The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 3 release of Vectorworks 2015 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented.
Feature |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) file viewer |
The Open BCF Viewer command allows you to open BCF files produced by other BIM applications, to view issues, proposals, and change requests for the project |
Architect and Landmark |
|
IFC export options for walls and slabs |
● The Simplified Geometry option for the Model View merges components, and exports a simple extrude for each wall and slab object ● The Export Walls/Slabs by components option exports each component of walls and slabs as sub-elements |
Architect and Landmark |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the Service Pack 2 release of Vectorworks 2015 software, and indicates the section where the functionality is documented.
Feature |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
Improvements to the Lightwright Data Exchange |
Improvements to coordinate with a future release of Lightwright include: ● a new Address parameter for lighting device objects, to be used in automatic universe assignment ● a new option to exchange inventory lists between Vectorworks Spotlight and Lightwright ● the ability to receive updated lighting device rotation information from Lightwright |
Lighting Instrument Properties; Universe Assignment in Vectorworks Spotlight; and Importing and Exporting Vectorworks Spotlight Data |
Spotlight |
The following table contains a list of new and improved features for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2015 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 |
Purpose |
Location |
Product |
Vectorworks help system |
The Vectorworks help system, keyboard shortcut file, and list of tools and commands have been updated to reflect version 2015 functionality |
Not applicable |
|
Cocoa® API |
Replaces Apple’s Carbon® API with their modern Cocoa API |
Not Applicable |
Fundamentals |
Closing 2D polygon, polyline, polygonal wall network, or path-based objects |
After completing all but the final click, press the keyboard shortcut (K by default) to automatically close polygon, polyline, polygonal wall network, or path-based objects |
Fundamentals |
|
Unified install |
Vectorworks no longer requires reinstalling when upgrading products or upgrading from an evaluation version |
Fundamentals |
|
Default workspaces for student and evaluation versions of Vectorworks software |
Installation of student and evaluation versions of the software now includes a question that determines the most relevant default workspace to open on product launch |
Fundamentals |
|
High-resolution display |
The Vectorworks application now supports high-resolution display devices |
Fundamentals |
|
Mac Retina display support |
All icons and static images in the Mac version of the software have been recreated to display appropriately on Retina as well as standard resolution devices. The Workspace Editor and Plug-in Manager allow users to add high-resolution images in addition to standard-resolution images. |
Screen Resolution; Modifying Tool Palettes and Tool Sets; and Plug-in Definition |
Fundamentals |
Description field for layers and classes |
The edit dialog boxes for design layers, sheet layers, and classes now each have a Description button, which allows you to store additional information. Descriptions display as screen tips on the layer and class lists on the Organization dialog box, Navigation palette, and (on Mac only) View bar. Descriptions also display on the New Design Layer, New Sheet Layer, and New Class dialog boxes, so that you can see descriptions of layers and classes before you import them. |
The View Bar, Setting Design Layer Properties, Setting Sheet Layer Properties, Setting Class Properties, and The Navigation Palette |
Fundamentals |
Updates for Center on objects after view change preference |
Helps you feel oriented when switching views or changing layers |
Fundamentals |
|
The Quartz imaging display technology is now always used on Mac systems |
As part of the 64-bit application change, Apple’s 32-bit QuickDraw technology can no longer be used. This caused the following additional changes: ● In the Vectorworks Display preferences, the Quartz imaging option was removed. ● On the Edit Design Layers dialog box, the Transfer Mode option for controlling layer display is no longer available. ● The Export PDF (Quartz only) command was removed; Vectorworks Fundamentals users can print to PDF using the operating system print option. |
Vectorworks Display Preferences, Setting Design Layer Properties, and Setting the Design Layer Transfer Mode |
Fundamentals |
Ability to disable class hierarchical display in pop-up menus |
You can now opt to disable hierarchical display of classes in pop-up menus throughout the software, including in the Object Info palette, the View bar, and dialog boxes |
Fundamentals |
|
3D render mode and projection preferences |
You can now set the preferred 3D render mode and projection, applied whenever you switch a drawing from Top/Plan into a 3D view |
Fundamentals |
|
