SoftSymbols™ 4.0 Object Libraries
In the spring of 2022, Field Template™ updated a select collection of SoftSymbol Object Libraries to the next level, updating them to Version 4.0. That said, the number of Vectorworks versions constructed for each SoftSymbol product has become unwieldy. Changes in the Light Info Record and the Parts Record still require different versions, but Version 4 will no longer support Vectorworks application versions earlier than Vw2017.
Slimming Down 3D
Over the years, the number of resources in each SoftSymbol object library has increasd. Our basic philosophy is that, while older lighting devices may be labeled as "discontinued," no resources are ever deleted from any object library. Somewhere in the world, the lighting devices continue to be included in inventories, and in light plots. So over time, the SoftSymbol object libraries inevitably become larger and seem "bloated." At the same time, it seems that the number of lighting devices in any light plot seems to increase. In an effort to keep light plots from becoming unmanagable, and their document size slowing down computing speed, SoftSymbols has converted all 3D components to Generic Solids.
Many complex SoftSymbol 3D components are created using commands such as "Add Solid" or "Subtract Solid," for example. Each one contains a history composed of the original elements used to make the new object. The "Convert to Generic Solids" command removes this history from the solid objects, reducing the file size (though the object is no longer editable.) The working FT-ETC LED 4.0 Vectorworkds object libary, containing 750 symbols [and matching resources,] weighed in at over 87MG. Once the 3D components were converted to Generic Solids, the same file was slimmed down to 69MG.
Updating Resources into Vw2025
The 2022 version of Vectorworks introduced many changes, and as an outside developer, not all of them simple to implement. The 2022 Light Info Record [LIR] added five new data cells, reorganized the arrangement of the data cells within the record, absorbed weight data from the Light Info Record-Metric [LIR-M], and then eliminated the LIR-M record altogether.
The 2024 version of Vectorworks introduced the new Equipment Summary Functions, which added even more data fields to the LIR, and split data like an atom!
But we have been to the Wilderness, and we have sipped from the Pool of Knowledge. Bottom line: We are delighted to announce that, with the assistance of the nice folks at Nemetschek [hats off the Robert Books and Kevin Linzey.] we have untied the Gordian Knot; solved the Rubik's Cube; and rewoven the DNA strands! In other words: We are now offering all of our 4.0 libraries in Vw2022, Vw2023, Vw2024 and Vw2025 format!
Release the hounds and Let's Party Down, Bro!
Version 4.0 Libraries
The current SoftSymbol 4.0 Object libraries include:
Ayrton Lighting 4.0 Pack: Almost doubling the number of resources, the Ayrton 4.0 Pack contains the latest in the 3 Series, the 5 Series, the 7 Series, the 9 Series, and the Creative solution selection.
German Light Products 4.0 Pack: Jammed with over forty new resources, the GLP 4.0 Pack adds the entire Fusion product line [all packing IP65 waterproof-ocity]; the KNV product lines, including the Dot, the Line, the Cube, and the Arc fixtures; the JDC strobelights; and the latest movers, including the Impression X5, the Highlander Wash, and the Impression E350 and S350 fixtures.
Strand Lighting 4.0 Pack: Adding LED product lines from Selecon and Showline, and then piling on with new LED Light Engines - Acclaim PLE fixtures, LEKO LED Profiles, Cantata LED Fresnels - the list goes on. With over 300 resources, it more than doubles the number of symbols in the library.
Vari*Lite Lighting 4.0 Pack: Jam-packed with over 240 resources, the Vari-Lite 4.0 Pack contains the latest updates in VL-800 Eventwash, EventPar, and Event Profile fixtures; the new VL-1100 LED fixtures; and the VL-2600 series, as well as the entire Showline fixture line.
Peering into the Future!
Step by step! We'll announce future additions as they become available.
