trying out architect with rw 2014

[michael john williams]

I have vw architect architect with rw 2010 and I am trying out 2014 to see whether to upgrade. Quite a few changes and improvements.

Stuck already. set up a simple cube in a design layer and in the viewport it is all solid orange when I click on it. How do I get out of hat?

[PVA - Admin]

Solid orange selection areas are almost always an old video card driver that needs updating, (as long as the graphics card is above minimum specs, that is.)

Steps for updating it manually can be found here:

http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/476/Updating+Graphics+Drivers

Automatic driver update for Windows XP normally does not give you the latest drivers.

[michael john williams]

I have tried update driver in windows 7 and it says it is up to date.

It is an AMD Radeon HD 6630M

It is a lap top by the way vw 2010 works fine on it.

So perhaps it is not the driver?

[PVA - Admin]

Anything prior to Vectorworks 2014 really won't indicate what will work and what wont as far as hardware, the graphics module updates in 2014 require much more powerful hardware than previously.

Make sure to use this one from ATI, not the Windows built in one (I never trust that one), to be sure:

http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/mobile?os=Windows%207%20-%2064

If it still doesn't work after that and a reboot, reply back with the following and I can check for sure:

http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/627/DirectX+Diagnostics+and+System+Profiler

[michael john williams]

Thank you for the links I will give it a go and get back to you.

I have just bought a new pc with 3GB NVIDIA Quadro K4000 graphics and so I don't want to have to upgrade my graphics - will this be sufficient?

The other pc has a 256mb nVIDA Quadro FX570 - will this be sufficient?

We need to weigh up all the issues and costs for upgrading before we make a commitment.

Interesting link from vw regarding using work around:

http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/1171/Solid+orange+highlighting+on+Viewports,+Symbols,+and+Groups+etc.

Does anyone use a work around on say your lap top when it does not have sufficient graphics? Perhaps I can live with a work around on my lap top as I only occasionally use vw on it.

Thank you for your help.

[PVA - Admin]

The Quadro K4000 should be more than adequate, the Quadro FX570 is most likely going to be mediocre at best, but should still at the very least function on a basic level. I don't recommend it however.

Often a full Quadro or FirePro card designed for a workstation is overpriced for what you get though. Often you can pick the second- or third-string cards geared towards gamers, such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX series (750, 760 and 770 are all good choices) and the ATI R9 280. There is rarely a reason to spend more than $250-$350 on a modern card unless you want to run Vectorworks AND drive 3+ monitors at the same time.

Unfortunately when it comes to an inadequate graphics card, there is no easy workaround other than to replace it, which in most laptops is not possible.

[michael john williams]

That is a disappointment.

When you say 'mediocre at best' do mean 2D and basic 3D but not advanced 3D [i am not sure how to distinguish between basic and advanced 3D but I guess 3D modelling with renderworks is advanced].

I presume everyone updates their graphics when updating vw - an expensive business especially with an office with more than one pc.

[PVA - Admin]

Mostly that the 3D would be slow and possibly stutter when moving around in OpenGL. It would not affect things that are handled by Renderworks, that would be the CPU directly.

You wouldn't need to upgrade every version no, but if your video hardware is over 4-5 years old (or below minimum specs) it would be normal procedure to update it.

To give you a general idea of standard computer replacement practices, we get about 3 years of life out of machines used here for heavy rendering and 3D work, then they are pushed down the chain to do word processing or basic data entry, while newer machines come in at the top to keep up with system requirements.

Now, if you went with a desktop rather than a laptop, you could replace the graphics card after 3 years or so, saving significant cash as opposed to replacing a laptop,(especially since they already come at a premium for portability and included displays.)

Awhile ago I attempted to provide a reference for what can/should be updated on a machine to keep compatible without having to replace the machine, this may be of use to anyone coming across this thread:

http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/1191/Upgrading+your+computer+for+Vectorworks