VectorWorks Architect Reviews

"Legacy User Loves Vectorworks 2020"

Comments: As an Architect + Planner + Interior Architect & Designer... Having the ‘Verticle Market’ solutions available like Vectorworks ‘Architect’ & ‘Designer’ is so very valuable!

Pros: Features & Ease of Use + Price!!!
And Vectorworks Customer Service
& Community is Absolutely Amazing!

Cons: I wish that the initial price was lower :-)

"One of the good BIM software for achitect"

Comments: Once you get used to how to setup design layers and sort the classes, this software is a very smooth and competitive BIM software for architects.

Pros: This software is easy to use with different setup design layers, easy to setup the sheet, just simply import the design layers as viewport, easy to setup the drawing scale, and compatible with other software like auto CAD, auto Revit etc. Also easy to setup 3D model use design layers, and easy to do the rendering. the elevations and sections can be directly export from the 3D model, very easy to setup.

Cons: It is a bit complex to setup design layers, and also troublesome to sort the classes.

"An Architect's Favourite BIM software alternatives!"

Comments: VectorWork is now supported with many 3rd party rendering software like lumion for the live sync rendering by installing the plugin for even better result, so whenever you make a changes, the render will follow up. And when it comes to choosing BIM softwares, especially if you're new to it, the VectorWorks is the good choice to start for learning BIM due to their support and very complete yet detailed tutorials given on their official website. VectorWorks is mile ahead from other BIM softwares when it comes to landscape, 3D modelling and 2D details.

Pros: Just like another software that offers BIM technology and features, this software are extremely helpful tools to working in parallels while doing a bunch of different project of building because the floor plans, elevations and sections are linked together, the results can be viewed as 2D and 3D simultaneously. But, what makes this app different from the rest of other BIM adopted softwares is the Customer support and apps tutorials given for the users that you can find on the VectorWorks official website. there you can learn from the very basic tutorials to the complex one, displayed using interactive video with step by step guide on the descriptions. And the built in rendering tools are awesome as well, the result is more than enough to be used for project presentation.

Cons: Sometimes you have to set some of the construction details, like determining the materials specifications and dimension MANUALLY unless you buy the add on packages or plug in which are inconvenient compared to what other BIM softwares are offering. And you'll need a device with plenty of free storages or memory because this software is taking so much space, it's huge! even better to be used on a device with dedicated processor and graphic card for better performance.

"Vectorworks User Review"

Comments: After a couple years of transitioning into this software, our team now has templates, object libraries, and graphic standards which can be easily implemented to all projects. The Vectorworks support team has been really helpful along the way with answering our questions and providing training on specific topics when needed. I would recommend this software to other architecture and interior design firms.

Pros: Vectorworks gives our studio the ability to combine design drawings, construction documents, and renderings into one file. We take advantage of the software’s BIM capabilities to generate elevations, schedules, and smart tags. This program is visually appealing and easy to navigate. It is a good choice for a mac-based office.

Cons: Our team has experienced a bit of a learning curve when it comes to modeling curvy objects. Vectorworks has subdivision and parametric modeling capabilities, but these do require some training. While you can import 3D files for items such as furniture from Sketchup or Revit, this can slow down the model.

"Drawings that will impress your colleagues."

Pros: Vectorworks is great for sticklers and perfectionists. You have a great degree of control. The preview of the drawing you are working on in the program is exactly what gets printed so you can fine tune without exporting to PDF multiple times.

Cons: Because of the limited use of this program in some markets, collaborating with others can be difficult.

"Vectorworks is out go to for any project"

Pros: I love how detailed this product is. It has every item we use on any project and we are able to print these cad files off in big blueprints to take onsite. The ability to accurately see items in the space is game changing for clients

Cons: The early updates prove to be less than useful. I'd rather have a program for two years that works than spend six months beta testing the software

"Quick, powerful and concise communication tool"

Pros: Vectorworks can do a lot without getting in the way. It's easy to customize the tools to allow you to work the way that you want to work. With the powerful visualization features, it's easy to communicate highly-technical concepts to self-described non-technical people. In theatre and event production, this is an indispensable asset. And the best part is that the initial sketch can be transformed into the fully realized design drawings further saving time.

