Tutorial: Creating a Basic Class and Layer Scheme

Transcription

1 You can use Vectorworks Layer and Class features to organize files. Combinations of layers, classes and saved views can produce multiple sheets from a single file and help organize the information model. In this tutorial we will create a simple layer and class scheme to create a simple 2 story house with a basement and roof. Before we begin, let s get familiar with these terms. Classes and Layers are both ways to categorize objects in a file (keep related things together). When trying to differentiate between the two, consider the following: A layer is a place to draw objects; A class describes what an object is. Both layers and classes have a control to make its members visible, invisible or grayed. A layer can have a Z height or position in 3D space and its own layer scale. Classes can assign graphic attributes (color, line type, line weight etc.) to its members Despite these differences, the primary purpose of both layers and classes is to view or hide collections of related objects as a group and allow you to turn off portions of the drawing easily. Let s start by creating some layers to provide a structure to support a simple building model. 1. Go to File and choose the option Use document template Choose the Architect (Imperial).sta file and click Ok. 2. Next, go to Tools > Organization. This opens the Organization window. At the top of this window you will see different tabs for Classes, Layers, Sheet Layers, Viewports, Saved Views and References. Use the Organization dialog box to create or edit any one of these elements. 3. To create a new design layer, select the Design Layers tab and then click the New button. 4. In the New Design Layer dialog box, name the design layer. 5. Also, check the option Edit Properties After Creation and click Ok. 6. Since the option Edit Properties after Creation was checked, the Edit Design Layers dialog box should appear. Tutorial: 1

2 In this dialog box, you can adjust a design layers, layer scale, z height and delta z height along with other options. 7. Click Ok until you return to the Organization dialog box. The Z height for each layers represents the height above the base elevation. The delta Z height represents the default height of walls created on that layer. For example, the second floor of a building might be 12 feet above the street level; its Z value is 12 feet. If the walls are to be drawn 10 feet high for that story, its delta Z values is 10 feet. Create the following layers and choose the appropriate settings for each. Add the Scale for each layer and then add the Z and delta Z values. Layer Name: Scale: ±Z: Z: Basement ¼ 4 8 1st Floor Slab ¼ st Floor Plan ¼ nd Floor Slab ¼ nd Floor Plan ¼ Roof ¼ After creating the layers, we will create some classes to control the visibilities of the objects in our drawings. This will allow you to turn portions of the drawing on and off, which keeps your drawing clutter free. For example, if doing a ceiling plan, a plumbing fixture class lets you turn off plumbing fixtures and not have to delete them. The first class we will create is the Furniture class. 8. Select the Classes tab in the Organization dialog box. 9. Click the New button and name the class Furniture. 10. Check the Edit Properties After Creation option and click Ok. 11. Since we are not adding any specific graphic attributes to theses classes, click Ok until you return to the Organization Tutorial: 2

3 Tutorial: Creating a Basic Class and Layer Scheme dialog box. Now, create the classes listed below. Class Name: Plumbing Fixtures Furniture Main Millwork Cabinet Electrical Lighting Electrical Main Ceiling Main To Play Vid.1, please click the image below. Now that we have created some layers and classes, let s take a look at saved views. Saved views allow you to save a set of layer and class visibilities without having to manually turn layers and classes on and off individually ever time you need to see a particular arrangement. For example, if you were creating a ceiling plan, you would not need to see the objects in classes like furniture, millwork, cabinets, plumbing fixtures etc. Likewise, in your floor plan you would not need to see the ceiling tiles electrical fixtures, and electrical power. Although visibilities can be controlled individually, trying to remember the right combinations of visibilities for working views or print Tutorial: Vectorworks is a registered trademark of, Inc 3

4 configurations can be difficult and time consuming. The task of resetting visibilities is simplified with saved views. Now, we will create two saved views. 12. Go to Tools > Organization and then in the Saved Views tab click the New button. 13. In the Saved View dialog box, name the view Floor Plan Uncheck the options, Save View Orientation, Save Zoom and Pan, and Save Unified View. st 15. Next, click the Layers button and set all layers except the 1 Floor Plan to invisible b. To set a class or layer to invisible, click in the middle column under the visibility section for each layer. When layers are set to invisible, the icon appears as a closed eye. 16. Now, click Ok. 17. Next, click the Classes button. 18. In the Class Visibilities dialog box, set the classes Ceiling Main, Dimension, Electrical Lighting, and Electrical Main to invisible. 19. Now, click Ok until you return to the Organization dialog box. 20. Repeat these steps to create a saved view called Ceiling Plan. In this saved view, set all classes to invisible except Ceiling Main and Electrical Main. To Play Vid.2, please click the image below. Tutorial: 4

5 Tutorial: Creating a Basic Class and Layer Scheme You have now completed the basic class and layer setup. Try adding objects to different classes and layers, then use your saved views to create different arrangements. Tutorial: Vectorworks is a registered trademark of, Inc 5