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Editing Objects

Selecting Objects

VectorWorks's drawing environment is hybrid and so is its editing environment. You can edit any hybrid object in 2D or 3D and you can edit all objects in 2D.Selecting Objects

To select a single object

    1. Click the selection tool.

    The cursor changes to an arrow.

    2. Click the desired mode button (if necessary).

    3. Click the desired object.

    The object is selected as indicated by the appearance of handles.

To select multiple objects using the Shift key

    1. Click the selection tool.

    The cursor changes to an arrow.

    2. Click the desired mode button (if necessary).

    3. Press and hold the Shift key while clicking on each object.

    Each clicked object is selected as indicated by the appearance of handles.

To select multiple objects using the marquee box

    1. Click the selection tool.

    The cursor changes to an arrow.

    2. Click the desired mode button (if necessary).

    3. Click-drag a marquee box around the desired objects.

    Each object completely contained within the marquee box is selected as indicated by the appearance of handles.

    Note: If you press and hold the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) keys while drawing the marquee box, then any objects that the box touches will be selected.

To select and make a copy of an object

    1. Click the selection tool.

    The cursor changes to an arrow.

    2. Click the desired mode button (if necessary).

    3. Press and hold the Option key while clicking on the desired object.

    The copy of the object is made and placed directly on top of the clicked object. The copied object remains selected as indicated by the appearance of handles. You can move the copy to any location on the drawing.

2D Selection Tool

The 2D Selection Tool has two modes: Resize Selection and Wall Insertion. Both of these modes default to the On position.

When Resize mode is On, you can resize any object by grabbing a corner handle and stretching it. When Resize mode is Off, you can move any object by its corner handle without resizing it. This is useful when trying to place two objects together at their corners.

When Wall Insertion mode is On, symbols are automatically inserted into walls when placed on top of a wall. When Wall Insertion mode is Off, symbols can be positioned on top of or next to walls without being inserted into the wall. Also, if a symbol is already in the wall, it can not be moved outside of the wall but can be moved within the wall. See "Placing Duplicate Symbols in Walls" for more information.

Note: Wall insertion mode only applies to symbols that are already in the drawing. New symbol insertions are not affected.

3D Selection Tool

You use the 3D Selection Tool to select, move, or resize 3D objects in orthogonal views. When this tool is active, your cursor will remain an arrow within the Drawing Area. In addition, you'll see a dotted line that branches from your X and Y locations in the Drawing Area. This line helps you also identify the Z location of the Selection Arrow in your drawing.

When you click the 3D Selection Tool, five mode buttons are shown. These mode buttons are shortcuts to five common standard 3D views. They are Top View, Front View, Right View, Right Isometric, and Left Isometric, from left to right. For explanations of these views see "Using Standard Views" . While in a 2D projection, you can use the 2D Selection Tool to move 3D objects.

Select All

The Select All command gives you a one-step way to select all visible objects in your editable layers. For more information on setting editable objects, see layer options on "Setting Layer Options" .

To select all objects in the drawing area

1. From the Edit menu, select Select All.

VectorWorks will select all visible objects using the level options you have set. Each of these selected objects will display with selection handles. Selections on other levels are indicated by hollow rectangles for the selection handles.

Edit Pop Up

There is a special menu that pops up when selecting an object with a Control -right click (Windows) or Option-clicking (Macintosh). This menu contains some commonly used editing features like cut and copy. Depending on the objects selected and the recent functions performed, the available menu options will change.

The Properties selection brings up a window similar to the Object Info. palette which contains information specific to the selected object.

Duplicating Objects

The Duplicate command lets you make a copy of and place an object or group of objects. Depending on the setting in your VectorWorks Preferences, the duplicated object or objects will either be offset (placed on top but off-center of the original) or placed directly on top of the original.

To duplicate any object

    1. Select the 2D/3D object(s) you want to copy.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Duplicate.

    VectorWorks will place a copy of the selected object(s) in your drawing according to the settings in the VectorWorks Preferences dialog box.

    Note: When objects that have an offset are duplicated, the offset is carried with the duplicate.

Duplicating in Array

The Duplicate Array command allows you to control how many copies of selected objects are made and how these copies are arrayed, meaning placed, in your drawing.

To create a duplicate array

    1. Select the 2D/3D object or objects you want to copy.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Duplicate Array.

    The Duplicate dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the Duplication Shape criteria.

    If you select Linear, enter the number of copies.

    If you select Rectangular Array, enter the number of columns you want the copies placed in Columns.

    If you select Circular Array, type the rotation angle you want VectorWorks to use when placing the copies Angle.

    Note: You can specify an exact angle up to four decimal places. However, if you have the Angular Precision (in the units dialog) set to 0°, the Object Info palette will show them as rounded up.

    4. Click the start point for the copied images.

    If you want to use set coordinates, click Manual and tell VectorWorks how far from the original you want the copies to be placed by typing in X and Y coordinates.

    If you want to hand-place the copies, click Next Mouse Click.

    5. Click sizing options.

    If you want the objects resized, click the Resize Duplicate checkbox and type in the X scale and Y scale.

    If you don't, make sure the Resize Duplicate checkbox is not clicked.

    6. Enter rotating options.

    If you want the object rotated, select the Rotate Duplicate checkbox and type the rotation you want to use for the copies after Angle.

    If you don't, make sure the Rotate Duplicate checkbox is not selected.

    7. Click OK.

    If you used set coordinates, VectorWorks will automatically place the duplicate copies.

    If you selected Next Mouse Click, move the mouse to the rectangular or center for circular duplications where you want the copies placed and click.

Duplicating on a Path

The Duplicate Along Path Tool lets you create and place several copies of a 2D object or a group of 2D objects in your drawing. You can either place the object(s) along an existing 2D path in your drawing or create a path when you duplicate the object(s).

In addition, you can set the spacing between duplicates, either visually or with a precise measurement. Or you can tell VectorWorks the number of duplicates you want placed on the path, and let the program determine the spacing needed so that each one is an equal distance from the it's neighbors

Using an Existing Path

To duplicate along an existing path

    1. Select the 2D object or objects you want to duplicate.

    2. Select the Duplicate Along Path Tool on the Edit palette.

    3. Select the Click on a path object mode.

    4. Click the Duplicate Along Path Preferences mode button.

    The Duplicate Along Path dialog box appears.

    5. Click Fixed Distance or Number of Duplicates.

    For Fixed Distance, go to step 6 then proceed to step 8.

    For Number of Duplicates, go to step 7.

    6. Choose how you want to determine the spacing.

    If you want to use a pre-measured distance, click Distance and type the measurement in its textbox.

    If you want to visually determine the distance when you place the duplicates, click With Drag.

    Go to step 8.

    7. Click Number of Duplicates and enter how many in Number.

    8. Select where you want the duplicates to start.

    If you want the first duplicate to begin at a set distance from the start of the path, select Distance and type the measurement in the textbox after it.

    If you want the first duplicate to begin exactly at your mouse click, select Next Click.

    Note: If you set the distance to zero, the first duplicate will appear at the start of the path.

    9. If you want the object to rotate so that it is always tangent to the path, click the Tangent to Path checkbox; if not, make sure this checkbox is not clicked.

    10. Click OK.

    11. Place your duplicates.

    If you typed an exact distance, move the cursor to where you want to place the first duplicate. Click, and while continuing to hold down the button, drag in the direction you wish to place the duplicates, then release the mouse button.

