the number of horizontal parts, the height, angle and width of the boards.

If you tilt the boards to the correct angle, you can make siding (weatherbords). If you use some simple solid modeling, you can cut out the frangisole for doors and windows.



To see it in action, have a look at this short youtube vid.



Subscribers to Vector-workout Subscription will find a detailed movie for this plug-in in the July manual.

How Vectorworks Can Help Your Business

I have just received an email from a Michael Erkkinen of Webnash Design-Build (www.webnash.com) showing how effective Vectorworks is for presentation.  I like Mike's work, he designs and builds traditional new england colonial buildings with high performance envelopes and mechanicals. While they look like traditional buildings, and they use some old building techniques, they also use some new building techniques, they are heavily insulated and they often feature solar energy.

This image is the rendered image that Mike has created for his clients. Mike did not always create rendered views of this quality. For me, it has been encouraging to watch his presentations become more sophisticated as he learns more about Vectorworks though the Vector-workout Subscription. He has found that he gets his clients to commit to higher quality buildings now. He uses the renderings to show the clients the project at the schematic stage, and he rarely uses orthographic drawings (plans and elevations).

Here is the image of the partially completed building. One of the problems with traditional plans and elevations is that the client is not really sure what they are getting. The way Mike renders the concept, the building is what the client agreed to, leading to satisfied clients.

Creating a Paving Plan

This month the Vector-workout Subscription is looking at creating a paving plan. This looks like it is a totally landscape topic, but you would be wrong. In order to use a tool like the hardscape tool, you have to learn how to control planar graphics.

This session will start with a look at the planar graphics, and there are several of those. Learning to control line weights, dash styles, custom colors (and a custom color palette) hatches, images and tile will be useful to all Vectorworks users.

There are 4 webinars this week, so one of the times should suit you. If you are a subscriber, you can book here. If you can't make it to the webinars, you can still down load the manual (about 80 small pages) from the CPD Manuals page.

If you are not a subscriber, you can still join here.

Readers Digest and Harry Potter go Digital

the Architectural Technologist talks about J.K.Rowling moving into ebooks and today I read that the Reader's Digest is going digital. This seems to be to be the tipping point. Until now all the Harry Potter books have been strictly hardcopy, the future could be amazing, and we could see a big growth in ebook readers.

Reader's Digest has been a print only publication for as long as I can remember. I change to digital should be big news, and it could cause a lot of the old readers to move to digital reader, opening the door for all ebook writers to sell to the new converts.

I have been a real supporter of ebooks and the new digital formats, I now have about 25 Vectorworks manuals in the Kindle store, so I am really hoping that we see many more books sold because of these two.

Textures and Rendering in Vectorworks 2011

Textures in Vectorworks 2011 have changed a lot. The shaders are completely different, reflectivity has new settings, transparency has new settings, and the bumps are all new.

If you are used to textures in earlier versions of Vectorworks, you need a guide to show you how to use all the new settings, but if you are new to textures, you also need a guide that takes you though creating and editing textures.

I have created a kindle manual that guides you through the creation and management of textures. For example, there are four basic components to textures, and this manual guides you through each component so you learn how to control them.

Table of Contents

Sample Page








Textures are only a part of the process, so I have created a follow-up manual on lighting and rendering.

This manual guides you through the rendering and lighting options in Vectorworks, and there are several options to look at.

There are several rendering options, so the manual works though those, to show you the options you have.

There are several lighting options. The manual show you how to control each lighting option, and has tips on the best way to use lighting.

Finally, the Kindle manual shows you how to bring all the parts together and how to get the rendering completed in the fastest time.

Table of Contents

Sample page.

iWeb Disappearing, What can you Use for Simple Web Sites?

I have been reading a rumour about the discontinuation of MobileMe services, and one impact will be iWeb, the apple web design software. iWeb was great web design software for simple web sites, and I used it for some time for my blog and podcast website. I stopped using iWeb about a year ago, when I learned that changing the name of the site file on your computer, changed the website address online, effectively killing off all the links I had placed all over the internet to my site.

If this rumour is correct, what should you do? Well, after finding some issues with iWeb, I looked a several different web builder applications. Some applications are very powerful, and some are very simple. I wanted an application that I could learn myself, and use to update my web site every week.

The software I am using is called RapidWeaver 5. It uses a database system that stores all the information, and then it uses themes to present the data. This allows you to change the theme (the look) of the website without recreating all the information, data and links.

