Purchasing Policies
For Vectorworks products and services
For Vectorworks products and services
Fundamentals is our basic product that provides non-industry specific tools and is used as a general modeling and drawing tool.
Architect builds on Fundamentals by providing architecture-specific tools for a complete BIM solution to design, model, share, and document projects.
Landmark builds on Fundamentals with landscape-specific tools for landscape design and construction professionals.
Spotlight builds on Fundamentals with entertainment industry-specific tools and can work with Vision, ConnectCAD, and Braceworks.
Design Suite is the most robust version of our software and includes all platforms: Fundamentals, Architect, Landmark, and Spotlight.
Vision is previsualization software for the entertainment industry to design and cue shows before construction. It can be used with Spotlight or Design Suite and is available to request through the Customer Portal with eligible licenses. Vision cannot be purchased as a stand-alone product.
Braceworks is an add-on product for Spotlight or Design Suite that allows rigging professionals to calculate and gauge the performance of temporary structures, like stage designs, for concerts and shows.
ConnectCAD is an add-on product for Spotlight or Design Suite that allows audiovisual (AV) industry professionals to keep track of the components of any interconnected system from broadcast and AV to IT and home automation.
Cloud Services Vectorworks Cloud Services is available to anyone, allowing convenient file sharing and storage. With a free account, customers receive 10GB of Cloud Storage. Vectorworks Service Select members receive 100GB of Cloud Storage. Additionally, Vectorworks Cloud Services connects to Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive for added freedom when accessing and sharing files.
Whether you own Vectorworks E, B, or G series, the product tools are all the same.
E Series licenses are single-seat and are activated online. When purchasing an E Series license, you are provided with a serial number and download link via the Customer Portal. You can download an E Series onto two computers, but you can only actively use your software on one device at a time. You do not need a constant internet connection to use this type of license; however, the software must be able to communicate with Vectorworks’ server to authorize each installation at first launch and periodically thereafter, and within 3 days of your renewal to maintain your license’s active status.
B Series licenses have been retired and are no longer available for purchase. B Series customers are being transitioned to E Series licenses. B Series licenses are single-seat and dongle-activated. They allow customers to activate and use the program without an internet connection, although a connection is required for any updates to the software. The B series is workstation-based dongle protection, so you must have your dongle plugged into your machine to use the software.
G Seriesis a network license that has server-based protection. It is a multi-seat license with a minimum of 5 seats. You can make a request to add a new network license here. Once added, seats can be purchased and managed anytime in the Customer Portal. If you are an existing network license customer, you can add subscription seats to your existing network license in the Customer Portal.
Vectorworks Service Select is an annual Software Service agreement to support those who purchased a perpetual license and Service Select membership from Vectorworks prior to December 30, 2022. Service Select Maintenance contracts are no longer available to add to your perpetual license, but if you have an active contract your benefits will remain in place unless the agreement is canceled.
If you need additional licenses, monthly or annual subscriptions are available for purchase and include the same benefits, giving you a seamless experience regardless of which license type you have. Adding subscription licenses to an account will not change the status or terms of an existing Service Select agreement.
For availability in your market, please contact your local distribution partner using our online map.
If you have an active Service Select agreement, you can change your existing product by adding a module. For example, if you own a Fundamentals license, you can add an industry module like Architect to access the additional industry-specific tools that Fundamentals does not offer. The license number will remain the same, but we will email a new serial number that allows the use of the new module. The module will be added to your contract at a prorated cost based on the contract renewal date. Please contact a Vectorworks Sales Representative for more information.
Vectorworks Service Select agreements are made between the purchasing company and Vectorworks or our authorized distributor. Vectorworks Service Select agreements cannot be transferred or assigned to another company, and any perpetual licenses acquired through an unauthorized third party cannot be added to a Service Select contract.
Renewal dates occur annually on the first day of the month one year following your original Vectorworks Service Select date of purchase. You can refer to your Vectorworks Service Select agreement or your Customer Portal account if you are unsure of your renewal date. Vectorworks will also notify you prior to your renewal date. If you choose to be invoiced for your renewal every year, you will be emailed an invoice 7 days prior to your renewal. If you would like to make a payment or make any changes to your payment method, please contact us directly at 855-877-4636.
As of January 1, 2023, Service Select agreements that are not renewed will be considered canceled, and not eligible for renewal or reinstatement at a later date.