    If you selected With Drag, move the cursor to where you want to place the first duplicate. Then click, and while continuing to hold down the button, drag the cursor in the direction you want the duplicates placed, continuing until you have all the duplicates you want. Then release the mouse button.

Duplicating Objects on a Path

To duplicate while creating a path

    1. Select the 2D object or objects you want to duplicate.

    2. Select the Duplicate Along Path Tool on the Edit palette.

    3. Select the Create Path mode.

    4. Click the Duplicate Along Path Preferences mode button.

    The Duplicate Along Path dialog box appears.

    5. Click Fixed Distance or Number of Duplicates.

    For Fixed Distance go to step 6 then proceed to step 8.

    For Number of Duplicate, go to step 7.

    6. Choose how you want to determine the spacing.

    If you want to use a pre-measured distance, click Distance and type the measurement in its textbox.

    If you want to visually determine the distance when you place the duplicates, click With Drag.

    Go to step 8.

    7. Click Number of Duplicates and enter how many in Number.

    8. Click the start point of your polygon path.

    9. Click at each vertex.

    10. Double-click to mark the end point of the path.

    Note: Do not double-click to exit the tool, as doing so creates additional duplicates.

Copying and Pasting Objects

VectorWorks allows you to copy an object to the clipboard, where it is temporarily stored. You then can paste the clipboard object into that same drawing file, into another VectorWorks file, or into another software program's file if that program also has copy and paste commands.

To copy objects

    1. Select the 2D/3D object or objects you want to copy.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Copy.

    Although you can't see it, VectorWorks has placed a copy of the object on your clipboard.

    When you paste a clipboard object into a VectorWorks file, VectorWorks will automatically center the object in the Drawing Area. And, as long as you do not Quit (Macintosh) or Exit (Windows) VectorWorks before pasting the clipboard object, it will retain VectorWorks's high resolution.

    Note: You may lose some resolution while switching (not quitting) programs. It is recommended to paste as soon as possible.

To paste objects

    1. Go to the drawing file and the layer that you want to add the object to.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Paste.

    VectorWorks has pasted the object at the location of the last mouse click unless the last mouse click was out of your current view. In this case it will paste at drawing center.

    Note: If you hold down the Option (Macintosh) or Shift (Windows) key while pasting a clipboard object, VectorWorks will act as if Paste in Place where chosen.This can really help when pasting objects from one layer to another.

Paste as Picture

Like the Paste command, the Paste as Picture command places a copy of your system's clipboard contents in your active VectorWorks drawing file. However, when you use the Paste as Picture command, VectorWorks will place all the contents as a single object/picture. Because the contents are now one item, you cannot edit any individual objects (including symbols and text) in your drawing file.

There are two advantages to using the Paste as Picture command. First, as a single item, the clipboard objects will be placed into your drawing file much quicker. Second, the pasted objects will retain their 24-bit color information and PostScript comments as well as all other embedded information.

Note: This feature may drop resolution to 72 dpi.

To paste as a picture

    1. Go to the drawing file and the layer that you want to add the object to.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Paste as Picture.

Paste in Place

The Paste in Place command works exactly like the Paste command with one exception. The clipboard contents will be pasted into your active drawing exactly at the location they appeared in the original.

To paste in place

    1. Go to the drawing file and the layer that you want to add the object to.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Paste in Place.

Cutting Objects

Like many other software programs, VectorWorks allows you to cut (remove) an object from your drawing, temporarily storing the object(s) on the clipboard. You then can paste the clipboard object into that same drawing file, into another VectorWorks file, or into another software program's file if that program also has cut and paste commands.

To cut objects

    1. Select the 2D/3D object or objects you want to remove.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Cut.

    Although you can't see it, VectorWorks has moved the object to your clipboard.

Clearing Objects

The Clear command deletes any object or objects that you have selected in your drawing. It works the same as pressing the Delete key, meaning that the object(s) are not stored on the clipboard. The only way to retrieve a "cleared" object is to select Undo. This command gives you an additional way to remove an object from your drawing without deleting the current contents of your clipboard.

To clear objects from the drawing

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to remove from your drawing.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Clear.

2D or 3D Mirror

The 2D and 3D Mirror Tools work similarly and each tool has two options. You can use them to change an object into its mirror image, or to add a mirror-image copy of an object to your drawing.

Changing an Object into its Mirror Image

To change into mirror objects

    1. Select the object you want to change.

    2. Select the 2D Mirror Tool from the Edit palette or 3D Mirror Tool from the 3D Tools palette.

    The 2D tool mirrors about an axis in the x, y plane and works on all objects, 3D Mirror uses a mirror plane and only works on 3D objects.

    3. Click the Mirror mode button.

    4. Create the Axis (2D) or Pivot Line (3D).

    2D - create the axis you want to mirror the object on by clicking at the start of the axis. Click the end of the axis. This is an imaginary line.

    VectorWorks will flip the object, placing it on the opposite side of the axis line you drew.

    3D - Create a pivot line for the object by clicking to select a vertex on the working plane. Click at the end of the pivot line. This is an imaginary line. VectorWorks will flip your object so that it is on the other side of your pivot line.

Rotating Objects

You can rotate 2Dand 3D objects in a variety of ways in VectorWorks using the Rotate tool and the Rotate command. The Rotate command rotates around the current location of the object and the tool gives you options to specify the way rotation is performed.

2D Rotate

The 2D Rotate Tool lets you rotate all objects in your drawing. Double-clicking this tool also invokes the Rotate Object dialog box as described in "2D Custom Rotation" .

To rotate 2D objects

    1. Select the 2D object or objects you want to rotate.

    2. Select the 2D Rotate Tool on the Edit palette.

    3. Click to create a fulcrum line (a temporary handle to rotate your object)

    4. Click to end the fulcrum line.

    5. Move the cursor to rotate the object.

    6. Click to set the rotation.

3D Rotate

Standard Rotation

To rotate along a working plane

    1. Select the 3D object you want to rotate.

    2. Select the 3D Rotate Tool from the 3DTools palette.

    3. Click the Rotate Only mode button and the Standard Rotation mode button.

    4. Click to create a fulcrum line (a temporary "handle" to rotate your object).

    5. Click to end the fulcrum line.

    6. Move the cursor to rotate the object.

    7. Click to set the rotation.

Rotate and Duplicate

To rotate and duplicate in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object you want to duplicate and rotate.

    2. Select the 3D Rotate Tool from the 3DTools palette.

    3. Click the Duplicate and Rotate mode button and the Standard Rotation mode button.

    4. Click to create a fulcrum line (a temporary handle to rotate your object).

    5. Click to end the fulcrum line.

    6. Move the cursor to rotate the object.

    7. Click to place the duplicate.

Alignment Rotation

To rotate using a defined vector in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object you want to rotate.

