New features
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Update 4 release of the Vectorworks 2024 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
|
Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
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AI visualizer |
A new AI visualizer feature can be used at virtually any stage of the design process, from initial design inspiration to preparing presentation boards for a completed design |
Fundamentals |
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Resource Selector improvements |
The Resource Selector now provides additional options, including to convert a styled object to unstyled, to set a resource such as materials and textures by class, and other related operations within the Resource Selector itself. Many plug-in objects and other appropriate locations, such as the Render tab of the Object Info palette, have incorporated these improvements. |
Fundamentals |
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Import Reality Capture command |
A new command makes it easier to import 3D models created using reality capture technology directly from cloud storage |
Fundamentals |
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Transform mode added for the Selection tool |
The Selection tool now offers Transform mode with certain 3D dragger editing functions |
Transforming objects with the 3D dragger
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Fundamentals |
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Redshift by Maxon Update Mode improvements |
Redshift by Maxon improvements include a choice between Bucket or Progressive update modes for control over rendering quality and speed. Redshift is also now optimized for Apple's new M3 processor. |
Fundamentals |
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DXF/DWG and DWF Export Options dialog box stacking order improvements |
DXF/DWG and DWF export options now allow you to see and sort design and sheet layers by stacking order; saved views are now sorted alphabetically by default |
Fundamentals |
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New option to export polylines to DXF/DWG/DWF |
You can now choose to export 2D polylines with Bézier or cubic vertices as DXF/DWG and DWF polylines/arcs |
Fundamentals |
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Controlling the scale for notes management objects |
You can now control the scale of callouts, general notes, and keynote legends that are located inside a symbol definition |
Inserting callouts or keynotes |
Fundamentals |
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New temporary center of rotation for the Flyover tool |
The Flyover tool's Interactive Origin mode now offers an option to set the center of rotation temporarily for each flyover operation |
Fundamentals |
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IFC export improvements |
Now supports IFC version 4x3 More options to support georeferencing More flexibility when setting up the IFC model origin Support for exporting IFC files containing multiple buildings Option to save a detailed report of what items were exported, as well as any errors |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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BCF Manager improvements |
The BCF Manager has been updated to make it possible to seamlessly switch between file-based and server-based BCF projects. The palette has also been updated to enhance usability. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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BIM management with IDS |
Adds support for IDS-based model checking in the Data Manager, to streamline BIM data exchange and communication processes |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Cabinet tool improvements |
Cabinet tool settings now include options to add top stretchers, use reveals as handles, manually define handle offsets, and apply handles to false drawers. New 2D visualization options also make it possible to follow more design standards. |
Cabinet settings: Cabinet Box pane Cabinet settings: Face Frame/Reveals pane |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Railing improvements |
Additional parameters have been added to control guardrail top rail boundaries, infill frame profiles and sizes for bars, and texture mapping. When reshaping the railing path, existing posts are no longer reset. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Graphic legend constraints to boundary |
A new option in the graphic legend settings enables the boundary constraints for objects in the graphic legend layout |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Door and window settings dialog box layout improvements |
Door and window settings are now easier to edit with wider dialog boxes and list browser columns |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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New hardscape modes to pick up and apply attributes/settings |
Now you can pick up the attributes and settings of an existing hardscape object, and apply them to geometry or use them to draw a new hardscape |
Architect, Landmark |
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Site model contour label improvements |
