Vectorworks

How to Hide Objects in Vectorworks?

Understanding How to Hide Objects in Vectorworks

Hiding objects in Vectorworks can enhance your workflow by allowing you to view or edit elements without distractions. If you encounter an object obstructing your view, follow these steps to hide it effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Objects

  1. Select the Object: Begin by identifying the object you wish to conceal. Click on the object to select it.

  2. Access the Context Menu: Once the object is selected, perform a right-click on it. This action will open a context menu with various options.

  3. Choose the Hide Option: Look for the option labeled ‘Hide Object’ within the context menu. Click on it.

  4. Confirm Object is Hidden: After hiding, a red exclamation mark will appear on the bottom bar of your workspace, indicating that one or more objects are currently hidden.

  5. Adding More Objects: To hide additional items, repeat the process of selecting them and choosing ‘Hide Object’ from the context menu.

How to Unhide Objects in Vectorworks

If you need to bring a hidden object back into view, you can easily do so by following these steps:

  1. Access Workspace Settings: Navigate to the top menu and click on ‘Tools’. From there, select ‘Workspaces’ and choose ‘Edit Current Workspace’.

  2. Locate the Show Objects Command: In the dialog that opens, switch to the ‘Menus’ tab. Expand the ‘All Menus’ section to find the ‘Show Objects’ command.

  3. Drag Command to Menus: Click on the ‘Show Objects’ command and drag it to the right-hand column where your active tools are displayed.

  4. Using the Command: Exit the edit mode. You can now use the ‘Show Objects’ command to unhide any concealed items in your drawing.

Additional Visibility Tools

Vectorworks offers additional functionality to manage object visibility beyond simply hiding and unhiding. Here are some useful tips:

  • Temporary Layer Visibility: Hold down the shortcut key (default is "V") to temporarily reveal all classes or layers. This is particularly useful when working in a viewport that contains multiple elements.

  • Layer Management: If you want to ensure all layers are visible, use the ‘Document’ menu and click on ‘Layers’, followed by ‘Show All Layers’. This option will display everything without the need to toggle individual layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens when I hide an object in Vectorworks?
When you hide an object in Vectorworks, it becomes invisible in the workspace, allowing for a clearer view of other elements. A red exclamation mark will appear to indicate the presence of hidden objects.

2. Can I hide multiple objects at once in Vectorworks?
Yes, you can select multiple objects by clicking and dragging around them. Once they are selected, right-click and choose ‘Hide Object’ to conceal all selected items simultaneously.

3. Is it possible to recover hidden objects easily?
Absolutely. You can unhide objects either through the context menu by selecting ‘Show Objects’ or by going into your workspace settings and utilizing the command for showing hidden items, providing a straightforward way to restore visibility.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.