Installing and launching Vision

The Vision installation program lists the installation system requirements, any known installation issues, and any information that changed in the software after final online help was produced. To ensure a smooth installation, confirm that system requirements are met and take note of any issues or incompatibilities prior to installing the software.

The installer includes an option to collect usage data for software improvement. You can select the type and amount of data collected, and change this setting at any time, from the Vision preferences: Session tab in the Vision application.

If you plan to use a video capture source, it must be compatible with UVC (USB Video Class) and use a supported pixel format. For more information, see Vision Capture Input Requirements.

The installer uses a serial number to determine whether the license is valid and to allow access to the correct number of universes.

If no serial number is entered, a dongle can be used to activate the program. Prior to launching Vision, insert the dongle that came with your software into an available USB port. The dongle may need to be updated to run the latest version of Vision; see Updating the dongle. At launch, Vision detects and verifies the dongle and provides access to the appropriate number of universes.

Vision launches in demonstration mode when a valid license cannot be found. A sample file opens automatically, and a sample DMX file is also loaded to the DMX recorder. Additional sample files are available in the Demo Documents folder within the Vision folder. Only these files can be opened in demonstration mode, and they cannot be edited. The Vision watermark displays on the Scene window viewports.

When Vision launches with a valid dongle or serial number, either open or create a scene file. If a file was sent from the Vectorworks program using the Send to Vision command, Vision launches automatically and opens the file.

Updating Vision

Updating the application

Between major releases, the Vision application is regularly updated by service packs. These are maintenance releases that sometimes add new features and functionality, or provide smaller updates to address more urgent issues. For information about Vision and service pack updates, see the Community Forums.

To update the Vision application:

1.      Select the command.

If an update is available, the Vision Update Control Center opens to guide you through the process.

2.      The Update Control Center may require an update. If so, click Update; it will update and launch.

3.      The Update Control Center indicates in the text on the left whether an update is available, or your version of Vision is up to date. If an update is available, click Update. If Vision is still open, you are prompted to close it.

During the update, the necessary files are automatically downloaded and installed. When complete, you can launch the newly updated Vision.

Adding and changing serial numbers

During installation, you are prompted to enter the serial number provided with the Vision program (unless a dongle is in use). You may need to change the serial number later to switch from an evaluation version to a full version, or to upgrade to a version with more available universes.

To add or change a serial number:

1.      Select the command.

The Vision Preferences dialog box opens.

2.      Click Serial Numbers on the Session tab.

The Serial Number dialog box opens.

3.      Enter the serial number exactly as it appears on the label. The serial number is case sensitive. The letters O and I are not used; enter the numbers 0 and 1 instead.

4.      Click Save.

The Activation dialog box opens.

5.      Click Activate to associate the serial number with the current workstation.

Alternatively, click Continue in Demo mode to use Vision in demonstration mode.

To view the license agreement, select Help > About, or click License Info on the Serial Number dialog box.

Updating the dongle

If using a dongle, it may need to be updated to run the latest version of Vision. You can check whether the dongle license is up to date, and update the dongle expiration date based on your maintenance program.

To check on your maintenance program and update the dongle:

With the dongle inserted, select the command.

Alternatively, run the VisionUpdater program from the Vision application folder.

The Vision Updater dialog box opens and indicates whether your dongle license is up to date. The number of available universes and the dongle expiration date are displayed.

Updating the content library

The Vision content library can be updated from within Vision.

To check for and apply a library update:

Select the command.

If an update to the content library is available, it is automatically downloaded and applied.

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Using Vision with Vectorworks

Vision basics

Setting Vision preferences

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