Vectorworks Architect

Vorteile

Wide breadth of features and functionality

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

I love the flexibility and customisation options Vectorworks gives me. I can use it as a very simple drafting software for simple projects, or a fully-fledged BIM application for larger projects. With Vectorworks, I don't feel like I have to design in a way the software wants me to design.

Nachteile

There is a fairly long learning curve to get the most out of the software, and occasionally you do have to do a bit of head-scratching to figure something out. However, I feel like that is inevitable for software that offers this degree of flexibility.

Vorteile

If you want to do something there are probably at least 3 ways to do it in this software.

Nachteile

There are too many ways to customize and do things.. this makes everyday simple tasks very time consuming.
It has too many glitches with Mac OS..
We havent been able to use the file sharing option without wasting hours and hours on redoing work due to crashing or random glitches that wont allow the files to save and sync.

Vorteile

the vast array of features and it's integration with other 2D, BIM and 3D software.

Nachteile

The service select feature which is marketed as a customer service platform comes at a separated cost, further you cannot get updates or pay for upgrades without it.

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Zuvor genutzte Software

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Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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?

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Vorteile

BIM capabilities, ease of learning, ease of use, ease of rendering, Smart tools, exceptional customer service, stability and speed of work.

Nachteile

Really ...... nothing. If the software doesn’t have something someone else has, they are probably developing it for the next version.

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Vorteile

The ease of use, the customer support from the software company, and the ease of training

Nachteile

The process of creating drawing sets and create all the viewports can be tedious.

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Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

Complete solution to develop architectural designs from the first sketches, with complete ease of 3D control of volumetry and shapes, perfect integration of 2D drawing and the generation of construction documents, as well as the possibility of generating complete reports for a good constructive process. Actually an excellent BIM option.

Nachteile

The possibility of generating optimal quality renders on the MAC OS platform is almost impossible. It must be integrated with other software solutions and at least on MacBook Pro it is a disaster. I understand that it is not entirely a software problem but it is really depressing.

Vorteile

Vectorworks produces the most graphically appealing and customisable drawings that I have experienced on any BIM software. This ability to make highly desirable 2D graphics and a simple 3D rendering tool that can quickly realise concepts in 3D makes Vectorworks appealing for small and mid sized Architecture practices. The program also harnesses the power of BIM to make models that are data driven.

Nachteile

The only downside of Vectorworks is that it won't work well when you need to collaborate with those who don't use it. Although it works well DWG as soon as you want to issue a model to a Revit user you are in trouble. This may be fine for a small Architecture practice that wants to use Vectorworks for 2D drafting and not share the 3D model, however this isn't very future proof.

Vorteile

Simple to use and learn, presentation style is good and clean. Great for 2D CAD working and simple projects.

Nachteile

This is not an advanced BIM authoring tool and I would advise people to steer away from it if this is what is required. Long term should revert itself to a 2D tool and then focus efforts on ArchiCAD as their excellent BIM authoring tool.

Vorteile

What I like most about this program is that it is fairly easy to pick up from the start and be really affective.

Nachteile

It would be great if they figure out a way to include some sort of clash detection in vectorworks.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

Building high quality visual models across different platforms always meant having to sacrifice somewhere along the design process. But with Vectorworks Architect, we didn't have to sacrifice anything. We're able to create data-rich designs anywhere, using multiple different operating systems with ease.

Nachteile

At times, syncing between the two main operating systems used in our office seemed slow. Thankfully, the helpful support helped us come to the conclusion that the delays in data transfer were because of our network connection, and not the application itself. Vectorworks Architect itself never seemed to fail us.

Vorteile

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

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

The amount of detail this software has is game changing. to be able to truly go into 3d and view true dimensions is so great

Nachteile

The price is steep but it’s one of the best apps you can use. Can be hard to use but with a little training it’s easy to use

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

Easy to use, short cut buttons makes sense. I've worked with both AutoCad & VerctorWorks and prefer the later as it seems to be a more user friendly type of software.

Nachteile

In the African market less designers use the software compared to Europe. Collaborating during the design of a project is sometimes tricky as when files from other design software is imported into VectorWorks one need to spend a bit of time editing and re-allocation layers as it's not always a perfect import transition.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

This does everything....2-d drawings and 3-d modeling, landscape, lighting and site design, interiors, great renderings plus all of my office graphics. The graphic capabilities are awesome from sketch to OpenGL, hidden line and fully rendered

Nachteile

Not enough local users to share this program. This is a must have program for small to medium sized Mac-based firms...affordable and capable of handling just about anything you can throw at it!

Vorteile

Vectorworks Architect is the only industry modeling, design and documentation software created with BIM from the basics of the design process. Edit and analyze your model while simultaneously generating interactive schedules.

Nachteile

It is a software with a little high cost despite all the benefits offered by it, and the requirements in terms of storage and processing memory have a considerable demand.

Vorteile

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

Nachteile

I wish that the initial price was lower :-)

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Vorteile

Para la aplicacion 2D es muy amigable, dacilidad de uso.

Nachteile

El precio y la falta de interconeccion con otros programas.

Vorteile

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

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

I learnt easily with the trial version then i upgrade, vector works is really great i can produce a well detailed specification,drawing schedules, floor plans, and fascinating 3D models.Vector works allow for collaboration with other CAD software, like REVIT ARCHITECTURE, its a perfect BIM tool

Nachteile

its slows down my PC, while carrying out complex, modelling operations, to enjoy using this application, we needed to upgrade our RAM, along with an high definition of PC graphics card,i still love this application, because of its high quality rendering produced.

Vorteile

The software has a lot of options to do a drawing, but you waste some time because are too many ways to customize and do things.

Nachteile

Sometimes the software has a limited use for collaborating with others softwares. License is not cheap, and the updates are so minimum. Very occasionally crashes for no reason.

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Vorteile

Solid set of features for a variety of use cases. Fairly easy to use, and offers lots of automated features that help speed up drafting tasks.

Nachteile

The interface could be improved a bit, since there are so many features things can get a bit buried within menus.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

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

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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

Nachteile

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

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

Integration with other software is very easy

Nachteile

There is an update every year and with each update some tools change. More consistency would make work faster.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

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.

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

VectorWorks Architect is a powerful tool for 3D modeling as well as architectural design throughout the entirety of a project, from conception to model finalization and publication of construction documents.

Nachteile

It's quite expensive, and while it does offer a free trial, the price point for the fully featured version is costly.

Vorteile

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

Nachteile

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.

Vorteile

Easy to use when you compare it when others BIM programs.

Nachteile

The cost of the program makes it difficult to acquire it.

Vorteile

It's safe to say VectorWorks is at the top of their game when it comes to architectural design. I love their 3D mapping and the fact that they have all the products (lighting fixtures) built into the software.

Nachteile

VectorWorks certainly has a bit of a learning curve. Although it has many robust features, it takes a while to get used to. Also, I feel the user interface could use a redesign.

Vorteile

Vectorworks seems to have all of the functionality one would need and at a more reasonable cost than the industry standard. 3D modeling and rendering works well and improvements are made consistently.

Nachteile

I would love a viable option in addition to Autodesk products. Vectorworks seems to be a great product and would be an option for smaller architect firms or those that focus on residential design but collaboration with engineers and other consultants who tend to work in AutoCad is easier when everyone is on the same platform.

Vorteile

used as a student architecture to draw up plans, it's a very easy software to use and you can draw all your plans with it.

Nachteile

Nothing it's a very handy software to use for a architect

Vorteile

Easy to use, great compatibility with other architectural programs

Nachteile

Easy for basic use, but could result a bit complicate if you want to reach high level of details