Vectorworks University

The Basics guide will walk you through the overall user interface, mouse interaction, and document organization. In addition, we will introduce you to the basic use of tools and commands in the software. You will become familiar with many of basic conventions used in all Vectorworks software products. This guide is recommended for both new and experienced users.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explore the Vectorworks User Interface
2. Understand core Snapping, Tool, and Command Interactions
3. Learn How to Navigate and Adjust View in Vectorworks
4. Explore Document Organization and Resource Management

In this course, you will be introduced to core modeling concepts in Vectorworks software. Starting with key 2D modeling techniques, you will learn how to create and manipulate 2D forms. Then, you will explore fundamental 3D modeling workflows.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn How to Create and Modify Common 2D Shapes
2. Explore Working in 3D and Controlling the Working Plane
3. Discover 3D Solid Modeling And NURBS Modeling Techniques
4. Learn How to Manipulate 3D Objects

Learn how to utilize tools, menu commands, and drawing organization found in Vectorworks software. Core Concepts starts from the ground up, teaching you all of the necessary basics needed to become a Vectorworks pro. Make use of 2D and 3D modeling techniques from the start and learn the entry points and correct workflows to help master the Vectorworks platform.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explore Hybrid Workflow
2. Learn the Vectorworks interface and how to navigate
3. Learn how to setup a document
4. Learn the core clicking behaviors and drawing techniques
5. Explore resources and resource management
6. Understand how to organize a document using Classes and Design Layers
7. Explore Presentation Workflows

Take your Vectorworks knowledge to the next level! The Intermediate Concepts course is the best option to help you become proficient with information modeling and integrating 2D drafting skills with 3D modeling.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand DWG import and referencing workflows.
2. Utilize parametric tools and workflows.
3. Create a small residential model, using building tools, such as the Wall, Slab, Door Window, and Stair tools.
4. Explore 3D modeling tools and commands.
5. Understand key rendering techniques.
6. Explore texturing, lighting, and render modes.

In this course you will learn how to create a resource called Line Types.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn how to apply default Line Types using the Attributes Palette
2. Use the Resource Manager to create a Simple line types
3. Use the Resource Manager to create a Complex Line Type
4. Learn how to apply and share Custom Line Types

Quick Command Preferences are a great way to set up shortcuts to certain document preferences. In this course, we will discuss how to access and work with these preferences.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Discover which preferences can be turned on and off
2. Explain how the drop down to activate the preferences works in relation to actually toggling the preference itself

Say hello to a monumental addition to information modeling in Vectorworks — a resource called Materials. With Materials you can define the graphical attributes and data of building materials all in one location, including the 2D and 3D representation in plan and section views. Materials can also define construction properties, product data, and physical characteristics, providing a single source for structural, energy, and classification information. Materials can also be applied to complex, multi-component objects such as walls or floor systems, as well as to 3D-modeled objects. Like all BIM elements in Vectorworks, when a change is made to a material, any object to which the material is applied will be updated, letting you accurately report materials for your architecture and landscape architecture projects.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explore the use of the Materials resource introduced in Vectorworks 2021.

The versatility of Vectorworks comes from a dynamic set of tools and menus to get design done. In version 2021, we’ve made sure that these robust options are easily accessible without slowing down the design process while also freeing up space on your monitor. Quick Search delivers on that. Quickly find and activate any tool or menu command by typing what you need, and Vectorworks will make suggestions based on your search and most common tools.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn how to use Quick Search to significantly decrease the time spent searching for tools, commands, and Vectorworks options.

Stay in the modeling space with tools right at the tip of your mouse. There’s no need to constantly move your mouse between your drawing area and the tool palettes. And the Smart Options Display is customizable to easily access your most-used tool sets, last-used tools, tool modes, and standard views with fewer mouse clicks, letting you focus on your design.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn how to utilize the Smart Options Display to speed up your design process.

We’ve added improved usability to the Object Information, Navigation (Design Series only), and Visualization Palettes to handle your increasingly complex model and documentation work. You now have the ability to detach the tabs from palettes and either dock them or let them float. Move them to a second monitor to have a clear field for modeling while still keeping them readily accessible.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn how to use Detachable Tab Palettes to speed up your workflow.

We’ve given a boost to drawing markers in Vectorworks 2021, creating a documentation workflow that is sure to exceed your expectations. Section markers, interior elevation markers, reference markers, detail callouts, and drawing labels are now consolidated into tools that are completely customizable. Create your own drawing marker from scratch and define unique graphics. You can also backreference a drawing label to the marker itself. And when you publish your drawing sets as PDFs, the markers will auto-create hyperlinks, streamlining navigation through multi-page production plans and construction documentation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn how to use Smart Markers to improve your document coordination workflow.

Last year, Vectorworks became the first BIM authoring program to support the Revit export format provided by the Open Design Alliance. This year, you’ll find even better quality in the modeling objects and data exchanged between Vectorworks and Revit. 3D geometries in Vectorworks now export as B-rep geometry with improved surfaces, correct colors, and metadata such as categories, family types, and other BIM data. As a result, 3D objects such as walls, doors, slabs, terrain, vegetation, and constructed features will be much improved enabling better collaboration between architects, site designers, and Revit users.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explore the improvements to the Export Revit command.