Remove Obsolete OpenGL Options |
Removes outdated and obsolete OpenGL options from the user interface. |
Fundamentals |
|
View transition animation |
Adds the option to animate the transition when switching views |
Fundamentals |
|
Sheet border improvements |
You can now add a countersignature field to the sheet border, as required by the regulations of certain countries. You can now adjust sheet border marker line length and weight and grid line extensions. |
Fundamentals |
|
Beam angle, field angle, and centerline class assignment preference |
The beam angle, field angle, and centerline of lighting instruments can be shown or hidden, and each can be assigned to individual classes for better control of the beam appearance, especially in viewports |
Spotlight |
|
Add custom pop-up parameter lists for lighting devices |
You can now create a pop-up list of pre-defined parameter options for lighting devices |
Spotlight |
|
Page boundary SmartCursor cues |
Improved SmartCursor cues assist users in locating the edges of the page boundary |
Fundamentals |
|
Screen tips for referenced design layers |
For referenced design layers, the full layer name and the source file name display as a screen tip when the cursor is positioned over the italicized layer name in the Organization dialog box, Navigation palette, and (for Mac only) the Layers list on the View bar |
The Organization Dialog Box, The Navigation Palette, and The View Bar |
Fundamentals |
Simplified story workflows |
It is now much easier to create and manage stories. Story levels do not need to be associated with a layer, if the purpose of the level is to constrain objects. This reduces the number of design layers required to create stories. |
Setting Up the Building Structure with Stories, Creating Layers |
Architect |
Text style as a class attribute |
The Edit Class(es) dialog box now has a Use Text Style at Creation option, which allows you to assign a text style to a class, as well as specify that the style be applied when an object in that class is created. The Text Style field is now an option on the Object Info palette for several plug-in objects that have embedded text, such as drawing labels and callouts. Select <Class Text Style> to apply the class style to the object. |
Fundamentals |
|
Visibility tool improvements in viewports |
You can now use the Visibility tool to change class and layer visibilities in viewports |
Fundamentals |
|
Assign objects to classes and layers in the Navigation palette |
A new Assign to Selection context menu command in the Navigation palette provides an easy alternative method for assigning objects to classes and design layers |
The Navigation Palette and Assigning Objects to Classes and Layers |
Architect, |
Symbol editing shortcuts for the Resource Browser |
Adds editing modes directly to the context menu in the Resource Browser |
Fundamentals |
|
Locate the repetitive unit symbol in the Resource Browser |
The Locate Symbol in Resource Browser context menu command is now available for repetitive unit objects |
Architect, |
|
Show and reverse direction for lines, polylines, and 2D/3D polygons |
Show the direction for lines, polylines, and 2D/3D polygons; reverse direction as necessary for consistent operations and appearance |
Fundamentals |
|
Deform Tool |
The Deform tool (formerly the Twist tool) twists, tapers, bulges, and bends solid objects, offering expanded modeling capabilities to designers |
Fundamentals |
|
Variable spacing for tab stops in text objects |
You can now add multiple tab stops to text objects and control the spacing of each one independently |
Fundamentals |
|
Tracking support for text objects |
For text objects, the new Tracking field on the Object Info Palette controls the horizontal spacing between characters |
Fundamentals |
|
Space object gross boundary definitions |
The gross boundary definition of space objects can now be set to the outer wall core or center wall core, to accommodate a variety of standards and requirements |
Architect |
|
Multiple labels for space object |
Individually format and position as many as three space labels per space object |
Architect |
|
Improved control of leader lines for space objects |
You now have greater control over the placement of leader lines for space labels |
Architect |
|
Roof framing improvements |
● Increases functionality of the Roof Framer command ● Increases accuracy of 3D roof framing models ● Provides new option for specifying how the end of a rafter meets the plate ● The message bar now displays the progress of the roof framing process |
Architect |
|
Framing Member tool enhancements |
Framing member objects now have a Length parameter and a directional indicator |
Architect |
|
Joist from poly progress indicator |
The message bar now displays the progress of the joist creation process |
Architect |
|
Curtain walls |
A new feature of the Wall and Round Wall tools is the ability to create curtain walls. A new Edit Curtain Wall tool edits the frames and panels that make up the curtain wall. Curtain wall styles are an extension of wall style resources. New worksheet functions have been added for curtain walls. Doors and windows have been improved to automatically size to the bounding frames when placed as a special curtain wall door or window. |
