How to Rotate and Copy in Vectorworks

To rotate an object and create a copy simultaneously in Vectorworks, you typically use the Rotate tool or the Rotate command, adding a specific modifier or option to duplicate the object during the transformation.

Understanding the Rotate Tool

The primary method for rotating objects interactively in Vectorworks is the Rotate tool. This tool allows you to visually define the rotation center and angle.

Based on the provided reference, using the Rotate tool involves a sequence of clicks:

1. First Click: Select the object(s) you want to rotate. Then, activate the Rotate tool from the Basic palette. The first click on the drawing should be on an edge or corner of your selected object to indicate the initial position or reference point for the rotation.
2. Second Click: This defines the point around which the object will rotate. As mentioned in the reference, this is the "point to rotate," and it's often helpful to pick the other end of the object from your first click, but it can be any point on or off the object.
3. Third Click: This click completes the rotation by defining the final position of the reference point established with the first click.

Rotating and Creating a Copy with the Rotate Tool

To create a copy while using the Rotate tool:

• Perform the first two clicks as described above (define reference point and rotation center).
• Before making the third click (the final position click), hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Cmd key (Mac).
• Now, make the third click. Vectorworks will rotate the original object but also leave a copy in the original position.

You can create multiple copies by holding down the Ctrl + Alt keys (Windows) or Cmd + Option keys (Mac) during the third click. This will prompt a dialog box where you can specify the number of copies to create and whether they should be rotated incrementally or spread across the total angle.

Using the Rotate Command

Alternatively, you can use the Rotate command. This method offers more precise control via a dialog box.

1. Select the object(s).
2. Go to Modify > Rotate > Rotate.
3. In the Rotate Objects dialog box, you can enter a specific rotation angle.
4. Crucially, within this dialog box, there is an option, typically a checkbox, labeled something like "Create a Duplicate" or "Leave a Copy". Check this box.
5. Click OK.

This method rotates the object by the specified angle and leaves the original object in place, effectively creating a rotated copy. The dialog box might also offer options for the rotation center.

Summary of Methods

Method	How to Initiate	How to Copy	Control
Rotate Tool	Select object(s), activate tool, click-click-click	Hold Ctrl (Win) / Cmd (Mac) before the final click. Ctrl+Alt/Cmd+Option for multiple copies.	Interactive Visual
Rotate Command	Select object(s), Modify > Rotate > Rotate	Check the "Create a Duplicate" or "Leave a Copy" option in the dialog box.	Precise Input

Using either the interactive tool with the modifier key or the command dialog with the 'copy' option allows you to easily rotate objects and create duplicates in a single operation in Vectorworks.