Preferences

Vectorworks preferences are options that apply to every file you open, every time you run the program.

Vectorworks preferences: Edit tab

Click the Edit tab to set preferences that control various edit functions in the program.

Parameter	Description
Click drag drawing	Lets you draw objects with the click-drag method rather than the default click-click method. Click once with the mouse button and do not release; drag the cursor to a desired location and then release. See Click-click drawing.
Eight reshape handles	Shows eight handles (four corner and four center) on most objects; deselect the option to display only four corner handles
Offset duplications	When you use the Duplicate command, places the duplicate object so that it is offset from the original object; deselect the option to place duplicates directly over the original
Auto join walls	When you use the Wall tool, automatically joins walls at corners and intersections; when walls are separated, their ends automatically heal; when walls have core components, components also automatically join (see Automatically joining walls)
Separate sheet views	Saves the view origin and zoom factor for each sheet layer; deselect the option to use the same view for all design layers and sheet layers
Mouse wheel zooms	Sets the default behavior of the mouse wheel and the scroll ball. When selected, the wheel zooms by default; when deselected, the wheel scrolls by default. See Zooming with the mouse wheel and Scrolling with the mouse wheel for details.
Allow Ctrl-click/option-click in-place duplication	When selected, allows a Ctrl-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) with the Selection tool to create a duplicate copy of a selected object in place. Since it is simple to inadvertently create duplicate objects that cannot be easily detected, leaving this option deselected is recommended; it is deselected by default. Regardless of the setting made here, duplicates can be created with a Ctrl-click/drag or Option-click/drag.
Duplicate linked tags with objects	When you use the Duplicate command on a tagged object, a new tag will be associated with the duplicate object; deselect the option to duplicate objects with no tags
Edit text horizontally by default	Always displays the text editing box in a horizontal position, even when the text is rotated (see Creating rotated text)
2D conversion resolution	Sets the number of segments that will be used to represent polylines and circles when you draw and edit objects
Default compression	Specifies the default image compression to apply to images in a viewport cache and to images created by the Render Bitmap tool. PNG compression provides the best image quality but produces larger files, while JPEG creates smaller files, but with possible loss of detail. PNG is selected by default.
Allow interactive 2D symbol scaling	Specifies whether the Selection tool, in an interactive scaling mode, is allowed to resize symbol instances; if allowed, a warning can be displayed to avoid inadvertently scaling a symbol. If Never is selected, symbols can still be resized from the Object Info palette; see Scaling symbols from the Object Info palette.
Arrow Keys	Select an arrow and modifier key combination as a shortcut for four common operations; each key combination can be assigned to only one operation. Alternatively, disable the ability to use arrow key combinations to perform any of these functions.
Switch active layer/class	Select the key combination that switches the active layer (up and down arrows) and the active class (left and right arrows)
Pan drawing	Select the key combination that pans the drawing by half of the area currently in view
Nudge objects	Select the key combination that nudges objects by one pixel, and select whether to display an alert on the Message bar when nudging items to avoid accidentally moving objects
Move objects	Select the key combination that moves objects, and select whether to move objects by the snap grid distance or by the specified custom distance