Creating Curtain Walls, Editing Curtain Walls, Inserting Windows in Vectorworks Design Series, Inserting Doors in Vectorworks Design Series, Worksheet Functions |
Architect, |
Rectangle mode for Wall tool |
The Wall tool now offers a Rectangle mode that allows quick, two-click drawing of rectangular walls. Walls drawn this way interact to speed the drawing of complex wall systems. |
Creating Walls and Automatically Joining Walls in Rectangle Mode |
Fundamentals |
Wall object and slab object dialog box improvements |
Dialog boxes relating to wall and slab attributes and wall component and slab component attributes now offer an easy way to duplicate components, greater control of fill and pen attributes including complex line types, and relocated texture controls |
Drawing Straight Walls, Defining Components for New Walls, Creating Slab Styles, and Creating Slab Components |
Fundamentals |
Wall component constraints |
Like walls, wall components can now be individually constrained at their top and bottom to layer elevation or layer wall height. Vectorworks Architect users also have the option to constrain to story levels, so that the components automatically adjust when the story elevations change. |
Architect |
|
Class support for door and window 2D geometry |
All attributes of door and window 2D geometry can now optionally be controlled by class |
Door Settings: 2D Visualization Pane, Window Settings: 2D Visualization Pane and various locations |
Fundamentals |
Centerline Marker for Doors and Windows |
The Door tool and Window tool now offer a centerline marker option |
Door Settings: Centerline Marker Pane and Window Settings: Centerline Marker Pane |
Architect, |
New Stair configurations |
The Stair tool adds two stair configurations (Double-U Stair, Double Landings and Triple-L Stair, Triple Landings) that support the design of O-shaped stairs. The new stair configurations and angled landings capability (listed separately) eliminate the need for a separate Custom Stair tool, which has been removed from all workspaces; the Stair tool has been added to the Landmark workspace. |
Architect, |
|
Angled landings for stairs |
The Stair tool now supports angles other than 90 degrees for the landings of some L- and U-shaped stair configurations |
Architect, |
|
Toilet stall improvements |
Toilet stall doors can be set to be open or closed in 3D view |
Architect |
|
Variable batter slopes for Create Pad from Grade Limits command |
When creating a pad automatically from grade limits, you can now set individual slope values for each side of the pad; in addition, rise-over-run, angle, or percent values can be used to specify slope values |
Landmark |
|
New Roadway Polyline object |
A new Roadway (Poly) tool makes it much easier to create and edit road segments |
Architect, |
|
New Roadway Custom Curb object |
A new tool joins roadway sections by creating a free-form custom curb roadway, for intersections, exits, dead-ends, and more |
Architect, |
|
Roadway object improvements |
Improves the consistency between roadway objects for increased ease of use: ● Allows control of paving and curb appearance and/or visibility by class ● Provides an arc center locus for tee and curved roads ● Measures the radius to the center of tee and curved roads |
Architect, |
|
On-screen indicators for site model errors |
Grade modifier errors that prevent a site model from updating correctly are indicated by an icon at the site of each error |
Architect, |
|
Preserve the grade of a reshaped grade object |
You can now opt to preserve the grades of reshaped grade objects and automatically recalculate the elevation instead |
Landmark |
|
Grade object length display options |
The Grade tool’s new parameters allow the optional display of the grade object’s projected and/or surface length, and grade parameters can now be entered as a rise/run ratio |
Landmark |
|
Automatic generation of minimum and maximum values for graticule object creation |
The Graticule tool automatically calculates the graticule’s minimum and maximum latitude and longitude based on the geometry and location of the defining polyline |
Landmark |
|
Plant object tight outline |
A new tight Outline option for plant objects offers a more defined look than the existing sketch styles |
Landmark |
|
Improved access to plant content libraries |
It is easier to add a wide variety of plants to drawings, with plant content libraries accessible directly from the Plant Settings dialog box, Copy From Symbol dialog box, and Edit Plant Information dialog box |
Plant Settings: Definition Pane; Creating Plant Geometry from a Symbol; and Creating Landscape Areas |
Landmark |
Extended customization for plant tags |
You can now create multiple lines of data for the top, center, and bottom of the custom plant tag and can now edit the center and bottom tags directly in the Object Info palette |
Landmark |
|
Existing Tree tool enhancements |
