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.

Specifying Units

The Units command opens the Units dialog box, which organizes units settings on several panes.

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

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.

Units Settings: Saved Settings Options

A set of units can be saved and managed from any pane in the Units dialog box.

Units Settings: Dimensions Pane

The Dimensions pane settings affect the units throughout the drawing and the rounding settings for primary dimensions.

Units Settings: Dual Dimensions Pane

The Dual Dimensions pane contains many of the same parameters found on the Dimensions pane, 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.

Units Settings: Energos Pane

The Energos pane settings affect energy analysis calculations and displays. See Energos Energy Analysis Module for more information.

Units Settings: Structural Pane

The Structural pane settings affect calculations and displays for Event Rigging and Structural Analysis (Vectorworks Spotlight required).

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 appropriate 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 dialog box opens. 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.

Managing Saved Units

The Manage button on the Units dialog box renames or deletes sets of saved units when needed.

To manage saved units settings:

  1. Select File > Document Settings > Units, and click Manage on the Units dialog box. The Units dialog box opens.

  2. Click Manage.

  3. The Manage Saved Sets dialog box opens. Select the set of saved units to change.

  4. Click OK to close the Manage Saved Sets dialog box. Click OK again to close the Units dialog box.

 

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