How do I install a Plug-in?

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How Do I Install a Plug-in?

1. Download the plug-in.

2. Move the plug-in file to the Plug-in folder.

a. Go to Preferences > User Folders > Reveal in Finder/Explorer

b. Consider making the user folder a favorite so you can find it again easier next time.

3. Restart Vectorworks.

4. Tools > Workspaces > Workspaces…

a. If you are using a stock workspace in 2025, any change you make will create a duplicate workspace in a different location.

i. Stock workspaces are kept in the Application Folder

ii. Customized workspaces are kept in the User Folder. Which you now know all about :-).

b. so, I recommend duplicating the workspace you are using and giving it a name that makes sense to you. I like to use the date to keep things happy and clear.

c. Make sure the checkmark is next to the workspace you want to use in the future and click Edit…

5. Welcome to the Workspace Editor.

a. The editor opens in the Menu Tab.

i. On the left are all the possible menu items that VW knows about. Including any you just moved to the Plug-ins folder. (When VW starts up it reads all the plug-ins in that folder. That's why you needed to restart.

ii. On the right side are all the pulldown menus you have in your workspace. If you click the little arrow they will open and you will see all the menu items you currently enjoy in order with any separators and with an nested menu commands shown as indented.

iii. Open a menu category on the left, grab a menu item and drag it to the right column.

iv. Notice that you can also add your own bespoke pull down by grabbing New Menu on the left and dragging it over to create a new menu pulldown.

b. The next tab is the Tools Tab. Works alsmost the same way as the Menu Tab.

i. On the left side are all the possible tools. Including any you just moved to the Plug-ins folder.

ii. On the right side are all Tool Palettes and Too Sets. You probably don't need to add any Tool Palettes. Vectorworks usually uses just 2: the Basic Tool Palette and the Tool Sets Tool Palettte.

iii. Drag the tool from the left to it's new home on the right. Be careful not to let it indent unless you mean to do that.

iv. Notice that you can also add your own bespoke Tool set by grabbing New Tool Set and dragging it over to the right.

Your new plug-in is now ready to use!