Contour labels can now have their own unit settings, along with other settings which display them per typical topographical standards. You can easily customize the label attributes and text style. Now you can also draw a polyline and add a contour label at every contour intersection. |
Architect, Landmark |
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Equipment and inventory list improvements |
The equipment list worksheets have been improved, both in appearance and in functionality. The worksheets can now include sub parts and virtual parts. It is also easier to assign sources; multiple rows can be selected, and color coding in the list indicates availability. Support for lighting pipes, lighting pipe ladders, straight and curved trusses, and seating sections is now included. |
Spotlight |
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Equipment Summary Key improvements |
Four new mode options for the Equipment Summary Key tool allow you to choose the insertion point of the summary key. Improvements to the Equipment Summary Key options now allow you to control the scale of device symbols and the column alignment, as well as resize the dialog box. |
Spotlight |
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Projector export to Vision as GDTF |
Video screens and blended screens can now be exported as GDTF projectors. Once in Vision, these projectors are more realistic and emit or project actual light. |
Spotlight |
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ConnectCAD improvements |
New and enhanced ConnectCAD tools, modes, and commands make it easier and faster to: Add drop points into existing cable paths, add cable slack to drop points, and use stand-alone equipment as drop points Create reports displaying intermediate drop points, which helps when planning cable installations Edit the profile of multiple cable paths Automatically create equipment detail views in viewports, which display equipment front and/or rear views and their adapter slots Control the level of drawing detail for equipment racks and rack frames in drawings and viewports Add additional options for circuit number placement Transfer properties between circuits Easily re-route multiple circuits Edit circuit attributes from a drawing legend Renumber additional ConnectCAD objects |
Editing the cable path profile Creating equipment detail views Editing circuit attributes from the drawing legend |
ConnectCAD |
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ConnectCAD linked symbols |
To further customize ConnectCAD objects, you can now link object parameters and fields of attached records to symbols inside device, socket, adapter, and equipment items |
ConnectCAD |
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Modifying default cable lengths for circuits |
Now you can add, modify, delete, and restore default cable lengths for circuits |
ConnectCAD |
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Vectorworks Odyssey VR viewer |
A new virtual reality (VR) viewer app for the Meta Quest VR product lines allows users to view 3D models exported from Vectorworks in an immersive environment |
Vectorworks Cloud Services help |
Vectorworks Cloud Services |
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Class visibility control in the 3D and AR model viewers |
Adds support for control of class visibilities in the Vectorworks 3D and AR model viewers |
Vectorworks Cloud Services help |
Vectorworks Cloud Services |
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Room plan improvements for the iOS Nomad app |
The Room plan feature in iOS Nomad now allows merging individual room scans into a larger structure without duplicate walls, and recognizes a larger variety of room features, such as slanted and curved walls |
Vectorworks Cloud Services help |
Vectorworks Cloud Services |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Update 2 release of the Vectorworks 2024 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
|
Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
|
Support for Omniverse live sessions |
Vectorworks now provides the ability to collaborate with other Omniverse users in a synchronized live session |
Fundamentals |
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Enscape now available on Mac |
Enscape's real-time 3D visualization capabilities are now available on Mac |
Fundamentals |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Update 1 release of the Vectorworks 2024 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
|
Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
|
Create Surface Array now in Fundamentals |
The Create Surface Array command is now available with a Fundamentals license |
Fundamentals |
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Import EPSF command removed |
The Import EPSF command has now been removed and is only available in Legacy |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
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Changes to palette functionality (features were in the initial release) |
The auto-hide feature now applies to docked palettes On Mac, removed the Use Application Window command (to control where document windows and palettes can dock) Style setting for the tab labels of palettes with multiple tabs |
Fundamentals |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2024 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
New Features videos are available from Vectorworks University.
