The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 3 release of the Vectorworks 2021 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
Change for worksheets exported to Excel |
Database header rows now have gray fill, to make them easier to identify |
Fundamentals |
|
Export in Unreal Datasmith format |
A new command exports 3D models for use with rendering applications with a new connection to Twinmotion®, Unreal® Engine, and other Epic Games products that support the Datasmith format |
Fundamentals |
|
Extended capabilities for shared folders in Vectorworks Cloud Services |
Shared folders now have a “Sync and Edit” permission, so that multiple users can access and edit files stored in a common location. This means that Design Series users can now share workgroup folders and Vectorworks project files (.vwxp) from a cloud folder. |
Vectorworks Cloud Services help system |
Fundamentals |
Improvements to the base quantities included for IFC export |
Common objects such as walls, spaces, doors, windows, structural members, framing members, roofs, roof faces, floors, slabs, hardscapes, landscape areas, columns, and pilasters now have more accurate base quantities assigned by default. This provides better interoperability with software packages that do Quantity Takeoff (QTO) calculations, and 4D and 5D BIM simulations. |
Not applicable |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Instant communication with Solibri Office |
Vectorworks now offers an instant communication channel with Solibri® Office for the interactive exchange of IFC metadata and the selection state of objects; the ability to work with partial models increases speed and efficiency |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Updating GDTF lighting devices |
Now you can update GDTF lighting devices directly from Vectorworks. Click the new Edit GDTF Data button to open the GDTF Fixture Builder; an internet connection is not required. Use this workflow to update all instances of a GDTF lighting device in the drawing. |
Spotlight |
|
New Number Display parameter for circuits |
The parameter determines where on the circuit the number displays |
ConnectCAD |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 2 release of the Vectorworks 2021 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
Quick replacement of lighting accessories |
A new Replace Accessory button displays on the Object Info palette for accessories and for lighting devices with attached accessories. Replace a single accessory or all accessories on the selected lighting device or cell. |
Spotlight |
|
Editing accessories from the Lighting Device dialog box |
Now you can view and edit the accessory parameters for selected lighting devices or cells from the Lighting Device dialog box |
Spotlight |
|
Option to apply a naming scheme to individual PDF page labels |
When publishing a PDF, a new option on the File Export Options dialog box applies the specified naming scheme to the page labels in the PDF |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Exporting 3D geometry to Revit |
Vectorworks version 2021 now exports to Revit 2021 |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2021 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 |
Description |
Location |
Product |
Quick Search |
Activate a quick search window to find and select Vectorworks commands and tools from within the drawing area, without navigating the menus and tool sets. The F keyboard shortcut now triggers quick search instead of smart edge snapping. |
Fundamentals |
|
Smart Options Display |
The new Smart Options Display provides a context-sensitive, on-demand method to access frequently used tools, tool sets, tool modes, standard views, and snapping options next to the cursor in the drawing area |
Fundamentals |
|
New material resource |
A totally new material resource is now available to represent specific building materials. It contains a variety of information, including graphic attributes, physical information, and construction information, for an improved BIM workflow. Materials are used for the components or parts of composite objects, including: ● Standard Walls (components) ● Slabs (components) ● Roofs (components) ● Landscape areas (components) ● Curtain walls (parts) ● Stairs (parts) ● Railings/fences (parts) ● Structural members (parts) ● Columns and pilasters (architectural/structural parts) ● Many 2D and 3D geometric objects Many new material resources are provided in the default libraries; resources are assigned to object styles as appropriate, and new preformatted reports, worksheet functions, and material property sets are available. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Editable document coordination markers |
The following annotation tools have been updated to use styles. Common drawing standard styles are provided in the Vectorworks resource libraries, which you can customize as needed. ● Drawing Label ● Reference Marker ● Section-Elevation Line ● Interior Elevation Marker ● Detail Callout |
Creating section-elevation lines |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
Smart Markers |
Several improvements were made to reference markers, section-elevation lines, interior elevation markers, and detail callouts. ● A reference marker can link to an existing viewport, and can have a leader line. ● A detail callout can be used to create a new detail viewport, or to navigate to its linked viewport; a detail callout can be created within a viewport’s annotations. ● An unlinked section-elevation line can link to any sheet layer viewport. ● A vertical section viewport can be created from a horizontal section viewport, and section line instances can be added to the annotations of a horizontal section viewport. ● A viewport’s drawing label can back reference any number of marker objects that are linked to the viewport, and the markers and label can automatically update when changes are made. |