Cons: The only con I can think of is that the price can be cost prohibitive for freelancers just starting out. If you're able to afford to make the investment, it should pay off pretty quickly.

"Architect Saver!"

Pros: The best thing to bear in mind is the price that it ships with is bare minimum to what we get from other mainstream enterprises. Its an excellent value for money overall. The interface is intuitive and not difficult to comprehend. And the best part is a cross platform compatibility. I use it on my PC and my Mac at work to get the most out of it.

Cons: its not safe to say that it does fall short in a circumstances, including failing to take advantage of my multi threaded cpu where other mainstram softwares are just gobbling up the extra processing power available thus making Vector works feel a little on the static side.

"It could improve in many aspects"

Comments: I only had the knowledge to handle it

Pros: Vectorworks is a versatile design tool and if you want a user friendly interface, its basic libraries are very complete, in general lines it is a software for the design 2d and 3d easy to use and price value relation

Cons: I could say very few opinions against, but in my opinion the libraries of objects should be broader, applicable to different areas, such as the scope of the shows and related

"Simple, effective CAD package that looks great"

Comments: This effective and intuitive CAD platform enables me to produce architectural drawings for clients with ease. I can produce incredibly detailed construction drawings that are both readable and informative and enable contractors, clients and any other 3rd party to understand exactly what is being proposed or changed.

Pros: 2D tools are simple and intuitive - I have taught complete novices very quickly how to use the tools and produce great looking Architectural drawings. Can be set up so it is as easy as drawing on a drawing board (I.e. you draw to scale on a piece of paper (no silly model space/paper space like AutoCAD)). Colours, hatched, patterns and opacity all allow you to produce beautiful architectural drawings that are easy to understand and interpret. With tailoring shortcuts it is also very quick to use - I can produce drawings twice as fast as other employees on AutoCAD. Has options for 3D and BIM modelling (although I have only used it minimally as I prefer the freedom of drawing with simple lines). System for backing up data and saves is great and has saved my skin often when I could of lost days worth of work.

Cons: Has had issues with iOS updates in the past and time has been wasted waiting for patches. Very occasionally crashes for bizarre reasons.

"Great software, but...."

Comments: We started using Vectorworks many years ago because it was truly superior to Autocad at producing legible drawings. But Autocad has caught up. And we prefer modeling in Rhino, even though it is a more cumbersome work flow. Meanwhile. for BIM, it makes more sense to use Revit simply because everyone else is using it. IF we were starting our office today, we would not be selecting Vectorworks, much as I like it as a drafting program. And the expensive annual upgrades are frustrating, given how little benefits are.

Pros: Vectorworks is a great drafting program. it allows you to do anything you want, with great control over how the drawings look, and many ways to organize a complete drawing set.

Cons: The software is expensive, and the annual updates add very little. Autocad as pretty much caught up in terms of object-based controls. and ability to make beautiful, robust, legible, intelligent 2D drawings. While the 3D is very intuitive, Rhino is more robust. And for BIM, it is hard to justify not using the industry standard software. So where is the edge for Vectorworks?

"Vectorworks makes CAD designing interesting!"

Pros: The flexibility of the software, combined with the deep catalogue of available 3D objects makes Vectorworks a powerhouse! It's capable of creating not only awesome top down CAD designs, but beautiful artistic renderings of your creations. Vectorworks lets you get out what you're willing to put in.

Cons: Vectorworks can take a decent amount of time to get intimately familiar with. There's plenty of classes and videos available to help you along your way, but there is certainly a skill cap to this software that requires professional knowledge to get the most out of it. It's not difficult to learn, but the skill cap is high to get the most out of it.

"CAD program with enough depth of features for projects large and small"

Pros: Easy to setup and create drawings. The tools are intuitive.

Cons: Cost. Would like a low-cost version without 3D BIM for 2D drafting only.

"Theatre Drafting"

Pros: Free for students and teachers. Very powerful and full of features.

Cons: Learning curve was tough for me. I took a class, but was given no written materials, so retention was impossible. And having to import from the libraries to the drawing is time consuming.