    2. Select the 3D Rotate Tool from the 3DTools palette.

    3. Click the Rotate Only mode button and the Alignment Rotation mode button.

    4. Click the edge of the object you want to be the center of rotation.

    5. Click to create a fulcrum line (a temporary handle to set the center of rotation) and then release the button.

    6. Click to the desired point on the second object.

Alignment Rotate and Duplicate

To rotate along defined vector and duplicate

    1. Select the 3D object you want to duplicate and rotate.

    2. Select the 3D Rotate Tool from the 3DTools palette.

    3. Click the Duplicate and Rotate mode button and the Alignment Rotation mode button.

    4. Click the edge of the object you want to be the center of rotation.

    5. Click and drag to create a fulcrum line (a temporary handle to rotate your object) and then release the button.

    6. Click to the desired point on the second object.

    7. Move the cursor to rotate the duplicate of your object.

    8. Click to place the duplicate.

Preset Rotation Angles

The Rotate command gives you a number of ways to rotate 2D and 3D objects in your drawing without changing their base location in the drawing. You can select one of the preset rotation angles--Rotate Left 90º, Rotate Right 90º, Flip Horizontal, or Flip Vertical. Or, if you prefer, you can designate a custom rotation angle.

To rotate at preset angles

    1. Select the 2D or 3D object(s) that you want to rotate.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Rotate and then the pre-set rotation that you want to use.

    Note: With custom rotations, the precision of the values you can enter (degrees, minutes, and/or seconds) depends on your Units setting.

2D Custom Rotation

The center of rotation for this command is limited to the center of the object's bounding box.

To rotate at custom angles in 2D

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to rotate.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Rotate and then Rotate.

    The Rotate Object dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the rotation angle you want to use in the textbox after Angle.

    4. Click OK.

3D Custom Rotation

To rotate at custom angles in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object or objects that you want to rotate.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Rotate and then Rotate 3D.

    The Rotate Object in 3D dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired criteria.

    If you click Working Plane Center, VectorWorks will make the rotation using the center of your working plane.

    If you click Object Center, VectorWorks will make the rotation using the center of the selected object.

    If you click Next Mouse Click, VectorWorks will make the rotation using the place you click the mouse in your Drawing Window.

    Click the desired rotation axis.

    4. Click OK.

Unrotate 3D Objects

The Unrotate 3D Objects command allows you to return any 3D object that has its own coordinate system to its upright position. You can use the command to rotate symbols, extrudes, multiple extrudes, and sweeps so that they align with the world coordinate system. It is especially helpful if you become disoriented while rotating an object.

To unrotate 3D objects

    1. Select the 3D object or objects that you want to unrotate.

    2. From the Model menu, select Unrotate 3D Objects.

Undoing Actions

You can undo one or more of your most recent actions. You set the number of actions that can be undone on the Session Tab of VectorWorks Preferences.The maximum number of undos is 100. You can also choose to having warning dialog appear when you attempt to undo a non-undoable action in this dialog.

To undo recent changes

    1. Select Undo from the Edit menu.

    Your most recent change is undone. Continuing to select the Undo command will undo your changes in the reverse order that they were performed.

    Note: The higher the maximum number of undos is set, the more memory the application may require, since all modified objects are stored in the undo table in their pre-modified state. If the undo system is turned off (maximum set to zero, the application may run slightly faster. If the undo system is on, (maximum not set to zero) increasing the maximum number of undos will not affect performance.

Redoing Actions

You can also redo any action or actions after you've undone them. The number of redos available is determined by how many undos were performed.

To redo actions that were undone

    1. Select Redo from the Edit menu.

    The last Redo is reversed and the action is completed again. Continuing to select the Redo command will redo your changes in the reverse order that they were performed.

Object Information

To look at object information

    1. From the Palette menu, select Object Info.

    The Object Info palette appears.

    2. Click the desired tab.

    3. Select the object or objects in your Drawing Area for which you want to see information.

    If you select a single object, the Object Info palette will automatically display details for that object.

If you select multiple objects of the same type you can modify them all at one time using the multiple edit button. If you select multiple objects with more than one type of object, the Object Info palette can display details for one object at a time or using the multiple edit button can display class and layer information for the selection. Use the right selection button to move forward through your selected objects. You then can move backward one object at a time by using the left selection button. If you're not sure to which object the information applies, the middle button highlights the currently selected object.

If a selection button is "grayed," you have reached the end of the selection of objects. For example, a grayed right selection button means that you have moved forward through all the selected objects and now must move backward, using the left selection button.

If you select several objects that are all the same type, then the palette displays a "batch" editing mode.

To edit objects with the Object Info palette

    1. From the Palette menu, select Object Info.
    The Object Info palette appears.

    2. Select the object or objects in your Drawing Area that you want to change.

    If you select a single object, the Object Info palette will automatically display details for that object.

    If you select multiple objects of the same type you can modify them all at one time using the multiple edit button. In this case all of the objects information is displayed. If you select multiple objects with more than one type of object, the Object Info palette can display details for one object at a time or using the multiple selection button to change layer and class information for the selected objects.

    Use the right selection button to move forward through your selected objects. You then can move backward one object at a time by using the left selection button. If you're not sure to which object the information applies, the middle button highlights the currently selected object.

    3. Change the desired criteria

    You can change any information in a text box by highlighting and overwriting that information. You must press the Enter or Tab key to have the change take effect. Note that as each change is entered, it takes effect.

    Click each tab to ensure that all of the data you wish to change has been addressed.

    Note: Some fields accept boolean operators such as +), -, *), and /.

    Note: To display additional fields, if available, use the controls at the bottom of the window.

Shape Tab

Classes and layers are always shown in the Shape tab. Detailed object information displayed can change according to the type of object selected. A few specific things to consider when changing object information through the Shape tab are:

    · To change individual objects in a group, you must first select the Enter Group command or the Ungroup command.

    · In single vertex mode, only that vertex will be changed. However, in entire object mode, all the vertices will be changed.

If a selection button is "grayed," you have reached the end of the selection of objects. For example, a grayed right selection button means that you have moved forward through all the objects and now must move backward, using the left selection button.

Data Tab

When you select this tab in the Object Info palette, VectorWorks will give you a listing of all records in your drawing and a checkbox showing which ones are attached as well as the object name. You can also use the Object Info palette to make changes to record settings.

To view and change record details with the Object Info palette

    1. From the Palette menu, select Object Info.

    2. Click the Data tab.

    3. Select the object in your Drawing Area for which you want to see information.

    The following information is displayed.

Data Tab Option Description
Object Name Shows the name, if any, given to an object.
Record List Shows all the records that are active in your drawing. If any of these records are attached to your selected object, the box to the left of the record name will have an X.
Field List Provides a listing of all the record fields in this box if a record is attached to the selected object. If any field has a default value assigned, it will appear after the field name.
Editing Pane Provides an area for entering record information.

    Note: If you have more than one object selected, only the records attached to all objects will have an X.

    Note: You can resize the three list textboxes by selecting and dragging the bars between them.

    4. Change the desired criteria

    If any records are attached to your selected object, the box to the left of the record name will have an X.

    If you want to attach a record to the selected object, click the empty box to the left of the record name. It will fill with an X, meaning that the record has been attached to the selected object.

    Note: Record formats can only be deleted through the Resources palette.

    If you want to detach a record from the selected object, click the box with the X to the left of the record name. In the dialog box that appears, click OK. This will detach only the record from the selected object. It will not delete the record from your drawing file or detach it from any other objects that are not selected.

    If you have more than one record assigned to the selected object, or more than one record in your drawing file, you can display the fields for any one record by selecting it in the Record List box.

Lock/Unlock

Locking Objects

You can protect objects in your drawing with the Lock command so that they cannot be accidentally moved, deleted, or edited. You must unlock the object before you are able to make any changes to it. The exception is editing objects that have containers, such as symbols, groups, extrudes, sweeps, roofs, columns, and floors. A 3D object that has a container can only have its contents edited in 2D. An example of a container object is a group of objects that have been swept. In 3D, you see a 3D object. But when you edit it, you will see only a 2D polygon, which is the contents of the container. The 2D polygon is the container object that will be must be locked or unlocked.

