SWITCHING TO VECTORWORKS:

CAD MANAGER GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 INTRODUCTION As CAD/BIM manger, you understand the benefits of office standards
and how important the management of them is
critical to the productivity of an office. You can download
our BIM manager guide to resource management for
additional information on managing resources and creating
office standards in various workplace situations.

This document describes the ins and outs of converting existing

resources when transitioning to Vectoworks from AutoCAD.

When transitioning to a new software, you will certainly ask what

will happen to the office archives. The good news is Vectorworks has
powerful Import/Export capabilities. When transitioning from Autocad,
you are in good hands with Vectorworks’ DWG Import capabilities.

2 SWITCHING TO VECTORWORKS: CAD MANAGER GUIDE

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES In Vectorworks you can manage your resources within the Resource
Manager. To make a direct comparison, the Resource Manager

BETWEEN AUTOCAD AND in Vectorworks is similar to the Design Center in AutoCAD.

VECTORWORKS RESOURCES? The differences are:

1. A resource lives in a native Vectorworks files.

2. Resources are duplicated (or imported) into the

active file when used. Editing a local resources
does not change the original resource.

3. Resource manager interface allows for moving and

organizing resources between files without opening them
or without having to use other types of applications.

4. The resource manager does not replace the CAD

manager control utility. Office standards are managed
and shared throught user and workgroup folders.

5. Preferences and tool setting are not considered a

resource in Vectorworks. Tool settings are saved with
a Vectorworks file (.vwx) or template file (.sta).

6. Vectorworks uses the system fonts. Autocad uses several

file types such as .shx (dos version fonts), .ttf (true type
fonts). Vectorworks does not support .shx font styles

7. Vectorworks does not support .pat files.

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 TYPES OF RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS
A Vectorworks file can contain hundreds of resources. ∙ Roof Styles: prest options/parameters/data for roof objects
The following is a list of resources you can find in a file: ∙ Scripts: custom command that let you execute
a series of functions and operations
∙ Gradients: fill attibutes that can be applied to
any objects (is a hatch in AutoCAD) ∙ Sketch Styles: preset options for the artistic
rendering mode (visual styles in AutoCAD)
∙ Hatches: vector-based fill attibutes that can be
applied to any objects (is a hatch in AutoCAD) ∙ Slab Styles: prest options/parameters/data for slab objects

∙ Images: fill attibutes that can be applied to any objects ∙ Symbols (2D, 3D, 2D&3D hybrid): similar to AutoCAD block

∙ Line Types: dash line definition (similar to linetypes in AutoCAD) ∙ Plug-in Objects Styles: prest options/parameters/data for plug-
in objects (doors, windows and many other types of objects)
∙ Record Formats: is custom set of data that can be attached to
any objects (property sets/property sets definitions in AutoCAD) ∙ Text Styles: preset options for text format
(similar to text style in AutoCAD)
∙ Renderworks Backgrounds: background of a
rendering image such as a sky with clouds ∙ Tiles: fill attibutes that can be applied to any objects

∙ Renderworks Styles: preset options for artistic and ∙ Wall Styles: preset options/parameters/data for wall objects
realistic rendering mode (visual styles in AutoCAD) ∙ Worksheets: preset spreadsheets to create reports and schedules
∙ Renderworks Textures: texture shader that can be applied (similar to schedule styles and table styles in AutoCAD
to any 3D objects (similar to materials in AutoCAD)

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TYPES OF RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
In addition to the resource libraries, you must consider creating a custom template file. A template file will contain office-
specific standards such as class and layer naming standards, sheet layers, and typical stories and story levels. Using a
template will save you time, as it helps eliminate setting up each individual file at the beginning of every project.

Template are saved as a .sta file and can be accessed from the resource manager or throught the “File>
New” from the drop down menu command, when saved in the user folder or workgroup folder.

FIGURE 1: Vectorworks resources

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 HOW TO CONVERT AUTOCAD RESOURCES
TO VECTORWORKS RESOURCES
The Vectorworks DWG Import capabilities are impressive when it comes to how the various Autocad
resources are converted into native Vectorworks resources. There are three ways to convert your libraries
using a batch-styled import of the files you choose to bring over to Vectorworks.

To import multiple .dwg files at once select the following menu command:

File → Import → Import DXF/DWG or DWF

The first tier of the dialog box you can choose the file/files or a
folder location [containing multiple .dwg files]

When selecting multiple files, you will then have the following options:

New Files in Folder: Open each of the .dwg files as separate .vwx
files. Files will be automatically saved as .vwx

Current File: Open each .dwg files within one .vwx file. New file is not being automatically saved.

Symbols in Current File: Open and convert only blocks and related resources of all
selected .dwg files into one .vwx file. New file is not being automatically saved.

