How to Create Trim Profiles in Vectorworks Using the Polyline Tool

Trim profiles are essential elements in scenic design, bringing detail and character to architectural elements like crown molding, baseboards, and more. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to use Vectorworks’ Polyline Tool to create accurate and scalable 2D trim profiles quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Finding a Real-World Trim Profile

To begin, I recommend sourcing a reference with real-world dimensions. For this example, I visited Udecor, which provides detailed trim profiles with accompanying size and material information. Once you’ve selected a trim profile, right-click on the image, save it to your device, and rename the file for clarity—such as "Crown Molding [Product Code]."

Step 2: Importing the Reference Image

In Vectorworks:

1. Go to File > Import and select Image File.

2. Locate the saved trim profile on your computer.

3. Choose between JPEG (smaller file size) or PNG (supports transparency). Since transparency isn’t necessary for this process, I opted for JPEG.

Your reference image will now be imported into your Vectorworks file, ready for tracing.

Step 3: Tracing the Trim Profile

While some users scale the image before tracing, I prefer to trace first and scale later for greater precision. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the Polyline Tool (hotkey: 5) and start tracing the trim profile.

   • Use Corner Vertex Mode for straight lines and corners.

   • Toggle to Point Arc Mode (hotkey: U) for curves and rounded edges.

2. Once the basic outline is traced, refine it:

   • Use Add Vertex Mode to add or adjust points on arcs.

   • Use the Move Polygon Point tool to ensure your traced shape aligns with the reference image.

3. When you’re satisfied with the traced shape, change its class to a hatch or section class to ensure consistency in your drafting.

Finally, delete the reference image to clean up your workspace.

Step 4: Scaling the Trim Profile

Using the real-world dimensions from the reference website (e.g., breadth, height, and width), scale your trim profile:

1. Select the traced object.

2. Adjust the X Dimension and Y Dimension in the Object Info Palette. For example:

   • Height: 4 inches

   • Width: 4 inches

This ensures your trim profile is accurately scaled to real-world dimensions.

Step 5: Creating a 2D Symbol

To make the trim profile reusable in your project:

1. Select the object and hit Command/Control + K to create a symbol.

2. Name the symbol (e.g., "Crown Molding").

3. Choose the following settings:

   • Next Mouse Click for placement.

   • World-Based Units for consistency across projects.

   • Uncheck Insert in Wall since this will remain a 2D symbol.

4. Save the symbol to your Resource Manager.

Now, the trim profile is a reusable 2D symbol that can be easily placed and modified within your document.

Conclusion

This process transforms a real-world trim profile into a precise, scalable 2D drafting element that enhances your scenic designs. By leveraging the Polyline Tool and scaling features in Vectorworks, you can create professional trim profiles with ease.

Watch the Full Tutorial

For a step-by-step guide, watch my video:How to Create Trim Profiles in Vectorworks

Let’s Connect

Have questions or tips to share? Leave a comment below or connect with me on YouTube and Instagram. I’d love to hear how you’re using trim profiles in your designs!

scenic design insights: https://www.brandonptdavis.com