To lock objects

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to lock.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Lock.

    The selection handles for the locked object(s) will now display as gray rather than black boxes.

Unlocking Objects

You can unlock an object or group of objects that you previously locked with the Unlock command. Unlocked objects act like any other object you create in VectorWorks. You can move, delete, or edit them.

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to unlock.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Unlock.

    Selection handles are returned to a solid black.

Applying Attributes to Objects

The Attributes palette helps you make changes to the appearance of objects in your VectorWorks drawings, or to determine which graphic characteristics have already been applied. There are pulldown menus for the color and pattern Fill options, including solids, and pulldown menus for the Pen options.

You can use the Attributes palette with all 2D and 3D VectorWorks objects with one exception which is text. The only text characteristics you can change with the Attributes palette are color and fill pattern. All other text attributes are controlled by individual menu commands, all of which are listed under the Text menu item.

To set default attributes

    1. Make sure no objects are selected in the Drawing Area.

    2. From the Palette menu, select Attributes.

    The Attributes palette appears.

    3. Enter the desired criteria by pulling down the menus and selecting desired options.

    Note: You can also set the defaults using the Eyedropper Tool.

To apply attributes to objects

    1. Select the object or objects

    2. From the Palette menu, select Attributes.

    The Attributes palette appears.

    3. Enter the desired criteria by pulling down the menus and selecting desired options.

    The object's attributes are changed.

Fill

In VectorWorks, you can fill objects with either a solid color, a hatch, or a fill pattern. You also can set the object fill default to "None" if you want to create transparent objects with no fill pattern.

Fill Style Description
None No fill is applied
Solid A solid fill and color are applied.
Pattern A patterned fill and color are applied.
Hatch A Hatch pattern is applied. Color is available for the hatch definition. You edit the hatch definition with the Resources palette.
Class Style The attributes for the object's class are applied, including any parameters for the class. See "Using Classes" .

    Note: You can import color palettes from other documents or edit existing palettes using Edit>Set Attribute Defaults>Color Palette.

    Depending on the number of colors supported by your monitor, you can pick fill colors from a palette of up to 256 colors. (VectorWorks's Color palette automatically displays as many colors as your monitor can handle up to 256.) Currently, VectorWorks lets you pick from 64 available fill patterns. Some of these choices are user definable.

Pen

In VectorWorks, you can set your pen so that objects are outlined in a solid, dashed, or pattern line of any thickness. And, depending on the number of colors supported by your monitor, you can pick pen colors from a palette of up to 256 colors. (VectorWorks's Color palette automatically displays as many colors as your monitor can handle up to 256.)

Pen Style Description
None No fill is applied.
Solid A solid fill and color are applied.
Pattern A patterned fill and color are applied.
Dash A Dash pattern and color are applied.
Class Style The attributes for the object's class are applied, including any parameters for the class. See "Using Classes" .

You can change object attributes in the same way you apply them. New attribute choices overwrite existing ones. The default settings that appear in the Attributes palette can also be changed as described in "Default Object Attributes" .

Transferring Attributes

The Eyedropper Tool lets you transfer any or all attributes from one object to another in a single step, including:

Setting Explanation
Pen Solid or pattern, and single color or foreground and background colors.
Fill Pattern and its foreground and background colors.
Line Weight (thickness), line style, and any markers (arrowheads, etc.) and their size.
Other Object Information The object's class and any database records attached to it.

The Eyedropper Tool has two modes--pick up an object's attributes and put down (transfer) those attributes to another object.

Note: The Eyedropper Tool does not transfer text attributes.

Transferring Object Attributes

To transfer object attributes

    1. Select the Eyedropper Tool from the Edit palette.

    2. Click the Pick up attributes mode button.

    3. Click the Filter Preferences mode button.

    The Pick Up/Put Down Filter dialog box appears.

    4. Click the attributes you want the Eyedropper Tool to record.

    5. Click OK.

    The cursor changes to an eyedropper.

    6. Click the object to grab the attributes from.

    7. Click the Put down attributes mode button.

    The cursor changes from an eyedropper to a paint bucket.

    8. Click the object to apply the attributes to.

    The attributes appear in the object.

    Note: Pressing the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key switches between the two modes.

Transferring to Default Attributes

Use these directions if you want to change your default attributes settings to match the attributes used by a particular object. From that point on, all new objects you draw will use the attributes you "picked up."

To transfer to default attributes

    1. Select the Eyedropper Tool from the Edit palette.

    2. Click the Pick up attributes mode button.

    3. Click the Filter Preferences mode button.

    Pick Up/put Down Filter dialog box appears.

    4. Click the Pick Up Sets Defaults checkbox.

    5. Click the attributes you want the Eyedropper Tool to record.

    6. Click OK.

    The cursor changes to an eyedropper.

    7. Click the object to grab the attributes from.

    VectorWorks has now changed the default settings that you selected in the Filter dialog box. Each new object you draw from this point will use your new attributes until you change them.

    Note: Pressing the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key switches between the two modes.

Moving Objects

There are two ways to move 2D and 3D objects in your VectorWorks drawings. You can specify the exact distance you want an object to move (move) or you can move selected objects a pixel at a time (nudge). In addition to these methods, you can invoke the selection tools and use a click and drag to move objects around.

To move 2D objects using the Move command

1. Select the object(s) that you want to move.

2. From the Tool menu, select Move and then Move.

The Move Selection dialog box appears.

3. Enter the desired criteria.

Click the coordinate system you want to use: Cartesian or Polar.

Specify the distance you want to move the object.

If you are using Cartesian coordinates, type the X Offset and the Y Offset distances in their respective textboxes.

If you are using Polar coordinates, type the Distance and the Angle in their respective textboxes.

4. Click OK.

To move 3D objects

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to move.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Move and then Move 3D.

    The Move 3D Selection dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired criteria.

    Select the coordinate system you want to use: X,Y,Z (Cartesian) or I,J,K (Working Plane).

    Specify the distance you want to move the object.

    If you are using Cartesian coordinates, type the X Offset, Y Offset, and Z Offset distances in their respective textboxes.

    If you are using Working Plane coordinates, type the I Offset, J Offset, and K Offset distances in their respective textboxes.

    4. Click OK.

Nudge

Use the Nudge command if you want to move 2D and 3D objects a pixel at a time. The Nudge command will remain in effect as long as the object is selected. To nudge another object, repeat the process.

Note: When nudging while zoomed, the zoom effects the nudge. The closer you are zoomed, the less each keystroke nudges the object.

To nudge an object

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to move.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Move and then Nudge.

    3. Use the arrow keys to move the object up, down, left, or right a pixel at a time.

    4. When you are done moving the object, click anywhere in the Drawing Area to deselect the object.

Reshaping 2D Objects

Move Handles of Polygons Mode

Select this mode button if you want to reshape a 2D polyline or polygon by moving its object handles.

To 2D reshape by moving handles

    1. Click the polyline or polygon that you want to change.

    2. Select the 2D Reshape Tool from the Edit palette and the Move handles of polygons mode button.

    3. Click the handle point that you want to move and drag it to its new location.

    Note: To select more than one handle at a time, draw a marquee box. You can also draw a free-form marquee, by pressing the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key while drawing a marquee (your cursor will look like a tiny lasso).

