“I sent some drawings over to my colleague. We both use Mac's an use 2020 VWX for some reason when she tries to open the file it comes up with this error. However, it opens on mine with no issues. How do I fix this? (sorry the details are limited as I only use mac's for work and I don't know the specs of her pc)” ———— Sade16

Many people receive design files that do not open on their devices unless specific software is installed. That’s because these files are created using advanced design software, and the content within them can only be read by these programs. Once you receive such a file, it becomes impossible to edit its content or extract its components without proper software. Furthermore, they can suffer corruption issues, which make them inaccessible.

These issues are more common with a VWX file, which is a useful format for storing design and architectural work. Hence, this guide will comprehensively explain how you can open and edit the design files in this format using different programs. Furthermore, you will learn about a dedicated solution that repairs the issues with these complex design files and makes them accessible again.

In this article

Part 1. What Is a VWX File, and Where Are VWX Files Used?

VWX files are a type of digital design document used in architecture and engineering to store both 2D drawings and 3D models. It is created through specialized VWX file viewers and editors that allow professionals to build and visualize spaces and structures in detail. Moreover, such files usually include different lighting setups in addition to object placements and measurements to guide construction or design tasks.

what is vwx file format

Common Uses of VWX Files

These files carry complex animations and have various uses across different industries. You can learn about different uses of a VWX file by reading the following points for greater insight:

Building Designs: Digital blueprints help architects plan detailed building layouts with multiple floors and structural elements. Thus, these files allow professionals to simulate how the building will appear once completed.

Interior Layouts: Designers use these files to place furniture and textures inside rooms while maintaining proper space usage. The digital view gives clients a clear idea of how their future space will appear.

Landscape Projects: Outdoor planners apply these files to create layouts for gardens and surrounding structures in residential areas. These designs include elements like trees and paths to give a clear visualization of the building projects.

Event Planning: Professionals use these files to map out space arrangements for weddings or conferences inside large venues. The layout includes seat rows, tables, booths, and stage areas with real-world measurements.

Engineering Models: Engineers use these digital documents to plan mechanical and electrical work inside commercial projects. Complex systems can be laid out with layer separation and clear labeling for easier construction planning.

Part 2. Top VWX File Viewer Tools You Can Use

Now that you have a clear idea of these files, let’s discover some tools that you can use when you can’t open a VWX file. So, go through the following tools and see how they help with the creation and editing of these files:

1. VectorWorks

This Building Information Modeling software is a versatile tool used by architects and entertainment professionals. VectorWorks is a feature-rich VWX file viewer that allows the creation and editing of these files with options like 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Furthermore, it offers object libraries and real-time rendering to edit these design files. The program also allows exporting to other file types and recovering data in case of partial damage.

vectorworks vwx file viewer
Pros
  • Pros
  • It offers specialized tools like Vectorworks Architect and Vectorworks Landmark, as well as Vectorworks Spotlight for industry-specific uses.
  • The tool has features like Renderworks for creating photorealistic renderings along with a scripting environment.
Cons
  • Cons
  • Vectorworks does not produce optimal-quality renders on macOS and requires integration with other solutions.
  • Users get limited options to integrate the services of this tool with other such solutions.

2. AutoCAD

Since VectorWorks itself allows exporting its proprietary VWX file into DWG format, it becomes easier to access it in AutoCAD. Once imported, users can manage multiple layers and adjust the dimensions of the designs within the file. In addition, it allows for modifying geometric shapes with high accuracy and the creation of plot sheets. The layering features of AutoCAD, along with the linework and hatching, further help with visualization.

autocad vwx file preview
Pros
  • Pros
  • The converted files contain the geometric data of the original VWX files, which allows working with the design in AutoCAD’s environment.
  • Users can take advantage of the built-in repair features of the tool to recover the lost details in the design file.
Cons
  • Cons
  • Some information might be permanently lost when you convert the file and open it in AutoCAD.
  • When dealing with complex files, the conversion process may require additional adjustments or cleanup.