Vectorworks preferences: Display tab

Parameter	Description
Rulers	Shows the rulers
Show Internal Origin Marker	Displays the drawing’s internal origin in Top/Plan view. The marker does not print.
Colored axes in Top/Plan view	Displays X (red) and Y (green) axes in 2D Top/Plan view
Scroll bars	Shows the scroll bars
Black background	Uses a black drawing background instead of the default settings
Zoom line thickness	Lines in the drawing appear thicker when you zoom in (2D views or Hidden Line/Polygon render modes only); the screens redraw slower on Mac or on Windows if GDI+ imaging is enabled
Create text without fill	When you create text objects, dimension objects, and some plug-in objects that contain text, the text block has no fill, even if the default attributes are set to add a fill to new objects. This prevents objects beneath the text from being obscured.
Show parametric constraints	Displays parametric constraints
Show other objects while in editing modes	When certain complex objects are edited, an Edit window with a colored border displays in the drawing area. When you edit solids, groups, symbols (in the drawing only), or viewports in the Edit window, select this option to make the other objects from the drawing visible and snappable during editing; deselect the option to show only the object being edited. (See Object editing mode for more information.) This option does not apply to other types of objects that are edited from the Edit window, including extrudes, multiple extrudes, tapered extrudes, sweeps, meshes, floors, and roof faces. For symbols, the option applies only when you edit a symbol definition by clicking on a symbol instance in a design layer.
Gray other objects	If Show other objects while in editing modes is selected, select this option to gray the objects in the drawing that are not being edited
Use VectorCaching for faster drawing	Caches vector information for complex document entities, such as polylines and hatches; while this makes screen redraws faster, it also can potentially increase RAM requirements by up to 50 percent
Center on objects after view change	When switching standard views (such as Top or Left Isometric), centers the view to display either selected objects, or if nothing is selected, all objects on the layer or in the drawing. Centers the view on all objects in a layer if there are no objects in view after switching between layers. This helps you feel oriented when switching views or changing layers.
GDI+ imaging (Windows only)	Draws lines of equal thickness with round end caps; also provides these features: ● Fills in 3D planar objects ● Variable object opacity ● Images with alpha channels ● Layer transparency ● Anti-aliasing ● Object transparency in X-ray Select mode ● Display text and markers in hidden line Disable this option if you need to use OpenType fonts.
Anti-aliasing	Blends the edges of fills and lines for a smoother appearance; on Windows, this option is available only when GDI+ imaging is enabled
Navigation Graphics	This preference determines the quality of the navigational graphics during zoom, pan, and animated view changes in Top/Plan view, sheet layers, and wireframe. For video hardware that is not capable of supporting Best Performance, select either Good Performance and Compatibility or Best Compatibility. Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required).
Display light objects	Controls the visibility of light objects; hide light objects to reduce screen clutter but maintain light effects Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required).
Always	Light objects are always visible
Only in wireframe	Light objects are only visible in Wireframe mode; otherwise, they are hidden
Never	Light objects are hidden regardless of the render mode
Display 3D loci	Controls the visibility of 3D loci
Always	3D loci are always visible
Only in wireframe	3D loci are only visible in Wireframe mode; otherwise, they are hidden
Never	3D loci are hidden regardless of the render mode
Edit Font Mappings	Specifies the replacement fonts for fonts that are not available. Font mappings can be changed or deleted. If mappings are deleted, the Font Mappings dialog box appears so that unavailable fonts can be mapped.