    Note: Any object that cannot be reshaped with this tool will continue to display standard bounding box handles only.

Change Vertex Mode

Select this mode button if you want to change an existing vertex to a different type of control point.

To 2D reshape by changing a vertex

    1. Click the polyline or polygon that you want to change.

    2. Select the 2D Reshape Tool from the Edit palette and the Change Vertex mode button.

    3. Choose what type of control point you want to change the existing vertex into.

Control Point Mode Explanation
Corner Point Vertex forms a straight angle.
Bézier Control Point Curve of polygon/polyline pulls towards but does not touch the vertex.
Cubic Spline Point Curve of polygon/polyline passes through the vertex.
Fillet (Circular Arc) Point Vertex becomes a fillet. Click Fillet Setting mode button, enter a radius in the Fillet Radius text box, and click OK. (For the largest possible fillet, set the Fillet Radius to 0 (zero).

    Note: If you click the handle at the center point along an edge, a new vertex will be added exactly at that center point.Change vertex will not work on a midpoint handle. make sure you have selected a vertex point.

    4. Click the vertex you want to change

Add Vertex Mode

Select this mode button if you want to add a vertex to the polygon/polyline.

To 2D reshape by adding a vertex

    1. Click the polyline or polygon that you want to change.

    2. Select the 2D Reshape Tool from the Edit palette and the Add Vertex mode button.

    3. Choose what type of control point you want the new vertex to be.

    4. Move the mouse cursor to the existing vertex that you want the new vertex added next to. You'll know you can add the vertex when the cursor becomes an arrow with two black diamonds.

Control Point Mode Explanation
Corner Point Vertex forms a straight angle.
Bézier Control Point Curve of polygon/polyline pulls towards but does not touch the vertex.
Cubic Spline Point Curve of polygon/polyline passes through the vertex.
Fillet (Circular Arc) Point Vertex becomes a fillet. Click Fillet Setting mode button, enter a radius in the Fillet Radius text box, and click OK. (For the largest possible fillet, set the Fillet Radius to 0 (zero).

    Note: If you click on the handle at a centerpoint along an edge, a new vertex will be added exactly at that centerpoint.

    5. Drag the cursor to the desired location for the vertex.

    6. Click the new location.

Delete Vertex Mode

Select this mode button if you want to delete an existing vertex on the polygon/polyline.

To 2D reshape by deleting a vertex

    1. Click the polyline or polygon that you want to change.

    2. Select the 2D Reshape Tool from the Edit palette and the Delete Vertex mode button.

    3. Click the existing vertex that you want to delete.

Hide or Show Edges Mode

Select this mode button if you want to hide but not delete a portion of the object's boundary.

To 2D reshape with hide or show edges.

    1. Click the polyline or polygon that you want to change.

    2. Select the 2D Reshape Tool and the Hide or show edges mode button.

    3. Click the vertex in the center of the edge that you want to hide.

    If you click again in the same spot, you'll show the portion of the object that you just hid.

Performing Multiple Reshapes

The Multiple Reshape function is a powerful function that can save you a tremendous amount of time. Instead of individually reshaping each object, one at a time, you can marquee select all of the objects and reshape them all at once. The objects that you can do this to include lines, polylines, walls, dimensions, and polygons. Polygons includes all regular polygons, as well as irregular polygons and objects drawn with the Freehand Tool. However, this function does not work on objects drawn with the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Arc Tools.

To resize a wall with multiple reshape

    1. Click on the wall to resize.

    2. Click the 2D Reshape Tool from the Edit palette on the 2D Tools palette.

    The cursor changes to the

    3. Draw a marquee around the vertex of the end you want to resize.

    A dotted outline of the rectangle appears and stays displayed until the move is completed.

    4. Change the location of the vertex.

    You can move the location of the vertex by either click-dragging it with the mouse or using the Move command.

    To use the mouse, click-drag on the vertex and move it to the desired location.

    Note: You can also use the Tab key to move to the L field in the Data Display Bar and enter an exact length. Press the Tab key while the mouse button is still depressed until the L field is highlighted, enter a value for the length, and release the mouse button.

    To use the Move command, select Move from the Tool menu. The Move Selection dialog box appears. Select either the Cartesian or Polar radio buttons.

    If you select Cartesian, enter a value for the X and Y Offsets and click OK.

    If you select Polar, enter values for the Distance and Angle and click OK.

    The wall is resized with the wall intersections, walls, doors, or other symbols maintained in place. The marquee box remains on the screen until you select another tool or command.

    Note: You can also use a modification of this function to selectively choose, or lasso, vertices of objects. Press and hold the Control key (Windows) or the Option key (Macintosh) while drawing the marquee. The cursor changes to the lasso cursor and you can draw a free form marquee to choose specific vertices. This works with lines, polylines, polygons, and, to an extent, walls.

Reshaping 3D Objects

Changing the Height of Extrudes

The following procedure explains how to use the 3D Reshape Tool to change the height of extrudes.

To change the height of extrudes

    1. Click the extruded object that you want to reshape.

    2. Select the 3D Reshape Tool from the 3D Tools palette.

    An additional two control points are added to the center edges of the extrude.

    3. Click and drag the cursor on a resize handle to resize the extrude.

    When the cursor is over a resize handle, the standard arrow cursor changes into a double-headed, unfilled arrow.

    4. Release the mouse when the object is at the desired size.

Reshaping Walls

You can use the 3D Reshape Tool to change the height or length of walls, to add control points to create a peak in a wall, or to delete one of the control points you've added. (See "Industry-Specific Tools" for information on creating and otherwise editing walls.) Symbols remain where placed when a wall is reshaped.

To change the height of a wall

    1. Click the wall you want to reshape with the 3D Selection Tool.

    2. Click the 3D Reshape Tool from the 3D Tools palette.

    3. Select Reshape 3D Walls on the Mode Bar.

    4. Position the cursor at an end point.

    When the cursor is over the end point, the standard arrow cursor changes into a double-headed, unfilled arrow.

    5. Click-drag the mouse to raise or lower the wall.

    6. Release the mouse when at the desired height.

To change the wall's length

    1. Click the wall you want to reshape with the 3D Selection Tool.

    2. Click the 3D Reshape Tool from the 3D Tools palette.

    3. Select Reshape 3D Walls on the Mode Bar.

    Two additional selection handles appear in the middle of either end of the wall.

    4. Position the cursor over a middle selection handle.

    When the cursor is over the selection handle, the standard arrow cursor changes into a double-headed, filled arrow.

    5. Click-drag the mouse to lengthen or shorten the wall.

    Note: Pressing the Shift key at the same time constrains the wall to predefined angles.

    6. Release the mouse when the wall is at the desired length.

To add a control point to a wall

    1. Click the wall to reshape with the 3D Selection Tool.

    2. Click the 3D Reshape Tool from the 3D Tools palette.

    3. Select Add 3D Wall Peaks on the Mode Bar.

    4. Position the cursor at an end point on one of the corners or an existing peak.

    When the cursor is over an end point, the standard arrow cursor changes into a hollow box with arrows pointing away from all four corners.

    5. Click-drag the mouse to add the peak.

    A peak can be moved to any location along the same wall as long as the location doesn't pass another existing peak.

