2024

Formatting and layout

With VCmaster 2024, new options for formatting text and displaying numerical values have been implemented. In addition, the PDF export has been revised.


1) Number format (image)
With version 2024 the number format of results can be defined. This allows the usage of separators for the thousands.

This function has been requested for quite some time, but was not implemented due to the effort involved. It seems trivial. However, considering that the representation of a German 1 with three decimal places (1,000) is identical to the number thousand in English (1,000), some problems arise.

2) Line spacing
 The line spacing can now be set to 1.25. This makes the documents more visually appealing. The icons in the menu have been adjusted accordingly. The double line spacing is available in the context menu.

3) PDF format
The PDF export has been revised. Further, the export in PDF/A format was enhanced.


2023

Flexible documents

With VCmaster 2023, the flexibility of templates and documents has been significantly increased.
The smart placement of input dialogs makes work easier.

1) Intelligent show and hide
Parts of the document are displayed or not depending on specifications or calculation results. The applications are numerous, for example:

a) Hide parts of calculation
Templates can be created which will automatically hide unnecessary calculations.
b) Flexible integration of appendices
The embedding of documents and attachments can be made so that only the required files are included.
c) Different output profiles
The scope of output can be flexibly controlled by specifications, so that the final printout can vary depending on the addressee.
Detailed information: Conditional Show and Hide

2) Smart placement of dialogs
The most important input dialogs can be placed relative to VCmaster. This makes working on multiple monitors or when switching between home office and office much easier (Chapter 5.1.7).

3) Friedrich+Lochner interface
The introduction of 64-bit programs required an adaptation of the interface so that the integration of the F+L programs (a German software supplier) is still possible.


2022

Professional PDF export

The PDF export has been completely revised in VCmaster 2022. With the new version, the memory requirements of the PDF files are reduced, the export is faster and the quality has been improved.

This was achieved through:
1) New technology
The underlying technology has been completely redesigned and is now based on the latest technology.
2) Five optimization methods
VCmaster 2022 offers five methods for optimizing PDF output. Depending on the selected output profile, the program determines the best option for each page.
3) Six output profiles
Output profiles have been pre-defined for the most common applications in practice (e.g. for the desired quality, for printing or for sending by e-mail). These can be customized by the user.
4) Numerous options
The PDF resolution, compression method, desired quality and optimization of large graphics can be flexibly controlled.
5) PDF/A compatibility
PDF/A formats 1b, 2b and 3b are now available for selection.

Detailed information: Chapter 5.4.2 / PDF export



2021

New Math Functions

25th anniversary
 (1995-2020)
VCmaster was introduced in Germany in 1995. Today our software is used by thousands of engineers in over fifty countries.

The range of functions of VCmaster has been extended.

1) Math functions: FACT(n), EXP(n), RAD(deg) and DEG(rad)
have been added.

2) Rounding functions: VCmaster offers numerous new functions
for rounding:

ROUND Rounds a number to a specified number of digits (half to even)
ROUNDDOWN Rounds a number down, toward zero
ROUNDUP Rounds a number up, away from zero
MROUND Rounds a number up, to the desired multiple
EVEN Rounds a number up to the nearest even integer
ODD Rounds a number up to the nearest odd integer
See Chapter 2.3.3.

3) Miscellaneous: The administration of the program has been completely revised, so that the license code can remain the same if an update contract has been concluded. This makes the installation of an update much easier.



2020

VCmaster - Automated Documentation

VCmaster 2020:
 New powerful tools for automated documentation


The version VCmaster 2020 further automates the creation of structural calculations:

1) Integration of PDF output: PDF files, e.g. outputs from structural analysis programs are linked to VCmaster and automatically updated in the structural analysis document when changes are made. See chapter 4.4.3.

2) Project information: VCmaster now manages project-related data and addresses. This information can be freely placed in the VCmaster document. Templates can be created for recurring data. See chapter 5.1.5.

3) Link tasks: Tasks can be linked to the place/source in the document where the task is to be completed. See chapter 5.1.4.

4) Project data: The Project Explorer has been further improved and connects all project data with VCmaster. Consequently, for e.g. PDF documents, CAD or structural analysis data can be opened directly from the program interface of VCmaster. See chapter 5.1.

5) Revisions: VCmaster now offers the possibility to manage modification histories. The name and date of a revision are saved and assigned to the corresponding pages of the Section/Index function. See chapter 5.1.6.



2019

The new VCmaster - Innovations for tomorrow

VCmaster 2019:
 The new release provides enhanced functionality that significantly speeds up working with VCmaster.



The development of VCmaster this year focused on redesigning the program interface. The new design provides enhanced functionality that significantly speeds up working with VCmaster. The programming is based on the latest Microsoft-development technologies and secures the potential for future development of VCmaster.

This is what the new interface offers:

1) New styles: Twenty-two different styles are available to customize the user interface. All menu bars can be placed conveniently, adjusted in size and supplemented by any buttons.