This is the raw data for my web site.

This is the preview of the current theme. I like being able to choose the theme, and there are many themes to choose from. You can even buy additional themes. If you know CSS, you can edit your theme to make it individual.

One of the main reasons I choose to use RapidWeaver is that you can extend the software by buying extensions. I bought an extension that makes it easy to add products and services, and a Paypal cart.

There are many addons, and the RapidWeaver software and website makes it easy to link to these addons, and it makes it easy to install the addons. I found an addon that added a paypal cart, and it makes adding products and services very easy. The paypal cart looks great and works well.

I have looked at Sandvox (http://www.karelia.com/sandvox/), which now has a new extendable structure. When I first looked at sandvox, it was not as powerful and flexible as rapidweaver. Since then, they have substantially updated the software, and there is a plug-in area for extending the software.

Vectorworks Landmark and Rendering

My friend Bill, the NZ Vectorworks salesman, has been playing with Vectorworks Landmark recently and he has been making some great images.

This image is a small garden, and he used several standard Vectorworks tools and techniques, such as walls, floors, image props, plants, and the table and chairs. Bill also made some textures from images he found on the internet.


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Snaps On, Snaps off (Vectorworks 2010-2011)

By default Vectorworks 2010 and 2011 have one snap turned off that I find useful, Nearest Point on Edge.

I find Nearest Point on Edge useful, because this is the option needed to snap along the edge of an object, which I use nearly all the time.

But sometimes, I like to have a just a few of these object snap options turned on. For detailing, it is sometimes easier to have just a few snaps turned on.

When I'm dimensioning, I like to use just one option, End Point. This makes it easy to find the end of a wall, without snapping to a mid-point on the end of the wall.

I find that opening this dialog box and changing the options all time a bit of a bore. So, I have made a few utility scripts that automate these options. Subscribers can add to a floating palette, or add to the context menu (right-click). I also left these scripts unlocked so you can edit the script to suit yourself.

If you are a subscriber, go get these these utilities and install them in your workspace.

If you want to be a subscriber, click here to find out more...

H1 House Insulation and E2 Risk Matrix in Vectorworks

If you are using Vectorworks in New Zealand, you should be glad to hear the news, there is now a series of worksheets that are designed to answer the E2 and H1 issues.

E2 Risk Matrix
This is a worksheet that will help you to add up the Risk Factors for your buildings. It is a simple Vectorworks worksheet that counts up the correct score as you enter the Risk Severity.

H1 House Insulation - Schedule Method
With this worksheet, it is easy to calculate the wall areas and window areas for the insulation calculation. There are some detailed instructions to follow to make sure that the worksheet picks up the correct data, but the instructions are in the file for you.

H1 House Insulation - Calculation Method
This worksheet finds the area do the roof, walls, windows and so on. When you enter the insulation values for each area, you get a total heat loss, for comparing with the example house. Again, there are some detailed instructions to follow to make sure that the worksheet picks up the correct data, but the instructions are in the file for you.

There is one file in the library section of the Vector-workout Subscription web site with all 3 worksheets and instructions for using them. If you are a subscriber, you can find these in the Files part of the web site...

If you want to subscribe, join here...

Viewport Visibility

You can edit the the class and layer visibilities on all the viewports, on all drawings from one dialog box.


Read more... (you have to be a subscriber to follow this link).

(read more about being a subscriber)

Vector-workout Guide to Productivity 2011

I have called this the Ultimate Productivity Guide for Vectorworks, and the reason I say that is that it has all my tips and tricks for using Vectorworks in one place. There are over 180 movies with a total running time of over 5 hours.

Changing your productivity in Vectorworks could save you five or ten minutes every day. Five minutes a day is thirty minutes every week, or 2 hours each month. 

But it is not just about saving time, it's also about having more enjoyment and less stress when you are drawing. Some of these Productivity techniques only save you a click or two, but they save you a lot of thinking, which, at the end of the day, saves you a lot of brain-work. 

I have organized the guide into a series of sections, with each section dealing with a topic. There are about 19 topics, and each topic has a few, or several movies. 

For example, Dealing With Roofs. There are 19 movies dealing with many aspects of dealing with roofs. 

