New Features in VEXcode 123 4.0

VEXcode 123 4.0 introduces a range of new features. This major update focuses on enhancing productivity and accessibility in robotics coding. Read below to learn what new features are available with VEXcode 123 4.0!

123 here to download the new installer for VEXcode 123 4.0!

Offline Application for Mac and Windows

VEXcode 123 now has an offline application for Mac and Windows, enabling its use without an internet connection.

Red box highlighting the desktop download options, including buttons for Windows, Mac (Intel), and Mac (Apple Silicon). Links for MSI (For IT) and MSI Help are shown below the Windows download button. Mobile download options appear below the red box, with buttons for the App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore.

New installers for Windows and Mac are now available at https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexcode/install/123.

For information on how to install VEXcode 123 to your device, 123 here.


Save and Load in Web-based VEXcode 123

The Project Window at the top of VEXcode. Beside the project named VEXcode Project is a message that says Not Saved changes to say Saving...

Web-based VEXcode 123 will now automatically save project changes once your project has been initially saved.

Other changes to the File Menu:

  • Load From Your Device has now been changed to Open.
  • Save to Your Device has now been changed to Save as.
  • You can also now manually save using the Save button.

For a step-by-step guide on how to load and save VEXcode 123 Project in a Chrome Browser, go here.


Read Blocks Aloud

All Blocks inside VEXcode 123 4.0 can now be read aloud with a simple right-click.

This feature is available on all devices except Android.

A yellow when started block is connected to a blue drive forward for 200 millimeters block. A context menu with options including Duplicate, Disable Block, Delete Blocks, Block Help, and Read Block is displayed below the blue block. The blocks are outlined in yellow.

  • Customizable Voices: Choose from various voices and adjust speed and pitch in the new Tools Menu.
  • Context Menu Integration: Right-click any block to hear it read aloud.

Go here for step-by-step instructions on how to use the Read Feature in VEXcode 123.


Tools Menu

VEXcode 123 4.0 introduces a Tools Menu packed with features for productivity and accessibility.

The image displays the Tools menu opened within VEXcode. It shows several options: Theme, Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, and API Documentation, all listed in blue text under the Tools section. There is also a small icon of a lightbulb next to the Tutorials label at the top of the menu.

Keyboard Shortcuts

There are new Keyboard shortcuts available for starting, stopping, and opening help documentation.

Mac Windows
The image shows the Tools menu opened within VEXcode. The options visible are Theme, Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, and API Documentation, displayed on the left. On the right side, there is a submenu for Keyboard Shortcuts, with commands for Start, Step, Stop, and Open Help, along with corresponding keyboard shortcuts listed next to each option. The Undo button is also visible at the top of the screen. The image displays the Tools menu in VEXcode. The left side shows options for adjusting the theme, accessing keyboard shortcuts, configuring speech settings, and viewing API documentation. On the right side, the keyboard shortcuts section includes commands such as starting the program with Ctrl + Enter, stepping through the code with Ctrl + I, stopping the program with Ctrl + E, and opening help with Ctrl + H. The overall interface is highlighted in blue, and the Tutorials icon is visible at the top.

High Contrast Theme

High contrast themes increase the distinction between text and background, making content easier to read for users with low vision, color blindness, or other visual impairments.

Default High Contrast
A vertical stack of coding blocks, starting with the yellow when started block. Below it is a blue block that instructs to drive forward. An orange block labeled wait until detected crash follows. Next is a purple block set to play sound crash. A green block instructs to act sad, followed by a blue block set to turn right for 180 degrees. Finally, a purple block at the bottom is set to glow green. A vertical stack of coding blocks, starting with the yellow when started block. Below it is a blue block that instructs to drive forward. An orange block labeled wait until detected crash follows. Next is a purple block set to play sound crash. A green block instructs to act sad, followed by a blue block set to turn right for 180 degrees. Finally, a purple block at the bottom is set to glow green.

Speech Settings

Working with the new Read Blocks feature, you can change the voice used, the speed of speech, and the pitch from this menu.

The Speech Settings panel, where a dropdown menu allows the selection of different voices. There are sliders to adjust the pitch and speed of the voice, both set to 100%. Below the sliders, there is a green button to test the voice, and a blue button labeled Done to confirm the changes.

API Documentation

Access comprehensive API documentation, making it easier than ever to explore and utilize the full potential of your VEX 123 robot.

The Drive For block page in the VEX 123 Blocks Drivetrain section. The page explains how the Drive For block moves the 123 Robot for a given distance and shows examples of the block with options to drive forward or reverse, and choose the unit of measurement in steps or millimeters. The left-hand navigation menu highlights the Drivetrain section, and the right-hand side includes links for various driving-related blocks, such as Drive Until, Turn, Turn For, and others. The block examples are surrounded by a yellow outline.

Go here to access the official VEX API Reference site.

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

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