The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 3 release of the Vectorworks 2019 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
Feature |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
New presentation feature in Vectorworks Cloud Services (Vectorworks Service Select members only) |
From the web portal, use files in your cloud storage to create interactive slide presentations. Board slides enhance 2D images or PDF files with other content, such as text or other linked files. Tour slides create virtual, immersive, 360° walkthroughs by linking panoramic images to each other. |
“Create presentations” article in the Vectorworks Cloud Services help system |
Fundamentals |
New option to set bridle chain length |
Now you can set the length of each STAC Chain when adjusting a bridle configuration |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
|
Lumion LiveSync capability (Windows only) |
Vectorworks and well-known rendering software Lumion now provide interactive LiveSync capability. When LiveSync is activated, edit your Vectorworks drawing and instantly see the changes reflected in the Lumion rendering. |
The LiveSync plug-in and documentation are provided by Lumion |
Fundamentals |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 2 release of the Vectorworks 2019 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
Feature |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
Web view texture quality control |
The Quality Render Option now controls texture quality at export |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Revit 2019 imports |
Now you can import files from Revit 2019 |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 1 release of the Vectorworks 2019 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
Feature |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
Option to preserve the expanded/collapsed state of the class list |
A new Vectorworks preference preserves the expanded/collapsed state of the class list in pop-up menus |
Fundamentals |
|
A new command for AutoTURN Online |
The Manage AutoTURN Online command accesses and manages drawings associated with your account through the AutoTURN Online web site |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Spacing option available for basic plant preferences |
For multiple plant insertion modes, basic preferences now allow you to set spacing options |
Landmark |
|
New commands to create and edit hardscape slab styles |
The New Slab Style from Unstyled Main/Border Slab commands allow you to create new slab styles from unstyled main and border hardscape slabs. Now the main and border slab styles can be edited with the Edit Main/Border Slab Style commands. |
Landmark |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2019 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
New Features videos are available from the website.
Feature |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
Filters for class and layer lists |
When a file contains a large number of classes or layers, use filters and tags to make it easier to locate items. Filters and a simple search box have been added to class and layer lists in various dialog boxes, palettes, and lists in the Vectorworks application. |
Fundamentals |
|
Enhanced graphics during sheet layer navigation |
Faster, smoother, and improved sheet layer graphics display during zoom, pan, and other interactive view changes. The Navigational Graphics preference can be changed for video hardware that cannot support the enhanced quality. |
Fundamentals |
|
Image Effects |
Adjust and enhance imported images (bitmaps), image resources, viewports, image textures, and image-based Renderworks backgrounds, without ever having to leave Vectorworks |
Fundamentals |
|
2D components for hybrid objects |
Symbols and plug-in objects now allow you to create 2D components, including six faces and three cut plane views, for display in hidden line rendered viewports when 3D components do not give the needed appearance. Additionally, these new 2D components and the 3D components of symbols can be edited to provide three detail levels to display at different scales. |
Concept: 2D Components for Symbol Definitions and Plug-in Objects, Creating 2D Components for Symbol Definitions and Plug-In Objects, and Customizing Detail Levels for 2D and 3D Components of Symbol Definitions and Plug-in Objects |
Fundamentals |
New clip cube viewport functionality |
You can now create a sheet layer viewport from a clip cube, and access the clip cube to change its dimensions when editing the viewport’s design layer. The clip cube also now works with Renderworks render modes. |
Creating a Sheet Layer Viewport from a Clip Cube and Creating a Sheet Layer Viewport from a Design Layer |
Fundamentals |
New Data Tag tool |
Use the new Data Tag tool to add tags that display the data associated with drawing objects, including general parameters, record fields, or IFC data. The tool can also add simple labels not linked to any object. A large range of data tags are provided in the Vectorworks resource libraries, to cover the functionality of the tools that the Data Tag tool replaces, including the ID Label, Revision Marker, Data Stamp, Centerline Marker, Datum Feature Symbol, Datum Target Symbol, Detail Bubble, Material Note, Section Note, and Surface Texture Symbol tools. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Horizontal section viewports |