Vectorworks preferences: Session tab

Parameter	Description
Use sound	Supplements the visual SmartCursor cues with audible cues; move the slider bar left (to reduce) or right (to increase) the program volume relative to the system volume
Log time in program	Records in a log file the time spent in the program, as well as the time spent to open and close documents; the date format depends on the language and regional settings in the operating system. The log file is called Vectorworks Log, and it is created in the User Data and Preferences Folder (which is displayed on the User Folders tab of Vectorworks preferences).
Display minor alerts on message bar	Displays minor warnings on the Message bar instead of in a dialog box
Display classes in pop-up menus hierarchically	Displays classes hierarchically in pop-up menus including from the Object Info palette, the View bar, and dialog boxes throughout Vectorworks. Hierarchical class display in the Organization dialog box, Navigation palette, and Load Overview dialog box (Vectorworks Design Series required) is controlled separately, on the Classes tab of the dialog box/palette.
Preserve expanded/collapsed state of classes	When classes are displayed hierarchically, maintains the expanded/collapsed state of the class list in pop-up menus between uses; when deselected, the class list is automatically collapsed each time
Run scripts in developer mode	For plug-in development, controls the display of warning messages during script execution. This is a convenient way for advanced developers to speed up the development process. By default, the scripts of scripted plug-in objects, tools, and menus are compiled once and stored in memory. The object, tool, or menu command memory cache is executed when the script is invoked. However, in developer mode, the script is compiled each time so that script changes are executed immediately and the developer does not need to restart the application to view changes. For Python scripts, warning messages are displayed along with Python log data, and initialization code (extended properties set in the script options) are called on each run. For VectorScripts, plug-ins are compiled on each run and warning messages are displayed. Plug-ins may work more slowly when this option is enabled.
Maximum number of undos	This can be set as high as 100. Undo information is kept in memory, so the higher the maximum number of undos, the more memory may be required.
Issue undo warnings	Many actions that delete data or settings cannot be undone. Select to get a warning when you perform an action that cannot be undone.
Undo view changes	Each change to the drawing view (such as zooming and scrolling) can be undoable or not, depending on your preference. ● Never: ignores all operations that are strictly view changes ● Grouping All View Changes: treats all consecutive view changes as one single undoable action ● Grouping Similar View Changes: treats similar consecutive view changes as a single undoable action ● Individually: treats each individual view change as an undoable action
Enable palette docking (Windows only)	Lets you dock palettes; deselect the option to disable docking and to undock all active palettes
Automatically append file extensions (Mac only)	Appends the appropriate file extension (.vwx, or .sta for template files) to a newly created drawing file on a Mac
Enable Vectorworks Libraries	Displays predefined content from Vectorworks Libraries in the list of resources available for selection in many places throughout the program, such as the Resource Manager and the Resource Selector lists for various tools, or the Text Style list on the Tool bar for the Text tool
Enable online content	When Enable Vectorworks Libraries is selected, displays predefined online content in the list of resources available for selection in many places throughout the program, such as the Resource Manager and the Resource Selector
Enable Service Select Libraries	For Vectorworks Service Select members, displays predefined content in the list of resources available for selection in many places throughout the program, such as the Resource Manager and the Resource Selector
Create a new document on startup	Creates a new, untitled file when the program is launched. The new file is based on the Default.sta template file, if one exists in your user or workgroup templates folder (see Opening a template automatically). Otherwise, the new file uses the Blank template. When this option is deselected, select File > New to create a new file.
Change active layer for Similar Object Creation (Design Series required)	When the Create Similar Object command is invoked, changes the active layer to be that of the source object. Select this option to create the new object on the same layer as the source object. See Creating similar objects.
Use local help even when an Internet connection is available	When you are connected to the internet, the help system is obtained online. When you are not connected, the local version of the help displays. There is not normally a big difference between the online and local versions. If bandwidth or connection issues cause online help display or searching to become unacceptably slow, select this option to always use the local version of the help system.
Enable Mac OS restore windows functionality for Vectorworks (Mac only)	For Mac OS X 10.7 and later, enables the operating system to automatically restore previously open files when re-launching Vectorworks. Keep this option deselected when working with several different versions of Vectorworks, to prevent older versions from unsuccessfully attempting to open newer version files. This option is not available on Windows or versions of the Mac operating system prior to 10.7.
Check for updates	Select how often the program should check for available software updates. When the specified update check interval has elapsed, an alert dialog box opens if a new Service Pack (maintenance release) or major release of the software is available. If both a Service Pack and major release are available simultaneously, the system will send notification about the Service Pack first, followed by notification about the major release in the next session. ● Click More Info (or Tell Me More) in the alert dialog box to open a web browser to display and download the available update. You must exit the program to successfully install the software update. ● If it is not convenient to update the software at this time, click Not Now (or Remind Me Later) in the alert dialog box. The alert dialog box will redisplay when the specified update check interval has elapsed. ● To disable notifications of a major release until the next major release is available, click Not Interested. If the program is unable to connect to the update server, it attempts to connect once a day for seven days after the original failed attempt. If a connection to the update server still cannot be established, a dialog box opens to suggest running a manual update. If the Check for Updates command is run after the automatic update check fails, the next automatic update check occurs the day after the manual check.
Error reporting	Sends anonymous information about application crashes and other basic usage statistics to Vectorworks to help improve the software. Four levels of informational detail can be selected: ● Send nothing: When you check for updates or activate Vectorworks software, we always collect general data about the operating system, graphics card, monitor resolution, and Vectorworks version. ● Send crash details: In addition to the general information that is always collected, this allows us to receive additional information in the event of a crash, including idle time, alerts received, workspace information, and graphics card operations prior to the crash. ● Send crash details and light usage patterns: Selecting this option invaluably assists us with product development while maintaining user privacy. In addition to the previously listed information, we are able to duplicate actions taken before a software crash, review undo actions, determine which objects may have been selected, and view Vectorworks-related file paths. We cannot see the data in your drawings, and the reporting has no impact on your software operations. Reporting happens in the background as you work and should not affect your workflow. ● Send crash details and verbose usage patterns: Selecting this option invaluably assists us with product development while maintaining user privacy. In addition to the information gathered through the light usage pattern option, we are able to upload additional information such as tool and command selection. We cannot see the data in your drawings, and the reporting has no impact on your software operations. Reporting happens in the background as you work and should not affect your workflow.
Serial Numbers	Opens the Serial Numbers dialog box to add or remove serial numbers for all installed Vectorworks products (see Adding and removing serial numbers). A change to this preference setting cannot be undone with the Undo command.
Reset Saved Settings	Reverts to default settings instead of user-specified settings for tool modes, dialog box positions, and dialog box values. For palette positions and settings, reverts to the settings established when the workspace was created (in the User Data and Preferences folder). In the Reset Settings dialog box, select whether to reset settings for Always do the selected action choices in alert dialog boxes. Also select whether to reset settings for all tool modes, dialog box positions, dialog box values, and palette positions and settings. A change to this preference setting cannot be undone with the Undo command.
Palette margins (Mac)	Sets whether the document window leaves a space for palettes when the window is opened