2) Navigation: The table of contents has been integrated directly into the program interface. This provides a better overview and facilitates the call-up of the item to be edited.

3) Project data: The new project explorer connects all project data with VCmaster. Thereby, e.g. PDF-documents, structural analysis or CAD-data can be opened directly from the VCmaster program interface.

4) Task pane: Formatting can be adjusted here, tasks and notes about the project can be managed and information about the document can be edited.

For more information about the new interface, see chapter 5.1.

Further additions and adjustments

Image transfer via the t2W-interface: The insertion of a graphic (for example from a CAD program) is simplified via the function Subimage transmission. The four sides are cropped automatically, so that the image is transmitted without frames. The action is made via the right mouse button.

Intelligent presentation of results: Values of variables can be shown even if they are defined or calculated after the location of the output. This allows, for example, the representation of a value in a heading, in preliminary remarks or in the table of contents. See also chapter 2.9.

Open files: It can be specified whether VCmaster should be started multiple times, if for e.g. in Windows-Explorer several files can be opened with a double-click. This is done in Extras-Settings-Open all files in a program.




2018


This year's focus for the advancement of VCmaster has been on enhancing automation for reporting, checking processing states and including additional options for customization. VCmaster has been revised in many aspects to achieve this goal. 

Major improvements:

Intelligent Presentation of Results

Results such as materials, cross-sections or information for implementation can be linked intelligently to the calculation part and are thus presented automatically.

The result can then be complemented and highlighted by a frame. Stroke weight, color or background are fully customizable.

Examples presented on the right side visualize the various application areas. More information can be found in Chapter 2.9.

Additionally variables can now be placed freely within a text and can also be included in the print-out. 		 

Automatic Text Recognition


The t2W-interface recognizes and transfers texts from any document (image). The technology behind this is called OCR - Optical Character Recognition.

This technology allows you to convert scanned (digitized) images of printed or handwritten text into a form that can be recognized and manipulated by a word-processing program such as alphabets, words, and numerals.

Thus simplifying quoting from literature, standards or manufacturer's information.

For more information, refer to Chapter 3.5.3.

Furthermore the t2W-layout has been enhanced. The area to be transferred is now displayed more distinctly, while the remaining part of the information is presented in grey.


Professional Tools for Reporting


VCcompare analyses differing processing states and PDF-files and highlights the dissimilarities (image). VCcompare is available optionally. For more information refer to Chapter 5.3.3.

PDF-Export: PDF/A compatibility can be selected optionally (standardized file format for long-term archiving to ISO-standard). This format is required more and more by clients.

Comments: The updated version allows comments to be exported and included in the PDF-file. Thus simplifying data exchange between partners and clients.

For more information please refer to Chapter 5.4.


Looking back on 2017

Continuous development leads to increased performance
NEW: Fast entry for variables

This year's development focus for VCmaster was on improving the handling of the software and simplifying data entry. VCmaster has been revised in many aspects to achieve this goal.

Major improvements:

New features for designing and formatting

Until now we’ve deliberately kept the settings for formatting and designing as simple as possible. With VCmaster 2017 we have upgraded these options in line with customers' demands for more flexible designing options.

Text sections and headlines can be assigned individual settings for indentations in addition to the font. Format options can be transferred from one text or calculation line to any other text or calculation line.
Formatting of calculation lines can be deactivated, resulting in a default left-aligned presentation. For further information, please refer to Chapter 2.4 Formatting calculation lines

The VCmaster color palette has been extended. In addition to a variety of new colors, VCmaster 2017 offers the option of setting a company specific color (image).

Copy & Paste at its best

The clipboard is an essential component of day-to-day work on the PC. Unfortunately, Windows only allows one element to be copied at a time.

VCcopy is much more versatile.
It has expanded the Windows-Clipboard to up to 30 entries. Additionally VCcopy displays all entries in a preview. If need be VCcopy stores all entries and keeps them available over a long period of time.

VCcopy guarantees more flexibility and a better overview while working.

The program accelerates workflow and offers entirely new possibilities for copying data.  VCcopy is simply the better clipboard.

For more information, please refer to Chapter 3.6.1 VCCopy-Technology

Accelerated data input

Input of variables is now significantly faster due to the new fast-input-mode. The list is called up via CTRL+SPACE. VCmaster inserts the selected variable at the current cursor position. Selection is specified after entering the first letter(s). Calculation lines can be explicitly defined as input lines. Reducing queries in the input assistant to a minimum and leading to improved overview and faster data entry.

The new favorite folder in the Template Explorer facilitates locating repeatedly used templates. The new feature also allows the compilation of a list of reference projects, serving as a blueprint for new projects.

Advanced control features

NEW: Display of segment changes in the navigator


The navigator now displays inserted segment changes with the associated indices. Thus simplifying the review of entered data for modifications and amendments (image).

