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Basics Tool Palette

By Brandon PT Davis

Learn the foundational 2D drafting tools in the Vectorworks Basics palette, including selection, navigation, annotation, shapes, and tool modes.

The workflow moves from selection and navigation into annotation and drawing tools. That sequence matters because drafting begins with controlling the interface before creating geometry.

Tool modes are small drafting decisions. A rectangle, circle, polyline, or double-line polygon changes behavior depending on the active mode, and those mode choices shape the resulting drawing.

Control what is active

Selection and navigation tools keep the user oriented before drawing begins.

A confident drafter knows how to get back to the object they intend to edit.

Tool grammar

The Basics palette is a drafting vocabulary, not a shortcut list.

The Basics palette makes more sense when tools are grouped by drafting action: navigate, place reference points, draw geometry, create walls, and refine corners.

LOCATE

Use loci and axes to orient the drawing

A point at 0,0 gives the file a clear reference before geometry accumulates.

DRAW

Choose the shape tool by the geometry needed

Lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, polygons, and polylines each create a different kind of control.

REFINE

Fillet and chamfer finish the condition

Corner treatment is part of drafting clarity, not decoration.

Tool reference

Basics palette map

Organize the palette by task so students know why a tool exists.

  • Select and navigate
  • Annotate
  • Draw primitives
  • Draw editable organic shapes

Mode bar

Tool mode practice

A focused Tool bar practice pass helps students see how one tool can behave several ways.

  • Rectangle modes
  • Circle modes
  • Polyline vertices
  • Double-line spacing

One guiding idea

“The Basics palette becomes powerful when students learn the modes, not just the icons.”

The first skill is control

Before a student can draw quickly, they need to select, pan, zoom, and return to tools without getting lost. That is why the basic interface tools belong in the same lesson as drawing tools.

Control over the view and selection state reduces accidental edits and makes the rest of the palette easier to learn.

Tool modes are drafting choices

A tool mode is a small design decision. It changes whether a shape is drawn from a corner, center, radius, or path, and it changes how precise or flexible the geometry feels.

Students who learn modes early stop treating tools as fixed buttons and start treating them as adjustable drafting behaviors.

Supporting material

Shortcuts

X
Selection Tool
H
Pan Tool (think 'Hand')
C
Zoom Tool
Z
Zoom to fit all objects
1
Text Tool
0
2D Locus Tool
2
Line Tool
Alt+2
Double Line Tool
4
Rectangle Tool (think '4 sides')
6
Circle Tool
Alt+6
Oval Tool
5
Polyline Tool
8
2D Polygon Tool
Alt+8
Double Line Polygon Tool
7
Fillet Tool
U
Cycle through tool modes
I
Cycle through drawing modes

Keep in mind

  • Shortcut mappings may be workspace-specific.
  • Transcript text around corner vertex mode appears mistranscribed.

Potential exam questions

Apply the workflow to a drawing problem. Use these cards for study or discussion, then revisit the demonstration when you need context.

Question 1 of 2

You want a centerline reference at 0,0 that stays visible while drafting but does not print. Which object is demonstrated?

  1. A short line on the Dimension class
  2. A small filled circle
  3. A 2D Locus
  4. A drawing label

Basics Tool Palette

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