The Existing Tree tool is now even more flexible. You can specify irregular canopy shapes, and use trees with multiple trunks in calculations. Textures can be included for enhancing the 3D appearance of the trees. Additional options have been added for tree protection zone display and for the use of custom and specialized fields in the Object Info palette. |
Landmark |
|
Landscape Area tool improvements |
The landscape area is now calculated based on the site model if one exists, and displays in the Landscape Area Settings dialog box |
Landmark |
|
Custom landscape area tag improvements |
Improves the functionality of the custom landscape area tag |
Landmark |
|
Parking spaces terminology improvement |
Handicapped parking space options have been renamed “Accessible” in keeping with current usage |
Architect, |
|
Spotlight user interface improvements |
The names of several Vectorworks Spotlight tools, commands, dialog boxes, and parameters have been changed to be more complete and/or consistent |
Various locations |
Spotlight |
Option to embed the geometry in a lighting position object |
When you use the Convert to Light Position command to convert geometry into a lighting position object, you are now prompted to either use the geometry directly in the object, or create a symbol. If you use the geometry in the object, a new Edit Position Geometry button will be available on the Object Info palette, to allow easier editing. |
Spotlight |
|
Flip label legend settings |
Adds settings to adjust orientation of the label legend for lighting instruments |
Spotlight |
|
Soft Goods improvements |
The parts of a soft goods curtain or border can now be classed individually, offering more control over appearance and visibility |
Spotlight |
|
Video screen improvements |
Improvements to all the video screen objects allow greater control over classing and the addition of a note to the label; new options for screen borders, mounting, and additional screen parameters and aspect ratio options are available to applicable video screen objects |
Spotlight |
|
Audio object improvements |
Speakers and speaker arrays have been enhanced with additional orientation and mounting options and the ability to specify textures for the various parts of the speaker |
Spotlight |
|
Stage Lift tool |
A new tool inserts a stage lift object, an adjustable supporting device for stage equipment |
Spotlight |
|
Stage objects |
Stage and theatrical structures can now be included in entertainment industry drawings with several new tools for stages, step, and ramp structures. The improved stage and steps are now also used by event design commands. |
Spotlight |
|
Instrument summary header added |
A position height header can now be added to instrument summaries. When the summary is filtered by lighting position, the height is displayed in the header. |
Spotlight |
|
Lighting inventory improvements |
Inventory reports have been consolidated. The same inventory report that is set up from the Lighting Inventory Setup command is now included in generated paperwork. |
Spotlight |
|
Replace PICT data with bitmap data |
As part of the 64-bit application change, most workflows that used PICT data now use bitmap data. ● The following commands were renamed, because they now create bitmap data rather than PICT data: Paste as Bitmap (was Paste as Picture) Import Metafile as Bitmap (was Import Metafile as Picture) Import PICT as Bitmap (was Import PICT as Picture) ● The Export PICT command was removed. ● The Import PICT command continues to convert PICT data into Vectorworks primitive objects. ● The Import EPSF command no longer imports the PICT format previews that can be embedded in PostScript files; only TIFF format previews are imported. ● The Export EPSF command has different options for including previews with the PostScript data. The PICT format preview option (Mac only) was removed. All previews are now TIFF format, and there are now Full color, Grayscale, and Black and white options. |
Paste as Bitmap, Importing and Exporting in Metafile Format, Importing in PICT Format, and Importing and Exporting in EPSF Format |
Fundamentals |
Duplicate Along Path command improvement |
You can now select whether to center objects along the path during a duplicate-along-path operation |
Fundamentals |
|
Align/Distribute context menu command |
The Align/Distribute command is now available from the context menu for ease of operation |
Fundamentals |
|
Save settings for the Extrude Along Path command |
The settings in the Extrude Along Path dialog box are now saved between Vectorworks sessions |
Fundamentals |
|
Save settings for the Sweep command |
The settings for angles in the Create Sweep dialog box are saved between Vectorworks sessions |
Fundamentals |
|
Improvement to Reshape tool Move Edges Parallel mode |
The Reshape tool’s Move Edges Parallel mode now operates on vertices, in addition to midpoints |
Fundamentals |
|
Trim and join straight walls using the Trim tool |
Straight walls are easily trimmed and joined to intersecting straight walls using the Trim tool |
Fundamentals |
|
New Fill Patterns |
New fill patterns are available in the Attributes palette, including fill patterns that are required for drawing standards of some countries |
