These instructions presume the installation software has been downloaded and the licence serial number obtained. 

If your organisation has multiple Vectorworks licences be sure you have the version-specific serial number for the same licence used on any previous installations on your computer. The last six characters of the serial number represents the licence.

1. Close all other programs. 

This is best practice to prevent potential conflicts and free up computer resources to expedite the installation. 

2. Turn off antivirus software. 

Before installing trusted software it is best practice to first disable antivirus programs as they can interfere with a complete and proper setup. 

3. Extract the zip file contents. 

The following process will differ slightly if you have an aftermarket archiver such as 7-Zip, WinRAR or WinZip.

      a. Locate the downloaded zip file. (The default location is the Downloads folder: ‘This PC > Downloads.’ This process cannot be fulfilled via the Downloads menu within your internet browser as is sometimes assumed). 

      b. Right-click on the zip file and choose ‘Extract All…’ then manually select the ‘Downloads’ folder as the destination, or choose ‘Extract Here’ if you have either 7-Zip, WinRAR or WinZip options available. 

      c. Once extracted, open the resultant folder.

4. Open the Vectorworks installer. 

Follow the prompts of the installation program. 

     a. Ensure you understand the terms of your License Agreement. Note how many computers your license can be installed on. 

     b. Enabling the collection of ‘usage data’ will provide Vectorworks engineers more information from which to improve the software. 

     c. At the end un-check ‘Launch Vectorworks’ and quit the installer so that step 5 will have the desired effect the first time you open Vectorworks.

5. Ensure your dedicated graphics card will be employed by Vectorworks as described here, then open Vectorworks. 

If you are new to Vectorworks or wish to verify or brush up your knowledge, we highly recommend making use of the Vectorworks University website. Other valuable resources include: 

• Vectorworks Help – A complete online manual covering every tool and function. 
• Vectorworks YouTube Channel – An ever-growing repository of demos and educational playlists.
• Vectorworks Forum – Search or start discussions between fellow users and Vectorworks staff. 

These instructions presume the installation software has been downloaded and the licence serial number obtained. 

If your organisation has multiple Vectorworks licences be sure you have the version-specific serial number for the same licence used on any previous installations on your computer. The last six characters of the serial number represents the licence.

1. Close all other programs. 

This is best practice to prevent potential conflicts and free up computer resources to expedite the installation. 

2. Extract the zip file contents. 

         a. Locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder. (Newer Mac operating systems may automatically decompress the zip file, in which case skip step 2). 

         b. Double-click the zip file to extract its contents.

         c. Open the resultant folder. 

3. Open the Vectorworks installer.

Follow the prompts of the installation program. 

         a. Ensure you understand the terms of your License Agreement. Note how many computers your licence can be installed on. 

         b. Enabling the collection of ‘usage data’ will provide Vectorworks engineers more information from which to improve the software. 

If you are new to Vectorworks or wish to verify or brush up your knowledge, we highly recommend making use of the Vectorworks University website. Other valuable resources include: 

• Vectorworks Help – A complete online manual covering every tool and function. 
• Vectorworks YouTube Channel – An ever-growing repository of demos and educational playlists. 
• Vectorworks Forum – Search or start discussions between fellow users and Vectorworks staff.