1. VEX Library
  2. V5
  3. VEXcode V5
  4. Install

Transitioning from App-Based VEXcode V5 to Web-based on Chromebook

Due to Google's decision to discontinue support for Chrome Apps on Chromebooks starting July 2025, all Chrome Apps will no longer be visible in the Chrome Web store and will be unable to function. This change is beyond our control at VEX, but we're committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our users.

While the VEXcode V5 App will be available for use up until Google removes all Chrome Apps from the Chrome Web Store, we strongly recommend making the move to Web-based VEXcode V5 well before this deadline. Rest assured, Web-based VEXcode V5 has all the capabilities and functionality of the App-based version. We understand that changes can be challenging, which is why we've prepared this comprehensive guide explaining any differences between the Web-based and App-based versions of VEXcode V5.

Changes to Expect in Web-based VEXcode V5

Connecting a V5 Brain to VEXcode V5

When you connect your V5 Brain to your Chromebook, it won't automatically connect to Web-based VEXcode. You'll need to connect manually:

App-based Web-based
App-based VEXcode V5 Brain dropdown menu on a Chromebook. This menu has no Connect button below as it connects automatically. Web-based VEXcode V5 Brain dropdown menu on a Chromebook. This menu has a Connect button below as it connects manually.
  1. In the Brain's window, locate the Connect button.
  2. Click Connect to begin the connection process.
  3. In the dialog box that appears, click Continue.
  4. From the options presented, select the device with the lowest number.

Note: Web-based VEXcode doesn't remember previously connected Brains. If you disconnect your Brain from the computer at any point (such as when you unplug your robot from the computer), you'll need to repeat this process to reconnect.

Go here for detailed step by step instructions on how to connect your Brain to Web-based VEXcode V5.

Connecting a V5 Controller to VEXcode V5

When you connect your V5 Controller to your Chromebook, it won't automatically connect to Web-based VEXcode. You'll need to connect manually:

VEXcode V5 with the Brain dropdown menu opened and the Connect button highlighted.

1. In the Brain window, select the Connect button.

VEXcode V5 Browser Controller Connection prompt that reads Your browser will now attempt to connect to your V5 Brain. On the browser connection prompt, please select the item labeled VEX Robotics Communications Port and press Connect on the connection prompt. There is a link for More Information below. There are also two buttons below, one reads Cancel and the other reads Continue. The Continue button is highlighted.

2. In the dialog box that appears, click Continue.

From the options presented, select the device with the lowest number.

VEXcode V5 Toolbar with the green Controller icon highlighted, indicating that the Controller is connected.

The Controller icon will turn green when the V5 Controller is successfully connected to VEXcode.

Note: Web-based VEXcode doesn't remember previously connected Controllers. If you disconnect your Controller from the computer at any point (such as after you update the Controller’s firmware), you'll need to repeat this process to reconnect.

Go here for detailed step by step instructions on how to connect your Controller to Web-based VEXcode V5.

Renaming a Project

In Web-based VEXcode V5, clicking on the project’s name will not start the process of saving a new file, like in App-based VEXcode. 

1. Click on the project's name to open a window, you will see one of two buttons.

VEXcode V5 Project Name dropdown menu opened where the name can be changed. The Save button is shown below.

Save: If you haven't saved the project before.

VEXcode V5 Project Name dropdown menu opened where the name can be changed. The Rename button is shown below.

Rename: If you’ve previously saved the project.

2. Clicking either button opens a dialog box similar to using Save As in the File menu.

Updating the V5 Brain's Firmware

Once you have connected a V5 Brain to VEXcode, the Brain icon will turn orange if the Brain needs to update its firmware, just like in App-based VEXcode V5. You’ll be able to update your Brain in two separate ways:

VEXcode V5 Out of Date Firmware prompt with a message that reads Your VEX V5 Brain's firmware is out of date and needs to be updated. Do you want to update now? There are two buttons below, one reads No and the other reads Update.

1. When connecting an V5 Brain to Web-based VEXcode, it will automatically detect if the Brain needs an update or not, and a dialog box will appear on the screen. By selecting Update, the Brain’s firmware will immediately start the update process.

VEXcode V5 with an orange Brain icon on the Toolbar to indicate that the Brain's firmware is out of date. The Brain dropdown menu is open and the Update button next to the Firmware Status is highlighted.

2. You can also update the Brain’s firmware the same way in App-based VEXcode V5, by clicking on the Brain icon and selecting Update.

After updating, Web-based VEXcode V5 will automatically prompt you to disconnect and reconnect your Brain to finish the update process.

Go here for step by step instructions on updating your V5 Brain’s firmware in Web-based VEXcode V5.

Configuring a Vision Sensor

1. When configuring a Vision Sensor, click the Configure button.

2. Instead of a new Utility window, you'll now see an Open Utility button.

The Vision Sensor Settings panel in the VEXcode V5 Devices menu. A large Vision Sensor icon is displayed, and beneath it there is a blue button that reads Open Utility.

3. Click Open Utility to open the Vision Utility site.

4. In the Vision Utility:
- Manually connect your Vision Sensor.
- Use the Copy Config and Paste Config buttons to apply your configuration.
- Click DONE to finish the setup.

Note: The Vision Sensor will not connect automatically. Manual connection is required in the Vision Utility.

For step by step instructions on how to configure your Vision Sensor in the Vision Utility, go here.

Saving and Opening Projects

Saving a Project to Your Device

Saving a project to your device works the same in both Web-based and App-based VEXcode:

  1. Click File in the menu.
  2. Choose either Save or Save as.
  3. Select the location on your device where you want to save the project.
  4. Name your file and click Save.
  5. After this initial save, the project will continuously autosave from this point onward.

Click here for step by step instructions on how to save VEXcode V5 projects.

Opening a Project from your Device

Opening a project from your device works the same in both Web-based and App-based VEXcode:

  1. Select File.
  2. Select Open.
  3. Select the file that you want to open in VEXcode V5.
  4. Select Open.

Any projects saved from App-based VEXcode V5 will be able to be opened in Web-based VEXcode V5 with no changes or extra steps required.

Click here for step by step instructions on how to open VEXcode V5 projects.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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