Vectorworks 2026 - Reference files loading times

[bluelinkstudio]

Hey,

 

I am having significant issues with Layer Viewport Referencing within Vectorworks 2026. 

 

Issue:

Stuck/hanging on "Updating References" for upwards of 15mins for simple 80-100mb files

Unable to select a Viewport on a design layer, as this causes the entire program to lock up before the details of the viewport are even represented in the OiP

 

Software:

Vectorworks Spotlight 2026 v4.1

 

Hardware:

2021 M1 Max 32GB Macbook Pro

Working from a mix of local and cloud storage, issues still the same

 

I can replicate the issue in multiple files, new and existing. The problem seems to have developed within the last 7-10days as I have been working with large (2gb +) files with around 10-15 references with no issues other than general gremlins/caching load times.

 

Are other having this issue? Can I expect this to be addressed soon?

 

- Ryan

[FranAJA]

I have this issue from a week already, we can not work anymore vectorworks is not working with references, keeps crashing and take ages to update references.
we have macbook too.

[Pat Stanford]

This forum is for user to user help.  Both of you sound like you need to contact technical support directly for help.

 

While there are a few people reporting similar issues, this does not seem to be happening to all users, so technical support will be better able to help you figure out what in your situation will help.

[FranAJA]

Hi Pat,

Sorry, but I tend to disagree with you. This is a troubleshooting section, also dealing with issues that stem from the software architecture, where many Vectorworks programmers reply. The fact that it does not happen to many users is because few people use references in their projects and/or work on models large enough for professional studios.

The fact that this has arisen after the latest update suggests that something may have been broken within the code.

I have already submitted a ticket to UK support, but with working deadlines we cannot wait weeks before being able to continue working on the project. If there is a solution that has already been discussed previously, or a simpler fix, this is the right forum to ask for it.

[Pat Stanford]

I agree with you in principle, but I also know the reality. And I don't have a problem with anyone disagreeing with me. I have been wrong many times in the past and will be many times in the future. And maybe I am wrong on this one now. 😉

 

The VW tech support does not inhabit the forums, so they are unlikely to see your message.

 

Because this is a (relatively) rate occurrence, it is unlikely that anyone who does spend a lot of time on the forums is going to have a solution for you.

 

I am glad you have already reached out to tech support. Many times people come here first (or instead) of contacting tech support. 

 

After reading/moderating the forums for 20 years, I kind of have a gut feeling for what can and can't be answered by the users. Yours is one of the ones that I don't see a solution coming from here.

 

But when you do get a solution, please post it back here to help the next person.

 

Best Regards