The Vectorworks installation program 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 and take note of any issues or incompatibilities prior to installing the software.
The installation program installs the entire Vectorworks series of programs, and determines which products to allow access to based on the serial number.
The installation process includes an option to add material to your copy of Vectorworks software, including industry-specific content libraries that can be added to drawings through the Resource Browser (see Resource Libraries). If you opt not to download this material when you install Vectorworks, it can be added later by selecting Help > Download Content to launch the Vectorworks Package Manager, and clicking Install for the libraries you want to download.
Your software license allows for one copy to be made for backup purposes. The Vectorworks software should be backed up on a regular basis. These backups are invaluable in restoring user-customized settings that may be potentially lost by computer failure.
Student and evaluation versions of Vectorworks software include an additional step at installation: 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 Series and Renderworks product line is available and the workspace can be changed in the Tools > Workspaces menu regardless of how the question is answered.