These options will save you a lot of time in bringing forward your existing resources into
Vectorworks. Keep in mind that not all Autocad resources are needed in Vectorworks,
or in some cases it may be better to use native Vectorworks resources. FIGURE 2: Insert image of dialog box

6 SWITCHING TO VECTORWORKS: CAD MANAGER GUIDE

HOW TO CONVERT AUTOCAD RESOURCES
TO VECTORWORKS RESOURCES (CONT’D)
AUTOCAD RESOURCES NOT CONVERTED 4. Visualstyles: In Vectorworks you can create Renderworks
INTO A VECTORWORKS RESOURCE Styles which will save various settings for rendering that
includes artistic, quality, lighting and background options.
1. DetailViewStyles: In Vectorworks, you can apply class
overrides to viewports to control the line drawing output 5. SectionViewStyles: Refere to item 1 above.
of viewport. Classoverrides cannot be saved as a resource,
6. Multileaderstyles: Leader lines in Vectorworks are usually
however you can transfer any viewport settings from one
integral to their respective Plug-in objects. For example
viewport to other viewports using the eyedropper tool.
callout object include a leader line. data tag tool include
2. Dimstyles: In Vectorworks Dimensions settings are saved a leader line option. Settings for these leader lines are
with the document preferences. So it is a file-based setup. to be saved with the tool preferences. Tool preferences
However you can import a custom standard from a different file are generally saved with the document preferences. The
using the import button in the dimension standards window. use of a template file is therefore recommended.
Document preferences will be saved in a template file (.sta)

3. Layouts: In Vectorworks layout tabs correspond to sheet

layers. In sheet layers you can assign correct title blocks and
have viewports set with correct classes and layers visibilities
and overrides. Sheet layers are saved with a .vwx or .sta
(template) files.from a 2D workflow to a BIM workflow.

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 HOW TO CONVERT WHAT RESOURCES SHOULD BE
CONVERTED V. RESOURCES THAT SHOULD

AUTOCAD RESOURCES BE BUILT NATIVELY IN VECTORWORKS?

TO VECTORWORKS RESOURCES (CONT’D)

In terms of big time savings resources
that will most likely streamline your office
transition to Vectorworks are:

1. Blocks as refered to as Symbols in

Vectorworks: note that imported resources
do not contain any data used for BIM

2. Layers in Autocad, known as Classes in

Vectorworks: Layers present in a .dwg file
will be imported in a .vwx file. To get similar
functionalities as in Autocad, layers must be
imported as Classes in Vectorworks. Classes will
allow you to assign specific line at-tributes, text
styles, textures so that objects modeled in this
class will take the specified attributes (use at
creation must be checked to get this behavior).

3. Hatch patterns or Hatches in Vectorworks:

note that only hatch patterns that are loaded
in an autocad file will be exported into
Vectorworks. You may need to ensure the all
hatches you want to preserve are physically
present in a .dwg file prior to importing it.

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HOW TO CONVERT AUTOCAD RESOURCES
TO VECTORWORKS RESOURCES (CONT’D)
NEW RESOURCES TO CREATE
IN VECTORWORKS

Title Block: In Autocad title blocks are

managed as autocad block. In Vectorworks,
with title block border tool, you can
create Title Block Border styles. You can
export your autocad title block blocks
in vectorworks and use these imported
symbols to generate the graphic of each
title block border styles in Vectorworks.

Wall/Slab/Roof Styles: If you are using

AutoCAD Architecture, building element
object styles like walls, slabs and roofs
will need to be created from scratch.
This type of resource has many variables
connected to other settings – such as
levels and stories – and we recommend
using a custom template file when FIGURE 3: Insert image of dialog box

starting to explore your office transition

from a 2D workflow to a BIM workflow.

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 MANAGING RESOURCES USING THE RESOURCE MANAGER

IN VECTORWORKS
The Resource Manager is a palette in Vectorworks
and can be accessed from the Menu bar by selecting
the Window > Palettes > Resource Manager.

The palette is organized with a tool bar on top of the window, a file
browser pane on the left, the resource viewer pane in the center, and
the preview pane to the right. You can choose a vertical or horizontal
layout making it easier to dock your palette if you choose to do so.

Tool Bar

File Browser Resource Viewer Preview

FIGURE 4: Resource Manager palette

For a detailed description of each button and function, click here.

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MANAGING RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
ORGANIZING YOUR RESOURCES

Organizing your resources with the Resource Manager is easy as you can drag and drop the resources between files, or
you can use the Import command from the context menu. Within a file you can further organize all the resources by folder
(resource folder). You can select the New Folder button at the bottom left corner, and then select the resource folder.
Each folder contains one type of resource, for example a line type folder can only contain line type resources.

