New features
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Update 2 release of the Vectorworks 2025 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
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Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
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AI Visualizer improvements |
You can now recall prompts and settings from previously generated images for reuse, create seamless tiled patterns, and create a clear alpha channel in an image. You no longer have to be logged into the desktop Vectorworks Cloud Services app to use the AI Visualizer. |
Fundamentals |
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Irrigation pipe improvements |
Now you can set a default radius value for the display of jumps where two pipes intersect; you can also set all existing pipe jumps to a consistent radius |
Landmark |
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Curb improvements |
Improvements to the curb object include a new option for creating path symbol statements, the ability to add a foundation line to path extrudes, a simpler method for creating L joins when editing curbs, and improved preformatted worksheets for reporting |
Curb preferences: Path Symbols pane |
Architect, Landmark |
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Update GDTF Files command improvement |
Now you'll get a summary dialog box showing which fixtures were associated with a GDTF file, and which were unsuccessfully updated. You can export the summary as a .csv file if needed. |
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Spotlight |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Update 1 release of the Vectorworks 2025 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented and the product to which the feature applies.
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Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
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New Pantone colors |
Pantone has added 175 new colors to PANTONE® Fashion, Home+ Interiors (FHI) libraries available in the Attributes palette |
Fundamentals |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2025 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.
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Feature |
Description |
Location |
Product |
|
New Onscreen View Control |
The new Onscreen View Control makes it easier to change views and provides better feedback on the drawing orientation from within the drawing area |
Fundamentals |
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Two-point perspective option |
Perspective projections now provide a two-point perspective option for a traditional architectural composition. Custom perspectives also offer improved control over the field of view, including for sheet layer viewports. |
Fundamentals |
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Vectorworks Cloud Document Reviewer and comments palette |
A new Cloud Document Reviewer is available in Vectorworks Cloud Services. From Vectorworks, you can export selected sheet layers and worksheets to the cloud, and share the document with clients and collaborators. Using any web-enabled device, recipients can open the document in the Cloud Document Reviewer, where they can measure or select objects from the sheets and see the information associated with the objects. Users can also view worksheets, and if they're signed in to Vectorworks, they can add comments. A new web palette allows you to view and address comments on your shared document without leaving the Vectorworks application. |
Sharing documents in the Vectorworks Cloud Document Reviewer Vectorworks Cloud Services help |
Fundamentals |
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Object visibility controls |
There are now multiple ways to hide objects in the drawing area, saved views, and viewports, independently of class or layer visibilities: The Visibility tool has a new mode to control object visibility The V shortcut key no longer activates the Visibility tool; it now toggles hidden object display on or off New commands on the View menu can hide selected objects, show selected objects only, unhide all objects, and set object visibility by specified criteria Data visualizations can now hide objects that are not part of the visualization; a new type of data visualization can hide objects that meet the specified criteria |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Room finish improvements |
The new Room Finish Manager makes editing and sharing room finish lists easier. Also, more data fields can be specified for each finish, such as manufacturer, color, and cost. You can assign and report finishes for all walls, for each wall individually, or for North/East/South/West walls. You can assign up to five finishes to each surface, and specify a coverage percentage. Improved room finish schedules and room finish legends are available, as well as data tags. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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New Countertop tool |
A new tool creates a countertop object with a range of customization options, such as backsplashes and custom edges, including waterfall edges |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Survey point and reference points |
A new tool, the Survey Point, is an alternative way of setting up a project's georeferencing. It indicates the location of a known point, and optionally, two reference points. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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BIM and construction classification system |
The new Classification Setup palette allows you to set up rules to automatically apply BIM and construction classification codes to drawing objects based on specific criteria, using whatever classification standards you require. The palette automatically checks the rules and helps you identify objects that are unclassified or classified incorrectly. For flexibility, you can manually apply classifications to materials, black symbols, and selected objects. The Vectorworks libraries include sample classification standards, as well as object styles and symbols with pre-assigned classifications. Several new worksheet functions and sample reports related to classification are now available. |
Architect, Landmark |
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New Curb tool and object |
A new, highly flexible Curb tool creates a variety of objects, from curbs that serve as site modifiers to decorative borders associated with hardscapes |
Architect, Landmark |
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Showcase previsualization |
Showcase integrates previsualization directly into Vectorworks Spotlight; now you can seamlessly develop your lighting design and previz all in Vectorworks without needing an external program |
Spotlight |
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Automated downloading of GDTF Files |
The process of downloading, associating, and updating a GDTF file with a lighting device is now automated. The process can also occur prior to MVR export, to ensure that the latest GDTF data is attached to the lighting devices. |
Spotlight |
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Home Screen Improvements |