3. VectorWorks Nomad (Android | iOS)

This application acts as a VWX file viewer and allows users to access their design directly on their mobile phones. VectorWorks Nomad connects to your cloud storage and allows automatic syncing between devices to access files anywhere. You can even mark up the files with freehand and line tools and save the edited versions on the cloud. Similarly, it allows viewing 3D models in real-world settings using AR technology.

vectorworks nomad vwx file viewer
Pros
  • Pros
  • You can view rendered panoramic images and share files with other people directly from the app.
  • The app allows extending the cloud library by supporting integrations with other storage options.
Cons
  • Cons
  • Users don’t get many features to edit the VWG file, as the tool’s primary function is to view the files.
  • Depending on your mobile’s hardware, the app’s performance changes and may even lag with complex designs.
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Part 3. Can’t Open VWX File? Repairit: The One-Click Approach to Repair Corrupted VWX File

Your design files might be damaged when you can’t open a VWX file using the above tools. In such cases, repairing the design files using Repairit is the ideal solution due to its extensive support for engineering files. With support for over 25 file types, this powerful data repair tool allows you to fix issues with the design documents without changing the complex structures within them.

Its AI-powered algorithms analyze the file structure and only fix the damaged sections without messing with the functional parts. Furthermore, Repairit allows importing damaged design files in bulk and repairing them without size restrictions. Apart from the complex engineering files, you can use this tool for archived and edited Photoshop files. It also has an online version for quick accessibility across devices, including mobile phones.

Key Features

  • Office Repair: Documents and sheets created in MS Office can be fixed with this tool’s advanced repair features.

  • Garbled Files: You can repair documents and design files whose information becomes mixed or distorted due to malware attacks.

  • Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

  • No limit to the number and size of the repairable files.

  • Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.13~macOS 15.

Simple Guide to Repair Corrupted VWX File Using Repairit

The support for complex design files and additional features makes Repairit the ideal choice for repairing corrupted VWX files. Now, let’s go through the simple and brief 4-step procedure to fix the damaged design files within this tool:

Step 1. Initiate the procedure by pressing the “Start” button under the “Engineering File Repair” feature in the “More Types Repair” tab.

start engineering file repair

Step 2. Moving forward, import the problematic design file into the tool using the “Add” button.

add vwx file in repairit

Step 3. Once the VWX files get listed under the “Unrepaired Files” tab, click the “Repair” button and wait until the process completes.

begin vwx file repair

Step 4. Within a few seconds, the VWX files will be repaired, and you can preserve them using the “Save” button.

save repaired vwx file
Repair Corrupted VWX Files

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Conclusion

To conclude, this article explained what a VWX file is and how it is used in different fields of architecture and design. Furthermore, it discussed how tools like VectoWorks and AutoCAD help with opening and editing these files on your desktop and mobile phones. Repairit is also introduced as the best solution to fix VWX files when malware attacks or any other issue damages them, making them inaccessible.

FAQ

  • What is the best format to export a design file for general use?
    A widely compatible format for sharing design files is DWG, as it is easily opened and viewed by various software. Similarly, this format ensures that various professionals can access and collaborate on the designs without needing proprietary programs. Its broad accessibility streamlines workflows and improves overall communication in design projects.
  • Are VWX files safe to share by email?
    Although sending design files through email is generally safe, the only concern is if the receiver has the required software to open them. In case they open the VWX files using incompatible software, they can get damaged and may need repair. For that, Repairit is recommended, as it supports fixing design files by using AI-powered algorithms.
  • Can I open a VWX file without installing software?
    Since these files are proprietary to the VectorWorks program, you won’t be able to open them without installing the software. Although some online viewers might offer limited previews, full access to edit and create them won’t be available. On mobile phones, opening these files with the VectorWorks Nomad app is possible, but with no editing access.
Amy Dennis
Amy Dennis Jun 17, 25
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