Basic 3D Navigation

Vectorworks is a highly powerful piece of 3D software and it is vital that you get the most out of your model, not just in terms of technical drawings but also in three-dimensional visualisations. Here are some of the initial steps to consider when visualising your model:

Views:
Using the View Pull-down menu or the keyboard shortcuts (0-9) we can navigate around the model in 3D. This can be done in Isometric and Perspective and in all types of Render. It is important to understand which number corresponds to which view. Think of your model as being number five surrounded by all the other views!.

0 : Top/Plan
1 : Left Isometric
2 : Front
3 : Right Isometric
4 : Left
5 : Top
6 : Right
7 : Left Rear Isometric
8 : Back
9 : Right Rear Isometric

Perspective:
The perspective is set through View>Perspective. It can be set to narrow, normal and wide. Once set you can edit the viewing space on the screen by pulling the black corner controls around. If the perspective of your model is too distorted try changing to a larger scale first.

Set 3D View:
To have more control over the Perspective view use this tool. We can now decide on the exact position, height and angle of view. Consider setting up views at eye-levels or entrances,

Fly-Over Tool:
Use this tool to move through 3D Space by orbiting completely around your model.

Saved Views:
Once you have found a view that you like use the Saved View Command in the Views Menu. Give it a name that you will remember and perhaps save the same view in different types of render.

When you want to return to that same view simply select it again from the Saved View Menu. Note that the view will update automatically with any changes that you may have made.