Units

The  Vectorworks program provides a wide range of measurement systems to select from and also provides the flexibility to create a customized measurement system. The selected measurement system is applied throughout the drawing, from the measurements that display on the rulers to those used in dimensions and worksheets.

The default units that display when opening a new file (that is not based on a template) originate from either the operating system units or the region specified by the localizer (if applicable). The operating system units can be modified in System Preferences > Language & Region (click Advanced and then select US or metric Measurement units (Mac) or under the Additional Settings of the Control Panel > Region (Windows). After modifying the operating system units, restart your computer for the settings to take effect.

The Units command opens the Units dialog box, which organizes units settings on two tabbed panes:

    The General Display and Dimensions tab settings affect the units throughout the drawing and the rounding settings for primary dimensions.

    The Dual Dimensions tab contains many of the same parameters found on the General Display and Dimensions tab, but its settings apply only to secondary dimensions. If dual dimensions are not being used, these settings have no effect. For more information on dual dimensioning, see Dual Dimensioning.

Some areas of the program, such as irrigation (Vectorworks Landmark required) have separate unit specifications that apply.

Selecting a Unit System

To select or change the current measurement system:

  1. Select File > Document Settings > Units.

  2. The Units dialog box opens.

  3. Specify the units display parameters, and then click OK.

Creating a Custom Unit System

To create a customized measurement system:

  1. Select File > Document Settings > Units.

  2. The Units dialog box opens.

  3. Select Custom from the length, area, or volume Units list, or if editing an existing custom measurement system, select the custom name from the Units list.

  4. Click Custom.

  5. The Custom Units:Length, Custom Units:Area, or Custom Units:Volume dialog box opens, depending on the type of custom unit being created or edited. The available values in each field vary based on the custom unit type.

  6. Click OK to exit the Custom Units dialog box.

  7. Enter the remaining criteria as described in Units.

  8. Click OK.

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