

Frequently Asked Questions
System Requirements
- Microsoft Windows 64-bit (10 or 11) with the latest Microsoft service packs
- 1 GHz CPU (2 GHz or more recommended)
- 4 GB System Memory (8 GB or more recommended)
- 60 GB available hard disk space
- DirectX 11-compatible Video Card with 2GB Video Memory
- Keyboard
- Mouse or other pointing device
For more information, see Computer Information Made Easy at the bottom of this FAQ.
Important: Later versions of Realtime Landscaping can import designs created in most earlier versions. However, the reverse is not true — designs created using later versions are not compatible with earlier versions. For example, Realtime Landscaping Pro 2025 can open designs created in Pro 2018, but designs created in Pro 2025 cannot be opened in Pro 2018.
Upgrade Options
To upgrade, navigate to the product of your choice and click “Buy Now”. On the purchase page simply click “Options” to choose your upgrade.
Do you own Realtime Landscaping Plus or Pro, and wish to upgrade to a different product?
→ Upgrade from Plus to Pro 2025
→ Upgrade from Pro to Architect 2025
→ Upgrade from Plus to Architect 2025
Do you own an older version of Realtime Landscaping Plus? (2011 through 2023)
→ Upgrade to Plus 2025
→ Upgrade to Pro 2025
Do you own an older version of Realtime Landscaping Pro? (2011 through 2023)
→ Upgrade to Pro 2025
→ Upgrade to Architect 2025
Do you own an older version of Realtime Landscaping Architect? (2011 through 2023)
→ Upgrade to Architect 2025
Are different versions of Realtime Landscaping compatible with each other?
In general, designs created using a later version of the software are not compatible with earlier versions. Specifically:
- Realtime Landscaping Architect can import designs created using the same version of Realtime Landscaping Pro or Plus and most earlier versions of Architect, Pro, and Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Pro can import designs created using the same version of Realtime Landscaping Plus and most earlier versions of Pro and Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Plus can import designs created using most earlier versions of Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Architect cannot import designs created using a later version of Architect, Pro, or Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Pro cannot import designs created using Realtime Landscaping Architect or a later version of Pro or Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Plus cannot import designs created using Realtime Landscaping Architect, Pro, or a later version of Plus.
When upgrading, you will receive a download link immediately after your purchase.
Activation Codes
Lost your activation code?
No problem; click here to retrieve it
What is an activation code?
An activation code is simply a code that is needed to activate your software. Here is one example:
12AB-34CD-56EF-78GH-RPR2-JONES
Where can I locate my activation code?
You will see your code immediately after purchasing your software, and you will also receive an e-mail containing your code and purchase receipt.
How many times do I have to enter my activation code?
You only need to enter your code once per install. This means that you will not need enter it again until you decide to either move the software to a different computer or reinstall the software on your current computer.
Why does my software say “activation code expired”?
This is usually due to an outdated computer clock. Try adjusting your Windows clock, and ensure that the date and year are correct. If this does not resolve the problem, you can email support@ideaspectrum.com to request a new activation code. Include your name, address, product, and approximate date of your order.
When I enter my activation code, why doesn’t the Activate button highlight?
This simply means that the code hasn’t been entered correctly; please double check the code. We recommend copying and pasting your activation code to avoid any mistakes. Attempting to use a code for a different product will also cause the Activate button to remain unlit.
Downloading
How long does it take to download?
The download time depends on your internet connection. Fast connections can download the software in 20-30 minutes, while slower connections can take several hours. We have done our best to compress the software as much as possible to make downloading easier, but there is quite a lot of content being transferred!
Why can’t the downloader access the server?
Connection issues are usually due to third party firewalls or anti-virus programs; these programs can block the downloader from accessing the internet. Temporarily disabling any anti-virus programs or firewalls should correct this issue.
Lost your download link?
Contact our Support department to request retrieval. Please include any information that may help us to locate your order.
Will I receive an download link if I purchase an upgrade?
Yes; you will receive a download link for every purchase, including upgrades.
Quantity Discounts
We offer a 20% discount for quantities of 5 or more licenses.
What is the quantity discount for schools?
We offer a 20% discount for quantities of 1-9 licenses, and 30% for quantities of 10 or more licenses.
Please contact us for a quote at Sales@IdeaSpectrum.com, or fax your purchase order to 253-218-4404
Products and Ordering
Absolutely. We use 256 bit SSL security and all transactions are processed through PayPal, one of the largest online payment services in the world. International purchases are processed using FastSpring.
Which product contains the most features?
Realtime Landscaping Architect contains every feature that we offer.
Why is my credit card being declined?
Firstly, if this is happening we are sorry and know how frustrating it can be. In most cases, the card is actually being declined by the bank that issued it; we recommend double-checking your information and contacting your bank if the problem persists.
When can my product be downloaded?
All purchases can be downloaded immediately after making your purchase. We will send you a receipt and download instructions via email.