Vectorworks preferences: 3D tab

Parameter	Description
3D Rotation	Sets the detail level that displays while the 3D view is rotated. Select Detailed to display objects completely, and to rotate slower. Select Responsive to rotate faster, and to display objects with less detail during the rotation.
Retain Rendering Model	Determines the degree to which the program retains the rendered model in memory during 3D rotation. Select Never to force the model to always display in Wireframe mode; select Always to force the model to remain rendered.
3D conversion resolution	Sets the segmentation resolution used to display curved 3D objects; affects extruded and swept polylines, circles, and arcs
Render mode when changing from Top/Plan to a 3D View	Sets the preferred 3D render mode to OpenGL or Wireframe; this setting is applied whenever a drawing is switched from Top/Plan to a 3D view
Projection when changing from Top/Plan to a 3D View	Sets the preferred 3D projection to Orthogonal, Narrow Perspective, Normal Perspective, or Wide Perspective; this setting is applied whenever a drawing is switched from Top/Plan to a 3D view
Use occluded selection and snapping	In rendered views, solid objects “occlude,” or hide, objects behind them. Keep this option enabled to more easily select, and snap to, solid objects without interference from hidden geometry. To access hidden geometry, use the X-ray Select mode of the Selection tool, turn on the clip cube, or switch to Wireframe render mode; see X-ray Select mode.

Vectorworks preferences: Autosave tab

Parameter	Description
Autosave every	Enables the Autosave feature; also sets the number of minutes or operations between autosaves
Confirm before save	Before each save, opens a dialog box so that you can choose either to save or to continue to work without a save. The timer/counter resets regardless of which option is selected. See Automatically saving files.
Overwrite original file	Writes over the original file with the latest changes during a save
Autosave a backup copy to	Automatically saves a backup copy of the file either to a folder named VW Backup (in the same folder as the original file) or to a custom location, such as a network drive (click Choose to select a folder). The original file is not saved automatically; to save it, use one of the save commands on the File menu. Backup files have unique names that include the word “Backup” and a date and time stamp appended to the original file name. Use backup files to restore a project if something happens to the original file.
Keep the ___ most recent backups	If Autosave a backup copy to is selected, specifies the maximum number of backup files to keep; the oldest backup file is replaced when a new backup is made

Vectorworks preferences: Interactive tab

Click the Interactive tab to set preferences for the display of the interactive drawing features, such as the cursor, selection boxes, and selection highlighting. See Drawing with snapping for more information about snapping. See Selection and pre-selection indicators for more information about highlighting.

