Creating a lighting instrument symbolCreating a lighting instrument symbol|
Command |
Path |
|
Convert to Instrument |
Spotlight > Object Conversion |
The Vectorworks Spotlight program provides thousands of lighting symbols; however, it is not necessary to use only these pre-defined symbols. Create a Spotlight instrument out of a currently selected symbol—once the symbol is converted to an instrument, the instrument functionality is present and the label legend is attached.
See Lighting instrument specifications for more information and restrictions on using custom symbols for lighting instruments, and information on attaching the Light Info Record.
To create a lighting instrument:
1. Select the object to convert, and select Modify > Create Symbol.
Symbols can have a separate 2D and 3D representation. The lighting instrument object automatically uses the appropriate portion of the symbol. At a minimum, the symbol must have at least a 2D component; it also requires a 3D component to display correctly in 3D views. For information on symbols, see Creating symbol definitions.
2. With the symbol or symbols selected, select the command.
The selected symbol is converted into a lighting instrument that remains inserted in the drawing. The active label legend, if any, is applied to the instrument; see Label Legend Manager for more information. The instrument properties can be changed through the Object Info palette; some of the instrument parameters may need to be entered.
If creating multi-circuit instruments, first create each instrument’s symbol (see Multi-circuit instrument specifications). Then insert the multi-circuit instruments as described in Instrument and accessory specifications.
Any instrument that has been inserted from a library or converted from a symbol can be saved as a red symbol. Its appropriate default values are retained, and when inserted from the Resource Manager, the instrument picks up the hanging position and active label legend. For more information on red symbols, see Concept: Vectorworks symbols.
To create a lighting instrument resource with pre-defined parameters:
1. Select a current instrument and ensure that all its parameters have been specified.
In the Object Info palette, set the Use Legend parameter to None and delete the hanging position (Position parameter). Set the Z height of the instrument to 0.
Set a label legend name to use a specific label legend, rather than the current one, upon insertion. If the label legend is not in the file at the time of symbol insertion, it is automatically imported.
2. With the instrument selected, select Modify > Create Symbol.
The Create Symbol dialog box opens. Enter a name for the new symbol. For information on symbols, see Creating symbol definitions.
3. Select Convert to Plug-in Object, and then click OK.
4. Click OK to create the symbol.
If the Move dialog box opens, specify the location of the resource.
The lighting symbol displays in the Resource Manager and Resource Selector as a red symbol. When the symbol is inserted, it functions as a plug-in object and the saved parameters are retained.
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