Fundamentals |
|
Viewport rendering attribute transfer |
Adds an option to the Eyedropper tool to specifically transfer viewport rendering settings to another viewport |
Fundamentals |
|
Opacity support for gradients |
Apply opacity to gradient resources to create more dynamic presentations |
Fundamentals |
|
Color menu Mac improvement |
Enhanced the Color Palette search function on the Mac |
Fundamentals |
|
Mobile 3D Viewer |
Vectorworks Nomad on iOS now supports 3D viewing of OpenGL rendered models |
Fundamentals |
|
Consolidate Projection and Perspective menus |
The perspective commands have been incorporated into the Projection menu for a more streamlined workflow |
Fundamentals |
|
Colored caps and edges for clip cube objects |
Colored caps and edges have been added to the display of solid geometry that is cut by the clip cube. This preserves the solid appearance of the clipped model, rather than showing the model as if it were constructed from a hollow shell. |
Viewing a Model with the Clip Cube and Configuring Interactive Display |
Fundamentals |
Updated Working Planes palette |
The Working Planes palette has a streamlined interface and eliminates redundancies |
Fundamentals |
|
Drawing animation improvements |
Drawing animation has been simplified and no longer depends on QuickTime technology |
Fundamentals |
|
New option for the placement of dimension values in custom dimension standards |
In the Edit Custom Dimension Standard dialog box, the Align Vertical Text Left field was replaced with the Text Position field, which has the following options: ● Above/Left places the text above the dimension line for non-vertical dimensions, or left of the dimension line for vertical dimensions ● Above/Right places the text above the dimension line for non-vertical dimensions, or right of the dimension line for vertical dimensions ● Outside places the text outside the area enclosed by the two witness lines and dimension line, regardless of the dimension orientation |
Fundamentals |
|
Notes for dimensions |
A Note field was added to the Object Info palette; the note displays on the opposite side of the dimension line from the dimension value |
Fundamentals |
|
Improvements for editing and removing object constraints |
Adds a context menu command for quickly removing parametric constraints from an object. Also, the Edit Constraints command now works with multiple objects selected. |
Fundamentals |
|
Improvements to the Drawing Label tool |
Adds features to alter both the style and positioning of the drawing title and scale display |
Fundamentals |
|
Elevation benchmark improvements |
The Elevation Benchmark tool’s parameters offer greater customization, including new options for placing the text relative to the marker and line and new marker fill and crosshair options for ISO style benchmarks. The Align/Distribute Leader Lines command now applies to elevation benchmark objects |
Elevation Benchmark and Aligning and Distributing Leader Lines |
Architect, |
New Symmetry Label tool |
Use the new Symmetry Label tool to easily designate the symmetry centerline as defined by some nations’ drawing standards |
Fundamentals |
|
New vertical text position and bubble style for callouts and keynote legends |
The new Above Shoulder Vertical Position option and new Split Circle Bubble Style provide additional ways to customize callouts and keynote legends |
Inserting Callouts or Keynotes and Editing Keynotes and the Keynote Legend |
Fundamentals |
Notes Manager horizontal text alignment |
New controls allow left, center, right, or justified alignment of text in callouts, keynote legends, and general notes |
Inserting Callouts or Keynotes, Editing the Keynote Legend, and Placing General Notes |
Fundamentals |
Callout bubble shadow improvements |
Callout bubble shadows can now be drawn in custom colors |
Fundamentals |
|
Move default Notes Manager databases to content library |
Notes Manager default databases are now located in the default content library in [Vectorworks]\Libraries\Defaults\Notes |
Fundamentals |
|
Easier editing of space boundary classes and room finishes for space objects |
Space object 2D/3D Boundary Class can now be edited directly in a worksheet or in the Object Info palette. Room finishes can also be edited in a worksheet, and the Object Info palette now supports assigning room finishes for several selected space objects at the same time. |
Selecting and Editing Worksheet Cells, Space Settings: Advanced Settings Pane, and Space Properties |
Architect |
Worksheet menu bar |
The worksheet window now has a menu bar and expanded context menus, to provide easier access to worksheet commands |
Fundamentals |
|
New worksheet number formats |
The Format Cells dialog box has a new Percentage option on the Number tab, which converts decimal numbers to percentages in worksheet cells. The same option was added to the Number Format dialog box, which is used when you create or edit a record format. Also on the Format Cells dialog box, the YYYY-MM-DD format was added to the Date format options. |
Fundamentals |
|
Smooth selected mesh objects |
Smooth the appearance of selected meshes rendered in OpenGL or Renderworks for a more polished presentation |
Architect, |
|
Improved rendering of imported meshes |
The Import SketchUp and Import 3ds commands now preserve the mesh smooth normals and mesh texture mapping of the original files, resulting in a much smoother final rendering and greatly reduced model size |
Architect, |
|
Wireframe rendering improvements |
Improves efficiency and visual perception of wireframe rendering |
Fundamentals |
|
OpenGL rendering crease edges |
Improves consistency of edges in OpenGL rendering |
Renderworks |
|
OpenGL rendering color option |
Adds ability to turn colors on and off in OpenGL rendering while maintaining any reflectivity, transparency, and bump effects |
Renderworks |
|
Hidden line rendering text and marker options |
Allows you to hide or display text and markers in hidden line renderings |
Fundamentals |
|
Renderworks style artistic edges |
Create new effects by applying artistic edges on top of realistic-shaded renderings |
Renderworks |
|
3D hatching for hidden line rendering |
Display planar hatches on 3D hidden line renderings wherever a textured surface would exist in a raster-rendering mode. Some of the most commonly used standard Renderworks textures are pre-associated with appropriate hatches for ease of use. |
Renderworks |
|
Detail callout improvements |
Previously, detail callout objects were only displayed in the viewport or design layer where the detail viewport was created. You can now create multiple detail callout objects in other design layers or viewports, which are linked to the same detail viewport. |
Architect, |
|
Improved control over the dimension text position in viewports |
The advanced properties of both sheet layer and design layer viewports have a new Re-Position Dimension Text option. The option re-positions rotated and flipped dimension text in the viewport according to the text position in the dimension standard. The text itself stays in the rotated and flipped orientation, but the position of the text box relative to the dimension line is changed. In addition, the Adjust Flipped Text option now only adjusts the dimension text to be readable, without moving it to be above the dimension line. |
Advanced Sheet Layer Viewport Properties and Advanced Design Layer Viewport Properties |
Fundamentals |
SketchUp and 3DS import improvements |
Improvements to the SketchUp import process include a more organized user interface and options for importing materials and textures; 3DS import was also improved for consistency and to provide texture import when creating mesh objects |
Architect, |
|
Improvements to STL (Stereo lithography) export |
● Renamed the Export Stereo Lithography command to Export STL to make it clearer that it produces STL format files. ● Added options to export selected objects on the active layer, or export all visible objects on all layers; previously, the only option was to export all visible objects from the active layer. |
Fundamentals |
|
Image import/export updates |
Importing and exporting image files no longer relies on QuickTime technology |
Fundamentals |
|
Snapping option for PDF page objects |
You can now enable or disable snapping for imported PDF files. Additionally, file size is reduced because snapping geometry is only generated when needed and it is never written to disk. |
Architect, |
|
PDF cropping |
Allows you to crop PDF objects imported into the Vectorworks program |
Architect, |
|
PDF/A-1b format export |
Files can be exported in the PDF/A-1b format |
Architect, |
|
Import/export of STEP files |
Vectorworks now supports the import and export of STEP files, increasing interoperability |
Fundamentals |
|
Parasolid export version |
The Export Parasolid X_T (3D only) command now supports Parasolid version 27 |
Fundamentals |
|
New options to control dashed lines during DXF/DWG import |
You can now select an option and set a minimum gap size to convert dashed lines to solid lines during import |
Fundamentals |
|
New option to import DXF/DWG tables as worksheets |
A new option allows you to import tables as worksheets, for easier modification. Previously, tables were always imported as sets of individual line and text objects. |
Fundamentals |
|
DWG/DXF and DWF import terminology improvements |
Updates in terminology to make import dialogs more clear as to which type of file is being imported |
Fundamentals |
|
Use Vectorworks rounding precision for DXF/DWG export |
The precision settings for length and angle are now set according to the setting in the Units dialog box during export. Previously, only the length precision was set, to a fixed value. |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
Improved import of DWG/DXF leader lines |
Standard leader and multileader lines now import as polygons or polylines with arrow markers, instead of importing as a collection of independent objects |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
Improvements related to the Vectorworks internal origin and user origin |