A new Create Horizontal Section Viewport command and workflow offer more robust options for setting the display of a horizontal section viewport |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Object display override for section viewports |
You can now set display overrides for 3D objects in section viewports. Objects can be given different display settings and attributes by class or even by individual object. For horizontal section viewports, individual objects can also be given a different cut plane. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
IFC Data Mapping improvements |
Improvements to IFC data mapping include: ● IFC mapping settings are stored in the .vwx file, for easier collaboration ● Mapping sets can be saved and reloaded ● Easy validation of the current mapping settings against an MVD definition ● Conditional formulas to map objects that do not have a simple one-to-one correspondence with a specific IFC entity or property set ● Primary/secondary designations for main IFC entities and sub-elements ● ExportOptions Pset, to allow different export settings for specific objects (for example, export walls by components, and export slabs as simplified geometry) ● Several new formula functions and interface improvements |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Stair object improvements |
Improvements to stair objects include use of the Resource Selector to select stair symbols, new settings for more accurate connections between solid and concrete stair bodies and adjacent floors, and the ability to edit or view certain parameters on the Object Info palette |
Architect, Landmark |
|
Site model sculpting |
Using sculpting tools, now you can edit the surface of the site model in 3D. In addition, you can create a flat site model based on a drawn shape, and push/pull to create “custom” terrain that is not based on source data. Finally, import a point cloud and use it directly to create a site model. |
Sculpting the Site Model Terrain, Creating a Site Model from a Boundary, Creating the Site Model |
Architect, Landmark |
Spotlight numbering |
The new Spotlight Numbering command applies to instruments, hoists, cables, and any object with a record. The numbering workflow has been improved as well. The new command replaces the Number Instruments, Number Hoists, and Assign Multicable Run ID commands. |
Spotlight |
|
Update Spotlight tools and commands to work in 3D |
Stage decks now have additional insertion modes for improved placement in a 3D view. Commands for instruments and accessories, as well as hoists and cables, no longer require Top/Plan view and can be selected from any view. |
Inserting a Stage Deck, and various locations |
Spotlight |
Title block border improvements |
The Title Block Border Settings dialog box has additional parameters for designing an object, and the Title Block Manager makes it easier to manage changes to multiple title blocks at once. Improvements enhance the workflow. The Issue Manager command is now considered a legacy command. |
Concept: Using Title Block Borders, Adding a Title Block Border, and Title Block Manager |
Fundamentals |
Flyover tool responsiveness |
Now you can control the speed with which the Flyover tool responds to mouse movements |
Fundamentals |
|
Classes/Layers mapping on DXF/DWG and DWF import |
You can now map DXF/DWG and DWF layers to Vectorworks layers or classes upon import, and save the mapping settings for future use. |
Fundamentals |
|
DXF/DWG and DWF import dialog box improvements |
The dialog box has been simplified to display the basic options required for typical imports. Advanced import options are now available from a new, more user-friendly dialog box. |
Fundamentals |
|
Improvements for fill export to DXF/DWG |
You can now control the export of tile fills and image fills independently of document images. |
Fundamentals |
|
Engineering improvements |
Engineering improvements increase the speed and responsiveness when opening and moving around in files, and Object Info palette performance is much improved in Windows |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
Migration Manager improvements |
You can now select specific preferences and saved settings to migrate to a new version of Vectorworks |
Fundamentals |
|
Nearby snap point indicator |
An icon displays to the left of SmartCursor cues to indicate when there is another snap point very close to, and with the same priority as, the one you have acquired |
Fundamentals |
|
Deleting mesh faces |
You can now use the Selection tool’s marquee modes to select mesh faces for deletion; this is especially helpful for complex 3D models created from using Vectorworks Cloud Services Photos to 3D model feature |
Fundamentals |
|
Subdivision object improvements |
Improvements to the subdivision object include control over the density of subdivision faces, and highlighted cage mesh entities in Crease mode and Face Hole mode for easier selection and editing |
Creating Subdivision Objects, Smoothing or Sharpening a Subdivision Model, and Making a Hole in a Subdivision Model |
Fundamentals |
Online access to mtexture textures |
Resources from the mtexture website can now be downloaded as Renderworks textures or image files |
Fundamentals |
|
Catalogs for plug-in object styles |
