Video Demonstration
Video coming soon
A short walkthrough will be added here once the demonstration video is ready.
PluginVectorworks 2024–2026
Pretty Patch List
Pretty Patch List - Overview
Buy nowPretty Patch List started in 2020 as my first full procedural Vectorworks Python script. In Vectorworks I missed a well-formatted DMX patch list function, so I made my own script that did the job for me quite well. After publishing Symbol Line, I rebuilt it as a proper STB-VW Tools menu command with saved settings, editable columns, and a documented workflow.
The command reads the Lighting Devices in your drawing and creates a DMX patch list as a Vectorworks worksheet. It sets up the worksheet rows, database criteria, worksheet functions, and formatting automatically, then places a worksheet image on the active layer.
The patch list can be generated By Fixture or By Universe. By Fixture can group fixtures by channel ranges, such as 1-100 and 101-200, or by unique Instrument Type. By Universe creates one section for each universe found in the document.
The worksheet can include title block information, a Universe summary, a Fixture summary, and the patch sections themselves. Each section is built from the actual fixtures in the document, so a project with four universes and a project with forty universes can use the same command.
Columns can be edited per table. You can reorder columns, add fields from the Lighting Device record, change display titles, set alignment, and let a field span up to three worksheet columns when it needs more room.
Because Vectorworks worksheets do not add or remove database rows by themselves, Pretty Patch List includes warning formulas for stale data. If fixtures move into a new universe or range, the worksheet tells you to run the command again so the sheet is rebuilt from the current drawing.
Screenshots
How do you receive and install the tool?
Follow the steps below
Before you purchase the tool:
- Find the last 6 digits of your Vectorworks serial number. You can check this on the Vectorworks Customer Portal: https://customers.vectorworks.net/licenses
- Copy the last 6 digits of your license to your clipboard.
- Check which Vectorworks year version you use.
During checkout:
- Enter the last 6 digits of your Vectorworks serial number.
- Select the Vectorworks year version you want to use the tool with.
- Enter your email address.
Installation:
- After purchase, you will receive an email containing a Dropbox download link. This link includes a .vwlibrary file. Download it and make sure it is available offline when using cloud storage.
- In Vectorworks, go to: Tools -> Plug-ins -> Plug-in Manager.
- In Plug-in Manager, go to the Third-party Plug-ins tab.
Click Install, then select the .vwlibrary file you downloaded. - When Vectorworks asks whether to add the tool to the current workspace, click Yes. If you choose No, add it later with the workspace editor.
- Restart Vectorworks when prompted so the new plugin is initialized.
FAQ
01Which Vectorworks versions are supported?
Pretty Patch List has been tested with Vectorworks 2024, 2025, and 2026.
02What does the tool create?
It creates a Vectorworks worksheet and places a worksheet image on the active layer. The worksheet can be built By Fixture or By Universe, with optional title block information, Universe summary, and Fixture summary sections.
03Does it check whether my patch is correct?
No. Pretty Patch List reports what is already in your drawing. You should patch your Lighting Devices first and make sure Channel, Universe, DMX Address, and fixture footprint values are correct. The Vectorworks DMX Patch window is very suitable for that work.
04When do I need to run it again?
Run the command again when the rig or patch changes. Vectorworks worksheets can recalculate existing rows, but they cannot create new database rows for new universes or fixture ranges by themselves. The warning row tells you when the sheet should be rebuilt.
05Can I change the columns?
Yes. The Column Manager lets you reorder columns, add Lighting Device fields, remove non-mandatory columns, edit display titles, set alignment, and set a width span from one to three columns.
06Is it a subscription?
No.
Pretty Patch List is a one-time purchase. When you buy the tool for a specific Vectorworks year version, you can continue using it with that version indefinitely.
07Does it work on Mac and Windows?
Yes.
Pretty Patch List is intended for both macOS and Windows, together with an active Vectorworks installation.