Creating a lighting device symbolCreating a lighting device symbol|
Command |
Path |
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Convert to Lighting Device |
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 lighting device out of a currently selected symbol—once the symbol is converted to a lighting device, the device functionality is present and the label legend is attached.
See Lighting device specifications for more information and restrictions on using custom symbols for lighting devices, and information on attaching the Light Info Record.
To create a lighting device:
1. Select the object to convert, and select Modify > Create Symbol.
Symbols can have a separate 2D and 3D representation. The lighting device 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 device that remains inserted in the drawing. The active label legend, if any, is applied to the lighting device; see Label Legend Manager for more information. The device properties can be changed through the Object Info palette; some of the device parameters may need to be entered.
If creating multi-cell lighting devices, first create each lighting device’s symbol (see Multi-cell lighting device specifications). Then insert the multi-cell lighting devices as described in Lighting device and accessory specifications.
Any lighting device 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 lighting device picks up the hanging position and active label legend. For more information on red symbols, see Concept: Vectorworks symbols.
To create a lighting device resource with pre-defined parameters:
1. Select a current lighting device 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 device 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 lighting device 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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