In this detailed tutorial, Brandon PT Davis—Theatrical Scenic Designer—guides you through the Basic Tool Palette in Vectorworks and demonstrates how each tool functions in a 2D drawing environment. Perfect for beginners in scenic or production design, this video covers the most commonly used tools with practical tips and hotkeys for faster drafting.

You’ll learn the functionality of each tool, including:

• Selection Tool (X): Used to move and modify objects

• Pan Tool (H): Click-and-drag navigation

• Zoom Tool (C): Zoom in/out or use zoom marquee

• Text Tool (1): Add labels and editable text

• 2D Locus (0): Reference point for 0,0 origin (non-printing)

• Line Tool (2): Standard 2D lines

• Double Line Tool (Alt+2): Two lines with user-defined spacing

• Rectangle Tool (4): With corner-to-corner, 3-point, and midpoint modes

• Rounded Rectangle Tool: Adjustable corner radius

• Circle Tool (6): Center-radius and diameter drawing options

• Oval Tool (Alt+6): Box, width/height, and center drawing modes

• Arc Tool: For door swings, arches, etc. with multiple draw modes

• Freehand Tool (Alt+5): For organic lines

• Polyline Tool (5): Multiple vertex types; mode change with “U”

• 2D Polygon Tool (8): Use for outlining areas or overlapping objects

• Double Line Polygon Tool (Alt+A): Ideal for 2D wall drafting

• Fillet Tool (7): Rounds interior corners

• Chamfer Tool: Bevels two lines at a specific angle

Brandon explains how tool modes (accessed via the black triangle or the “U” key) change functionality mid-draw and how to customize spacing, shape logic, and visibility during the drawing process.