If you haven't upgraded to VectorWorks version 11 yet, I think I may know why. Worried that it's not worth the cost? Concerned about all the unknown issues that may arise as a result of upgrading? Well, let me ease your mind. We have recently released our first maintenance update for VectorWorks 11. Version 11.0.1 contains some minor improvements to VectorWorks, LANDMARK, ARCHITECT, SPOTLIGHT, MECHANICAL, and RenderWorks. If you've upgraded to 11, you can download this free update from our website. If you haven't upgraded to 11 yet, there's no better time than the present.

If you're in the Virginia Beach, VA area- you can check out version 11.0.1 first-hand at our 11 Launch Event this Saturday. It'll be at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel from 10 am until noon. For more information, and to RSVP, you can drop us an email at sales@nemetschek.net or call 888-646-4223.

As I have always said, tomorrow's designers are today's students. I am thrilled to announce that Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA has chosen VectorWorks as the CAD software for its laptop program. This will give hundreds of students valuable exposure to what we believe is the greatest, most-affordable CAD solution on the market.

On another positive note, I'd like to congratulate Production Designer Kevin Lee Allen on receiving the L. Howard Fox Award from Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. This award recognizes outstanding work by MSU theatre alumni, and their contributions to MSU. Earlier this year, Kevin designed the set of a revival of The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan at MSU.

Lastly, I need your help. Apple is looking to highlight firms who have made the switch from AutoCADŽ and the PC, to VectorWorks and the Mac. If you fall into that category, please e-mail us right away at linda@nemetschek.net.

Sincerely,

Richard Diehl
CEO, Nemetschek North America

TIPS & TRICKS

How can I create custom views in my viewports?

You can easily create custom viewport views while in crop mode with the Set 3D View command. Double click on the viewport. Select Edit Crop and click OK. Select View > Set 3D View. From the dialog box, you can specify a viewing height, angle, and perspective. While in crop mode, you can also use the numeric keypad to change to standard views as you can on design layers.

Can I batch import DXF/DWG files?

The new Batch DXF/DWG Import feature allows you to import and convert multiple files from multiple folders in one, easy step. To use the batch import feature, select File > Import > Import DXF/DWG. The DXF/DWG Import dialog box opens. (See Image 2-1) To select a few files from one folder, select "One or More Files" and click the Select Files button. Holding down the control or command key, you can select multiple files in a specific folder. This is useful if only a few files in a folder of DXF/DWG files need to be converted. To select all files in a folder and subfolder(s), select "All," and then click on the Select Folder button.

Once the folder is selected, you can also import all subfolders by selecting the "Include Subfolders" check box. Next, specify the destination for the files—imported into the current file as individual layers or symbols, or imported as individual VectorWorks files.

Finally, specify the Import Options. The "Use Default," option uses the default import options to import all of the files. The "Use Custom," option allows you to specify the various import settings. Please note that the settings will be used on all files. You cannot specify one set of options for one set of files and another set of options for another set of files. Files with different options should be imported as separate steps. Click OK when all settings are specified. When the import process is complete, a dialog box showing the import results opens. (See Image 2-2)

NEW TOOL: Roadway from NURBS

A new tool in VW ARCHITECT and LANDMARK 11 is the Roadway (NURBS) tool. This tool allows the flexibility of a NURBS curve when generating roads in VectorWorks.

To use this tool, select the Roadway (NURBS) tool from the Objects palette. Draw the road profile as you would draw a NURBS curve. A Roadway (NURBS) dialog box opens. Here, you can specify various paving and curb values as well as control fence settings. You can even create a pad for use with a DTM. (See Image 3-1) When done adjusting the properties of the road, click OK. If further editing needs to be done to the roadway shape, use the 3D Reshape tool to modify the locations of the vertices.

NEWS

Nemetschek North America Updates Entire VectorWorks Product Line to Version 11.0.1

Nemetschek North America announced the release of version 11.0.1, a maintenance update for VectorWorks, ARCHITECT, LANDMARK, SPOTLIGHT, and MECHANICAL 11. This new release offers a variety of additional functionality to VectorWorks 11 users, as well as providing support to the international market for the localized versions of the program.

Wentworth Institute of Technology Chooses VectorWorks 11

Nemetschek North America announced today that the Wentworth Institute of Technology has selected VectorWorks as the CAD software for its laptop program. This program outfits students with laptops that have the necessary software already installed. The program has started out with 750 laptops and hopes to increase that number to include all students and faculty in the future.

VectorWorks 11 Now Shipping in Japan

Nemetschek North America announced that its distribution partner in Japan, A & A Distributing, is now shipping VectorWorks 11. A & A Distributing, which localizes VectorWorks for the Japanese market, has set out on a country-wide tour, visiting six of the major cities in Japan to launch VectorWorks 11.

Architosh Campaigns for a Macintosh Special Interest Group within American Institute of Architects

Architosh has served a role in campaigning for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to better serve its Macintosh-based professional members with software parity of its digital practice products. Chief among them is the very important AIA Documents software application, over which architects on the Macintosh have voiced their concerns to the AIA for several years. For more information about a Macintosh Special Interest Group in the AIA, please contact Matt Arnold SIG AIA at digilithos@mac.com

Apple® Seeking Designers Who Have 'Made the Switch'

Apple and Nemetschek North America are actively searching for architects/designers who have switched from AutoCAD® and the PC, to VectorWorks and the Macintosh. If you have 'made the switch', please contact Nemetschek North America at linda@nemetschek.net. Every submitter will receive a VectorWorks latte mug.

EVENTS

AIA Accreditation
NNA is pleased to offer AIA Continuing Education credit for our seminars. Architects can earn 16 learning units by attending the VectorWorks Fundamentals course, and 16 learning units by attending the VectorWorks Hands-on 3D course. For additional information, contact marketing@nemetschek.net