FAVORITE FILES

Favorite files are locatated in the

User Libraries folder (see below). The
advantage of Favorite Files is that you Resource Folders in .vwx file

can easily add an open file to this folder

from the settings drop-down menu of
the resource manager. Or you can delete
Sub-Folders

a favorite file by right-clicking on the

file directly in the resource manager.
This folder is often used by each user
to store files they use regularily and
are not part of your office standards.

For new users, this is one easy way to

deploy office libraries quickly but not
necessarily the best best way to ensure
each individual uses the most up-to-
date libraries. The long term and better
solution is to utilize workgroup folders. FIGURE 5: Resource folders within a file

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 MANAGING RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
AVAILABLE CONTENT LIBRARIES:

VECTORWORKS LIBRARIES

Vectorworks libraries are located within the Vectorworks application folder, and you should not have to change or modify
their locations. Vectorworks libraries include defaults libraries, object styles libraries, and other libraries for symbols,
textures, and more. The defaults and object styles libraries are automatically installed and updated during the software
installation process. The other content libraries can either be installed during the software installation or after.

Note: If you choose not to install the Vectorworks libraries, these resources will be available on-demand through the Resource
Manager (this requires an internet connection), or they can be downloaded from the Help > Download Content.

FIGURE 6: Vectorworks resource libraries from resource manager

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MANAGING RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
SUBSCRIPTION LIBRARIES

Subscription libraries include additional, exclusive content files available with a Vectorworks Service Select membership. These on-
demand libraries are available directly from the Resource Manager. You can also download these resource files through the Vectorworks
Service Select internet portal; in this case, the downloaded files will need to be organized within the Vectorworks library folders.

FIGURE 7: Subscriptions resource libraries from resource manager

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 MANAGING RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
USER LIBRARIES

User libraries are located in the User Data and Preferences folder. This folder is also created by default during
the software installation process and is located on your local hard drive in a hidden folder.

Libraries → Application Support → Vectorworks → 2019 (or year of current version)

This folder should remain intact per the default installation, as it stores your local Vectorworks preferences and licensing
information. Other resources stored in this folder include custom workspaces, custom plug-ins and tool settings. It also contains
a library folder similar to the Vectorworks default libraries. This location can be used to store personal libraries if you choose
to, but we recommend that all shared custom libraries be located and managed throught the workgroup libraries folder.

FIGURE 8: User resource libraries from resource manager

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MANAGING RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
WORKGROUP LIBRARIES

Custom resource libraries or workgroup libraries are the files you will need to manage when creating a set of office-wide standards. Workgroup
libraries can be located either on your personal computer or on a shared server. In offices with more than one user, the location of these
libraries will most likely be on a server so everyone can access them in real time (a workgroup folder can also be shared using cloud storage).

FIGURE 9: User resource libraries from resource manager

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 MANAGING RESOURCES IN VECTORWORKS (CONT’D)
UNDERSTAND THE HIERARCHY OF RESOURCE FOLDERS

In Vectorworks, the User Data and Preference folders will always get priority over the other libraries.
The priorities are set in the following order:

Priority 1: User Data and Preferences folders

Priority 2: Workgroup and Project folders
Priority 3: Vectorworks libraries

Note: This priority is important to understand when using duplicate file names in your resources libraries. For example, if you
have a shared office template named “my office template.sta” and the file is located in three locations (Vectorworks, user, and
workgroup folders), and has the same name, Vectorworks will prioritize the file located in the User Data and Preference folder.
When sharing custom libraries using Workgroup folder, we recommend you do not duplicate these libraries into the User folder.
This will simplify the management of your resources and will prevent users from using potentially out-of-date resources.

Vectorworks allows you to create multiple workgroup folders. The priority within the list of workgroup folders is determined by a
folder’s “stacking order.” You can move up or down the various paths to the top (in the #1 position) to prioritize the libraries you
want to access first. An example of using multiple workgroup folders is when working “off-line” you may have a duplicate of your
custom libraries available locally. This would be a preferred workflow when working remotely with no internet access.

As described in this document, it is recommended to use the workgroup folder and locate your customized
libraries on a shared server or on your local hard drive (for a sole practitioner).

16 SWITCHING TO VECTORWORKS: CAD MANAGER GUIDE

CONCLUSION In Summary, when transitioning your firm from AutoCAD you will
need to evaluate which resources and libraries you want to convert
over to Vectorworks. Once you have selected these resources you will
need to ensure they are loaded into a .dwg file, e.g. hatch patterns.

From there, the process is relatively easy, as you will simply import or
batch import the .dwg files into vectorworks and organize the resources
within the new native Vectorworks files. The process of organizing
these resources will be done throught the resources manager.

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LEARN MORE
about how Vectorworks can help you
implement and develop BIM workflows.
Email us at [email protected].

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VECTORWORKS.NET

T 410.290.5114

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