Many of my clients love this part of the manual. They keep the manual on the desktop, and then open it when they have a issue with roofs. They dip into the movies to find the solution, then carry on with their work. In a situation like this, it can save them a hour of mucking around. 

The Vector-workout Guides are movie-based manuals. This means that they are movie rich, without too much reading. When you click on the bookmark on the left, or on the table of contents, you can see the page of the manual. 

There is only a small amount of reading to do, the large image on each page is the movie. Click on the movie and it begins to play. This is like have a tutor whenever you need it. 

I've Just had an email from a satisfied client:

• I just finished your VW Architect 2010 Productivity manual; wonderful! I'm absolutely "hooked" on your help; thank you very much! You're a natural-born teacher. - Judy

185 movies, 05:05:10 total running time

Buy the Manual here...

Australian Native Trees and Plants for Vectorworks, Part 1

My good friend Andrew over at Envirographic has created a small group of Australian plant images, and i have converted these into Vectorworks image props. To show these, I have places the 7 plants around a simple building model.

Here is what Andrew says:

This first part includes 5 new trees. As a bonus, we decided to include the Eucalyptus and Swamp banksia from the free page in all available file formats - exclusive to this product.

1 Eucalyptus platypus (Moort)

1 Casuarina cunninghamiana (River oak)

1 Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig)

1 Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red box)

1 Xanthorrhoea australis (Grass tree)

1 Eucalyptus free 

1 Swamp banksia free

As with all our products, each plant is hand traced and every edge is re-touched to guarantee the highest quality. The Casuarina alone took just over 200 hours to complete from start to finish. 

Buy these plants from this web site...

Vector-workout Guide to Quick Conceptual Design

Earlier this month, my Vector-workout Subscription covered quick conceptual design. I felt that this is a very powerful area, and I wrote a lot about the session on this blog, so please visit that page for a long description about this.

I have expanded on these notes and combined them with my earlier manual on Residential Conceptual Design, to create a new Vector-workout Guide to Quick Conceptual Design.

This manual covers all the steps from editing your workspace to make Vectorworks quicker to creating a solar animation movie of the project.

Briefly, Vectorworks is very powerful in the early stages of a project. We can use Vectorworks to check our building areas to make sure that the project of this size and bulk, can be placed on the site. This is very effective for small complex sites, and for larger commercial projects where land coverage is important.

Once you have the building area, it is a simple task to add the cost of the building. This can be completed in a short time, so you can see if the project is acceptable. This is like a short feasibility report, where you can tell the client the rough (very rough) order of costs for a building of this area and level of quality.

Using massing models, you can check the sun and shadows on the project, to see if you will have the spaces you think you want.

You can import or create a 3D site model and use this to create 3D planes that show you the restrictions on your site. This is a quick visual way to see how close to the boundary you can build and what height is allowed in the project location.

You can use space objects, or 3D modeling to create a 3D concept model. 3D modeling is now very quick and powerful if you use the Push/Pull tool and working planes. So, I have added these techniques to the manual.

As you model, you can check the model against the site restrictions, and create solar studies for different times of the day, and days of the year.


The Vector-workout Guide to Quick Conceptual Design covers all this, and it covers it with a movie-based format. This format makes it easy to get the information quickly, without a lot of reading.

Buy the manual here...

Review of this manual posted here...

Productivity Techniques in Vectorworks

In April 2011, the Vector-workout Subscription webinars will be looking at productivity techniques. I believe that if you make sure you are using these techniques, you can save a lot of time. If you are not using these techniques you are loosing over thirty minutes every day (over two hours a week, a day a month...).

The productivity techniques fall into categories:

1. Make your workspace more efficient. Get rid of tools you don't need, make others easier to find. 
2. Learn the basic tools really well, they will power your Vectorworks.
3. Learn about the other tools, the ones that don't look so easy. 
4. Set up your Vectorworks system to make drawing productive.
5. Use Vectorworks everyday, even if it's only to practice.
6. Stay up to date with the software, update when a new patch comes out, upgrade when you can.
7. Stay up to date with training. Attend monthly meetings and the online communities. 

For our online webinar, we will be looking at all these topics. Some of the topics are easy to cover, like the last 2, but others require a lot of demonstration, so most of the webinar will be focusing on the first four topics. These topics are the ones that are the hardest to discover on your own. 

As an example, in last month's webinar on the quick site analysis, I showed a few tricks for drawing polygons quickly, and then reshaping them. This trick saves me a few seconds, but it also saves me a lot of aggravation. For me, saving the aggravation is as important as saving time.