Language Options
Currently, we only offer English versions of our Realtime Landscaping software. However, our international reseller NBL Software has created a custom version of our software in Spanish. Visit www.landscapedesigner-int.com for details.
What other languages are available?
In addition to Spanish, our international reseller has also created custom versions of our software in Italian, German, French, Greek, Dutch, and Arabic. Visit www.nblsoftware.it for details.
Software Compatibility
What versions of Windows will run Realtime Landscaping software?
Our software runs on Windows 64-bit versions 10 and 11. Earlier versions are not supported. Windows 32-bit is also not supported.
Please note that Windows 10 Mobile can not run full Windows applications like Realtime Landscaping.
Will Realtime Landscaping software run on Windows XP, Vista, 7, or 8?
Earlier versions of Windows are no longer supported due to being discontinued by Microsoft. We are sad to see them go, but continuing to support older operating systems would use time and resources that are better invested in improving the software.
Does Idea Spectrum software run on a Macintosh?
We do not currently have a Macintosh version available. Our software is designed for Windows 64-bit 10 or 11. Virtual Machines (VMs), Parallels, or other emulators are not supported and could result in crashes or other unexpected behavior.
Is my computer compatible with Idea Spectrum software?
If your computer is five years old or newer, then chances are high that it will run Realtime Landscaping software just fine. If you would like to ensure smooth operation before purchasing, simply download the trial version of the product you are interested in. If the trial runs smoothly, then the full version will as well.
Need more information?
Please check the System Requirements at the top of this FAQ. Alternately, download the Realtime Landscaping Architect Free Trial to ensure compatibility on your computer.
Are different versions of Realtime Landscaping compatible with each other?
In general, designs created using a later version of the software are not compatible with earlier versions. Specifically:
- Realtime Landscaping Architect can import designs created using the same version of Realtime Landscaping Pro or Plus and most earlier versions of Architect, Pro, and Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Pro can import designs created using the same version of Realtime Landscaping Plus and most earlier versions of Pro and Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Plus can import designs created using most earlier versions of Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Architect cannot import designs created using a later version of Architect, Pro, or Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Pro cannot import designs created using Realtime Landscaping Architect or a later version of Pro or Plus.
- Realtime Landscaping Plus cannot import designs created using Realtime Landscaping Architect, Pro, or a later version of Plus.
Technical Issues
Any visual glitches that you see are likely caused by wrong or outdated video (GPU) drivers. Updating your video drivers is free, and doing so almost always corrects any visual issues you are experiencing. No clue on where to start? Just e-mail Support@IdeaSpectrum.com with your computer’s model number, and ask for help with your video drivers.
Why does my software exit during long operations?
On some systems, the graphics card does not respond to Windows within the allotted amount of time when it processes complex tasks, so Windows assumes that the task is problematic and closes it. To correct this, we can simply instruct Windows to wait a little more patiently in the future.
The following file can be downloaded and then opened to set the “TdrDelay” to 120 seconds:
Right-click and select “Save Link As” – It is normal for security warnings to appear when making registry changes such as this.
TdrDelay.reg Download
Setting the TdrDelay to 120 seconds will instruct Windows to wait for two minutes before giving up on the graphics card and closing the task that it is working on. This is plenty of time for complex tasks to be completed, and making this change should solve the issue you are experiencing.
Why does my software crash or exit unexpectedly?
In nearly all cases, one of the following suggestions will fix the problem. If you have any questions, please Contact Us for assistance.
- Install the latest update for your software. To do this from Realtime Landscaping, click Help > Check for Updates.
- Install the latest drivers for your video card. Old video drivers can cause issues, especially with advanced 3D software such as Realtime Landscaping.
- Check if you have an AMD video card. If so, the problem may be caused by two third-party applications called Plays.TV and Raptr. A recent update to Plays.TV and Raptr have caused a known issue to occur that affects several different 3D applications, including Realtime Landscaping. Simply uninstall Plays.TV and Raptr to correct the issue. See below for more information.
Plays.TV and Raptr are installed automatically when you install or update your AMD video drivers. These two programs are part of the “Gaming Evolved” bundle, and are not necessary for running Realtime Landscaping. A recent update to Plays.TV and Raptr has caused technical issues with several different 3D applications, including Realtime Landscaping.
To correct the issue, simply uninstall both Plays.tv and Raptr using the Windows Control Panel > Programs and Features.
License Agreements
Your software can be installed on two computers at a time. To transfer the license from one computer to another, simply click “Help” from within your software, and then click “Transfer License”. Click below to read the entire agreement.
Full Legal License Agreement
Computer Information Made Easy
Windows Info (Operating System)
CPU Info (also known as Processor)
RAM Info (also known as Memory)
GPU Info (also known as Video Card)
Upgrading your GPU (hardware)
Updating your GPU drivers (software)
Mouse Info
Still have questions? Contact us and we will be happy to help!