Vectorworks Tutorial: Basics Tool Palette
Master the essential 2D drawing tools in the Basics Tool Palette, including selection, drawing, and modification tools that form the foundation of scenic design drafting in Vectorworks.
In this lesson
Navigate and use the Selection tool to modify objects
Use Pan and Zoom tools to navigate your workspace
Create text annotations with the Text tool
What you'll learn
Navigate and use the Selection tool to modify objects
Use Pan and Zoom tools to navigate your workspace
Create text annotations with the Text tool
Place reference points with the 2D Locus tool
Draw lines, rectangles, circles, and polygons
Create organic shapes with Polyline and Freehand tools
Apply Fillet and Chamfer modifications to corners
Overview
This comprehensive tutorial introduces the Basics Tool Palette, located in the top left corner of the Vectorworks workspace. You'll learn how to access each tool using both icon clicks and keyboard shortcuts, understand the different modes available for each tool, and apply these tools to 2D drafting workflows.
The tutorial covers 15+ essential tools organized into categories: navigation tools (Selection, Pan, Zoom), annotation tools (Text, 2D Locus), basic shape tools (Line, Rectangle, Circle), advanced shape tools (Polyline, Polygon), and modification tools (Fillet, Chamfer). Each tool section explains multiple drawing modes and practical applications for scenic design.