|
Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
|
New Vectorworks "look" |
Vectorworks has a refreshed, modern look, with new icons in tool sets and the Tool bar, and updated user interface elements throughout. The updates improve the user experience and offer a more cohesive, pleasing appearance. |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
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Redesign of View bar and Tool bar |
The View bar and Tool bar have been redesigned to improve usability and provide more drawing space: Quick Preferences can be enabled and disabled from the preferences menu, as well as the Tool bar Font controls are available on the View bar SmartCursor snapping controls can be on the View bar or at the bottom of the application window Compact and auto-hide modes are available for the View bar Redesigned controls for saved views, layers, classes, data visualizations, and working planes Updated and expanded icons indicate current settings |
Fundamentals |
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New viewport styles resource |
Viewport styles work similarly to plug-in object styles, allowing you to set some viewport parameters by style for consistency across multiple viewports, while varying other parameters by instance. The styles applied to viewports in a file can be viewed and applied from the Organization dialog box and the Navigation palette (Design Suite product required). Viewport styles are managed from the Resource Manager like other resource types. |
Fundamentals |
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Shaded rendering mode improvements |
The following improvements make Shaded mode renderings more realistic, while still being responsive enough to work interactively: The addition of camera effects The ability to show shadows cast from more than eight lights Improved lit fog appearance The ability to render using high dynamic range (HDR) rendering |
Fundamentals |
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New Cabinet tool |
The Base, Wall, and Utility Cabinet tools have been replaced by one Cabinet tool that offers much more custom functionality and control with cabinet type, configuration, hardware, finish options, and more. New insertion options allow you to draw a cabinet with a custom length and draw multiple cabinets along a line. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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New Fence tool |
A new tool places a wide variety of raked or stepped fences with gates. The fence follows the slope of the surface underneath it. The former Railing/Fence tool is now legacy. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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New Railing tool |
A new tool places handrails and/or guardrails with a variety of configurations. You can quickly place railings across layers by selecting the edges of stairs, slabs, or ramps; you can also draw the railings along a path. Railings can be joined with various configurations with the Railing Join tool. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Materials available for door and window parts |
You can now specify material resources for individual door and window parts. Material libraries have new content, and worksheet functions have been added for reporting door and window materials. |
Door settings: Materials and Classes pane |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Equipment lists |
A new Inventory and Equipment List command tracks all entertainment equipment used in the drawing. You can create inventories, and then compare the quantities of gear used against the gear available. Detailed filtering options allow you to create specific as well as comprehensive reports. An updated Equipment Summary Key tool places graphical keys for installation teams and clients. |
Concept: Inventory and equipment lists |
Spotlight |
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Sharing ConnectCAD reports through the cloud |
Now you can generate ConnectCAD reports and share them with users through Vectorworks Cloud Services. Users receive an email containing a link to the report, which they can display in any web browser on any device. |
ConnectCAD |
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3D Dragger visual improvements |
The 3D dragger used by the Edit Subdivision tool and Reshape tool to allow free-form reshaping of some 3D objects has a new appearance that provides better visual cues during use |
Fundamentals |
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Improved control over render mode and projection when changing to 3D views |
New settings provide more control over which render modes and projections are used when switching to a 3D view |
Fundamentals |
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Renderworks and Redshift section rendering improvements |
Renderworks and Redshift section rendering improvements result in faster performance and less peak memory use for viewports, clip cube, and clip cube viewports. A new option for some viewport types provides the ability to remove occluded objects from the rendering geometry. |
Fundamentals |
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Improved dark mode features for Mac and Windows |
Dark mode is now available for Windows users; new settings in the Vectorworks preferences provide more control over dark mode display |
Fundamentals |
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Title block data improvements |
Title block data management improvements include: The Object Info palette has been reorganized, and you can now customize which parameters display in each settings group. User editable fields in title block data-related list browsers can now be edited directly in the list browser. Customizable drawing stamp options. Greater control over the display of sheet size names and units. Manage the sheet size naming options from the Title Block Manager (Design Suite product required). The ability to sort and filter reports from the Title Block Manager (Design Suite product required). The project revision history report now indicates when a sheet was issued without revisions (Design Suite product required). |
Title block border settings: Drawing Stamp pane |
Fundamentals |
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Publish usability improvements |
You can now sort the list of available items by sheet layer stacking order, control whether to include items from subfolders in the available list, and disable creation of the publish log file |
Fundamentals |
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Improvements for DXF/DWG import in existing classes and layers |
