Projection

The projection commands alter the way VectorWorks displays the 3D geometry of the drawing on a 2D screen. In addition to the standard 2D Plan projection, VectorWorks has six 3D projection modes.

To switch projection modes:

Select View > Projection, and then select a projection.

 

Projection Mode	Description
2D Plan	Matches the projection for a normal 2D drawing; use this view to draw 2D objects
Orthogonal	Displays an undistorted 3D projection of the drawing—objects display at their exact size regardless of their distance from the ground plane
Perspective	Adds distortion to the drawing so that objects that are farther away appear smaller than objects that are closer, as if the drawing were projected on an imaginary cropped plane, set at a certain distance. The Perspective mode closely approximates how the 3D model will display in the real world.
Oblique Cavalier (30º or 45º)	The Cavalier modes show an undistorted front view along with depth (also known as full-depth axonometric projections). The lines along the Z axis (which show the depth of an object) are represented in true length. This distorts the overall image of the object and makes it appear deeper. These modes make precise measurements possible, either from a printout of the drawing or from the screen image.
Oblique Cabinet (30º or 45º)	The Oblique Cabinet modes (also known as half-depth axonometric projections) are similar to Oblique Cavalier. However, the depth lines are shortened by 50%. This distorts the actual length of these lines, but represents a more natural view of the object. These modes can still be used to take measurements of vectors perpendicular to the projection plan (along the Z axis) from a printed drawing, but the results must be multiplied by two to obtain the actual dimension.

OpenGL and RenderWorks do not support the Oblique projections. To render Oblique projections, use one of the Polygon render modes, or use Hidden Line mode.