If you no longer wish to upgrade a license every year you can park your license, which freezes it at its current version. You won’t have to pay for that license on your renewal each year; however, parked licenses and their assigned users are not entitled to the benefits of Vectorworks Service Select. Once parked, you will not be able to unpark a license or access the Service Select benefits (including access to the latest version) on a parked license in the future.
You may cancel your Vectorworks Service Select Maintenance agreement by notifying Vectorworks or your distributor (in writing 60 days prior to your renewal date). Refer to section 2 of your agreement for details. Licenses not enrolled in Vectorworks Service Select are not eligible for access to the latest version or any benefits of the program, including priority technical support and original contracted rates. Licenses and all the privileges related therein remain in effect until the end of the contract term. Canceled Service Select agreements will not be eligible for renewal or reinstatement.
If you have an older version of Vectorworks without a Service Select agreement and would like to upgrade to the current version, you can turn in your perpetual license and receive a discount on an annual subscription. If you choose to take advantage of this offer, you agree to forfeit ownership of all versions of the perpetual license to Vectorworks for a discount on your first year of an annual subscription. Licenses eligible for a discount include current versions or versions up to 3 years old. To redeem this offer, enter the full serial number of your perpetual license in the discount code field during checkout. This process will transfer ownership of the perpetual license back to Vectorworks, and you will no longer be able to use any version of the perpetual license. Please contact our team to review the options for your license(s) or get assistance with this offer.
Vectorworks software is available for purchase as either a monthly or annual subscription. Monthly subscriptions are perfect for project-based customers, flexible staffing needs, cash-flow sensitive customers, or trying out new products. For customers who consistently use Vectorworks, an annual subscription is the most cost-effective way to purchase Vectorworks.
Subscription licenses include membership in the Service Select program, which provides enhanced benefits such as:
You can learn more about Service Select membership here.
Subscription licenses can be purchased via our website or through our sales team. To purchase online, add the desired licenses to your shopping cart, sign into your existing account or create a new account, then complete the purchase. If you need any assistance or a custom quote, please contact our sales team at 888-646-4223 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday or by emailing sales@vectorworks.net. Customers from outside the United States may find a local distribution partner using our online map.
Vectorworks subscriptions are available worldwide in English. For program availability in other languages, please contact your local distribution partner using our online map.
You can purchase multiple subscription licenses through the Vectorworks website. Subscription licenses are renewed individually, unless you choose to sync your renewal date. Additional licenses can be purchased at any time, and licenses can be canceled individually up to four (4) days prior to the software renewal date.
Your subscription will automatically be renewed using the assigned payment method unless canceled through the Customer Portal. Your device needs to be connected to the internet while Vectorworks is running within three (3) days of your renewal date for your renewal to work. If you are not connected, you will receive a message asking you to connect to the internet to access your subscription software. Once connected, you will be able to continue using your software as usual.
Syncing your renewal date is a way to set a single renewal date, making payments and budgeting easier for you to manage. This can be a great option if you have multiple licenses but don't want to manage multiple payment dates, or if you have an existing Service Select contract and want your new subscription licenses to renew on the same date as your Service Select agreement.
If your organization only has subscription licenses, you can choose your renewal date up to 365 days in the future during the checkout process. If you have an existing Service Select contract for any perpetual licenses and choose to sync renewal dates, your subscription renewal date will automatically be set to the renewal date of your Service Select contract. All eligible licenses will be pro-rated to the new renewal date. You cannot choose to sync a portion of your licenses – if you choose to sync your subscriptions, all annual and Service Select renewals will be synced. Syncing subscription renewals is only available for annual subscriptions. Monthly subscriptions will auto-renew each month, and you cannot choose or change the renewal date for monthly subscriptions.
Once you choose to sync the renewal date, all licenses within your organization will be renewed on the same day including any future annual subscription purchases, which will be prorated at the time of purchase. You will be able to change the synced renewal date during a subsequent purchase.
Currently, we are not yet able to combine the invoicing of your Service Select renewal with your Subscription. While you may provide a combined payment for these, you will still receive separate invoices.