Plug-in objects that use the standard plug-in object style dialog box can now accommodate manufacturer catalogs for creation of plug-in object styles; catalogs are now available for cabinets and elevators |
Creating Plug-in Object Styles and Concept: Plug-in Object Styles and Catalog Items |
Fundamentals |
Vectorworks updater improvements |
The new Vectorworks Update Control Center makes it easier to install updates |
Fundamentals |
|
Insert QR codes for hyperlinks |
The Hyperlink tool now inserts QR codes for scannable access to websites |
Fundamentals |
|
Chain dimension editing improvements |
The Add Dimension context command now allows multiple dimensions to be added to the chain; a new Split Dimension context command splits an existing chain dimension into two chains |
Fundamentals |
|
Message Center icon relocation |
The Message Center icon has been moved from the Message bar to the top right of the application window for increased visibility |
Fundamentals |
|
Cursor Position Highlighting on Rulers |
For greater visibility, the cursor position indicators on the rulers now display with yellow highlighting. The color, opacity, and size of the highlighting can be customized from the Interactive Appearance Settings. |
Application Window and Vectorworks Preferences: Interactive Tab |
Fundamentals
|
Fundamentals industry-specific feature removal |
Removal of industry-specific features realigns the Fundamentals product with its purpose as an easy-to-use, general purpose 2D/3D CAD program |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
New Blank and Architect templates |
A new Blank template, available to everyone, allows you to set your own preferred scale, units, and so on for a blank document, rather than using the default program settings. The several Architect and BIM templates from previous versions (Architect required) have been streamlined into three Architect templates and organized to make it quicker and easier to start working right away. Each template is preset with commonly used layers, classes, resources, settings, a basic title block border, and more. You can create custom templates based on the ones provided. |
Fundamentals Architect |
|
Project Sharing diagnostics |
Project files are now automatically checked for excessive metadata, which can adversely affect project sharing performance. If a problem is detected, the project administrator can delete the metadata. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Administrative Release context command for project sharing |
Project administrators will now use the Release command only to release items they have checked out in the current working file. The new Administrative Release command releases items checked out by other users (or the administrator) in other working files. This will prevent administrators from accidentally releasing another user’s work. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
BIM data for architectural content |
Several Vectorworks architectural symbol libraries now have embedded IFC-based data, including manufacturer data (if available), COBie properties data, and classification data. Symbols support both IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 formats. In future versions, all architectural symbol libraries (including some landscaping symbols) will follow this standard. The existing material take-off record will eventually be discontinued. |
Not applicable |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Editable COBie worksheets |
The preformatted COBie worksheets have been improved to allow you to edit the COBie and IFC data associated with a drawing object directly from the worksheet |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Non-horizontal ceilings and floors for space objects |
For spaces with non-horizontal ceilings and floors, you can now fit the tops and bottoms of 3D space objects to existing 3D geometry, to accurately calculate space areas. Additionally, you can now add modifiers to 2D space objects, to adjust the reported floor area in areas with low ceilings. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Cloud publish features |
Storage and processing parameters for the cloud publishing feature are now more clear and more visible on the Publish dialog box |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Vertical section viewport improvements |
Improvements to vertical section viewports include: ● Duplicated section lines maintain the settings and attributes of the parent line, so they don’t have to be reset every time ● New Create Section Viewport context menu command and button on the Object Info palette of orphaned section lines and section-elevation markers for easier creation ● Section viewports can now be created in the annotation space of a non-section viewport ● Section-Elevation Marker tool improvements ● New default fill (black) and line (0.35mm thick) attributes for the Section Style class |
Creating a Vertical Section Viewport and Section-Elevation Marker Tool |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Improvements to PDF import and editing |
New import and editing capabilities for PDFs include: ● Import and display of annotations ● Creation of snappable geometry when importing a PDF ● Ability to change a PDF Page object’s fill attribute ● Multiple selection of PDF Page objects for simultaneous editing from the Object Info palette ● Aligning a PDF Page object using the box position indicator on the Object Info palette |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
