In this Vectorworks tutorial, Brandon PT Davis—Theatrical Scenic Designer—explains the fundamentals of working with 2D Symbols, one of the most efficient ways to streamline drafting and repeat design elements. Symbols allow designers to create reusable objects that update globally when edited, making them ideal for scenic units, graphic notations, or label styles.

You’ll learn:

• The three main symbol types:

  • 2D Symbol (standard vector-based object)

  • Grouped Symbol (converts to a group on placement; name appears in blue)

  • Page-Based Symbol (scales relative to the sheet layer; name appears in green)

Brandon demonstrates:

• How to identify a symbol’s type in the Resource Manager and Object Info Palette

• The behavior difference between world-based and page-based symbols

• How to scale a symbol via the Object Info Palette without affecting the internal geometry

• How editing a symbol instance affects all other placed instances (unless it's a group)

• Why page-based symbols are ideal for annotations or items that appear on sheet layers

You’ll also learn how to create your own symbol using Modify > Create Symbol or the shortcut Cmd/Ctrl + K. The tutorial walks through options like:

• Insertion point (plan center vs. next mouse click)

• Units: World-based for scenic drafting vs. page-based for documentation

• Options like “Convert to Group” and “Leave Instance in Place”

Pro Tips:

• Blue symbol = grouped; green = page-based; black = standard

• Use symbols for efficiency: edit once, update all

• Avoid grouping symbols unless the variation is intentional