Your monthly or annual subscription can be canceled anytime during the billing cycle but must be canceled at least four (4) days before your renewal date to avoid the charges for the next billing cycle. Once charges have been processed for the current billing cycle, the charges are non-refundable. To cancel an active subscription, click the “Cancel” button located under your license information in the Customer Portal on the Licenses page. Once canceled, your software will continue working until the end of your billing cycle. Please be aware that the price you’re paying today may change between now and when reactivating in the future.
Once the cancelation process is complete and your software has expired, you will no longer be able to use Vectorworks. You can still access and print your files using the Vectorworks File Viewer at vectorworks.net/support/downloads/vectorworks-file-viewer.
You can reactivate a previously canceled license through the Customer Portal at any time. From the Licenses page, click the disclosure arrow next to the license you want to reactivate and click the “Reactivate” link. A pop-up will allow you to choose an existing payment method or enter a new one for the reactivated subscription. The subscription will be reactivated immediately and the new auto-renew date will be either the date of reactivation, or the synced renewal date.
Vision is not available to purchase as a stand-alone product. Vectorworks Service Select members with a Spotlight or Design Suite license can request a Vision license at no additional cost. Monthly subscriptions and perpetual licenses with an active Service Select membership can request a license of Vision Plus, which includes 4 Universes. Annual subscriptions will receive Vision Unlimited. Customers can request and access their Vision license for each Spotlight or Design Suite license in the Customer Portal. Subscription customers who are interested in using Vision Unlimited can upgrade to an annual subscription, and perpetual licenses on an active Service Select contract can purchase this option as an add module by contacting our sales team.
Vectorworks software helps people transform the world. Whether you’re a student developing designs for a class, an educator teaching design, or an administrator making decisions about licenses and infrastructure, Vectorworks provides a comprehensive and intuitive experience to help designers realize their visions.
Students can download a free copy of Vectorworks software and start bringing their designs to life. LEARN MORE
Institutions are eligible to receive donated lab licenses to give students the edge they need to succeed. REQUEST LAB
Customers can use our online store to purchase subscription licenses. Purchasing requires a Vectorworks account – new customers can create an account here. Once you’ve created an account, select the organization you’re a part of (or create a new one) and complete the purchase through the online store. Once you complete the purchasing process, you will receive installation information at checkout and via email. You will have access to your subscription software immediately, and your license information and installers are always available through the Customer Portal. Your subscription will automatically renew on your renewal date unless canceled.
If you are unable to complete a purchase through our online store, or need assistance for any reason, our sales team is happy to help you. To request a custom quote, or get help determining which products are right for you, please contact us at 888-646-4223 or at sales@vectorworks.net.
For online purchases we accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. If you need to purchase a license with a check, direct debit, or other payment method, please contact a Vectorworks Sales Representative directly.
Depending on the products you order and your location, sales tax may be calculated and charged. Sales tax charges are calculated based on your location and appear on the order review screen after you enter your shipping address.
Subscriptions: your subscription will automatically renew on the date of purchase in the following month or year based on length of subscription purchased, unless canceled. We will charge the credit card on the account four (4) days prior to the renewal date. Payment information, cancelations, and reactivations can be updated within the Customer Portal.
Service Select Agreement: your Vectorworks Service Select maintenance agreement will renew annually on the date listed in your contract. You will be notified of your upcoming renewal prior to your renewal date. If you choose to be invoiced for your renewal every year, you will be emailed an invoice 7 days prior to your renewal. If you choose to make a payment with a credit card, your card is authorized to be charged up to 7 days prior to the renewal date. If you would like to make a payment or make any changes to your payment method, please contact us directly at 888-877-4636.
Subscriptions: you can view your payment history at any time within the Customer Portal under Billing. To view an invoice, click on the invoice number under Billing (which can be found on the dashboard) and your invoice will open in a new window.
Service Select Agreement: for information regarding your Vectorworks Service Select order history, contact us directly.
We offer a refund up to 30 days after purchase for new annual subscription customers. If you no longer need your subscription and are not eligible for a refund, please be sure to cancel at least four (4) days before your renewal date to avoid the charges for the next billing cycle.
Your monthly or annual subscription can be canceled anytime during the billing cycle but must be canceled at least four (4) days before your renewal date to avoid the charges for the next billing cycle. Once charges have been processed for the current billing cycle, the charges are non-refundable. To cancel an active subscription, click the “Cancel” button located under your license information in the Customer Portal on the Licenses page. Once canceled, your software will continue working until the end of your billing cycle. Please be aware that the price you’re paying today may change between now and when reactivating.