New capabilities for point cloud objects |
New point cloud capabilities include: ● Importing a .ply file as a point cloud ● New editing methods including merging multiple point cloud objects, removing outlier points from the object, and creating custom color settings ● Extracting 3D loci from point clouds, for use in creating site models |
Importing a Point Cloud Object, Editing Point Cloud Objects, and Extracting 3D Loci From a Point Cloud |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Revit import improvements |
Revit import improvements include: ● Batch import command ● Support for slab styles, symbols in walls, and shafts ● Imported objects have appropriate IFC tags automatically attached, making them ready for IFC export |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Marionette improvements |
Several improvements make working with Marionette nodes and objects even easier. In the Resource Manager or Selector, a description displays when hovering over each node. Certain nodes can set criteria configurations from the Criteria dialog box, which is easier than editing a script. Marionette objects can now be renamed; they show a preview when moved and can be set to Reset on Move from the Object Info palette. Special control nodes add handles to a Marionette object for resizing in Top/Plan or 3D views. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
New Marionette nodes |
The default Marionette node library has been enhanced with new nodes in the following categories: Data Flow, Debug, Input, Math, Object, Operations, and String. |
Not applicable |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Plug-in object styles for the Space tool |
The Space tool can now take advantage of styles for consistent settings and ease of use |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Remove drop shadow and opacity from wall/slab/roof preferences and styles |
Opacity and drop shadow attributes for walls, curtain walls, slabs, and roofs are controlled from the Attributes palette, on a per-instance basis, rather than from the attributes settings within the preferences or style |
Drawing Straight Walls, Using Wall Styles, Creating Curtain Walls, Creating Slab Styles, Creating Roof Styles |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Hidden roof boundary lines |
For cleaner roof plans, now the roof object’s boundary lines are hidden, but they highlight and can be snapped to when selecting and editing the roof object in Top/Plan view |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Second leaf options for doors |
A new pane on the Door Preferences/Settings dialog box adds options for two-leaf door configurations |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
New door louvers |
Door objects can now be designed with louvered panes |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
AutoTURN Online integration |
The analysis of vehicle swept paths from AutoTURN Online by Transoft Solutions, Inc. is now integrated into Vectorworks. Send your file to AutoTURN Online to perform a simulation based on real world vehicle characteristics and data, and then download the results back into Vectorworks to enhance your design of parking lots, garages, loading docks, driveways, and low-speed roadways. |
Architect, Landmark. Spotlight |
|
New Architect-BIM workspace for Vectorworks Architect users |
The Vectorworks Architect product now has a second workspace: Architect-BIM. Many of the tools needed for common building information modeling operations are collected in a new BIM tool set for a more productive workflow. |
Not applicable |
Architect |
Plant tool workflow simplification |
Takes advantage of extensive plant resources to simplify inserting plants into a drawing; a more advanced workflow remains available for users who require additional customization |
Adding Plants to the Design, Advanced Plant Preferences, and Creating Plant Styles |
Landmark |
Plant data sources |
Plant lists are now called plant catalogs. The plant catalogs now have priority over the plant database as the best source of plant style data. Once the plant catalogs are selected as the source of data, their use is assumed throughout the use of Landmark’s plant features. |
Concept: Plant Style and Plant Data Integration, Selecting the Plant Data Source |
Landmark |
Plant catalogs |
Plant catalogs have been improved for ease of use, updating, and the availability of either online or local data and plant images. The new Create Plant Style from Catalog command is a convenient way of creating multiple plant styles based on catalog data. |
Landmark |
|
Hardscape components and drainage |
Now you can specify hardscape slab styles and components directly from the Object Info palette. Use the new Slab Drainage setting to add drainage systems to hardscape objects. |
Landmark |
|
Vision content improvements |
Standard naming conventions have improved the fixture mapping between Vectorworks Spotlight and Vision. The human figures used in Vision’s demo files are now available in Vectorworks for ease of placement. |
Spotlight |
|
Interactive rotation for lighting devices |
You can now use the Rotate tool to interactively rotate lighting instruments about their individual insertion points in 2D and 3D views |
Spotlight |
|
New placement mode for video and blended screens |