The Home screen has been more functionally integrated into Vectorworks. It is no longer a floating screen atop the application window, but is incorporated into the application itself. You can also more easily create and open files from the Home screen, and toggle between the Home screen and the work area. |
Fundamentals |
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Improved managing and editing of workspaces |
The Workspace Editor now has multi-selection drag-and-drop editing, search functionality, and indicates which items are already in the workspace. You can switch workspaces while in the editor, and easily save and load workspaces from user and workgroup folders. You can now Ctrl+right-click on a specific tool or command to edit its shortcut. The commands for setting and using default attributes and attributes by class are now on the Modify menu, so you can set keyboard shortcuts for them. |
Fundamentals |
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Migration Manager improvements |
If Vectorworks versions were skipped, all commands and tools added to Vectorworks since the source version can be added to a migrated workspace. Only the five most recent Vectorworks versions can be used as a data source, to allow migration of more kinds of data. More kinds of settings can now be migrated, including the spell checker dictionary, Eyedropper tool saved sets, Data Manager mapping sets, font mapping, DXF/DWG/DWF import and export saved sets, some title block border data, and custom line end markers. Plant data migration has been improved. |
Fundamentals |
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Interactive preview rendering in design layers with Redshift |
Renderworks styles that use the Redshift by Maxon rendering engine now offer optional interactive preview rendering (IPR) capabilities while working in design layers in a 3D view |
Fundamentals |
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Hidden Line render mode improvements |
Hidden Line and Dashed Hidden Line render modes on design layers and viewports now work with clip cubes, and with grayed layers and classes |
Fundamentals |
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Bitmap object scaling |
You can now change the size and/or proportions of a bitmap object in the drawing area without affecting the image's original attributes |
Fundamentals |
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New worksheet commands |
New commands let you insert rows above or below the selected rows and insert columns before or after the selected columns in a worksheet |
Fundamentals |
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New option to customize units for dimensions |
Dimensioning tools now offer the option to use units different from the document units, and to create custom units as needed |
Fundamentals |
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Batch Rename command improvements |
Changes to batch renaming include: The ability to rename Renderworks cameras and light objects inserted with the Light tool New operations to increment prefixes and suffixes or to truncate names Additional ways to control the preview display and to select/deselect items by groups |
Fundamentals |
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Resource library consolidation |
The Vectorworks and Premium libraries are consolidated into a single Vectorworks Libraries location; this streamlines searching for content in both the Resource Manager and the Resource Selector |
Fundamentals |
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New DXF/DWG and DWF export options |
The following options were added: Export cropped Top/Plan sheet layer viewport graphics as clipped, flattened, and decomposed 2D primitives, such as lines and text Choose the scale of viewport graphics when exporting DXF/DWG/DWF sheet layer viewports as 2D graphics Export plug-in objects as simple geometry without creating DXF/DWG blocks Rename the DXF/DWG/DWG layers for hatches and fills when exporting Display mapping lists for both existing classes/layers and classes/layers for hatches and fills simultaneously |
DXF/DWG and DWF export options Managing mapping sets and standards
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Fundamentals |
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New DXF/DWG and DWF import options |
New import options allow you to convert colors to black and white individually for pens and for fills |
Fundamentals |
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New Duplicate and Edit option |
You can now duplicate and edit a class with just one click |
Fundamentals |
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Clear Recent Files command |
You can now clear your list of recently opened files |
Fundamentals |
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Consistent tool mode names and icons |
The names and icons of tool modes with the same behavior are now more consistent across the software, enabling users to quickly understand the modes available for each tool |
Various locations |
Fundamentals |
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Vectorworks Installation Manager improvements |
Vectorworks installation and update functions have been streamlined for a smoother experience |
Fundamentals |
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Data tag improvements |
Data tags can now be applied to subparts of objects, such as the components of a wall Dynamic text fields can now be defined using worksheet-style formulas and criteria When tagging multiple eligible objects, you can now attach records to all the data tags or objects at the same time Additional patterns are available for renumbering all data tags in a sequence A new Tolerance Size setting for the SIA standard controls the size of the tolerance superscript for both data tags and elevation benchmarks |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Project sharing Improvements |
Project sharing settings and alerts have been revised to improve clarity and reduce errors. You can now use any cloud-based file storage service for project sharing. A new pane in the Vectorworks Preferences automatically detects known cloud folders available for sharing and allows you to create a custom list of cloud folders. An alert now displays when a project file is not in the correct location (for example, the sharing method is set to be a network share, but the file is in a cloud folder). Working files are now backed up as regular (.vwx) files. Also, the Save a Copy As command no longer allows you to save a working file as another working file (.vwxw). |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Streamlined import of multiple images |
Now when you drag and drop to import multiple images at once, the Image Import Options dialog box opens only once, and the settings apply to all the imported images |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Cloud processing for Revit exports |
Users with a subscription or Vectorworks Service Select benefits can now process Revit exports on Vectorworks Cloud Services, from either the Vectorworks application or the web portal. This offloads the time-consuming, intensive computing task from the local machine. Cloud exports can also be done to prior Revit versions, which isn't possible with local exports. |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Saved sets for Revit import |