    6. Release the mouse when the peak is at the desired location.

To delete one of the control points

    1. Click the wall with the control point you want to delete using the 3D Selection Tool.

    2. Click the 3D Reshape Tool on the 3D Tools palette.

    3. Select Delete 3D Wall Peaks on the Mode Bar.

    4. Position the cursor over the peak control point you want to delete.

    When the cursor is over a peak control point, the standard arrow cursor changes into a hollow box with arrows pointing away from all four corners.

    5. Click on the control point.

    The control point disappears and the wall is reshaped to the remaining control points.

Resizing Objects

The Resize Tool, which lets you resize rectangles, polygons and ellipses, using a fixed point on the drawing as the point of reference, is best used for visual effects. Essentially, it allows you to scale an object relative to a particular location in your drawing. If you want to rescale an object using the center of the selection as the scaling point, you also can use the Scale Objects command. See "Scaling Objects" .

To resize objects

    1. Click the object or objects you want to change.

    2. Select the Resize Tool from the Edit palette.

    3. Click on the point in your drawing that you want to serve as the fulcrum.

    If you select a fulcrum point that is at the exact center of the object, the resized object will be scaled symmetrically.

    However, if the fixed point you select is not at the center of the object, the resized object will change proportions.

    4. Click on an object edge and, while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the object into its new size, shape, and/or location.

Shearing Objects

The Shear Tool simultaneously skews all of the vertices of a rectangle, polygon, ellipse, or polyline, using a fixed point on the drawing as a point of reference. Think of it as placing a thumbtack on one point in the object, or the drawing, and reshaping every other object point except the one you have tacked down. The Shear Tool can be used to fake a 3D perspective.

To shear objects

    1. Click the object or objects you want to change

    2. Select the Shear Tool from the Edit palette.

    3. Click on the point in your drawing that you want to tack down.

    4. Click on the object and, while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the object to shear it.

Joining Objects

The Join command can be used with either two single lines or two double lines. It cannot, however, be used with a mixture of the two line types. You can join: two lines; two pairs of lines; or two walls. Joined lines intersect but remain as individual objects.

To join single lines

    1. Select the two single lines that you want to join.

    Remember they cannot be exactly parallel to one another.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Join.

    VectorWorks will automatically join the two lines together into a single bent line, trimming away any excess.

Join Double Lines

To join double lines

    1. Select the walls and/or double lines that you want to join.

    Remember they cannot be exactly parallel to one another.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Join.

    VectorWorks will automatically join the selected walls/lines together into a single object, creating a sharp angle and trimming away any excess.

Join and Fillet

In addition to joining objects, you can join and fillet.With single lines, you can join two lines without having VectorWorks automatically trim them.

With double lines, you can specify a fillet measurement, giving you a rounded corner between the two double lines (rather than having the two double lines meet at a sharp angle).

Join and Fillet Single Lines

To join and fillet single lines

    1. Select the two single lines that you want to join.

    Remember they cannot be exactly parallel to one another.

    2. Press the Command (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key; while continuing to hold down the key, from the Tool menu, select Join (no trim).

    VectorWorks will automatically connect the two lines, without trimming away any excess.

Join and Fillet with Double Lines

To join and fillet double lines

    1. Select the two double lines (lines drawn with the Double Line Tool) that you want to join.

    Remember they cannot be exactly parallel to one another.

    2. Press and hold the Command (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key, and, from the Tool menu, select Join and Fillet.

    If you have already specified a fillet measurement in your drawing, VectorWorks will automatically connect the two double lines, creating a fillet with the default value.

    If you have not specified a fillet measurement in your drawing, the Fillet Settings dialog box will appear. Type the fillet measurement you want to use, and then click OK. VectorWorks will automatically connect the two double lines, creating a fillet with the measurement you specified.

Grouping Objects

The Group command lets you select two or more individual objects (including text and symbols) and "group" them, thus telling VectorWorks to treat the group of objects as a single object. For example, you could move a group of objects to a different layer in your drawing with one move. In addition, you can use this command to select two or more groups of objects that you have created and turn them into a single group.

To group objects

    1. Select the objects (or groups) that you want to turn into a single group.

    2. From the Organize menu, select Group.

    The object are grouped into one object as indicated by the handles.

    Note: You can use the view bar's left arrow to exit a group and return to previous view. This can save time when working with 3D objects.

Edit Group

The Edit Group command gives you a way to edit several objects that you have grouped into a single option. It even works on a group of objects that is nested inside another group. In fact, each time you select the Edit Group command, VectorWorks will move one level deeper in the nested groups.

In addition, this is the command you need to use to make changes to 3D and hybrid objects, symbols, roofs, sweeps, extrudes and multiple extrudes, custom objects, and floors. Even though these objects are created without using the Group command, VectorWorks treats them as a group because they are objects that are defined by the objects they contain. For example, an extrude is defined by the 2D object it contains, its container object. If any of these objects have been moved or rotated, there 2D container objects are displayed at the original location for editing.

Note: Edit Group does not work on walls.

Note: Once a hybrid object is changed into its component parts, it cannot be regrouped. Be care when ungrouping hybrid objects.

When you are editing a group, the default is to hide all other objects in your drawing. However, if you want, you can have VectorWorks show all objects in your drawing, although you can only work with the grouped objects. To do this, select the Show Other Objects While In Group checkbox in your VectorWorks Preferences. This allows the Edit to use other objects for snapping.

To edit a group of objects

    1. Select the group you want to edit.

    2. From the Organize menu, select Edit Group.

    VectorWorks will automatically hide objects other than those in the selected group.

    3. Make your changes to the objects or container objects in this area.

    4. Click Exit Group.

    This is located in the top-right corner of your Mode Bar. This will take you back to your main Drawing Area or, if you are editing a group that is nested in other groups, the button will take you back one group.

Ungroup

The Ungroup command lets you ungroup objects or groups that you previously combined with the Group command. Just like that command, you can only ungroup groups one at a time when groups are nested.

To ungroup a group of objects

    1. Select the group that you want to ungroup.

    2. From the Organize menu, select Ungroup.

    The objects are ungrouped and still possess their individual attributes and information.

Top Level

The Top Level command is designed to be used when you are editing groups of objects that are nested. It allows you to exit all of the groups you are editing and return to the main Drawing Area in a single step.

From the Organize menu, select Top Level.

VectorWorks automatically exits you from all groups you might be editing and returns you to the main Drawing Area.

Trimming Objects

You can use an object to cut lines in your drawing. You can use the Trim command to cut walls. You can also cut off (trim) any object where it intersects with another object or objects, cutting away the portion of the object that does not intersect. Only the object you selected to trim will be affected by the Trim Tool--the other objects will stay the same. Use the Trim Tool to cut lines, polygons, polylines, ovals, circles, and arcs.

To trim by command

    1. Position the cutting object over the wall(s) where you want to make the trim.

    2. Select the line(s) you want to trim.

    3. From the Tool menu, select Trim.

    VectorWorks trims the line(s) where it intersects the cutting object, turning the trimmed portions of the line into independent line segments that you can move or delete.

To trim by tool

    1. Select the object(s) that you want to cut with.

    2. Select the Trim Tool from the Edit palette.

    The standard arrow cursor changes into a hand with a pointed finger.

    3. Click the outline of the object you want trimmed.

    VectorWorks will trim the object from that point, cutting away any portions on that side of the cut object.

    If you want to trim another edge of that same object, move the finger pointer to that edge and click.

