SU to Vectorworks, easy pdf reference-link method.

frv · 6 Apr 2015, 21:49

I had to do some elevations in a hurry.
I had a detailled SU model. Imported it into Layout. Set the scale to 1:100
Exported a pdf from Layout.
Imported the pdf of several pages as a reference into Vectorworks (2014) on several designlayers and put them into vieuwports set up as A1 elevations drawings with dimensions and all. This is a housing units project devided over 3 blocks. 12 elevations.

Now when I edit the SU model all I have to do is update the Layout file and reexport the pdf. Then open the Vectoworksfile which automatically updates all pdf references. And all my 12 elevations are updated at once. Since this link is by pdf you can actually snap to lines in the pdf in Vectorworks.

Conclusion:
With a few simple clicks I have a perfect (layout) link between SU and Vectorworks. I don't have to mess about replacing pdf's. All is done automatically. It would even be better if Layout could update all its pages by one click.

I could not use Layouts tools for dimensions etc. Too slow and a bit too simple to properly set up drawings with.
Mayby someone can make a plugin that automates the proces of opening the Layout file, update all pages and export to pdf again.

Francois

unearthed · 8 Apr 2015, 19:33

Thanks Francois, I too use SU and VW, and your process will be very useful for me.

frv · 9 Apr 2015, 16:55

I never thought of using references for pdf's. Accidentally imported a Layout pdf and saw it referenced in VW. Now its just a matter of editing the model in SU and just updating the links for further work in VW.

Hope it works as well for you as it does for me.

unearthed · 2 May 2015, 23:14

Hi Francois, I also realised if I change layout settings to export as vectors I can dimension the referenced pdf easily in VW. Much more time saved

pbacot · 3 May 2015, 04:53

I insert into PowerCADD this way, but PowerCADD lacks the reference ability and it can't snap to a pdf either. Yes I haven't been bowled over by LO ability for text, dimensions, or drawing for that matter. For CD's you need it to be fast and accurate. The drawback is one more stage for every reissue. Used to be one program then print. Now I am using three, because I want to use the SU Model.

JQL · 4 May 2015, 13:01

@pbacot said:

I insert into PowerCADD this way, but PowerCADD lacks the reference ability and it can't snap to a pdf either. Yes I haven't been bowled over by LO ability for text, dimensions, or drawing for that matter. For CD's you need it to be fast and accurate. The drawback is one more stage for every reissue. Used to be one program then print. Now I am using three, because I want to use the SU Model.

I can feel that, but still use layout exclusively, I don't want the hassle of multiple software, though dimensioning stage is crap...

Layout is getting better though, I bet in some time our problems are solved.

frv · 5 May 2015, 17:06

PDF references in Vectorworks function extremely well. I can just export several pages in one go from Layout. Even when in Vectorworks these pages are seperated into several images on different layers and viewports all is updated as you open de VW-file.
Sketchup for modeling, Layout takes care of scaling the scenes properly and Vectorwork takes care of all other things. No hassle, no tricks, quick and easy and editable. I don't draw elevations any other way anymore.

pbacot · 5 May 2015, 17:23

Shoot. I was thinking about getting ArchiCAD, now I must consider Vectorworks. They keep saying PowerCADD is going to revive...or throw it all over for SketchUp. What to do.

JQL · 5 May 2015, 18:42

@pbacot said:

Shoot. I was thinking about getting ArchiCAD, now I must consider Vectorworks. They keep saying PowerCADD is going to revive...or throw it all over for SketchUp. What to do.

Why don't you stick with SU? You can run a one man show with it!

pbacot · 8 May 2015, 19:14

I'm looking forward to the LayOut book for architectural drawings. I admire Sonder's and other's work but every time I try to produce a drawing straight from LayOut and see the paucity / clumsy nature / of options, tools, controls.... I think "Really?" then I export the low quality pdf and continue working in PowerCADD.

JQL · 8 May 2015, 22:48

@pbacot said:

I'm looking forward to the LayOut book for architectural drawings. I admire Sonder's and other's work but every time I try to produce a drawing straight from LayOut and see the paucity / clumsy nature / of options, tools, controls.... I think "Really?" then I export the low quality pdf and continue working in PowerCADD.

Yes, that's true and the biggest issue one is faced with. But it's improving and moving fast.

For me, the main aspect to it, it's the advantage of having constant feedback between model and 2D output. There is simply nothing better on that. Easy modeling with SU, instant output with LO.

Dimensioning, labeling and text, dealing with multi scales, are the main issues with LO. I only have to face them at the end of projects, but even then, dimensioning for instance, is an important part of my conceptual process, where everything is doublechecked and triplechecked for perfect geometric coherence. I wouldn't want to loose my model at that stage.

Nowadays, I'm wishing I could never have to export to dwg again in my life, but that ain't true, and LO exports are really bad...

pbacot · 9 May 2015, 01:32

If I want to dimension in PowerCADD I can explode a copy of the (hybrid) pdf and place it behind the Pdf image. Gives me snaps, though not quite the same as working directly on CAD lines (which I can change right there if I find I drew them wrong!)

srx · 9 May 2015, 10:10

Good tip. I guess it works with Autocad LT also.

janvin · 11 Mar 2020, 06:22

Francois,

I stumbled across your posting and oddly enough, I am doing exactly the same thing - now, it's 2020, so it's close to 5 years after you posted this so I wanted to see how you've progressed with this workflow? Any feedback would be great - have you thought of or have already converted over to using the newest version of Layout or you still working between the two apps (SU & VW)?

Thanks!
J

@frv said:

I had to do some elevations in a hurry.
I had a detailled SU model. Imported it into Layout. Set the scale to 1:100
Exported a pdf from Layout.
Imported the pdf of several pages as a reference into Vectorworks (2014) on several designlayers and put them into vieuwports set up as A1 elevations drawings with dimensions and all. This is a housing units project devided over 3 blocks. 12 elevations.

Now when I edit the SU model all I have to do is update the Layout file and reexport the pdf. Then open the Vectoworksfile which automatically updates all pdf references. And all my 12 elevations are updated at once. Since this link is by pdf you can actually snap to lines in the pdf in Vectorworks.

Conclusion:
With a few simple clicks I have a perfect (layout) link between SU and Vectorworks. I don't have to mess about replacing pdf's. All is done automatically. It would even be better if Layout could update all its pages by one click.

I could not use Layouts tools for dimensions etc. Too slow and a bit too simple to properly set up drawings with.
Mayby someone can make a plugin that automates the proces of opening the Layout file, update all pages and export to pdf again.

Francois
[attachment=0:1xrpkhwg]elevation 1.jpg[/attachment:1xrpkhwg]