Creating section-elevation lines |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
New structural grid capabilities |
A new Grid Line tool creates a snappable grid of reference lines that can be used for proper alignment of columns, walls, and other drawing elements. The grids can also be displayed in viewports and exported to IFC. The Grid Bubble tool was moved to Legacy status as a part of this task. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Data visualization enhancements |
Data visualization capabilities have been expanded to include both fill and pen (with opacity override), as well as texture and drop shadow attribute overrides. Other improvements include materials as a function and for criteria selection, better auto-coloring, and more flexibility with legends when multiple visualizations have been applied to a viewport. Worksheet functions allow visualizations to be applied to images. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
New Project Sharing Server |
The Project Sharing Server controls access to project files, for situations where direct access to the files is problematic. It’s recommended to use the server for large teams working on a project. The server can also run as a Docker container application, which allows you to store project files on other platforms, such as Linux or a network-attached storage (NAS) device. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Landscape area improvements |
Major improvements have been made to landscape areas: ● Components can now be defined for landscape areas. ● Landscape areas can modify the site model. ● Landscape areas now use styles, and new style resources are provided. ● Reports now allow proper sorting and editing for landscape areas. |
Landmark |
|
Lighting device improvements |
Lighting device improvements include: GDTF: Lighting devices with a GDTF fixture mode now have the option to Use GDTF geometry, so you can verify device orientation for export. The GDTF Fixture Mode is shown on the Object Info palette. Multi-cells: Now you can insert multi-cell lighting devices from the default content and edit each cell’s data on the Object Info palette. Focusing: Now a group of lights can be easily focused. Specify the Pan and Tilt values on the Object Info palette, fan the focus with the Focus Lighting Devices command, and use the Focus Lighting Devices Along Path tool. Accessories: New workflows for adding and editing accessories allow more precise positioning in 2D and 3D views. You can embed accessories within a lighting device symbol. Clamp symbols can automatically offset the lighting device insertion point for correct hanging. Editing lighting devices: The Lighting Device dialog box now includes more frequently used parameters, making it easier to edit multiple devices or multiple cells in a multi-cell device. Multiple light emitters: Lighting devices now support multiple light emitters when rendering and allow more precise positioning of light sources within the lighting symbol. Spotlight rendering options: A new Set Spotlight Rendering Options command allows you to globally control lighting and rendering options for the model. Consistency: Spotlight features now consistently use the terms “lighting device” and “cell” instead of “instrument” and “circuit.” |
Concept: Multi-cell lighting devices |
Spotlight |
Improved rigging supports |
Hoist improvements: ● The Hoist and Insert Dead Hang tools have merged into a single, more capable Hoist tool. Use the Convert Old Hoists command to convert old hoist and dead hang objects for better performance. ● Now the Hoist tool and the Hoist Origin tool both use a faster symbol-based workflow. ● European hoist types such as D8, D8+, and C1 are now supported. ● Hoist tool performance has significantly increased. ● New hoist parameters provide more control over truss trims and pick-ups. ● Now you can place a hoist on a house rigging point and automatically connect the hoist to a truss. ● The new Create Hoist Report command creates lists of calculation data with a variety of sorting and export options. Bridle improvements: ● A new Bridle Part preference allows all bridles to be built with one leg using only the specified part. ● The Bridle tool can now use a hoist for the down leg by default. ● Bridles and house rigging points can now use round baskets. Braceworks improvements: ● Braceworks recognizes more structural systems as valid and generates the needed supports. ● When moving trusses and supports, the connected geometry updates automatically. |
Spotlight, Braceworks |
|
Speaker and speaker array improvements |
Improvements to the speaker and speaker array objects include the choice of whether to insert the objects as a data set with basic graphics for faster performance, or as a graphics-rich symbol with associated data for a better appearance in drawings. Also included are new parameters for both object types, and additional options for labels. |
Spotlight |
|
New Cable tool suite preview |
The future of cable tools and commands is included in this version as a preview. You can ease into the new features without being forced to transition abruptly to the new suite and workflow. This suite has all of the features of the original cable tools merged into a single Cable tool, with additional functionality for 3D workflows and integration with Braceworks. |
Spotlight |
|
Excel import and export |
● You can now import native Excel files as worksheets, and export worksheets as Excel files. ● Excel format files are now supported when importing site model data (Architect or Landmark required) and existing tree data (Landmark required) |
Importing worksheet data from another program |
Fundamentals |
Publish worksheets |
