Editing a Group

The Edit Group command edits objects that constitute the group. Double-clicking a group, or selecting Edit from the context menu, also edits the group.

This command also edits a group of objects that is nested inside another group; each time the Edit Group command is selected, VectorWorks moves one level deeper into the group. In addition, this command allows edits to hybrid objects, symbols, roofs, sweeps, extrudes and multiple extrudes, plug-in objects, custom objects, and floors. Even though these objects are created without using the Group command, VectorWorks treats them as a group because they are defined by the objects they contain. For example, an extrude is defined by the 2D object it contains, which is its container object. A sweep is defined by its profile object. If one of these objects has been moved or rotated, its 2D container object is displayed at its original location for editing. When editing, the view is centered on the component(s).

Edit Group does not work on walls.

When editing a group, the default is to hide all other objects in the drawing. However, showing all objects in the drawing is also possible, although only the grouped objects can be edited. To show all the objects, select Show other objects while in group in the VectorWorks preferences. This allows the Edit Group command to use other objects for snapping. When editing nested groups, only the first container group shows other drawing objects.

To edit a group of objects:

1.	Select the group to edit.

2.	Select Modify > Edit Group.

Alternatively, edit the group by selecting Edit from the context menu, or by double-clicking on the group. Edit the path or profile of a plug-in object directly by selecting Edit Path or Edit Profile from the context menu.

3.	If the group consists of a path or profile object, the Choose Component dialog box opens. Only one component of a path or profile object can be edited at one time. Select the component to edit and click OK.

 

Parameter	Description
Path/Profile	Edits the path or profile component
Double-click	Sets the future behavior when double-clicking on a plug-in object. Select whether to display the Choose Component dialog box, or directly edit the path or profile component.

4.

The Edit Group window opens, containing the group or component to be edited. VectorWorks automatically hides objects other than those in the selected group. A colored border around the drawing window indicates that you are in an editing mode. The Exit Group command becomes available from the Modify menu, and the Exit Group button is visible in the top right corner of the drawing window.

Depending on the type of object edited, the button may display other “Exit” text, such as Exit Sweep Profile for sweeps, Exit Extrude for extruded objects, etc.

5.	Make the changes to the objects, components, or container objects in the group. (Switch easily between components from the context menu.)

6.	Click Exit Group to return to the main drawing area.

Alternatively, when editing a nested group, the button takes you back one group.

When a symbol is selected, the Edit Group command becomes the Edit Symbol command. When on a sheet layer, the Edit Group command becomes the Edit Viewport command.