Once the cancelation process is complete and your software has expired, you will no longer be able to use Vectorworks. You can still access and print your files using the Vectorworks File Viewer at vectorworks.net/support/downloads/vectorworks-file-viewer.
You can reactivate a previously canceled license through the Customer Portal at any time. From the Licenses page, click the disclosure arrow next to the license you want to reactivate and click the “Reactivate” link. A pop-up will allow you to choose an existing payment method or enter a new one for the reactivated subscription. The subscription will be reactivated immediately and the new auto-renew date will be either the date of reactivation, or the synced renewal date.
Monthly subscriptions are not eligible for refund.
You may cancel your Vectorworks Service Select Maintenance agreement by notifying Vectorworks or your distributor (in writing 60 days prior to your renewal date). Refer to section 2 of your agreement for details. Licenses not enrolled in Vectorworks Service Select are not eligible for access to the latest version or any benefits of the program, including priority technical support and original contracted rates. Licenses and all the privileges related therein remain in effect until the end of the contract term.
Customers who purchased Vectorworks Service Select along with their Vectorworks software and wish to keep the software but cancel the Vectorworks Service Select will retain their ownership of the license and will be able to continue to use the software as long as they have a compatible operating system. However, canceled Service Select agreements cannot be renewed or reactivated at any time, and licenses and assigned users not on an active Service Select contract will not have access to the associated benefits.
You can still access and print your files by downloading and using the Vectorworks File Viewer.
The Customer Service Team at Vectorworks may be reached at customerservice@vectorworks.net or by calling 888-646-4223, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday. Please note that policies can vary by country so please consult with your local Vectorworks partner for policies if you reside outside of the US.
In order to provide a seamless, innovative, and user-friendly customer experience, Vectorworks is better aligning our purchase options with our continuous development cycle. As of January 1, 2023, monthly and annual subscriptions are the only purchasing option for licenses of Vectorworks in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. This change will go into effect in all other markets by January 1, 2025. Please reach out to your local Vectorworks distributor to learn more about the timeline in your market.
If you already have a perpetual license with a Service Select agreement, your benefits will remain intact as long as your agreement remains active. This will allow you to manage your licenses the same way you always have, including maintaining access to the latest version. If you need to add new licenses to your organization, you will add those new licenses as subscription licenses. Any added subscription licenses will not impact the existing perpetual licenses or your Service Select agreement.
If you own a perpetual license without a Service Select agreement in place, you still own that license and can continue to use it as long as you have a compatible operating system. You will not be eligible for any benefits of Service Select, including access to the latest version on your perpetual license going forward. If you need to upgrade to the latest version, there is a conversion program in place to assist – you can find details below.
Additional details and specific policies can be found below, but if you have questions related to your account or options please read on for more details or contact your local sales team.
In select markets, the option to purchase Vectorworks perpetual licenses is no longer available. Existing perpetual licenses will continue to work on compatible devices, and active Service Select members will be able to continue to renew their agreements and access their associated benefits. Monthly and annual subscription licenses are available for purchase.
We are making this change for two reasons. First, Vectorworks is evolving to continue providing cutting-edge technology, improved stability and quality, and better support for all our customers. We are accelerating our commitment to a continuous development cycle that will allow us to release new features when they are ready rather than one annual release, which we believe will enable us to deliver higher quality updates and better support. To ensure the best customer experience, we believe all customers should be utilizing the latest version, and subscription licenses ensure each customer has immediate access to the latest version.
Secondly, we want to simplify the purchasing process and provide competitive and accessible pricing, enabling more designers to use Vectorworks for a multitude of project types. With a low upfront investment, subscriptions provide an accessible and affordable technology solution.
If you own a perpetual license, you will continue to own this license and be able to use it as long as you have a compatible device. Existing perpetual licenses on prior versions are not eligible for upgrade but if it is the current version or any of the prior 3 versions, it can be traded in for a discounted annual subscription. Your licenses will always be accessible to you through the Customer Portal if you have ever had a Select Service agreement, even if that Service Select agreement is no longer active.
Existing perpetual licenses that are active on a Service Select maintenance agreement prior to December 30, 2022 and remain active will maintain the benefits of membership, including access to new releases and features once available even after January 1, 2023.