You can now use the Publish command to print worksheets or export them to Excel format. Print and export functions are still available from the worksheet menu, as well. |
Fundamentals |
|
Improved Vectorworks Preferences dialog box |
The layout of the Vectorworks Preferences dialog box has been redesigned to improve usability |
Fundamentals |
|
Additional interactive appearance settings to enhance dark background drawing workflows |
You can now customize the text color, background color, and opacity of the Floating Data bar and rulers. In dark background drawings, you can also specify the background color of 3D views, sheet layers, and Top/Plan view. |
Fundamentals |
|
New controls for palette tabs |
You can now detach individual tabs from the multiple-tab palettes (the Object Info palette, the Visualization palette, and for Design Series, the Navigation palette) to view multiple tabs at once, and you can control the visibility of individual tabs |
Fundamentals |
|
Class control for styled plug-in objects |
It is now much easier to control the Class setting for objects that use a plug-in object style |
Fundamentals |
|
Improved access to compatible products from third-party developers |
A new Install Partner Products command provides access to a library of compatible products developed by third-parties to optimize your efficiency in using Vectorworks |
Fundamentals |
|
Title block border improvements |
A new option for the Title Block Manager (Design Series required) activates or deactivates multiple title blocks for use in calculations simultaneously, and Title Block Border Preferences now includes an option to insert active title blocks. Additionally, the Title Block Manager has been optimized for faster performance when changes do not affect an entire file, and for project sharing. |
Fundamentals |
|
Push/Pull mode and Push/Pull tool enhancements |
Push/Pull mode for extrusion of planar objects after creation offers new capabilities for planar objects on the face of a solid, and is now available for the Line tool, 3D Polygon tool, and NURBS Curve tool. The Push/Pull tool now works on lines and 3D polygons; in Sub-Face mode using an open profile object, the tool creates a solid addition or solid subtraction instead of a generic solid. |
Fundamentals |
|
History-based solid modeling improvements |
A new method for editing the history of solid objects allows more direct access to the feature to edit |
Fundamentals |
|
Class creation improvement |
● If you select a class at the desired level before creating a class, the same hierarchical prefix is used for the new name by default. ● When you duplicate a class, a hyphen is no longer automatically included in the name. |
Fundamentals |
|
The Object Info palette now shows Name and Unit parameters when multiple symbols are selected |
When you select two or more symbols, Name and Unit information is available on the Object Info palette. If the symbols have different names, <Multiple symbol names> is displayed; if the symbols have different units, <Multiple units> is displayed. |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
Duplicate array improvement |
When duplicating selected objects in a linear array or a circular array, you can now use Next Mouse Click in all views |
Fundamentals |
|
Move by Points tool improvements |
The Move by Points tool has new modes for streamlined operation, and modes that use a vector line now provide a preview for accurate placement |
Fundamentals |
|
New Double Line Components dialog box |
Now, you can define the components for double lines and double-line polygons |
Fundamentals |
|
Improved graphic performance |
Better graphics caching results in increased performance and quality; use the new Save VGM graphics cache document preference to choose between improved graphic performance or a lower file size |
Fundamentals |
|
Smart data records |
You can now use the Data Manager to automatically attach custom records and data to Vectorworks plug-in objects as they’re added to a drawing. The data can then be used in worksheets, data tags, and data visualizations. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Marionette improvements |
● Now it is faster to open, close, and copy both wrapper nodes and object nodes. ● Debug mode is now available for troubleshooting networks inside of wrapper and object nodes. ● A new option to Leave current node selected after run lets you control which object is selected after a script is executed. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Revit export improvements |
Exporting a model to Revit now results in individual 3D geometric objects with improved surfaces; each has family and type designations, colors, and data |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Export linked objects as PDF hyperlinks |
When exporting to PDF, hyperlinks can be created for objects that link to another area of the Vectorworks file, including drawing labels that reference sheet layers, various marker objects that link to viewports, and ConnectCAD arrow circuits |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Improved display of offset design layer viewport coordinates in the Object Info palette |
The Object Info palette now displays the viewport’s coordinates offset from the original design layer objects |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Grade object networks |
Connected grade objects now form a true network; moving one grade object causes the others to adjust, and they remain connected |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Speed improvements for grade object networks |
Working with grade objects and grade networks is now dramatically faster |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Improved direct 3D editing of sloping railings and fences |
New modes of the Reshape tool allow you to easily adjust sloping railing and fence objects |
