For selected truss and lighting pipe objects, click Convert to Hanging Position from the Object Info palette to convert the structural system into one more hanging positions. Use the Lighting Pipe, Straight Truss, Curved Truss, and Insert Truss tools to create hanging position geometry. The Vectorworks program can also import drawing elements from several file types, such as DXF/DWG, PDF, and SketchUp. Alternatively, create a design layer viewport to reference an external Vectorworks file your file will be updated automatically if the external file changes, and the external classes will not be imported into your file.

From a Vectorworks file, you can paste or import items directly into your file (you might want to apply your own classes to them first). Changes that you make in either the Lightwright or Vectorworks programs are shared seamlessly.Ĭopy or import design elements (such as theater architecture or scenic designs) from other files, as needed. If you use Lightwright, set up automatic data exchange this creates a file with the same name as the Vectorworks file with an .xml file extension, which you can then open in Lightwright. Select the File > Document Settings > Spotlight Preferences command to set default lighting device parameters, and to specify whether universe assignment should be handled automatically. Select the File > Save As Template command to save the file.Ĭreate a new project file from your template file. All design layers should use the same scale. It is recommended that you plan to place the stage, focus points, and scenic elements on separate design layers plan to place the hanging positions, lighting instruments, and accessories together on one layer. You might also set options you commonly use, such as the default object attributes and page size. The template can contain all of the resources, classes, and design layers you use on a regular basis. The following general workflow is recommended.Ĭreate a template file that you can use to start new design files, or from which you can import standard elements into other files. The Vectorworks Spotlight product provides the lighting designer with all the tools necessary to plan and create a light plot and its associated paperwork. Lighting Design Workflow: Lighting Design

Vectorworks spotlight