What are the Differences Between VTube License Types?
Written by Michael Cone
Updated at January 27th, 2026
Table of Contents
Compare The Four Levels of Licenses
There are four levels of licenses: VTube-STEP, VTube-LASER, and VTube-LASER Programmer, and VTube-VIEWER.
|
VTube-STEP: VTube-STEP imports parts and creates master nominal bender data. VTube-STEP is priced at about 25% of VTube-LASER. VTube-STEP is file-compatible with VTube-LASER, which means it can be used to create VTube project files for VTube-LASER systems. Unlike VTube-LASER Programmer, VTube-STEP can only import and save the project MASTER data. It cannot control measure setup parameters. See the price for VTube-STEP at our store. Download the software from: https://www.advancedtubulartech.com/downloads-vts-usb-cloud |
|
VTube-LASER: VTube-LASER is built on VTube-STEP (which means every VTube-LASER also has VTube-STEP features). Plus, VTube-LASER can measure and qualify parts using a scan arm measuring center. VTube-LASER alone can correct bender data. VTube-LASER is the top-tier license we offer that includes every feature available in the VTube software lineup. VTube-LASER connects to HEXAGON scanner and probe arms, FARO scanner and probe arms, Metronor LightPens, Metronor M-Scan 120, Kreon scan arms, and Microscribe arms. It can also import STL files from handheld scanners like Creaform, Atlascan, Shining 3D, Keyence WM-6000, Artec, etc. (See https://advancedtubular.helpsite.com/articles/122592-vtube-laser-stl-model-import-from-handheld-scanners) See the price for VTube-LASER at our store. Download the software from: https://www.advancedtubulartech.com/downloads-vtube-laser-factory |
|
VTube-LASER PROGRAMMER: This license is identical to VTube-LASER, except it cannot connect to a measuring center. It is ideal for a complete VTube-LASER set up by technicians. VTube-LASER PROGRAMMER is priced at 50% of VTube-LASER. See the price for VTube-LASER Programmer at our store. Download the software from: https://www.advancedtubulartech.com/downloads-vtlp |
|
VTube-VIEWER: VTube-VIEWER allows you to view the data from any project file created using any of the other VTube license types. It does not allow for data entry or modification. It is free. Download the Viewer license from: https://www.advancedtubulartech.com/downloads-vtube-project-viewer |
Frequently Asked Question: What are the differences between VTube-STEP and VTube-LASER PROGRAMMER?
VTube-LASER PROGRAMMER does everything VTube-LASER does except connect to measuring centers. It is intended to give complete offline control over VTube-LASER project setups.
Here is a matrix that lists the differences between the license types:
| VTube-STEP | VTube-LASER PROGRAMMER | VTube-LASER | VTube-VIEWER | ||
| Load and View VTube project files | Yes | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
| Import Solid Models | Yes | Yes - in the STEP window | Yes - in the STEP window | This allows for nominal or master model import, so VTube knows what a perfect tube shape is for any part. | |
| Export Bender Data | Yes* | Yes | Yes | All versions of VTube can output most CNC bender data formats. (*The exception is that VTube-STEP cannot output legacy Eaton Leonard data.) | |
| Set Default Tangent Point Tolerance | Yes | Yes | Yes | The tangent point default tolerance is used to qualify parts shapes in VTube-LASER. | |
| Build Master Data Reports |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
These are reports that show nominal (perfect) data. |
| Send Layouts to SOLIDWORKS | Yes | Yes | Yes | VTube automates the export of tube layouts to SOLIDWORKS. | |
| Create Space Object planes, circles, and round slots from models | Yes - Nominal only | Yes - Nominal and Measured | Yes - Nominal and Measured | ||
| Unbend tubes | Yes - Master data |
Yes - in the STEP window | Yes - in the STEP window | ||
| Transform tubes in space | Yes - Master data |
Yes - Master and Measured |
Yes - Master and Measured |
||
| Measure Space Object planes, circles, and round slots from models | Yes |
Only VTube-LASER can measure space objects. |
|||
| Measure Wall Thickness | Yes | Only VTube-LASER can measure wall thickness. |
|||
| Measure flanges | Yes | Only VTube-LASER can measure flanges. |
|||
| Measuring Setup | Yes | Yes | The measuring center setup is a section that controls all parameters that apply to measuring tubes. If your technicians want complete control over every part of the VTube-LASER measuring setup, VTLP is the license that allows for this. |
||
| View Historical Data in Tube Data Storage | Yes | Yes | Tube Data Storage allows viewing the historical data for all measurements. |
||
| Align two tubes to each other for qualification. | Yes | Yes | |||
| Bender Setup Screen Access | Yes | Yes | This screen is used to connect to and correct benders. | ||
| RECALL Data from Benders | Yes | Yes | |||
| Build and print Inspection Reports |
Yes | Yes | |||
| Connect to a Measuring Center |
Yes | Only VTube-LASER can measure parts. | |||
| Import Point Clouds from Handheld Scanners |
Yes | Only VTube-LASER can measure point cloud data. |