Several improvements have been made regarding the Vectorworks internal origin and user origin. ● When importing a DXF/DWG/DWF file, a new Location tab allows you to choose the best import option for importing files relative to the internal origin; the default option prevents objects from being imported far from the internal origin ● A new Vectorworks preference displays the internal origin marker ● Two new commands locate the internal origin and center the drawing to the internal origin ● The User Origin dialog box has been renamed and improved ● User origin and internal origin terminology throughout the Vectorworks program has been renamed to eliminate confusion |
Import Options: Location Tab, Vectorworks Display Preferences, and Internal Origin and User Origin |
Fundamentals |
New options for exporting SIA dimensions to DXF/DWG format |
A new option allows you to export SIA dimensions as non-superscript AutoCAD dimensions that update automatically during reshape. Previously, SIA dimensions were always converted into non-dimension objects that looked exactly the same as they did in Vectorworks. |
Fundamentals |
|
Filtering on IFC import |
Apply a filter when importing IFC files to eliminate irrelevant objects, reduce file size, and collaborate more efficiently |
Architect, |
|
Export IFC command supports COBie/Facilities Management |
The Export IFC command now supports the COBie/Facilities Management MVD to produce COBie-compatible IFC files |
Architect, |
|
Publish command improvements |
● Allows you to have different settings for multiple items of the same file type ● Remembers the last used set ● Adds new folder options to the Publish dialog box ● Saves publishing options with sets ● Provides easier access to saved and published sets |
Fundamentals |
|
Publish images |
You can now batch publish images using the Publish command |
Architect, |
|
Simplified export of database tables |
The process of exporting record formats to a database table has been simplified |
Automatically Creating a Database Table from a Record Format |
Architect, |
Workspace editor improvements |
Enhances the workspace editor by improving the usability and consistency, making it easier to manage workspaces. You will now be notified if you attempt to create a workspace or if you import a third-party workspace containing tools or commands not available with your license. |
Fundamentals |
|
Save settings for resource name conflict |
The settings in the Resource Name Conflict dialog box are now saved between Vectorworks sessions. This dialog box can display during both import and export of resources (Vectorworks Design Series required for export). |
Various locations |
Fundamentals |
QuickTime® Removal from Windows Core |
Animation and projection operations throughout the Vectorworks program no longer depend on QuickTime |
Various locations |
Fundamentals |
Mac Resource Browser layout improvements |
On Mac, the Resource Browser layout was made more consistent with other palettes and more compact to occupy less of the document window |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
Modernize object editing mode display |
The appearance and functionality of the object editing mode button has been improved to comply with operating system requirements |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
Tablet command removal |
The Tablet command used now obsolete technology and as a result was removed from all workspaces |
Not applicable |
Fundamentals |
The following table lists major improvements to the documentation for the initial release of the Vectorworks 2015 software.
Improvement |
Purpose |
Location |
Complete re-engineering of the help system |
The help system has been completely re-designed to make it easier to use. ● The help format has switched to HTML5 and displays in your default browser ● The help system is available online and can be viewed separately on a mobile device ● The Fundamentals and Design Series manuals have been combined ● Parameter tables are collapsed by default, allowing you to view the procedure only ● The Table of Contents is task-oriented ● Workflow topics and pages of relevant links help you get started with a procedure |
Vectorworks Help system |
New links to videos |
Where relevant, additional links to instructional videos located on the Vectorworks channel have been added, to assist with comprehension. |
Vectorworks Help system |
New local help preference |
A new Vectorworks session preference allows you to always use the locally-installed version of the help system |
|
Expanded and improved worksheet documentation |
The worksheet functions table now includes examples for both database header and spreadsheet cells for many functions. In addition, a new tutorial topic provides a simple introduction to worksheet features. |
Worksheet Functions, and Worksheet Tutorial: Creating a Wall Schedule |
Updated shortcuts list and Import PartSpec command path |
Shortcuts were removed from the Machine Design commands so they can be reassigned to more frequently used commands. The Import PartSpec command has been removed from the File menu and is now available only beneath the Machine Design menu heading. |
Vectorworks 2015 Keyboard Shortcuts and Importing in PartSpec Format |