I installed a gadget, so why isn't it in the Gadgets menu (or why is there no Gadgets menu)?

Why it happens

The Gadgets menu is not fixed. The documentation says it is rebuilt each time the program starts, from whatever is in the gadgets folder at that moment. Anything added while the program is running is invisible until the next launch. Gadgets are also an edition feature: the official FAQ states they are only available in VCarve Pro and Aspire (and Cut2D Pro). VCarve Desktop cannot run them, and the Pro trial restricts adding extra gadgets.

Usual causes, most likely first:

1. The program was not restarted after installing.
2. The gadget was unzipped or copied to the wrong place.
3. You are on a Desktop edition, or in the trial.
4. The gadget is installed and listed, but its starting conditions are not met.

How to fix it

1. Install the supported way: Gadgets > Install New Gadget, then choose the .vgadget file you downloaded.
2. Close the program completely and start it again.
3. Open the Gadgets menu and look for the new name. Some gadgets sit inside a submenu.
4. If it is still absent, check the folder: File > Open Application Data Folder, then open Gadgets. Each gadget should be in its own folder there. If you copied one in by hand, restart again.
5. Check Help > About to confirm the edition is VCarve Pro or Aspire, not Desktop and not a trial.

If the gadget appears but stops with a message when you click it, read the message. Many gadgets need something first, such as an open job or selected vectors, and say so before they run.

How to confirm it is fixed

The gadget is listed in the Gadgets menu after a restart and opens its form when a job is open.

Pro tips

• Assign a hotkey to a gadget you use daily with Gadgets > Gadget Shortcuts.
• To remove a gadget, delete its folder from the Gadgets folder and restart.
• Copy the Gadgets folder before moving to a new computer, along with your posts and tool database.
• The Migration Dialog lists the tool database, posts, options, textures and sculpting presets but not gadgets, so reinstall your downloaded gadgets after upgrading (see the entry on gadgets that are gone or throw errors after an upgrade).