Fast Track Vectorworks Training

Who should attend?

Busy managers, managers who need to understand and manage CAD, principals or key personnel in small businesses. In fact, anyone who needs to learn to use Vectorworks quickly and efficiently with minimum disruption to a busy schedule. No knowledge of computers is necessary, although familiarity with the layout of a keyboard ensures faster progress.  We can also focus on sharing data as we realise that many Vectorworks users need to work with AutoCAD files.  We are probably the only training centre that also has a specialist AutoCAD division, so we know both applications well.

Course Objectives

Vectorworks has a reputation for being relatively easy to learn and use. Nevertheless, it needs to be approached in a methodical way or the the beginner can flounder under the mass of commands and icons.

College based courses of 38 weeks duration are the norm!
 

For busy people, learning a new skill at this pace is not viable. He, or she, needs to learn the basics quickly and thoroughly. To meet this need, Leonardo Computer Systems’ ‘Fast Track’ Vectorworks training is a concentrated course which is structured to take the beginner to basic literacy in Vectorworks 2D drafting, in just 2 days. The trainee can then develop his CAD skills whilst doing his normal work, confident that drafting tasks are being tackled in the most efficient manner.

We normally run the courses with Vectorworks Architect or Fundamental but can adapt it to suit your preferred version.

Course Format

The emphasis is on gaining a clear understanding of basics with a very hands on approach.  It is composed of sessions arranged in a 1, 2, 3 - review format (where 1 is a demonstration, 2 is a guided student exercise, and 3 is an unaccompanied student exercise with help on hand). Real drawings are the subject matter, not academic exercises. Individual attention = fast progress.

Because of Leonardo’s practical experience in both Construction and Manufacturing, we structure your course around the sort of drawings that you will actually be doing, not around a rigid set of examples.

Your Vectorworks skills after the course:-

If you are in Manufacturing, you will be able to make component and assembly drawings. Apply dimensions, hatch areas and add notes. You will be able to create and store symbols and retrieve them into your drawing. You will be able to edit your drawing, stretch, copy and move parts of it. You will be able to sit down at a computer, open and look at a drawing critically, and you will understand the basics of good housekeeping as applied to computers.

If you are in the Construction Industry you will be able to enter survey coordinates and draw a site, draw a floorplan, project an elevation from it and make good use of layers. You will be able to create and store symbols and retrieve them into your drawing. You will be able to edit your drawing, stretch, copy and move parts of it. You will be able to sit down at a computer, open and look at a drawing critically, and you will understand the basics of good housekeeping as applied to computers.

Topics Covered:
 

• An introduction to the interface
  Adjusting document settings & saving template files
  Navigating around your file - zoom/pan/fit to page
  Object selection and deletion
  Creating a Simple Drawing
  Drawing using accurate dimensions
  Drawing using object snaps
  The object info palette
  The basic 2d tools & explaining tool modes
  Complex line & shape creation
  Project Organisation
  Organising your drawing using classes
  Changing colours, line types & line thickness
  Saving & editing views
  Annotating & Printing Your Drawings
  Adding text & notes
  Adding dimensions
  Printing your drawing
• Advanced Presentation
  The benefits of using sheets & viewports
  Creating standard and cropped viewports
  Editing and annotating viewports
  Understanding viewport display overrides & printing sheet layers      
  Working efficiently between viewports & design layers
  Saving and editing views for quicker navigation
  Importing DWG & File Formats
  Importing and working efficiently with DWG files
  Importing sketches & photos to your drawing
  Working More Efficiently
  Creating and editing symbols
  Managing and organising symbols – the resource browser explained
  Working with worksheets, schedules & reports
  Creating and managing custom attributes (hatches, gradients & image fills)
  Creating custom title blocks
   

Topics not covered
(but briefly explained and demonstrated)

Digitising or scanning in existing drawings

Installing and configuring Vectorworks
(will be covered on request)

Costs, Accommodation and Booking Conditions

Cost is £795 +VAT per person for the 2 day course. We will accept extra persons on a course at a cost of just  £395 + VAT per delegate. Courses can span weekends by arrangement at extra cost.  All courses must be prepaid, a proforma invoice will be issued 3 weeks before commencement. Courses take place at our premises near Basingstoke. Refreshments and lunches are provided.  There are several good local hotels so please ask for a list if required.

Courses commence at 9.30 and finish at 5. All courses must be prepaid, and are on mutually agreeable dates.

Other Courses for Vectorworks users :-

AutoCAD, SketchUP, IronCAD