When VectorWorks Fundamentals is started, the main window opens with a new, blank file. By default, the standard workspace is selected, and contains menus, palettes, and tool sets in a default layout. During a work session, palettes may be opened, closed, and moved around as necessary. When the application is closed, the last workspace settings are preserved and restored for the next session.
Custom workspaces can be created, as described in Creating or Editing a Workspace. To switch to another workspace, select Tools > Workspaces, and then select the workspace from the list of those available.
Windows, palettes, tool sets, and dialog boxes that contain a sizing handle in their bottom right corner can be resized; click-drag the sizing handle to the desired location.
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All windows, palettes, tool sets, and dialog boxes have a title bar; click and drag any title bar to move the item to the desired location. See Palette Layout Options.
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Depending on the tool and on the action being performed, the Data bar displays information such as coordinate data, length, and angle. Use the Data bar menu to set the Data bar either to “float” with the cursor, or to be stationary on the Tool bar. See Using the 2D Data Bar and Using the 3D Data Bar for more information.
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Displays the various modes of the active tool; click a mode to select it. The bar also displays mode information and accesses the tool preferences, if any. The Tool bar is divided into sections grouped by mode function. To move easily through the mode sections from the keyboard, press the U, I, O, P, [ (left bracket), and ] (right bracket) keys. Each key corresponds to a consecutive Tool bar section (see the Mode Modifier shortcuts in Modifying Constraint and Mode Shortcuts).
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Displays tool explanations, undo messages, minor alerts, and a progress bar (when applicable). To also display cursor location fields on the Message bar, click the triangle at the far right of the bar; select the option to display all positional fields, only cursor-based location fields, or no cursor location fields.
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This is the open portion in the middle of the VectorWorks application window where drawings are created; it includes both the print area and the space that surrounds it
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Within the drawing area, a gray border defines the print area, if shown. Only the objects that are included within the print area are printed. The print area is divided into pages; each page equals a physical sheet of paper to be printed. A print margin is built in for each page (see The Print Area).
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Based on the current measurement system, rulers make it easier to precisely create and place objects within the drawing. The rulers can be hidden with an option in the VectorWorks preferences (see Setting VectorWorks Preferences).
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Based on the current measurement system, two grid systems make it easier to precisely create and place objects within the file. To hide the reference grid, deselect Show Grid Lines (see Snap and Reference Grids).
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