Understanding Subclasses in Vectorworks
Creating a subclass in Vectorworks is essential for better organization of drawing elements. Subclasses allow for more granular control over the properties and visibility of elements within your project. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create a subclass step by step.
Step 1: Open the Resource Browser
To begin, navigate to the Resource Browser. This panel is typically docked on the side of the Vectorworks interface. If it is not visible, you can open it by going to the Window menu and selecting the Resource Browser option. This allows you to manage all your resources including classes and subclasses.
Step 2: Access the Classes Section
Within the Resource Browser, look for the “Classes” section. Click on this to open a list of existing classes in your project. Classes serve as the fundamental categories for your drawing objects, and subclasses are the more specific divisions within those classes.
Step 3: Create a New Subclass
- Right-click on the class under which you want to create a subclass.
- Select the “New Subclass” option from the context menu. This action will prompt you to enter a name for the new subclass.
- Input a descriptive name that reflects the objects you plan to assign to this subclass. Choose something that differentiates it from other subclasses, facilitating easy identification and organization.
Step 4: Configure Subclass Settings
After naming your subclass, you will have options to set specific parameters:
- Visibility: Decide if the subclass should be visible or hidden within your design.
- Attributes: Define how objects in this subclass will appear by setting the color, line type, and other properties specific to the subclass.
Make sure to explore these settings fully so that the subclass serves its intended purpose effectively.
Step 5: Assign Objects to the Subclass
Now that you’ve created your subclass, you can assign objects to it. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- Select the desired objects in your drawing.
- Open the Object Info Palette (OIP).
- From the Class dropdown, choose your newly created subclass. This action classifies the selected objects under this subgroup, allowing for targeted edits or visibility adjustments later on.
Step 6: Save Your Changes
Once you are done creating the subclass and assigning objects, it’s crucial to save your work. Navigate to the File menu and choose Save or use the keyboard shortcut (usually Ctrl + S or Command + S on Mac) to ensure that all your changes are stored properly.
FAQs
How do I find my subclasses later?
You can access your subclasses anytime by returning to the Resource Browser. Under the Classes section, all your classes and their corresponding subclasses will be listed. You can expand each class to see its subclasses for easy navigation.
Can I delete a subclass later?
Yes, you can delete a subclass if it’s no longer needed. Right-click on the subclass in the Resource Browser and select "Delete." Ensure that you are not using this subclass for any active objects, as this may affect your drawing.
What’s the difference between a class and a subclass?
A class is a broader category that segments the drawing objects based on shared characteristics or functions, while a subclass allows you to create further divisions within that class for detailed organization. This hierarchy helps in managing visibility and properties more effectively.
