Vectorworks Introduction Session

This is aimed at helping students wishing to learn Vectorworks for for garden design

Why Use Cad?

Landscape designers have switched from hand-drawn plans to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) for several reasons:

  • Accuracy and Precision: CAD allows for highly precise drawings with exact measurements. This ensures that all the elements in the design fit together seamlessly and that the final landscape matches the plan

  • Efficiency and Ease of Edits: Changes to a CAD design can be made quickly and easily. This allows designers to explore different options and experiment with layouts

  • Communication and Client Visualization: CAD software can be used to create 3D models of the landscape design. These models help clients visualize the final product and make informed decisions

  • Collaboration and Integration: CAD drawings can be easily shared with other professionals involved in the project, such as architects and engineers. This improves collaboration and helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page

What is Vectorworks?

Vectorworks is a Computer-aided Design (CAD) software package that is used in the garden design industry as it contains tools specifically created for landscape applications. It is has a fairly modern interface for CAD programs and is at the pricier end. However, it is a great choice for those who design as their main income due to the efficiencies found in the planting tools.

Link to Video Tutorials

Introduction

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

PROS AND CONS OF CAD

PROGRAM COMPARISONS

Tour of some Cad programs and projects

HELP AND VECTORWORKS UNIVERSITY

Session Content

Basic Drawing and Drawing to Scale

  • Rectangles

  • Lines

  • Circles

  • Polyline

Have a look at toolbars and palettes

Basic drawing to a known size

Basic tools in more detail

Snapping

Document Setup

Saving preferences - Backups

Download Content - Update libraries

Modifying Tools

  • Add Surface

  • Clip Surface

  • Wall Tools

  • Windows and doors

Session objectives

  • Why CAD

  • What is Vectorworks

  • Getting around

  • Drawing basic shapes

  • Drawing to scale

  • Drawing a base plan

  • Triangulating objects

  • Basic modifying tools

  • Introduction to Viewports and Sheet Layers

Resources

Link to Video Tutorials


Activities

ACTIVITY - DRAWING A BASE PLAn link

  • Triangulation

  • Windows and Doors

Activity - Importing a Base Plan

Getting Ready to print if we have time - Viewports and Sheet Layers


Games

Band Names

Speed Drawing