Create an account
If you do not yet have an account for the student portal, you must first create one:
Step 1: On the Academic Software page of Vectorworks, click on 'Start procedure' on the left. You will be redirected to the website of Vectorworks.
Step 2: Fill in your details to create an account. Use your school email address here. Click on 'Create'.
Step 3: You will receive an e-mail to activate your account. Click on 'Activate'.
Step 4: You will be redirected to the student portal, where your activation code has already been filled in.
If not, please copy the activation code from your email to the portal. Click on 'Activate'.
Step 5: Complete your account, accept the terms and conditions and provide us with your proof of registration*. Click on 'Update'.
Step 6: Choose your version** and add your proof of registration* again. Click on 'Send'.
* PROOF OF REGISTRATION
Select 'Choose file' and add a valid proof (e.g. a copy of your current student card) with your name, photo, academic year, school and educational programme clearly stated on it. Only JPG or PDF will be accepted and your file may not exceed 4MB. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be refused. Due to the set-up of the portal, this action will be requested in 2 places. You can upload the same document both times.
** CHOICE OF YOUR VERSION
If you use your Vectorworkshop in the classroom, discuss with your teacher which version you need. Also discuss your language preference with your teacher. Once you have entered your language choice, it is impossible to request another language for the same version. Files can be saved in such a way that they are compatible with an older version. If you request the most recent version, you will no longer be able to request older versions. If you need an older version, please contact the Vectorworks team by phone.
Your request was sent and is now being processed. In the meantime, you can get started immediately with the free evaluation version, which is valid for 30 days. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a serial number that you can use to update the evaluation version to the requested Vectorworks Education license.
Step 7: Download your software by choosing Mac or PC. Your serial number will remain active for 12 months. After 12 months you will need to renew your serial number.
Renew your licence
To renew your licence, proceed as follows:
Step 1: Go to student.myvectorworks.net
Step 2: Fill in your details under ‘Existing Users’ on the left. Click on ‘Log in’.
Step 3: Click the button ‘Request Extension’.
Step 4: Provide your proof of registration and click on ‘Submit’.
Your account must be approved by Design Express. When your application for renewal of your Vectorworks® Student License has been approved, you will receive an email.
Step 5: After approval, go to student.myvectorworks.net and log in.
Step 6: Go to ‘Account Status’. Here you will find your serial number and you can install the software by clicking on 'Download and install'.
NOTE: If you are still working with a version of Vectorworks that is older than 2 years, this licence automatically expires after 1 month. You will then need to download a newer version of Vectorworks following the steps above.
FAQ
I receive an error message indicating that I need to validate my software licence.
You can solve this problem by removing your old serial number from the register:
- Close Vectorworks
- Download the software for Mac or Windows again
- Unpack the attached .zip file and run the 'VW Settings.app verwijderen' application
- Restart your PC and empty the trash can
- Restart Vectorworks and re-enter your licence number
My educational institution is not in the list.
If you cannot find your educational institution in the list, check that the country and province of your educational institution are correct. If you still cannot find your educational institution, please send the details of your teacher and your school to education@designexpress.eu.
I changed my operating system, what should I do now?
Vectorworks is fully compatible with both Mac and Windows. The operating system can be changed without any problems. Download the version of Vectorworks that is compatible with your operating system from the student portal.
How do I get technical support for the installation of Vectorworks?
You can contact the Design Express technical support team. To do so, you need to register an account on the Design Express website. This account is not the same as for the student portal.
I do not need Vectorworks for my training but would still like to use the software.
Every student is entitled to a free version of Vectorworks, regardless of the educational programme. To do so, please send the following information to education@designexpress.eu:
- Name of the school
- Level of education
- Teacher's name
- Lesson package for which you want to use Vectorworks
I am taking classes abroad, which country should I enter?
Enter your country of residence. As educational institution, choose the last school you attended in the Benelux. Contact Design Express to provide us with the correct information via education@designexpress.eu.
I have a different question
If you have any other questions, you can always contact our helpdesk.