Yes, in addition to having access to the latest version once available, subscription licenses have enhanced features. As of September 14, 2022, subscription licenses include Service Select benefits at no additional cost.
Customers are welcome to purchase a subscription through our online store or by contacting our sales team directly.
In markets where you are no longer able to upgrade a perpetual license, you can convert your perpetual license to an annual subscription (if it’s current version or last 3 versions) at a discounted price for the first year. To redeem this offer, enter the full serial number of your perpetual license in the discount code field during checkout. This process will transfer ownership of the perpetual license back to Vectorworks, and you will no longer be able to use any version of the perpetual license. Please contact your local sales team to review the options for your license(s) or get assistance with this offer.
Vectorworks Fundamentals, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, and Design Suite are all available for purchase as a subscription. Additionally, Braceworks and ConnectCAD are products that can be purchased only with Spotlight or Design Suite subscriptions, but cannot be purchased as stand-alone products.
Vision is not available as a stand-alone subscription. However, customers who own an active Spotlight or Design Suite annual subscription can request a license of Vision Unlimited for free through the Customer Portal, while customers who own an active Spotlight or Design Suite monthly subscription can request Vision Plus with 4 Universes. The Vision licenses will remain available for as long as your subscription is active.
If you require the dongled version of Vision in order to access MA-Net as your DMX provider, you can purchase the dongle separately from us to work with your serial number and installer available in the Portal. If you need assistance purchasing a dongle, please contact our sales team.
Active Service Select members who own a license of Spotlight or Design Suite can request a free license of Vision Plus, which includes 4 Universes. If you are interested in a Vision Unlimited license, contact your local sales team to purchase an add module.
Your Vectorworks subscription provides immediate access to the latest version of Vectorworks available in your country. After you have purchased your Vectorworks subscription, you can request serial numbers for three versions prior to the current version within the Customer Portal under the Licenses page. Click on the disclosure arrow next to the license ID to expand the section and then click “request previous versions”. The prior version serial numbers will generate automatically and will be available as long as the subscription is active.
Subscriptions are single-user access, meaning that only one user can access, activate, and use each subscription license. A subscription license can be installed on up to 2 machines, but they cannot be used simultaneously.
Your Vectorworks Service Select maintenance agreement will continue to renew annually on the date listed in your contract. Your license(s) will maintain the benefits of membership, including access to the latest version release once available, as long as the agreement remains active. Please note that as of January 1, 2023, any canceled or lapsed Service Select agreements will not be able to be reinstated.
Perpetual licenses will remain as perpetual licenses, regardless of an active Service Select agreement or not. A perpetual license will only be converted to a subscription if the license owner is eligible and chooses to take advantage of our trade in option.
When your Service Select Maintenance Agreement expires without renewal, you will no longer be able to reinstate your contract or purchase a new contract. Once canceled, your Vectorworks license(s) will remain on the last version that was available to you prior to your Service Select contract expiring.
Although Vectorworks perpetual licenses are no longer available for purchase, customers with an active Service Select agreement are able to add modules to their existing perpetual licenses. If new licenses are needed, they can be purchased as a monthly or annual subscription. Subscription licenses include all the same benefits included with your Service Select agreement for a seamless user experience. Adding subscription licenses to your organization will not modify your existing Service Select agreement, and your existing perpetual licenses will remain intact.
New network licenses are available for purchase in the Customer Portal. If you own an existing network license that is active on a Service Select agreement, contact your local sales representative to discuss options for adding additional seats, or purchase more in the Customer Portal.
Yes, in order to give you a seamless experience subscription licenses include a Service Select membership and all associated benefits.
Yes. Starting in 2023, customers in select markets will have the option to sync renewal dates between your annual subscription licenses and your Service Select renewal date at the time a new Subscription is purchased. Customers who do not have an active Service Select contract will also have the option to sync renewal dates for all annual subscription licenses. Currently, we are not yet able to combine the invoicing of your Service Select renewal with your Subscription. While you may provide a combined payment for these, you will still receive separate invoices.
You do not need a constant internet connection to use this type of license; however, the software must be able to communicate with Vectorworks’ server to authorize each installation at first launch and periodically thereafter. Additionally, active subscription customers must connect to the internet within 3 days of the subscription renewal date.
