Installing Vectorworks products
The README within the Vectorworks Install Manager 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, take note of any issues or incompatibilities, and make sure the computer is connected to the internet prior to installing the software. Installation requires you to enter your computer's administration credentials, so make sure you have that information available before you begin. Follow the instructions in the Vectorworks Install Manager.
The installation program installs the entire Vectorworks suite of programs. Allowable products are determined by your serial number, and a License Description File (LDF) that is installed in your User folder.
Student and trial versions of Vectorworks products include an additional step on first launch: selection of an area of design that best describes the kind of work to be done. This is so that the most relevant default workspace displays on product launch. For instance, if lighting design is selected as the primary use, the Spotlight workspace opens. The entire Design Suite product line is available and the workspace can be changed in the Tools > Workspaces menu regardless of how the question is answered.
The first time you launch Vectorworks after installation, depending on your license type and internet access, you may be required to sign in to your existing Vectorworks account, or to create an account if you don't have one. After the initial launch, you can sign out/in and access your account information on the upper-right corner of the Menu bar.
To view the license agreement, on Windows, select Help > About Vectorworks, or on Mac select Vectorworks > About Vectorworks. Then click License.
Installing Vectorworks on a computer with no internet connection
Although it is easiest and most typical to install Vectorworks using an internet connection, it is possible to install the products if a computer is not connected to the internet.
To install Vectorworks on a computer with no internet access:
Download the Vectorworks Install Manager on a computer with internet access.
On the same online computer, launch the Vectorworks Install Manager. Select Download from the menu on the top right corner, and select the desired version to download a .vwim file for the installation.
On the same online computer, go to the Vectorworks Customer Portal and download the .ldf file for the license you'll use for the installation.
Copy those three items (the Vectorworks Install Manager, the .vwim file, and the .ldf file) to the computer without internet access.
Launch the Vectorworks Install Manager on the computer to install Vectorworks.
From the menu on the top right corner, select Select Source; select Use local file as source, and select the .vwim file.
Begin installation.
You will get an alert that license validation failed. Click Provide LDF File, and select the .ldf file you downloaded from the Customer Portal.
Complete installation.