How to Turn 3D Model into 2D Plan View in Vectorworks: 1 Minute to Learn the Easy Steps for Effective Planning

Turning a 3D model into a 2D plan view in Vectorworks is essential for creating detailed architectural drawings. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to simplify your workflow while achieving excellent results.

First, ensure that your 3D model is fully developed. Once complete, you can start the process of generating the 2D plan view. This can be helpful for presentations, client meetings, or construction planning.

1. Create a Viewport:

To convert your 3D model into a 2D plan, you will start by creating a viewport. Open your Vectorworks project and navigate to the appropriate sheet layer where you wish to display the plan view.

Next, in the menu bar, select 'View' and then 'Create Viewport'. You will be prompted to choose the 3D view from which you want to export the 2D drawing. In this case, choose the 'Top' view for plan representation.

2. Adjust Settings:

Once your viewport is created, adjust the settings within the viewport. Click on the viewport, and open the 'Object Info' palette. Here, you can customize the options such as the scale, visibility of layers, and rendering style to ensure your 2D plan view reflects your design accurately.

3. Edit Model Display:

After setting the viewport's properties, you may want to edit what is displayed. You can turn on or off various layers or classes that are necessary for your 2D plan, such as furniture layout, electrical plans, and more.

4. Annotate and Dimension:

Now that you have your 2D plan view, it’s time to annotate and dimension your drawing. Utilize the dimensioning tools within Vectorworks to add measurements, and employ text tools to include notes or labels that convey important information about the design.

Keep in mind that an effective plan view not only showcases the space but also communicates effectively with stakeholders. Your annotations should be clear and concise while supporting your design intent.

5. Export Your Drawing:

Once you're satisfied with your 2D plan view, it’s time to export it. Go to 'File', then 'Export', and choose your desired file format. Vectorworks allows you to save your plan view as a PDF, which is handy for sharing with clients or contractors.

Tips 1:

Additionally, consider creating a backup of your original 3D model before starting the conversion. This way, any changes or edits made in the 2D view will not affect the integrity of your 3D model.

FAQ

Q1: Can I change the scale of my 2D plan after creating the viewport?A1: Yes, you can adjust the scale within the 'Object Info' palette of the viewport at any time.

Q2: How do I ensure layers are properly displayed in my 2D plan?A2: You can control layer visibility through the viewport settings and ensure the desired layers are checked or unchecked as needed.

Q3: What file formats can I export my plan view to?A3: Vectorworks allows exporting to various formats including PDF, DWG, and image formats like PNG.