VectorWorks© 9.5
Level 1 - VW 9.5 Basic Layout
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To start the program VectorWorks© 9.5
locate and double-click on the
application icon on your computer
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(it may be on your desktop or in an Applications folder).
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Upon starting VectorWorks 9.5, the main window opens with a new, blank file. In our case, we have set up a template for the type of drawing you will be completing for class.
You should familarize yourself with the VectorWorks interface
Just click on any of the highlighted areas to gain a better understanding of that tool, palette or bar.
1. Data Display Bar
 The Data Display bar displays data about the file's objects. The content displayed depends on whether the bar is in Default mode or Drawing mode. In Default mode, the cursor coordinates are displayed. In Drawing mode, data displayed in the bar is gathered from the feedback segment. Except when drawing or reshaping an object, the Data Display bar remains in Default mode.
2. Mode Bar
 The Mode bar displays tool and mode information. When a creation or editing tool has been selected, the Mode bar lists the information about the selected tool.
Some of VectorWorks' tools have more than one mode. For multi-mode tools, the Mode bar displays a button for each available mode. In addition, the Mode bar lists information and instructions for a multi-mode tool's selevted modes.
3. 2D Tool Palette
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The 2D Tool Palette contains the tools necessary to place and edit text, lines, arcs, rectangles, polylines, ellipses and hatches. 2D drawing tools are designed for drafting alone, while these objects will display in a 3D drawing view, they do not interact with the 3D environment.
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4. Editing Palette
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The Editing Palette contains the tools necessary to rotate, mirror, reshape, duplicate, offset, trim, resize, join, split, fillet, chamfer, cut, copy, paste, remove, smooth, lock, unlock, move, and align 2D objects.
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5. 3D Tool Palette
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The 3D Tool Palette contains the tools necessary to draw objects in 3D, change 2D objects into 3D objects, or create hybrid objects that appear in both 2D and 3D.
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6. Constraints Palette
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The SmartCursor Constraints palette is used to specify the types of points to be found in the drawing window. By default, the SmartCursor looks for many different kinds of points at once. The SmartCursor finds the closest point of the type you are looking for and snaps to it.
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7. Attributes Palette
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The Attributes palette is used to make changes to items in your drawing window. Fills, pattern fills, line thicknesses and types, and arrowheads are adjusted in this palette. Once changed with the Edit Attributes command, the new attribute style is available in all drawings.
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8. View Bar
The View bar located in the lower left corner, provides the shortcuts for viewing the drawing.
Commands LEFT to RIGHT: Back, Forward, Zoom In, Zoom Out, 100%, Fit in Window, Fit to Object, Sheets Menu.
9. Dimensioning Palette
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The Dimensioning palette displays seven different tools, to easily measure distances, angles, and both 2D and 3D object dimensions. Use this palette also to add dimensioning lines with the measurements to any drawing.
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10. Object Info Palette
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The Object Info palette provides a range of information about the 2D and 3D objects in a drawing. In addition, the palette can be used to make changes to those objects.
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