Architect, Landmark |
|
New option to extend frames or panels of a railing or fence |
When a top rail extension is added to a sloping railing or fence, a new option in the settings dialog box extends the selected frame or panel to match the rail extension |
Architect, Landmark |
|
Joining railings and fences |
The new Railing/Fence Join tool connects horizontal or sloping objects, with options to control the type of connection, and to automatically adjust the height and slope of the joined objects. |
Architect, Landmark |
|
Easier creation of pocket doors and sliding doors with multiple leaves |
Now, you can more easily create and change pocket and sliding door configurations containing a larger number of leaves |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Enhanced door configurations |
Double acting and double egress door configurations have been added, and the names of existing configurations have been streamlined |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
New custom sashes for windows |
Left Tilt/Turn and Right Tilt/Turn custom sashes are now available |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Improved space object editing |
Now when you modify an auto-bounded space with the Add Surface or Clip Surface command, the boundary of the space is not changed. The modifier object can now be edited with the Edit Modifiers context menu command. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Space object net boundary definition simplified |
The process and options for defining the net boundary definition of a space object have been clarified |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
|
Stair improvements |
New stair parameters enable you to: ● Use additional options to control the display of the stair in Top/Plan view ● Select more construction options for the lower floor connection ● Specify additional graphic attributes for stair structures, notches, and treads |
Stair settings: 2D Graphics tab |
Architect, Landmark |
Enhanced top 2D graphics for stairs |
The stair object now creates a top 2D component graphic to better support horizontal section workflows |
Architect, Landmark |
|
ConnectCAD tool consolidation |
Specialized device tools have been consolidated for ease of use. Additional options include placing a linear array of devices, along with automatically orienting certain objects at placement, for quick placement. |
ConnectCAD |
|
Device Builder categories |
The Device Builder dialog box now includes categories to quickly filter the list of available makes and models |
ConnectCAD |
|
New Device linear array placement |
New devices can quickly be placed in a linear array, with automated sequential numbering |
ConnectCAD |
|
ConnectCAD PDF navigation for Arrow circuits |
Arrow circuits, connecting two areas of one viewport or two different viewports, become hyperlinks when exported to a single, multi-page PDF with the Publish command (Design Series required) |
ConnectCAD |
|
ConnectCAD: deprecate link functionality |
The Link tool and the Refresh Links and Rebuild Links commands are now considered legacy, though they can still currently be added to the workspace. Use of this functionality is discouraged, since it will be deprecated in the future. Use the Arrow mode of the Connect tool, along with project sharing if needed, instead. |
ConnectCAD |
|
Vectorworks sign-in for premium libraries |
In the Resource Manager, exclusive Vectorworks Service Select content is now under the heading “Premium Libraries,” and Service Select members must now sign in to Vectorworks to access the libraries |
Fundamentals |
The following table lists major improvements to the documentation for the Service Pack 2 release of the Vectorworks 2021 software.
Improvement |
Purpose |
Location |
New workflow for creating multi-cell lighting device symbols (Spotlight required) |
Describes a sequence of steps for creating custom multi-cell symbol definitions, including how to create the nested cell symbols and the multi-cell container symbol |
|
New workflow for creating standalone lighting device symbols (Spotlight required) |
Describes a sequence of steps for creating custom lighting device symbol definitions (both conventional and moving head devices) |
|
New workflow for creating accessory symbols (Spotlight required) |
Describes a sequence of steps for creating custom accessory symbol definitions |
The following table lists major improvements to the documentation for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2021 software.
Improvement |
Purpose |
Location |
Updated Vectorworks Viewer PDF |
The PDF now provides an overview of Vectorworks Viewer functionality, and it contains links to additional resources, such as online help. In addition, context-sensitive help is now available in the application. |
Vectorworks Viewer help |
New workflow for importing site information (Design Series required) |
Provides information for landscape designers who need to import georeferenced files from a colleague |
|
New workflow for creating a planting plan (Landmark required) |
Provides information for landscape designers about how to combine multiple tools, commands, and information sources to create a planting plan |
|
New concept about lighting accessories (Spotlight required) |
Provides an overview of accessory functionality and the methods for attaching, editing, and removing them from lighting devices |
|
New workflow for editing accessories (Spotlight required) |
Describes how to manage the accessories on one lighting device or multiple devices at once |
|
New hoist workflow (Spotlight required) |
Provides a sequence of steps for using the new hoist tools and commands |
|
New concept about attaching load objects (Spotlight required) |
Defines load objects and explains how to attach them to rigging objects for an intelligent association |