Vectorworks becomes unusable very often

[jeffrbeyer]

So, at this point I'm thinking of going to find another platform for lighting design. It takes upwards of 2 minutes to just load Vectorworks, and when it does load, half the time it randomly freezes for no apparent reason. Constantly, I find myself waiting for a couple seconds just to get something done, or heaven forbid if I need to undo something more than 2 steps back. 

 

Note, this is not an issue with my system. I've tried reinstalling, moving the user folder, changing settings to "recommended settings" that people on this forum have suggested, and it seems to just be getting worse and worse. For over 1000$ a year, this is really unacceptable. 

 

Note: My System: Intel i9-14900KF (Was not affected by the hardware issues that intel had with some processors recently). RTX 4080 Super 16GB, 192GB ddr5 ram. Vectorworks is installed on a Samsung 990 Pro 4TB m2 ssd. Windows is installed on a separate 990 Pro 2TB m2 ssd (Yes, I tried installing it on both ssds just in case that was the issue. It wasn't. I have removed any and all NZXT/ASUS type junk from the system.

 

Is this just what we should expect with "Pro" software that costs an arm and a leg for everyone, and if a student version even touches one of your files, it gets ruined with a watermark until the student has to purchase a full license for themselves. Like, I'm seriously asking here. At the moment in entertainment, it seems to be "Vectorworks" or "Nothing". 

 

Sorry about this rant, but this is ridiculous

[Pat Stanford]

Yes, it does sound ridiculous. However, you are one of a very small subset of people who appear to be having problems like this. I can count the number of people on my fingers who have had issues like yours that were not occurring to multiple other people.

 

I hate to say it, but since so many other people are not having the same type of problems, it is very likely to be your machine or installation.

 

I have asked for someone from VW to reach out to you to try and help with your problem.

[rDesign]

As Pat mentioned, your experience is not common; Not that it makes it any less painful.
 

You mentioned that you’re using Windows, but not what version — 10 or 11 ?
Also have you confirmed that your NVIDIA video drivers are up to date? From what you described, it could be a driver issue.

 

Hopefully Pat’s contact at Vw will be able to assist you.

[Stefan B.]

I do indeed struggle with vectorworks from time to time and say to myself, really, is this the best they could do? On bad days, I too do rant here on the forum to blow some steam.

 

Your issues is beyond what I have experienced. Yes, it takes some time to start the software, but most softwares today do this. As far as I recall AutoCAD was barely quicker, but again with a huge lack of functionality but also lacks instability.

 

On the other hand, what are the options?

 

I work often work on files that is a huge load on my computer that has similar specs as yours. I have no trouble undoing, I have even ramped up max undo steps to 50 or something.

 

I am under the impression that spotlight and braceworks has more trouble and errors than the rest of the modules. This might be due to it is relatively new for vectorworks compared to architect. And building robust systems like this takes a bit of time. Also, entertainment work on way shorter deadlines than other industries. We are dusted and done with our whole project and final invoice sent before the architects pick up their pen. This makes us needing stuff quicker and faster. We dont have time to sip coffe in between every click. We need the computer to work faster then we are able to click. This is not the case in vectorworks.

 

If you want more stable and a quicker software, I highly recommend AutoCAD. I worked in AutoCAD in 5-6 years every day and had a handful of crashes. A handful of crashes on vectorworks could be one days work. But if you do end up on AutoCAD. You miss a load of stuff you get from vectorworks.

 

A HUGE symbol library. Even with load of data attached to them, so you can USE them not just look at them and move them around. You have tools and functionality far from what AutoCAD can deliver. Indeed, your rendering or top plan print could look the same. But you would spend more time ending there in AutoCAD and all your blocks would be only lines, shapes and extrudes symbolizing some object with no more functionality.

 

So, for now I think vectorworks is our best shot and alternative. And I do believe as Pat states, the issues you are having seems to be located mostly with your setup.

 

If someone replies that wysiwyg is also one alternative I quote their technical support, "if you do not intend to shine light on in, you should not draw it in wysiwyg".

[P Retondo]

You don't say what version you are using.  On my Win10 pc, Design Suite v2024 boots in 40 seconds, ready to go.  AMD Ryzen 9 3900x (12-core), 64 GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 4000 w/ 16 GB VRAM, SSD hard drive.

[jeffrbeyer]

I'll admit, I definitely jumped the gun on this and was able to solve a good amount of the issues performance wise. It turns out, the heatsink installed on the SSD at the factory didn't get applied correctly, and caused a cascade of issues that eventually grew to other applications as well. I merely noticed it the most with Vectorworks first. So I apologize for my rant. Frustration kind of hit a breaking point.

 

I will say however, I still stand by my statements with cost and the annoyance of it being a proprietary, non optional requirement for most of the entertainment industry, and I feel like there need to be other options or changes with the pricing model (Do what unreal engine does and put a cap on earnings for certain licenses? Indie vs pro version? Less ridiculous drm that acts like malware where even touching a file with a "student edition" basically makes it unusable for anywhere in the future), but thats a conversation for another time.

 

And no, I agree that wyswyg is not really comparable, although I am a fan. 

[P Retondo]

Your services do not come free, I would assume?  I can charge an extra 50 cents an hour to pay for my Vectorworks subscription.  No client is even going to notice that.