Parameter	Description
Cursor
Full screen cursor	Displays a crosshair cursor that extends to the edges of the drawing area
Show selection box	Displays a box beneath the cursor that indicates the active selection area; an object beneath the box can be selected when the mouse is clicked
Show snap box	Displays a box around the cursor that indicates the area in which to find possible snap points; when a snap point is beneath the box, it can be snapped to
Show acquisition hints	Show graphical hints near the cursor when smart points, edges, and vector locks can be acquired (see Concept: Snapping indicators)
Selection box size	Controls the size of the selection box, if Show selection box is selected; must be smaller than the snap box. The actual size of the selection box is shown.
Snap box size	Controls the size of the snap box, if Show snap box is selected; must be larger than the selection box. The actual size of the snap box is shown.
Highlighting
Selection highlighting	When enabled, objects that are selected are highlighted with the specified colors and patterns, and square handles indicate points that can be used to reshape objects using the tool that is currently active. When this option is disabled, square handles indicate objects that are selected, and the handles may or may not be reshape points.
Animation	If Selection highlighting is selected, specify how the selection highlights will be animated when the cursor moves out of the drawing window or over a palette: ● Off turns off all animation of highlights ● On pulses the highlight continuously ● Burst briefly highlights with 100% opacity
Cursor pre-selection highlighting	Highlights any object that can be selected when the cursor is over the object
Highlighting timer	When a drawing object is beneath the cursor, specifies the number of seconds to delay before pre-selection highlighting begins
Marquee pre-selection highlighting	As a selection marquee is drawn over objects, highlights any object that will be selected
Snapped object highlighting	Highlights the geometry that generated the current snap
Tool highlighting	Highlights any object that can be modified or used by the current tool when the cursor is over the object
View transition animation	Animates the transition from the current view to a new view, providing a smoother experience when changing views. To control the speed of the transition for the current session, create a script in the Resource Manager (see Creating scripts). The script should include only SetPrefReal(6725, x); where x=the number of seconds each transition should take. Run the script before transitioning between scenes. Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required). Rendered views may temporarily switch to wireframe view during the transition, specifically when switching from sketch to wireframe, dashed hidden line to interactive hidden line, and any polygon or Renderworks rendering mode to OpenGL.
Interactive Appearance Settings	Opens a dialog box to change the appearance of the interactive elements in Vectorworks, including general elements, object highlighting, SmartCursor elements, and snap points

Configuring interactive display

You may find it helpful to customize the appearance of interactive elements in the program, including general elements, object highlighting, SmartCursor elements, and snap points.

1. Select the command. On the Interactive tab of the Vectorworks Preferences dialog box, click Interactive Appearance Settings.

Alternatively, select Tools > SmartCursor Settings. On the General tab of the SmartCursor Settings dialog box, click Interactive Appearance Settings.

2. Select either the Standard Background or Black Background tab, depending on whether the black background display preference is enabled (see Vectorworks preferences: Display tab). The same elements can be customized for both background types, except that there are no options for setting background colors for black backgrounds.