When importing a single Revit file, you can now create a custom saved set, or choose from among several predefined default sets |
Architect, Landmark, Spotlight |
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Planar pad site modifier and pad hardscape slope setting improvements |
The process of setting a slope has been improved and streamlined |
Architect, Landmark |
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Hardscape improvements |
Hardscape improvements include streamlining the management of site model interactions, and reorganizing the Hardscape Preferences dialog box to better accommodate a new naming system, add sustainability data, and improve consistency and clarity |
Architect, Landmark |
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Landscape area improvements |
The Landscape Area Preferences dialog box has been reorganized to better accommodate a new naming system, add sustainability data, and make the organization more clear and consistent. Landscape area automatic connections with site models have also been improved. |
Landmark |
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Power schematics created from light plots |
The new Create Power Schematic command automatically creates a power schematic from a light plot. Because light plot objects are associated with schematic devices and circuits, editing an item updates its associated item. |
Spotlight, ConnectCAD |
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Creating labels for ConnectCAD objects |
Now ready-to-print labels can be created for ConnectCAD cables, equipment, and devices |
Spotlight, ConnectCAD |
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Automatic numbering support for more Spotlight tools |
The functionality and appearance of the Automatic Numbering Preferences dialog box has been improved for usability. In addition, more objects have been added to the list of objects that can be automatically numbered: blended screen, bridle, cable, cable area, cable path, distributor, hanging position, hoist, hoist origin, house rigging point, lighting device, lighting pipe, lighting pipe ladder, seating section, speaker, stage deck, truss, video camera, and video screen. |
Numbering objects at placement
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Spotlight |
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Lighting device and truss snapping and insertion improvements |
It is much easier to place truss objects with the Truss tool, with improved previews and orientation at insertion. Loads can now snap to the truss chords. Inserting lighting devices is also improved, with new modes for orienting lights and for placing multiple lights. A trim height is added to all rigging objects, showing their absolute height above the ground level. Documentation has been improved and streamlined. |
Spotlight |
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Schematic view quality improvements |
The process of creating and maintaining schematic views has been improved, reducing errors and issues. A preview shows where the schematic view will be placed, and a progress bar indicates the status. |
Spotlight |
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Improvement to lighting device parameters |
Improvements to lighting device settings make it easier to modify the shutter, pan, and tilt settings |
Spotlight |
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Bridle object improvements |
Now you can set up bridle preferences from the Tool bar or the menu command; the defaults and the placement of data tags on bridles have been improved. Bridle parts are reported in worksheets. Bridle documentation has been streamlined. |
Spotlight |
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Cable tool improvements |
The Cable tool has received a variety of improvements, including better cable breaks and labeling of break sections, multiple selection of parameters when editing, and improved reporting of cable parts and subparts. |
Spotlight |
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Improvements to staging tools |
You can now select casters, wood blocks, or none for the base of each support leg on stage decks and stage plugs Additional data, such as location, unit, position, brand, model, vendor, and cost can now be specified in labels for stage decks, stage plugs, stage steps, stage ramps, and stage lifts The ability to display the built-in text label in 3D has now been added Horizontal bars are now available for self-adjusting stage steps An option has been added to make the bottom of ramps vertical for connecting the face of another ramp or stage deck |
Spotlight |
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Improvements to video tools |
Changes to video tools include: The ability to enter more data parameters, and to add 3D text labels The ability to select a casing, adjustable stand, and tilt for televisions Additional video and blended screen selection options for projectors, stands, and vertical positions New options to add half size modules, mitered edge tiles, and a secondary unit for array size on LED screens |
Inserting a video screen object |
Spotlight |
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Improvements to audio tools |
Improvements to audio tools settings include the ability to enter unit, purpose, vendor, and cost data for speakers and speaker arrays, as well as options for more than one speaker array bumper |
Spotlight |
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Soft goods and rope and stanchion improvements |
Changes to soft goods and rope and stanchion include: The ability to enter unit, purpose, vendor, and cost data, and to add unit and position data to text labels, for rope and stanchions The ability to use correct weight calculations of soft goods for specified openings The ability to enter unit and location data, and to add unit data to text labels, for soft goods |
Spotlight |
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Spotlight dialog box improvements |
Existing dialog boxes, particularly those related to cables, have been improved in areas of usability, user interface, and consistency. When creating a cable report, the worksheet can now be named. |
Various locations |
Spotlight |
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Using spaces in ConnectCAD layouts |
When you create ConnectCAD layouts, you can now use space objects to organize equipment racks and their contents |
Creating spaces with the Space tool |
ConnectCAD |
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Continuous error checking |
When the ConnectCAD Status web palette is open, Vectorworks continuously checks your drawing for ConnectCAD errors as you work; any issues detected are displayed in the palette |
ConnectCAD |
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Improved share reports capabilities |
Now you can share information about all ConnectCAD objects in a drawing or only the objects that you select. When shared reports are accessed, additional report capabilities make it easier to display needed information. |
ConnectCAD |