When importing DXF/DWG layers as classes, a new option imports all objects into the active class, on a new design layer When importing DXF/DWG layers as layers, a new option imports all objects into the active design layer, with a new class New options control whether class attributes are overwritten during import Any new classes created during DXF/DWG import will have the Use at Creation option enabled |
Fundamentals |
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DXF/DWG export optimization |
DXF/DWG export now reduces content duplication wherever possible, which results in a smaller file size for clearer exports |
Fundamentals |
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Excel referencing |
Microsoft Excel files can now be referenced as worksheets |
Fundamentals |
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Export worksheets with semicolons |
New options to export worksheets to CSV format using semicolons as delimiters |
Fundamentals |
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Scalable user interface elements (Mac only) |
Mac users can now control the display size for user interface elements in the main application window |
Fundamentals |
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Improved Check for Updates |
Check for Updates now provides simultaneous information about which major and minor versions are available for update and/or download. In addition, a new link leads to a summary of new features for a chosen version. |
Fundamentals |
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Improved updating for third-party products |
It's now easier to manage updates for installed third-party products |
Fundamentals |
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Save As command keyboard shortcut |
The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+S (Mac) has been reassigned to the Save As command, and the shortcut no longer activates the Sketch render mode command |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
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Retirement of RenderMall Plant tool |
The RenderMall Plant tool has moved to the Legacy tool set of the Workspace Editor. The plants are now available for download as 2D/3D symbols in the Plants\3D Models Low Poly library. |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
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Graphic legend improvements |
More options to control text and image alignment Ability to report and sort graphic legend data by multiple fields Options to scale objects to a uniform size and to scale the entire graphic legend to fit on the sheet For windows and doors, more auto-dimensions, option to show objects open or closed, and controls to show floor lines in elevation views Customizable auto-dimensions Ability to select a filter viewport by clicking on it Improved dynamic text functions to include cell numbers and image scale in the layout Commands to recalculate selected graphic legends and all legends in a document |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Elevation benchmark improvements |
Option to control the marker fill from the Attributes palette Project elevation setting in the document setup, which can be used in the marker layout Marker objects support double-click editing More number formatting options for dynamic text objects in the marker layout SIA dimension standard options for marker units When editing the marker layout, a double-click on a dynamic text object defines marker data, instead of editing the text Option to move text independently of the marker Options to define a marker's reference elevation or control point by clicking in the drawing Reshape tool now works on marker objects |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Create data tag style improvements |
Several improvements make it easier to select data fields and define the layout for a new data tag style |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Improvements to dynamic text for data tags |
More number formatting options for dynamic text objects in the data tag layout When editing the data tag layout, a double-click on a dynamic text object defines tag data, instead of editing the text |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Select linked object from data tag |
New context menu commands allow you to easily select the drawing object a data tag is linked to |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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More precise control of door and window handing |
Door and window handing (the orientation when inserted in a wall) features include: Interactive handing controls in the drawing area New handing-related parameters that can be set in the dialog box, by the interactive controls, and by various flipping operations Handing-related data for IFC and reports, based on IFC enumeration definitions from buildingSMART |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Door and window interactive sizing improvements |
Interactive sizing improvements include: Double-clicking a window or door style in the Resource Manager activates the Window or Door tool along with the resource New Corner to Corner and Center to Corner submodes provide more flexibility New modifier keys while drawing constrain the door/window to the golden ratio, reshape from the center to corner, and constrain a reshape to the object's current proportions You can interactively draw corner and span windows In Top/Plan view, the second click can set the door/window's open direction |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Door threshold and window sill improvements |
Now door thresholds and window sills properly fit to wall closures, with independent exterior and interior threshold extensions for doors and independent sill and stool extensions for windows. Door and window header lines now extend to wall closures. Stool options are available for the Masonry Sill Type. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Window and door shim gap improvements |
More granular controls over window and door shim gaps include the ability to use the gap settings provided by the wall where the window/door is inserted, to set a different gap size for each side of the opening, and to specify an offset at the bottom of the door leaf |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Wall, slab, and roof texturing improvements |
In addition to a default more logical texture alignment and rotation among all faces of the same component, improvements include the following capabilities for texturing walls, slabs, roof faces, and roofs: Override the texture for individual components of styled instances Assign textures to individual components or parts by dragging a texture from the Resource Manager Assign textures to individual components or parts using the Texture tool Use the Attribute Mapping tool for direct editing of textures |