Scaling Objects

The Scale Objects command allows you to rescale the X and/or Y dimension of any selected object or group, or to rescale the selected items uniformly in X,Y, and Z. VectorWorks rescales the object/group using its center point. In addition, you can use this command to scale text and to rescale all visible objects in your drawing.

To scale objects

    1. Select the object(s) that you want to scale.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Scale Objects.

    The Scale Objects dialog box appears.

    3. Select Symmetric or Asymmetric scaling.

    If you want to scale uniformly in X, Y, and Z, select Symmetric scaling.

    If you want to scale only in X and Y, select asymmetric scaling.

    4. Enter the desired criteria.

    If you want text scaled to match your new scaling factor, select the Scale text checkbox.

    If you want to scale all visible objects in your active layer, select the Entire drawing checkbox.

    Note: You can use different X and Y scaling factors, if you wish.

    5. Click OK.

    Note: You can not scale spheres, hemispheres, or cones asymmetrically. Symbols and layer links cannot be scaled asymmetrically nor symmetrically.

Converting Objects

Convert to Lines

The Convert to Lines command allows you to change a single object into the series of lines needed to create it. For example, if you use this command on a 2D rectangle, VectorWorks will convert it into four lines. You can convert 2D and 3D objects into lines. You can even convert circles into numerous line segments. However, when converting circles especially, the accuracy of the line segments depends on the 2D Conversion Res (Resolution) setting you have chosen in the VectorWorks Preferences dialog box.

Converting 2D Objects

To convert 2D objects to lines

    1. Select the 2D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert to Lines.

Converting 3D Objects

To convert 3D objects to lines

    1. Select the 3D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert to Lines.

    A dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired rendering criteria.

    4. Click OK.

Convert to Polygons

The Convert to Polygons command allows you to change any object with a surface into the polygon or series of polygons needed to create it. You can even convert circles. However, when converting circles especially, the accuracy of the polygons depends on the 2D Conversion Res (Resolution) setting you have chosen in the VectorWorks Preferences dialog box.

To convert 2D objects to polygons

    1. Select the 2D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert to Polygons.

    The object is now a polygon and will display as such in the Object Info palette.

Converting 3D Objects

To convert to polygons in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert to Polygons.

    A dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired conversion criteria.

    4. Click OK.

    The object now becomes a group of polygons. (To select an individual polygon, you first need to use the Ungroup command.)

Convert Copy to Polygons

The Convert Copy to Polygons command works like the Convert to Polygons command except that it first makes a copy of the object and then converts the copy into polygons. The original object remains untouched.

To convert a copy to polygons in 2D

    1. Select the 2D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert Copy to Polygons.

    A copy of the object is now a polygon and will display as such in the Object Info palette.

Converting Copies of 3D Objects to Polygons

To convert a copy to polygons in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert Copy to Polygons.

    A dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired rendering criteria.

    4. Click OK.

    A copy of the object now becomes a group of polygons. (To select an individual polygon, you first need to use the Ungroup command.)

Convert Copy to 3D Polygons

The Convert Copy to 3D Polygons command lets you convert any 2D line or surface object, including polylines, polygons, ellipses, and rectangles, into a 3D polygon. Once converted, the new polygon will have a Z dimension, assigning it a place in 3D space. This allows you to rotate and manipulate it with 3D tools. The new polygon will not, however, have a thickness.

You can select one or more objects to convert. However, if you select two or more objects and convert them simultaneously, VectorWorks will turn the objects into a formal Group when converting them to polygons.

To convert a copy from 2D to 3D polygons

    1. Select the 2D object or objects that you want to convert.

    2. From the Model menu, select Convert to 3D Polys.

Convert Copy to Lines

The Convert Copy to Lines command works like the Convert to Lines command except that it first makes a copy of the object and then converts the copy into line segments. The original object remains untouched.

Converting 2D Objects

To convert a copy to lines in 2D

    1. Select the 2D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert Copy to Lines.

Converting 3D Objects

To convert a copy to lines in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Convert Copy to Lines.

    A dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired conversion criteria.

    4. Click OK.

    VectorWorks will place the copy directly on top of the original.

Convert to Mesh

You can use the Convert to Mesh command to convert any extrude, multiple extrude, sweep, or wireframe into a mesh object, which gives you the flexibility to edit each individual vertex on the object, using any of VectorWorks's 2D and 3D tools or the Object Info palette. In addition, you can use the command to collect a number of separate 3D polygons into a single mesh object. You also can select several vertices and edit them at the same time.

To convert to mesh in 3D

    1. Select the 3D object that you want to convert.

    2. From the Model menu, select Convert to Mesh.

The object is changed to a mesh object.

Converting Bitmaps

The Trace Bitmap command lets you convert bitmap images that are stored as PICT images into vector objects. In converting images, you have the flexibility to choose the Thin Line Threshold (the maximum width in pixels) and the accuracy of the trace (collinearity sensitivity).

To convert from bitmap to vector

    1. Select the PICT image that you want to convert.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Trace Bitmap.

    A dialog box appears.

    3. Enter the desired criteria.

    Select the desired Line Threshold.

    Select the desired Collinearity Sensitivity.

    4. Click OK.

    The time it takes VectorWorks to convert the image into a vector object can vary from seconds to hours. The conversion time is determined by the size of the image you are tracing, as well as the line threshold and collinearity setting you selected.

Extending Objects

The Extend Tool lets you extend (lengthen) any line, arc, polygon, or polyline so that it meets another object directly in its path. The Extend Tool has two different modes. However, both require that when lengthened, the object you are extending will intersect your target object. The first mode allows you to select the extension destination object while the second mode will automatically extend to the nearest object of a group of selected objects.

For example, you could use the Extend Tool to lengthen the line to Polygon A but not to Polygon B.

Extend Object to Boundary Object Mode

The Extend Object to Boundary Object mode allows you to select the object to which you want to extend an object, even if there are objects that are closer to the extended object.

To extend an object

    1. Select the Extend Tool on the Edit palette

    It is located with Trim and Offset Tools.

    2. Click the Extend object to boundary object mode button.

    3. Click the end/side of the object you want to extend.

    4. Click the boundary object to which you want to extend.

Extend to Selected Boundary Object(s)

Use this mode if you want VectorWorks to extend the object to the nearest selected boundary object out of a group of selected objects.

To extend an object to selected boundary objects

    1. Select an object or group of objects to which you wish to extend another object.

    2. Select the Extend Tool on the Edit palette.

    It is located with Trim and Offset.

    3. Click the Extend to selected boundary object(s) mode button.

    4. Click the end/side of the object you want to extend.

    VectorWorks will automatically extend it to the nearest selected boundary object in its path

Smoothing Objects

The Smooth command gives you a one-step way to automatically smooth all vertices in polygons and polylines in your drawings. It has three smoothing options--Bézier Spline, Cubic Spline, or Arc. In addition, you can use the command to change smoothed vertices back into unsmoothed corners.

To smooth an object

    1. Select the object(s) that you want to smooth.

    2. From the Edit menu, select Smoothing and then the particular option you want to use, for example, Bézier Spline Smoothing.

    The object is smoothed.

Offsetting Objects

Offset by Distance Mode

Use the Offset by Distance mode if you want VectorWorks to place the offset object(s) at a specified distance from the original.

To offset by distance

    1. Select the object(s) of which you want to create an offset version.

    2. Select the Offset Tool from the Edit palette.

    It is located with the Trim and Extend tools.

    3. Click the Offset Tool mode button.

    A dialog box appears.

    4. Enter the desired criteria.

    Type the distance you want the new object offset from the original in the textbox after Offset.

    If you have selected more than one object to create an offset copy of, click the Multiple Objects checkbox.

    5. Click OK.

    6. Indicate on which side of the original object you want to place the copy by clicking the mouse.

    If you want to place more than one copy, click again to indicate a direction. VectorWorks will place an offset copy at the distance you specified from the last offset copy you placed.

Offset by a Point Mode

Use the Offset by a Point mode if you want VectorWorks to place the offset object(s) where it will pass through a specified point.

To offset by a point

    1. Select the object(s) that you want to create an offset version of.

    2. Select the Offset Tool from the Edit palette.

    It is located with the Trim and Extend Tools.

    If you have selected more than one object to create an offset copy of, click the Offset Tool mode button.

    A dialog box appears.

    3. Select the Multiple Objects checkbox.

    4. Click OK.

    5. Click the mouse where you want to place the offset copy.

    If you want to place more than one copy, click again at a new location. VectorWorks will place an offset copy in each location that you click the mouse.

    6. Click the 2D selection tool to exit this tool.

Aligning Objects

You can align VectorWorks objects to each other or to the snap grid.

Align Objects

The Align Objects command lets you align two or more objects to each other. For 2D objects, you select the x and y axes you want aligned on the Reference Grid. For 3D objects, or a combination of 2D and 3D objects, you select the x, y, and z axes you want aligned on the Reference Grid.

Note: The Align Object command aligns to the objects' boundary boxes.

To align objects to one another

    1. Select the objects you want to align.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Align and then Align Objects.

    The Align Objects dialog box appears.

    3. Select the object alignment you want to use.

    For the X setting, select whether you want the Left Sides, the L/R Centers, or the Right Sides of the objects to be aligned.

    For the Y setting, select whether you want the Tops, the T/B Centers, or the Bottoms of the objects to be aligned.

    And, if you have any 3D objects selected, select whether you want the Backs, the T/B Centers, or the Fronts to be aligned.

    4. Click OK.

    VectorWorks will align the selected objects.

Align to Grid

The Align to Grid command lets you align 2D and 3D objects to your Snap Grid, placing the upper-left corner of each object at its closest grid point. The Align to Grid command lets you realign objects to your Snap Grid when you change the grid's setting. It also allows you to align objects to the grid that were either created with the Snap to Grid Constraint Tool turned off or that were moved off the grid after they were created.

To align an object to a grid

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to align.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Align and then Align to Grid.

    VectorWorks will align the object(s), placing the upper-left corner of each object at its closest grid point.

Sending Objects

The Send command lets you change the stacking order of objects within a layer. As you draw overlapping objects in VectorWorks, they are automatically stacked in the order that you create them. The first object created is at the bottom of the stack and the most recent object created is at the top of the stack.

To change the stacking order of objects

    1. Select the 2D or 3D object you want to restack.

    2. From the Tool menu, select Send and either Send Forward, Send Backward, Send to Front, or Send to Back.

    VectorWorks will change the object's stacking order.

Purge Unused Objects

The Purge Unused Objects command gives you a one-step method to remove any combination of unused layers, classes, symbol definitions, hatches, and record formats in your drawing.

To purge unused objects

    1. From the Edit menu, select Purge Unused Objects.

    The Purge Unused Objects dialog box appears.

    2. Select the elements you want to remove from your drawing file.

Checkbox Explanation
Layers Permanently deletes any layers that do not contain any objects.
Classes Permanently deletes any classes that are not used.
Symbol Definitions Permanently deletes any symbols that are not used.
Record Formats Permanently deletes any record formats that are not attached to a symbol or object in the drawing.
Hatches Permanently deletes any hatches that are not used.

    3. Click OK.

    VectorWorks will prompt you with another dialog box, making sure that you want to complete this non-reversible action.

    4. Click Yes or OK.

    Note: The purge command can not be undone.

Creating a Fillet

To place a fillet

    1. Click the Fillet Tool from the Edit palette.

    2. Click the button on the Mode Bar for the mode you want to use.

Mode Description
Fillet Places fillets without affecting other objects in the drawing, leaving the filleted objects exactly as they were. The fillet and the object must be grouped to form a single object.
Fillet and Split Places fillets and splits the filleted objects into multiple pieces and leaves the unfilleted pieces as a part of the drawing. If the fillet is between two objects, the fillet and the objects must be grouped if you want a single object. If you're filleting the corners of a polygon, the fillet takes the place of the corner and becomes a part of the object.
Fillet and Trim Places fillets and trims the filleted objects, removing the unfilleted pieces from the drawing. If the fillet is between two objects, the fillet and the objects must be grouped if you want a single object. If you're filleting the corners of a polygon, the fillet takes the place of the corner and becomes a part of the object.

    3. Click the object where the fillet will begin.

    4. Click the object where the fillet will end.

    If this is the first time since opening the drawing that the Fillet Tool is used, the Fillet Settings dialog box appears. Enter a radius for the fillet and click OK.

    If the Fillet Tool has been used prior to this, VectorWorks uses the radius you set previously. To change this radius, click the Fillet Radius button on the Mode Bar, enter a new radius, and click OK.

    Note: If an object is too short, it will be extended to match the selected fillet radius.

Creating a Chamfer

The Chamfer Tool lets you place a chamfer, or line, between two objects or adjacent sides of an object, such as rectangles, polygons, polylines, or line segments. However, a chamfer cannot be placed between parallel lines. You can place a chamfer at a specified distance from where the objects intersect, as well as one that will trim or split objects at the chamfer endpoints or extend them to meet at the chamfer endpoints by selecting the various chamfer modes on the Mode Bar.

A good example of the use of the Chamfer Tool is in Mechanical drawings where you need to show a structural support between two objects, such as a corner joint of two plates or beams.

To create a chamfer between two objects

    1. Click the Chamfer Tool from the Edit palette.

    2. Click the button on the Mode Bar for the mode you want to use.

Mode Description
Chamfer Places a chamfer without affecting other objects in the drawing, leaving the chamfered objects exactly as they were. To create a single object, you must group the chamfer and the chamfered object together.
Chamfer and Split Places a chamfer and splits the chamfered objects into multiple pieces, leaving the unchamfered pieces as a part of the drawing. This mode will extend lines if needed for the chamfer to connect. To create a single object, you must group the chamfer and the chamfered object together. If you're chamfering the corner of a polygon, the chamfer takes the place of the corner.
Chamfer and Trim Places a chamfer and trims the chamfered objects, removing the unchamfered pieces from the drawing. If you're chamfering the corner of a polygon, the chamfer takes the place of the corner. This mode will extend lines if needed for the chamfer to connect.

    3. Click the object where the chamfer will begin.

    4. Click the object where the chamfer will end.

    If this is the first time in this drawing that the Chamfer Tool is used, the Chamfer Settings dialog box appears. Choose if you want VectorWorks to draw using two lines of a specified length or one line and an angle. Enter the appropriate values and click OK.

    If the Chamfer Tool has been used prior to this, VectorWorks uses the settings you entered previously. To change these settings, click the Chamfer Settings button and enter new criteria.

    The chamfer is drawn according to the mode selection you chose.



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