Session 15: Applying Imported Textures

Working out the correct dimensions:

When applying imported images as graphics in Vectorworks it is important to pay attention to the dimensions of both the image file and the object it is to be applied to.

The File above was used for the ITV Reception Area Graphic. Download the file to use in the exercise (Left-Click to open in a new window and then Right-Click to save as a jpeg).

The image is 31.25cm x 13.02cm. So that the image fits neatly onto the object we must apply the same proportions to both (or crop part of the image). It is unlikely that the object shares these dimensions. Here is a tip for working out the required dimensions in Photoshop:

• Open the file and check the Image Size. Make sure Constrain Proportions is checked.
• Change either the Height or width to match one of your desired dimensions (e.g Height=100cm).
• This will automatically adjust the second dimension, keeping the same proportions!
• Do not save the changes made however, it is not needed to have such a large file.

Setting the Texture Size by Image: (taken from Vectorworks 2008 Help)

For image-based shaders, the real-world size of each texture repetition can be set based on a segment of the image.

To set the size of an image texture based on the image:

1.	Select the image to use for the texture..

2.	In the Edit Texture dialog box, click Set By Image.

The Set Image Size dialog box opens. Red handles flash briefly to indicate the location of the line segment.

3.	Specify the image length to use for sizing the texture by dragging the line segment into position, and then dragging the ends of the line segment. If necessary, use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom into and out of the image, or click and hold the mouse wheel button to pan.

When the line is indicating the desired real-world length, specify the real-world size for the line segment in Feature Size.

4.	Click OK to exit the Set Image Size dialog box and update the Size value.

Applying the Texture:

• Select the object
• Double-click on the texture Icon in the Resource Browser Palette.
• The Texture may have to be 'Flipped' either Horizontally or Vertically.
• Make sure that the Horizontal and vertical off-sets are at 0.
  

To complete the application you can Un-check the Repeat Horizontally and Repeat Vertically boxes in the Object Info. Palette. The texture now sits on the front face of the object only. The other faces take on the objects fill colour attribute.

Session 15: Using Renderworks Textures

The addition of textures and other graphics to your model will make a huge difference and help bring it to life.

Today we will look at a few specific tools and tricks, however there are too many to mention here. The best way to learn is to experiment yourself with all the options and to have fun doing so!

Object Info Palette:

• The application of many of the most used textures is done through the Object Info Palette under the 'Render Tab'. Here we have among others several Woods, Metals, Concrete and two Glass texture resources.
  

• To apply simply select a 3D object and then in the Render Tab select a texture from the pull down menu. Once you have used a texture Resource it will then be placed at the top of the 'Pull-Down' Menu for easy selection in the future.
  

• Most of these pre-set textures come already scaled. For example a brick texture will map onto the surface of an object at its correct size without having to be scaled. For other textures we can use the scale bar in the Render Tab to adjust the size.

• Note that we can also Rotate the Texture Resource as well!

• A special case are Walls. We can apply a texture to either the Left, Center or the Right side of the Object. So we could have Bricks on the outside and a Wallpaper on the Interior.
  

Resource Browser libraries:

• There are also a wide variety of textures in the Resource Browser Palette to choose from. From the Libraries Menu select the Category of texture required ( e.g Interior textures).
  

• You are then given a full range of textures for that category. It is probably best to see these as Thumbnail Icons (right-click to select this option).
  

• To apply one of these textures simply select the object and then double click on the required texture icon.

• Note that once you have used a texture from the Resource Browser it will now be placed in the Object Info Palette Render Tab list for you to use.

It is often useful to work with texturing when in Open GL Render Mode so that you can quickly see the results of any changes made without having to re-render the screen.

Session 15: Using Lighting Tools

Session 14: Sheet Layer Examples

Session 13: Stairs

Session 12: Using Stack Layers

Session 11: Doors and Windows

Vectorworks has what are termed Hybrid Objects. These objects can look different in 2D and 3D, making them perfect for both architectural plans as well as visualisations. Vectorworks doors and windows are Hybrid objects, for example in plan view a door will show an arc for opening radius but act just like any other object in a 3D view.

Plug-Ins:

The Resource Browser contains many ‘Plug-Ins’ for your Vectorworks model.

Vectorworks has a huge library of pre-built door and window objects which correspond to real-life manufacturing standards. To activate a plug-in simply select it and drag into the drawing space.

If you know exactly which door or window you require then this is very useful, today however we will be looking at making our own from the default window and door symbols (These can also be found in the Building Shell Pallette).

Doors and windows can be snapped into walls and then repositioned in plan view by selecting the plug-in at one of its ends and moving it along the wall (make sure you use the double-headed angled arrow cursor).

Using the Object Info Palette we can now adjust settings such as height, width and configuration (along with the option of having a door open or closed in 3D). You can also adjust the elevation height of a window.

Extra editing controls are accessed by double-clicking on the plug-in object. This will open up a large box with a number of different tabs. Here you can adjust in more detail the makeup of the object (For example you can adjust the thickness of a sill or add a door threshold).