2D and 3D objects can be saved as 2D, 3D, or hybrid (2D and 3D combined) symbol definitions. VectorWorks also ships with thousands of symbols. Symbol definitions save the object properties, such as size, color, and class, within the symbol definition; these properties are retained each time the symbol is placed, and when a symbol is imported into a different drawing.
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Smaller file sizes: The symbol and its definition are stored only once in the drawing file. Placement information (location coordinates, rotation) is all that is required for each symbol instance.
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One-time editing: Changes to the symbol definition automatically update all the instances of the symbol in the drawing.
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Attached database information: The information associated with a symbol can be used to generate reports and worksheets. Information attached to a symbol is specific to that instance, allowing each instance to be edited individually.
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Ease of import: With the Resource Browser, importing symbols from one file to another is fast and easy, and any database information attached to the symbol is also imported.
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In VectorWorks, you can create 2D and 3D objects. Symbols, which are converted objects, can also consist of 2D, 3D, or hybrid objects.
In addition, there are special symbol categories which indicate the symbol’s behavior at placement. These categories are color-coded within the Resource Browser for identification. The category a symbol belongs to depends on the type of object converted to a symbol and the options selected at symbol creation.
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2D symbols are designed for drafting alone. While they display in a 3D drawing view, they do not interact with the 3D environment. During a walkthrough or flyover, these items remain flat and do not rotate with the rest of the drawing.
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3D symbols have a height (Z coordinate) as well as widths and lengths (X and Y coordinates). 3D objects display flat in a 2D drawing view. However, they retain their 3D properties. Symbols created from 3D objects that are not hybrid objects appear flat in 2D views, but show dimension in 3D views.
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A hybrid symbol contains both a 2D object and a 3D component, and displays correctly according to the view. For example, a hybrid door symbol displays as a “swing arc” in Top/Plan 2D view and as a fully formed door in a 3D view. The advantage of working with hybrid symbols is that 3D models can automatically be created from 2D drawings, or vice versa.
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This is the most common type of symbol, the static symbol. Its parameters are saved within the symbol definition, and set at placement. Changes made to the symbol definition affect all instances of the symbol.
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When placed, this type of symbol is converted to a group. Any changes made to the symbol definition later have no effect on the group. At symbol creation, select Convert to Group in the insertion options to specify a “blue” symbol (see Creating New Symbols).
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When placed, this type of symbol is converted to a plug-in object. It has a specific insertion behavior (point, linear, rectangular, or path) and set parameters, and it can be modified, with many variations of the same object in the file. At symbol creation, select Convert to Plug-in Object in the insertion options to specify a “red” symbol (see Creating New Symbols). Changes to a “red” symbol definition affect future instances, but not existing ones.
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Plug-in objects have all the power of standard symbols, with the added advantage of being customizable. Unlike symbols, plug-in objects have the option of being placed onto the drawing and remaining modifiable. This is useful if the drawing needs to contain many different variations of the same object.
Some tool sets and libraries in VectorWorks contain plug-in objects; for example, the Scale Bar tool, located in the Dims/Notes tool set, inserts a plug-in object. In addition to the tool sets, pre-defined plug-in objects are available in the Libraries folder (in sub-folders beginning with the word Object or Objects), and are accessed through the Resource Browser.
When a plug-in object from a tool set is inserted, an object properties dialog box may open the first time the item is placed in the drawing. The properties in this dialog box set the default values for the object during this session. Modify the properties prior to inserting the object, or accept the default values and click OK. Object instances can be modified through the Object Info palette after insertion.
Plug-in objects can be created manually through Tools > Scripts > VectorScript Plug-in Editor using VectorScript. See VectorScript Plug-in Editor Plug-ins are described in detail in Using VectorScript Plug-ins. The VectorScript Language Guide is available in the help system, and as a PDF file in [VectorWorks]\VWHelp\Additional Documentation.
There are four different types of plug-in objects: point, linear, rectangular, and path. Each type is different in how it is placed in the drawing and edited.
Linear and rectangular objects cannot be inserted directly into a wall. However, once placed in the drawing, they can be dragged onto a wall to insert them.
Point plug-in objects are placed by a single click in the drawing to specify the location, and then a second click to set the rotation angle. This is the same way symbols are placed using the symbol insertion tool. A preview image of the object is visible at the cursor location. Point plug-in objects cannot be edited (resized or rotated) with the cursor; they are edited using the Object Info palette.
Linear plug-in objects are placed with two clicks. The first click sets the beginning point and the second sets the endpoint of a line. The orientation of the object is determined by this line. The object can be resized or rotated by clicking on a reshape handle at either end of the line. It can also be edited using the Object Info palette.
Rectangular plug-in objects are placed by a sequence of three clicks in the drawing. There are two different placement modes which determine how these three clicks are interpreted.
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Center-Line Placement Mode: The first click specifies the origin of the object, the second click specifies the length, and the third click defines half the width of the rectangular object. After the second click, the cursor displays feedback symmetrically on both sides of the center-line of the rectangle.
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Edge Placement Mode: The first click specifies one corner of the rectangular object, the second click determines the length, and the third click specifies the entire width.
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When a rectangular plug-in object is selected, there are eight selection handles visible. The object can be resized by dragging these handles, or edited through the Object Info palette.
Path plug-in objects are created with a sequence of several clicks that define the vertex points along a path. There are two different types of path plug-in objects based on the type of path that is used. A 2D path plug-in object uses a polyline path and a 3D path plug-in object uses a 3D NURBS curve for its path.
Path plug-in objects can be edited using the 2D Reshape tool or the 3D Reshape tool directly. They may also be edited through Modify > Edit Group, or the Object Info palette.