"Vectorworks review"

Pros: Wide breadth of features and functionality

Cons: Glitchy quirks that randomly show up and little support from VWX techs.

"Best Software for Architects"

Comments: The 3d benefits of VW is amazing! We are finding now that some of our consultants are now using the software therefore the sharing of files is extremely easy. BUT the exporting of files to AutoCad are great too.

Pros: This software is very intuitive. It works well with presentation software especially TwinMotion. We are a Mac based office and VW is very compatible. The VectorWorks Service Select subscription is great due to all the "how to" videos and consistent updates to their 3D library, etc.

Cons: The only con is that this software is so robust that we fear that we are not aware of all that it can do. A couple years ago we tried the VectorWorks cloud service so that a team can work on the same project at once and found it cumbersome. We have not tried it lately therefore this feature may have improved.

"Event Planning with Vectorworks"

Comments: We use it rendering and designing spaces for events. It is a must for us and we would not be able to work with out it

Pros: I love the fact that you draw in a 2d plain and it makes the 3D for you for the most part. For event production and planning it has been a must for configuring the space from set pieces to lighting design.

Cons: The cost. It is a bit expensive but considering all that it does and the ease of use it is well worth the money it is just a bit of an investment.

"Powerful CAD and 3D software for Mac"

Pros: A very comprehensive suite of CAD tools for designers and architects. Everything you need to conceptualize and create architectural designs right through to final approval drawings. Powerful 3D tools with decent rendering capabilities. Best CAD solution for Mac. Inexpensive.

Cons: Complicated and feature-rich, requires a level of training and skill to properly utilize it to its potential. Difficult transition from AutoCAD.

"Some good features but let down by bugs and half finished elements. No go for BIM."

Comments: Shame as this could be a great software, yet after using it for years it just doesn't seem to be as complete a software as you would expect in 2018. Go for another, such as industry standard Revit.

Pros: 2D Drawing is fine, basic 3D work is also fine. Classes and layers system is generally a good way of working. I like the clean appearance of the workspace.

Cons: Half implemented and half finished features. The software advertises itself as being compatible with BIM projects, but the 3D modelling and parametric 'smart' tools are buggy and unfinished, and many tools are way behind other software (i.e. Revit). Support is not great even when paid for.

"Great Software for Mac book version..!"

Comments: Nice to see this kind of software..!

Pros: Its such an easy to customise our work and very much user friendly software. A Completed package of design work I can say about this software.

Cons: A very good software but not enough users and need to work on cost & delivery of the product to attract more users.

"Produces beautiful drawings"

Comments: We use this software for early concept design as it simple and easy to use and produces beautiful concept plans and elevations.

Pros: We love this software for early concept design. The squiggly line affect means we can produce production quality drawings with ease that do not scare clients in the way a technical drawing would.

Cons: We use this software with a dongle license. this is a pain as when it is needed across the office the dongle has to be physically passed over. We would prefer an online based license moving system. We also find that when drawings are exported to AutoCAD for detail design there are some accuracy issues.

"Good Alternative to AutoCAD"

Comments: Good alternative to autocad

Pros: The best thing about using Vector works is that it has a lot of useful features which enables you to produce detailed designs

Cons: The biggest drawbacks to using Vectorworks is that it is not as widely used in the construction industry, so can be limited in transferring between consultants etc.

"Great BIM software and powerful program for any capable designer!"

Pros: I love that this program gives me the platform to create designs and communicate those designs to my team. It has great modeling software functions and seamlessly transitions into the everyday modeling of my business.

Cons: Not well known and there are not a lot of users for this program. Need to create a better platform for users to interact and share experiences for problems and issues.

"A good design program"

Pros: Vectorworks has some great features and works great as a technical drawing tool, it moved quite well into the world of BIM modelling in comparison to other drawing software.

Cons: In to complicated designs with a lot of curves, the software has its limitations.

"Good 3D rendering software for Mac"

Pros: Vectorworks was a good option for Mac users. Not everything is very realistic looking and intuitive, but I liked that the files can be shared with AutoCad users. It involves some learning to be able to use it at its full potential.

Cons: Nothing to complaint about it. I recommend to download the demo and take their free tutorials on the website to decide it this works for your company.