Element	Description	Example
Clip Cube
Edges	Sets the color for edges where surfaces intersect a face of a clip cube
Solid Fill	Sets the color for the area where solid objects intersect a face of a clip cube
General
Active Layer Plane	Sets the color and opacity of the active layer plane grid
Background - 3D Views (Standard Background only)	Sets the background color of the drawing area for design layers in 3D views
Background - Perspective Horizon Ground	Sets the ground color and ground horizon color when in non-cropped perspective view; the foreground color gradually transitions to the background color as a gradient in the direction of the horizon
Background - Perspective Horizon Sky	Sets the sky color and sky horizon color when in non-cropped perspective view; the foreground color gradually transitions to the background color as a gradient in the direction of the horizon
Background - Sheet Layers (Standard Background only)	Sets the background color of sheet layers
Background - Top/Plan (Standard Background only)	Sets the background color of the drawing area for design layers in Top/Plan view
Cursor Position Highlighting on Ruler	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the cursor position highlighting on rulers
Editing Modes Border	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the colored border when in an editing mode
Grid	Sets the color and opacity of the reference grid
Page Boundary	Sets the color and opacity of the page boundary border
Repetition Opacity	Sets the opacity for the repetitions of the selected line type or tile object, which are displayed when a line type or tile resource is being edited
Reshape Handles - Active Layer	Sets the color of the square handles that can be dragged to reshape a selected object on the active layer
Reshape Handles - Inactive Layer	Sets the color of the square handles that can be dragged to reshape a selected object on an inactive layer
Working Plane	Sets the color of the working plane and opacity of its fill and frame, as well as the opacity and size of the working plane axes
X-ray Select Mode	Sets the opacity of the objects in X-ray Select mode
Object Highlighting
Action	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the highlighting for objects being modified
Active Layer	Sets the pattern, forecolor, backcolor, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is selected on the active layer
Inactive Layer	Sets the pattern, forecolor, backcolor, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is selected on an inactive layer
Automatic Plane Source	Sets the color and opacity of the automatic working plane
Checked Out Objects	Sets the opacity and size of the highlighting for an object that is checked out from a shared project
Locked	Sets the pattern, forecolor, backcolor, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is locked
Pre-Selection - Active Layer	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is pre-selected on the active layer; an object can be pre-selected by being either under the cursor’s selection box, or inside a selection marquee
Pre-Selection - Inactive Layer	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is pre-selected on the inactive layer
Pre-Selection - Locked	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is locked
Snap Object	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that is being snapped to; the highlighting is always a dashed line
Tool Highlighting	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the highlighting for an object that can be edited by the active tool
Occluded 3D Graphics	Sets the opacity of feedback graphics, such as highlighting, snapping, selection indication, and some preview graphics, when occluded by a rendered 3D solid
SmartCursor
Acquisition Hints	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the graphical hints which display near the cursor to show when a smart point, smart edge, or vector lock can be acquired or released
Cue Background	Specifies the background color and opacity of SmartCursor cues
Cue Text	Sets the color and size of SmartCursor text
Datum Indicator	Sets the color, opacity and size of the datum indicator
Extension Lines - Angle	Sets the color, opacity and size of angle extension lines
Extension Lines - Smart Point	Sets the color, opacity and size of smart point alignment lines (the selected color may be overridden by the default X, Y, and Z axis colors)
Planes	Sets the color and opacity of angle and alignment planes (the selected color may be overridden by the default X, Y, and Z axis colors)
Selection Box	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the selection box around the SmartCursor
Smart Edges	Sets the color, opacity and size of smart edge lines
Smart Points	Sets the color, opacity, and size of smart points
Snap Box	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the snap box around the SmartCursor
Vector Locks	Sets the color, opacity, and size of vector locks
Snap Points
Available	Sets the color, opacity, and size of snap points available near the cursor and within the snap box
Congestion Indicator	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the snap box when there are too many available snap points around the SmartCursor (using the snap loupe is recommended in this situation; see Using the snap loupe)
Current	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the current snap indicator
Master Snap	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the master snap point for priority snapping within the snap box
Obtained	Sets the color, opacity, and size of the acquired snap point
Special	Sets the color, opacity, and size of snap point hints such as midpoint, center, along line, and tangent snaps
Subdivision - Crease and Hole Highlight	Sets the color of the highlighting for a subdivision object’s creased cage mesh entities when in Crease mode and holed faces when in Face Hole mode
Reset	Restores the default settings for all interface elements

3. Click the column heading to sort by interface element, if desired. Select the element to change, and then set the parameters that display to the right of the element list as needed. Different parameters display, depending on the element selected.