While inserting data with linked databases, the database assistant displays the selected table for improved revision of information.

Verifying and installing patches has been updated. Restricted user rights are now taken into account, ensuring the installation of a new version in a timely manner.

Looking back on 2016

20 Years of Unique Cutting Edge Technical Innovations


With VCmaster 2016 we celebrated our 20th anniversary. Starting out 20 years ago as a simple calculation-tool for engineers, VCmaster has transformed into a powerful software for digital documentation and technical calculations. It is currently used by over 4,000 satisfied customers in more than 40 countries around the globe.

The last few years have been dominated by unparalleled innovations. For example:
VCmaster 2016 is equipped with numerous new features, which:

Enhanced t2W-interface guarantees smooth portability

In order for the t2W-interface to deliver perfect results it must be adjusted optimally to the source program. Transferring files in the correct data format is particularly important.
So far only two options have been available: Vector format (EMF) or pixel format (JPG). These were assigned in the transfer profile of any given application.

An intriguing third option has been added to VCmaster 2016: Automatic. Choosing this option allows the program to decide automatically, whether vector format or pixel format requires the least memory space.

The automatic option is especially interesting when data output contains memory intensive graphics on single pages. This is the case with most common framework programs (e.g. Dlubal). These pages are then automatically converted into a memory efficient JPG-format. Pages containing text and charts are converted into vector format, when first issued as such. If the user is unsure which transfer format is more suitable Automatic is recommended.

For more information please refer to Chapter 3.5 t2W-interface.

Partially hiding of chapters increases efficiency

While working with large documents keeping track of everything can be a tough task. To tackle this issue VCmaster 2016 has been expanded to include a clever new feature. The user is now able to temporally hide unused or finished chapters. When required these chapters can be displayed at the click of a mouse.

This new feature reduces time-intensive scrolling and skimming to an absolute minimum. Additional outsourcing of parts of the document, which had been practiced to maintain clarity, is henceforth unnecessary. From now on creating a document in a consistent layout is even simpler than before, all the more so if utilizing Hybrid-technology.

For more information please refer to Chapter 4.3.5 Headings and table of contents


Intelligent control features guarantee improved security


Errors easily sneak into complex documentations with their numerous changes and additions.

VCmaster 2016 includes a new feature, which is able to recognise and correct faulty data input, by having the document undergo extensive and vigorous tests.

The test checks the following: For more information please refer to Chapter 2.10.1 Checking documents

Exceptional layout with state-of-the-art textboxes

Textboxes allow for unlimited placement of special elements like graphics, legends or comments within in the document. The adjacent text can be aligned left or right of the textbox.

For more information please refer to Chapter 5.2.4 Insert Textboxes

The same approach is used, when implementing and placing external graphics. These can, for example, be detailed drawings which are created and managed by an external program. The text boxes aspect ratio is automatically adjusted to the linked graphics.

For more information please refer to Chapter 3.7.2 Integrate Blueprint, Graphics and PDF-files

Sustainable thanks to progressive technology


VCmaster 2016 is equipped with a completely newly developed PDF-output. The novel version writes the PDF-file directly without the use of a ghost script driver. This accelerates the PDF-export and improves document quality tremendously, because fonts are now displayed at highest quality and the document contains precise formatting information without any loss of data.
The user interface has also been newly designed and now has a more modern and fresher appearance. For high-resolution screens VCmaster 2016 offers larger toolbars. Additionally many other details have been improved in VCmaster.
For example:
Calculation lines can now be printed in black, while font colours remain untouched.



Looking back on 2015

Competitive edge through innovations and consistent, ongoing development

With the 2015 updates, we were able to present numerous interesting innovations and improvements of VCmaster. The key aspects of our updates are as follows:

Efficient documentation through... More intelligent calculation through... Simpler operation through...
Apart from the modifications in the program, the newly printed German Handbook is also an integral part of the 2015 updates.
The new Eurocode-templates according DIN EN1994 (Concrete) were published in the fourth quarter.

With the delivery of VCmaster Edycja polska, we now deliver our software in three languages. To intensify the market penetration in Poland, we have developed the templates according to PN EN1991, PN EN1992, PN EN1993 and PN EN1995 norms. The University of Cracow has been using VCmaster since its Beta-phase. Our new sales office is also located in Cracow, Poland.
You can find it under: www.VCmaster.pl.

Information on the new features:



Looking back on 2014

The calculation section of VCmaster has been almost entirely re-programmed. One the one hand, its performance is noticeably faster and the other it represents an important basis for future developments and enhancements.
New features are freely configurable formula symbols, which eliminate any restrictions on variable names. This improves the presentation of graphic formulae.
The word processing section has also been extensively revised. This is particularly noticeable when scrolling through graphics. The cursor control behaves in the same way as in other text programs.

Detailed information on the new features:

Further additions and enhancements: