VectorWorks is a unique CAD program. It involves some concepts that may not be familiar to users of other CAD programs because some VectorWorks features don't exist in other CAD programs. It is important to understand these concepts before using the program. This section describes the core concepts behind VectorWorks functionality. Each concept is described here. The actual implementation of these concepts is described throughout the manual. Where possible, references to those implementations are made here.
In most CAD programs, it is possible to create a 2D or a 3D drawing. In VectorWorks you can do that as well, but you can also create objects that appear in a 2D or 3D representation of a drawing. The Hybrid environment allows you to insert symbols into a drawing that will appear in a 2D drafting symbology in a 2D view and as a fully formed 3D object in a 3D view. The program knows what view you are in and displays the symbol appropriately. You also have the capability to create your own hybrid objects. 2D, 3D, and Hybrid objects are clearly labelled in the Resource palette, so you will always know what type of symbol you are inserting.
A good example of a hybrid object is a door. It will display as an abstract solid in a 2D view and as a fully formed door in a 3D view. Even if you move an object, it still retains its 2D and 3D attributes. The advantage of working with hybrid objects is that you can automatically create 3D models from your 2D drawings, or vice versa. Any symbols you create from hybrid objects become hybrid symbols. For more information on the Hybrid environment and symbols see "Using VectorWorks Resources". .
VectorWorks' SmartCursor allows you to design with precision. It makes drawing easy because you don't need to know dozens of commands to draw accurately. By providing a series of cues (words or symbols that are displayed at your mouse pointer's current location), that update with every move of your mouse, you know exactly what your options are. You can use the SmartCursor to create snaps to specific points relative to other objects or to temporarily set a new origin (datum). You can draw exact perpendiculars, angles, edge snaps and more. The SmartCursor is described in detail in "The VectorWorks SmartCursor".
VectorWorks uses rubber band boxes throughout a variety of functions, including drawing objects, placing objects, and the SmartCursor. The rubber band box is the image that you see on the screen after you click a tool or invoke an operation and as you begin to draw the object, but before the object is physically placed in the drawing. The rubber band box may look exactly like the object you are placing or may be a representation of that object, such as its bounding box. During the drawing process, the rubber band box contains a feedback segment. It is this segment that VectorWorks gathers information from and displays to you in the Data Display Bar. It also uses this segment to properly invoke SmartCursor cues. You have no control over the rubber band box or its feedback segment, but it is very important to understand what these are in order to understand how VectorWorks provides you information.
In order to make the interface as easy to use as possible, the program has been divided into a series of tools and commands. Tools are accessible through palettes and commands through pulldown menus. A tool is a complex operation that may require more than one procedure to complete the action; whereas, a command is a simple procedure.
Layers, classes, and sheets provide the framework for VectorWorks drawings. These three features work together to provide flexible organizational and viewing capabilities.
Layers in VectorWorks can have height. If your wall is 8 feet high,
your layer can be as well. This allows for a better representation
in 3D. You can show and hide layers. Objects placed together in
layers are related in space. Layers help automate some aspects
of wall creation as well as other advantages. You can link layers
together to create realistic views, such as elevations, of your
drawing. In VectorWorks, each layer can have a different scale.
You can associate objects across layers using classes. Classes are used to classify objects and can have specific display attributes including color or can simply be groupings by any criteria you like. Classes are used to control visibility of these related groups. Each object can only be assigned one class, but each object can be composed of other nested objects, which can each be assigned a different class. VectorWorks' classes are similar in nature to AutoCAD's layers, but are not quite the same.
If you have a particular view of your drawing, such as showing only some layers and classes, you can save a sheet with that view. You don't have to redraw from a new perspective. You can take a snapshot of a combination of layers and classes and the sheet can then be printed. Layers, classes and sheets are described in detail in "Organizing Your Drawing".
Every VectorWorks drawing has a visible Ground plane. This plane is permanently placed and can be used as a constant reference point for drawing in 2D or 3D space. In 3D space, however, you may wish to place a plane at a specific angle or rotation to better aid you in creating your object relative to that plane. This can help as you change views or modify objects. This modifiable plane is called a Working Plane in VectorWorks. Working Planes are described in detail in "Using Working Planes" .
VectorWorks has a comprehensive script facility called VectorScript. You can use existing scripts or create your own. Using scripts, you can customize VectorWorks' working environment or create new drawing tools that fit your custom needs. The VectorScript scripting language can be very useful and saves time and effort by creating reusable functions for your drawings. Scripts are described in detail in "Using Scripts" . You can also use scripts to customize VectorWorks, see "Customizing VectorWorks.
VectorWorks provides comprehensive worksheet and database functionality. You can take items in your drawing, such as furniture, and create a textual list of these items. Each item becomes a record in your database and is displayed to you in a spreadsheet format. You can then add fields that calculate values such as quantity and price and VectorWorks maintains and updates your spreadsheet as necessary. Worksheets and Databases are described in detail in "Using Worksheets and Databases" .