Parameter	Description
Pattern/ForeColor/BackColor	To use a solid color, select the color from the ForeColor menu; then from the Pattern menu, select the solid pattern for that color. To use a pattern, select the ForeColor and BackColor colors from the menus (see Selecting a color from a color palette); then select a Pattern.
Color	Select the color (see Selecting a color from a color palette)
Opacity	Drag the slider right to increase or left to decrease the opacity of the interactive element
Size	Drag the slider right to increase or left to decrease the width of the interactive element

Vectorworks preferences: User Folders tab

Click the User Folders tab to change the location of your user data folder, and to designate workgroup folders for sharing content with other users.

User data and preferences folder

The user data and preferences folder contains the Vectorworks files that are created and used by you. The user folder is automatically created outside of the Vectorworks installation folder so that your data and preferences remain undisturbed when the Vectorworks program is updated.

Within this folder, the program creates subfolders for Libraries, Plant Database (Vectorworks Landmark required), Plug-Ins, Renderworks, Settings, VWHelp, and Workspaces. The following customizations are automatically saved to the user folder.

Additionally, you can manually add custom files to the Libraries folder in your user folder, to have resources such as symbols and hatches display in the Resource Manager and Resource Selector, or as default content in dialog boxes and palettes. See Creating custom resource libraries for more information.

Creating a new User Data and Preferences folder

The Vectorworks program automatically creates the following user data folder in the application data folder:

By default, both Mac and Windows hide the application data folder. If you use the default user folder, you might want to adjust your system settings to make hidden folders visible. Alternatively, create a new user folder in a more accessible location.

To migrate an existing custom user data folder to a new version of the Vectorworks program, do not change the Vectorworks Preferences directly, as described here. Instead, use the Vectorworks Migration Manager to point the Vectorworks program to your custom user folder.

2. A confirmation dialog box opens. Click Yes to continue with the folder change.

3. From the dialog box that opens, navigate to the location where you want to create the new folder (for example, your Documents folder). Create a new folder there, name it whatever you like, and select it.

4. Another confirmation dialog box opens. Click Yes to copy the existing user data to the new location, or click No to use the Vectorworks defaults.

5. If you copy the data to the new location, and the destination folder already contains a file with the same name as a file in the source folder, the program displays a notice that files in the destination folder will be overridden. Click Yes to continue.

6. If any unsaved files are currently open, you are prompted to save them. Click Yes to continue.

7. The program copies the files to the new location and then closes automatically.

Workgroup folders

If Vectorworks Design Series products are installed, you can also access custom content from shared workgroup folders. To share custom content with a workgroup, create a main workgroup folder in a shared location on either a local network or a cloud-based storage service such as Dropbox.

Parameter	Description
User Data and Preferences Folder	Specifies the folder that contains program preferences, log files, workspaces, and any personal content you create. This might be a folder on the local computer, or on an external drive or network drive; this allows you to run Vectorworks from any computer. A change to this preference setting cannot be undone with the Undo command.
Choose	Click Choose to specify a new user data folder. The program must be restarted if you change the location of the user data. See Creating a new User Data and Preferences folder for details.
Explore (Windows) or Reveal in Finder (Mac)	To look at the contents of the current folder, click Explore (to open Windows Explorer) or click Reveal in Finder (to open Mac Finder)
Workgroup and Project Folders (Design Series required)	Specifies the folders where Vectorworks will look for additional content, such as office standard files, shared project files, and reference files. This might be a shared folder on a network drive, a shared cloud folder, or a project-specific folder on the local computer. See Sharing custom content using workgroup folders for details. Folders are searched in order from the top of the list to bottom; if multiple files with the same name are found, only the first version of the file is shown in Vectorworks. To change the position of a folder, click on the # column and drag the folder up or down in the list. Set the Folder Location to the top-level workgroup folder, not the content type subfolder. For example, do not set the Folder Location to [Workgroup]\Libraries, but simply to [Workgroup]. A change to this preference setting cannot be undone with the Undo command.
Add	Opens a dialog box to select a workgroup folder to add to the list
Remove	Deletes the selected folder from the list
Explore (Windows) or Reveal in Finder (Mac)	Displays the contents of the selected folder in either Windows Explorer or Mac Finder