The Connect/Combine tool is used to extend lines to another object. This makes it ideal when you have some lines that you want to extend to the edge of an object. I know you could use the Selection tool to drag the end of the line to touch the other…
When you set up models on different layers, it can be awkward to change views to see the entire model. The answer is to use Unified View. Unified View is located on the right side of the View Bar (at the top of the screen). This allows you to work…
Sketching is a fundamental skill for Architects and Technologists, but many of us are not taught to sketch. I always wanted to be an architect so I took art in high school. The art teacher sent us all out with a sketchbook and pencils and when we returned, criticised our…
The Visualization Palette shows all the lights in the current view. This allows you to select any lights in the current view. You can also use the Force Select command to force Vectorworks to change layers and classes so that your light can be selected.
Older versions of Vectorworks did not allow you to scale symbols, you have to break them up into groups first. Later versions of Vectorworks allow you to scale symbols. This makes it easy to use the same symbol (which is much more memory efficient) in several different places, but at several…
The heliodon is designed to create a sun. With the heliodon you set the latitude and longitude (or you select the city) then set the day and time. Vectorworks will then calculate the correct angle of the sun. You can edit the time of day by typing in the time, or…
Wall Styles are a great productivity tool when drawing buildings. They make it quick to change from one wall type to another when you are drawing, they can be stored in your library so that you can use the Wall Styles on every project and the make it easy to change…
I have written a manual called the Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial Manual, which is designed to teach new users all the important fundamental concepts of Vectorworks. I recommend this manual as the best way to teach new users how to get the best from Vectorworks. It has now been used by…
This tool has three modes, the third mode is used to split and trim objects with a line. This mode is ideal for trimming objects like polygons, rectangles, etc. With this mode, you get to choose which side of your split line will be retained. That makes this tool really…
The Split Tool has three modes. The second mode is used to split objects with a line. This mode is ideal for splitting objects like polygons, rectangles, etc. In this image you should notice that I’m trying to split a rectangle that is on top of two other rectangles. The new…