Applying textures to objects with components |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Wall tool Polyline drawing mode improvement |
The Wall tool's Polyline drawing mode allows you to easily change among the polyline creation options to draw series of straight and/or curved walls |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Wall closure setting improvements |
Walls and wall styles can now each have multiple wall closures that pair with a variety of inserts, to streamline setting up wall closures and eliminate the need for overrides. A new Manage Wall Closure Names command displays all the wall closure names currently used in a file and with which object types and objects they are used, so you can manage the wall closure names more efficiently. The now obsolete Interior/Exterior Wall Detail panes have been removed from door settings and window settings, to prevent a conflict with the wall closure settings. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Improvements to the Additional Data pane in the space settings |
Adds Project, Site, and Flat/Unit fields to the space record format, and as options in the Additional Data pane Adds the ability to use variables to define most fields Adds story-related variables Adds a search feature to several long selection lists in the space settings |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Improvements to the Stair tool's 2D display |
New 2D settings for stairs include: an option to display the stair body edges of solid stairs, an option to display walk line start and end markers without a line, custom step numbering, and separate graphic attribute settings below and above the stair break for handrails and top treads, as well as new graphic attributes for stair body edges |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Stair construction improvements |
Changes the requirements for stair construction: now the minimum number of risers is 2, and the maximum number of stringers is only limited by the space available |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Marionette usability enhancements |
When selecting how to edit a Marionette object, you can also specify future double-click behavior. A new context menu command cleans up the network layout. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Site model snapshot improvements |
Site model snapshots can now be frozen to prevent further updating, and their opacity can be adjusted. A new option for snapshots of 2D elevation or slope analysis includes a legend. |
Architect, Landmark |
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Structural member improvements |
Structural member improvements include: More granular style control over shape, size, and material settings Improved attribute control and Top/Plan graphics Option to merge with structural objects in sections and hidden line renders Depth and breadth data parameters for custom member types Improved auto-join control New support for the Create Objects from Shapes command |
Structural member settings: Profile tab |
Architect, Spotlight |
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Landmark Color Palette |
A new color palette, Landmark Colors, is now available with colors especially selected for landscape design |
Landmark |
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Improvements to the plant root ball and excavation |
New parameters allow you to specify a flanged shape for container and burlapped root shapes, as well as specify a rectangular flanged plant excavation shape with optional backfill components |
Landmark |
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Design Suite workspace with entertainment industry tools and commands |
All entertainment industry tools and commands, from the Spotlight, Braceworks, and ConnectCAD products, are now in the Design Suite workspace. The Spotlight workspace is reorganized into more appropriate tool sets and menus according to disciplines within the entertainment industry; the Design Suite workspace mimics the Spotlight workspace organization. The Braceworks tools and commands are incorporated into the Spotlight and Design Suite workspaces, and the separate Braceworks workspace has been eliminated; the Braceworks licensure requirements for certain tools and commands still apply. |
Not applicable |
Spotlight, Braceworks, ConnectCAD |
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Entertainment equipment record |
A new record format, EntEquipUniversal, is now attached to all entertainment objects. This standardized record is designed to work with the inventory and equipment list feature. If you create customized symbols for entertainment, this new record format must be attached. |
Spotlight |
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3D layout workflows simplify modeling |
Layout workflows are now in 3D, making it easier to: Create, stack, and nest 3D layout rooms Place rack contents at half-rack unit positions Create more types of 3D equipment racks and customize the size of rack openings and other dimensions Link equipment and rack frames to their associated schematic devices, facilitating navigation and editing Preview equipment as is it snapped into 3D racks, and move equipment within and between racks Place a rack ruler in a viewport annotation Place adapter slots in equipment and then link the slots to sockets inside associated schematic devices Use the new Make Rack Equipment Worksheet tool (replaces the context-menu command) As part of this improvement, the Equipment Rack 2D tool is made legacy. |
Specifying ConnectCAD settings |
ConnectCAD |
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Improved creation and customization of connector panels |
Now you can easily create connector panel layouts from schematic devices, create schematic devices from custom panel layouts, and build custom panel layouts with the new Panel Connector tool |
ConnectCAD |
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Custom prefix for specialized ConnectCAD devices |
Specialized devices and distribution amplifiers can now use a custom prefix; the Device Type parameter in the Object Info palette displays the type of device, rather than relying on the prefix as an identifier |
ConnectCAD |
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New 3D symbols for equipment items |
When you create equipment items from devices, you can now download 3D symbols that correspond to the equipment items, if those symbols exist |
ConnectCAD |
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Site protection server improvements |
The RLM server software has been updated to version 15.1. This version has enhanced security, and logging in is now required. |
Fundamentals |
