Rendering with VectorWorks

The render modes in VectorWorks translate the drawing in various ways to create an image with additional realistic details. For example, a Hidden Line rendering is similar to the non-rendered (Wireframe) image, but it hides the portion of the objects that would not normally be visible. An OpenGL rendering also has hidden lines, and colors and shading; it also shows how the light sources interact with the object surfaces, and it can show any textures that were applied.

The View bar has a Render Modes list for quick access to the rendering commands. In addition, the Current Render Mode Options button opens the settings dialog box for the current render mode, if applicable.

To select a render mode:

Select View > Rendering, and then select the desired render mode.

To cancel a render process before it is complete, press Esc.

 

Rendering Command	Description
Wireframe	Nothing is rendered
OpenGL	Creates a good-quality, detailed rendering, with colors, shading, and textures (optional); see OpenGL for details
Hidden Line	Hides the edge lines of objects that are behind other objects, which gives a solid appearance
Dashed Hidden Line	Edge lines of objects that are behind other objects display as dashed lines
Unshaded Polygon	Displays objects as solids, and displays attributes such as colors
Shaded Polygon	An Unshaded Polygon rendering with shading added
Shaded Polygon - No Lines	A Shaded Polygon rendering with no edge lines
Final Shaded Polygon	A Hidden Line rendering on top of a Shaded Polygon - No Lines rendering; edges and curved surfaces are cleaner than those in a Shaded Polygon rendering