So, the aim of the webinar is to make you more efficient, to make Vectorworks easier to use, to to make it more fun to use Vectorworks. 

If you are a subscriber, you can book now for the April online sessions.

If you want to find out about subscribing, read more at this web site. 

Vector-workout Subscription - More Online Sessions

We have been building up the number of subscribers in the Vector-workout Subscription. This is really pleasing. I have been running this service for over four years now, and we have now got to the point where we are getting all the online sessions filled up.

Ever since the service started, we have had online meetings (workshops I call them). I initially started with 3 online sessions each month, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at different times of the day, so users can choose what suits them. This month there are so many users wanting to be in those meetings, it seems time to introduce more online sessions. So In April I will be trying out sessions Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, still at different times of the day. These sessions are designed for everyone, from beginner onwards. I always create a manual for these sessions, so you can follow the topic, and so you have something you can come back to.

A few months ago, I started a new type of session called Beyond Beginner. These sessions are not for experts, but they are not for beginners, and they focus on questions and answers around a topic. I'm happy to report that these sessions are becoming as popular as the workshops. Initially I started with just two Beyond Beginner sessions a month, but from April that will be increasing to three sessions a month. So, you will be able to find a session on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Check out the calendar here...

Starting A Project Quickly with Vectorworks

This month, I am running online webinars on how to get started with a project quickly in Vectorworks. I have been asked to show how to get started. The project I will be looking at will be a domestic project, but you could easily apply these techniques to commercial projects. We will start with a site with a building on it. We need to make sure that our current site complies with the the site coverage. Then we will split the site in to two sites, one with the existing building, and one with a new building. We need to find out how much building can be placed on the new site, while still complying with the site coverage requirements. My belief is that you should be able to do this quickly, say within 30 mins. If the building does not comply, you are wasting all you time on the project. It would be better to phone the client after 30 minutes and tell them that unless they change the size of the house, the number of stories, or their requirements, the project can not proceed.

Vectorworks has the capability to to this analysis easily, using worksheets. We will be learning to set these up correctly, so we can make any adjustments and check the calculations. We will be able to add extra buildings, like garages and sheds, edit the floor plan of the proposed building and so on. We can check our calculations almost instantly to see if we are still complying.

That is all pretty cool, but it gets better. After playing with the layout, we can quickly jump to a 3D view of the proposal to change the solar animation for different times of the year. So, after getting our areas right, we will be getting our design right, taking into account the adjoining properties and sun.

I think that Vectorworks makes all this so easy. The presentation to this point takes about sixty minutes, but if you practices this, it could be less, maybe thirty minutes. If you learn these techniques, you could be calling the client within half an hour to report the coverage on site that would comply, the cost of the project and issues with the sun and shading. That is powerful stuff.

I have now created a movie-based for this, called the Vector-workout Guide to Quick Conceptural Design, which you can buy from this web site....


If you are not a subscriber, you are missing out on this type of training each month. Subscribe here...

Join Vectorworking.com

Vectorworking.com is an independent online community for Vectorworks users. It has forums, events, blogs, and so on. The community has been set up by a friend of mine and I want this community to grow. There are nearly 1000 members, and we need more.

Please visit http://www.vectorworking.com/ and join. Once you've joined, add me as a friend.

Quick Conceptual Modeling in Vectorworks 2011

I have many clients that use other programs to start a conceptual model, but I believe that Vectorworks is very capable at conceptual modeling. Not only that, if you can start your model in Vectorworks, you can carry on with Vectorworks until the project is completed, saving you all that re-drawing time. Conceptual models can be spaces, volumes, (and with the new planar objects and Push/Pull tool in Vectorworks 2011, and shapes that can be changed quickly.

In this webinar, I will be creating a quick site model with 3D building constraints. I will create a quick conceptual model and link this to the site. There are ways to do this so you can edit the model directly on the site to make sure you maximize the concept for the sun, the 3D constraints and the adjoining properties.

Read more and book now...http://www.novedge.com/webinarseries/?WebID=16

Helpful Appication for Importing AutoCAD Files into Vectorworks

I saw this tip on the Vectorworks discussion list. I looked into this a bit more, and I have added screen shots so that it makes more sense.


Read more... (you have to be a subscriber to follow this link).


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