When inserting video and blended screens, use the new Place Screen and Projector mode to place the screen and projector(s) independently. The screen trim height can also be specified at insertion. |
Inserting a Video Screen Object and Inserting a Blended Screen and Projector |
Spotlight |
Label legend improvements |
Creating and positioning 3D labels for instruments has been improved, making the formatting and layout of 3D labels equivalent to 2D labels. All labels can now be positioned using absolute coordinates, and label legends can be easily duplicated. A single label layout and format can quickly be applied to all labels or only to 2D or 3D labels. |
Spotlight |
|
Lighting Instrument tool improvements |
Improvements include: ● Automatic numbering of lighting devices as they are created ● Floating data bar display while placing instruments ● In addition to hanging positions, you can now place lighting instruments on an existing surface in the drawing, or on a working plane |
Spotlight |
|
Spotlight lighting instrument content request and delivery |
Vectorworks Service Select subscribers can now request that specific lighting instruments be added to the Vectorworks libraries |
Spotlight |
|
Braceworks Auto Connect mode improvements |
When Auto Connect mode is enabled, connection types are considered at truss insertion, and trusses automatically connect properly and flip if needed. Truss resources now contain connection information defining the connection plates. When creating a custom symbol, you can define the connections and also specify a vertical straight truss symbol, which is now supported by the Insert Truss tool. |
Concept: Creating a Connected Rigging System, Creating a Custom Truss Symbol |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
Truss replacement |
Now you can easily swap out truss lengths from a truss line or system, or even switch to a different truss line entirely, while maintaining the integrity of the truss line or system design |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
|
Bridle analysis |
A new suite of commands and tools designs and documents bridles for event rigging. The Insert House Rigging Point tool and the Insert Mother Grid tool insert the necessary rigging points for bridles, and the Insert Bridle tool creates six types of bridle objects. New commands allow you to manage the bridle inventory, and to create assembly diagrams, parts lists, and reports for the prerig. |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
|
Spotlight and Braceworks workspace updates |
In the Spotlight and Braceworks workspaces, the Tool Sets palette and the Spotlight menu have been updated for improved organization. The new Lighting, Rigging, and Event Design tool sets and the new Rigging sub-menu make it easier to access new and existing features. The Structural Member tool is now available in the Rigging tool set. |
Creating Structural Members, Palettes and Tool Sets, and various locations |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
Change trim height of system improvement |
Now you can select the extent of a change to the trim height within a system, affecting only a subset of the trusses and connected objects, or the entire system |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
|
Hanging position improvements |
Improvements to the hanging position workflow include: ● A Convert to Hanging Position button on the Object Info palette for truss, straight truss, curved truss, and lighting pipe objects ● The ability to drag and drop existing loads onto a hanging position ● A new Reset Object Position command, which moves all associated loads directly onto their hanging position ● Support for video screen objects, whose screen and projector components can be independently associated with hanging positions ● Hiding witness lines and label control points when the associated load objects and hanging positions are hidden |
Creating a Hanging Position Object, Associating Load Objects with a Hanging Position and Inserting a Video Screen Object |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
New dead hang object |
The new Insert Dead Hang tool creates dead hang objects as drops or suspension points. The Insert Drop command and the Insert Connection tool now provide the option to insert a dead hang object or hoist to connect structural elements. |
Placing Dead Hang Objects, Connecting Structural Elements, and Inserting Connections Automatically |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
Color gradient for workload display |
The workload for trusses and for hoists/bridles can display as a “heat map” indicating acceptable, high, or overloaded workloads after calculations are complete |
Braceworks |
The following table lists major improvements to the documentation for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2019 software.
Improvement |
Purpose |
Location |
Tool and command names and locations placed in tables at the start of the relevant section |
Steps and procedures are now streamlined; the location of tools and commands is easier to identify when needed, but is out of the way when known |
Online help system |
Formatting improvements |
Fonts, line spacing, and indentation were adjusted to improve readability |
Online help system |
Video links |
A new camera icon makes it easier to spot links to related videos |
Online help system |