Vectorworks Architect Reviews

“Intuitive, easy to use, powerful

Pros

This software provides a complete solution for developing architectural designs from initial sketches, offering effortless 3D control of volumetry and shapes. It integrates 2D drawings perfectly and generates construction documents, along with the ability to create comprehensive reports for a smooth construction process. It's truly an excellent BIM option.

Cons

Generating optimal quality renders on the MAC OS platform is nearly impossible. It needs to be integrated with other software solutions, and even on my MacBook Pro, it's a disaster. I know it's not solely a software issue, but it's really frustrating.

“The hub of my architectural workflow

Pros

I really appreciate the flexibility and customization that Vectorworks offers. I can use it as a straightforward drafting tool for simpler projects or as a robust BIM application for more complex ones. With Vectorworks, I don't feel constrained by the software's requirements.

Cons

There's a pretty steep learning curve to maximize the software's potential, and sometimes I have to do some head-scratching to figure things out. However, I think that's unavoidable for software with this level of flexibility.

“Best BIM software for a growing practice

Pros

The extensive range of features and its seamless integration with other 2D, BIM, and 3D software is impressive.

Cons

The service select feature, which is promoted as a customer service platform, comes with an additional cost. Moreover, I can't get updates or pay for upgrades without it.

“Reliable tools in 2D CAD

Pros

For 2D applications, it's quite approachable and simple to use.

Cons

The cost and the lack of integration with other programs.

“Great for smaller projects

Pros

What I like most about this program is how easy it is to pick up and become effective right from the start.

Cons

It would be fantastic if they could figure out how to include some sort of clash detection in Vectorworks.

“VectorWorks really work hard

Pros

Vectorworks creates the most visually appealing and customizable drawings I've encountered in any BIM software. Its ability to produce attractive 2D graphics and a straightforward 3D rendering tool that quickly brings concepts to life makes it a great choice for small to mid-sized architectural practices. The program also leverages BIM's power to create data-driven models.

Cons

The only drawback of Vectorworks is that it doesn't work well for collaborating with users of other software. While it handles DWG files fine, as soon as I need to share a model with a Revit user, I run into problems. This might be okay for a small architecture practice using Vectorworks for 2D drafting without sharing the 3D model, but it's not very future-proof.

“VectorWorks Software

Pros

It's easy to use, and the shortcut buttons make sense. Having worked with both AutoCAD and Vectorworks, I prefer Vectorworks because it feels like a more intuitive software.

Cons

In the African market, fewer designers use the software compared to Europe. Collaborating on a project can be tricky because when importing files from other design software into Vectorworks, I often need to spend time editing and reallocating layers, as it's not always a perfect import transition.

“Vectorworks Review

Pros

This software is user-friendly and easy to learn, with a clean and effective presentation style. It's excellent for 2D CAD work and simple projects.

Cons

This isn't an advanced BIM authoring tool, and I would recommend avoiding it if that's what you need. Long-term, it should revert to being a 2D tool and focus efforts on ArchiCAD, which is an excellent BIM authoring tool.

“Useful But Expensivei

Pros

VectorWorks Architect is a powerful tool for 3D modeling and architectural design, covering the entire project lifecycle from initial conception to model finalization and the publication of construction documents.

Cons

It's quite pricey, and although there is a free trial, the cost for the fully featured version is steep.

“Designer on VectorWorks

Pros

Integrating this software with other programs is remarkably easy and seamless. The process is designed to be simple, allowing for smooth and efficient connections with various other applications, ensuring that data transfers and compatibility issues are minimized. This ease of integration simplifies the workflow and enhances overall productivity by enabling users to effortlessly connect and synchronize with their existing software ecosystem.

Cons

There's an update every year, and with each update, some tools change. More consistency would speed up the work.

“VectorWorks Product Review

Pros

It's clear that VectorWorks excels in architectural design. I love their 3D mapping and the fact that they include all the products (lighting fixtures) within the software.

Cons

Vectorworks definitely has a learning curve. Even though it offers many robust features, it takes time to get used to. Also, I think the user interface could use a redesign.

“Good but it would improve in so many aspects.

Pros

The software offers a lot of options for drawing, but it can be time-consuming due to the many ways you can customize and complete tasks.

Cons

Sometimes the software has limited use for collaborating with other software. The license isn't cheap, and the updates are minimal. It crashes occasionally for no apparent reason.

“One of the good BIM software for achitect

Pros

It is simple to use with different setup design layers. Setting up sheets is easy; just import design layers as viewports, adjust the drawing scale, and it's compatible with other software like AutoCAD and Revit. Setting up 3D models with design layers and rendering is also straightforward, and elevations and sections can be exported directly from the 3D model.

Cons

Setting up design layers is a bit complex, and sorting classes can be troublesome.

“Solid CAD/BIM Software

Pros

It has a solid set of features for various use cases. It's relatively easy to use and provides many automated features that speed up drafting tasks.

Cons

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

“Best Software for Architects

Pros

This software is very intuitive. It works well with presentation tools, especially TwinMotion. We're a Mac-based office, and VectorWorks is very compatible. The VectorWorks Service Select subscription is fantastic with all its "how-to" videos and regular updates to the 3D library.

Cons

The only downside is that this software is so comprehensive that I worry I might not be aware of everything it can do. A couple of years ago, I tried the Vectorworks cloud service for team collaboration on the same project and found it cumbersome. I haven't tried it recently, so this feature might have improved.

“Great software, but....

Pros

Vectorworks is an excellent drafting program. It allows me to do anything I need, 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 has pretty much caught up in terms of object-based controls and creating beautiful, robust, legible, intelligent 2D drawings. While 3D is very intuitive, Rhino is more robust. For BIM, it's hard to justify not using the industry standard software. So what's the edge for Vectorworks?

“Vectorworks User Review

Pros

Vectorworks lets our studio combine design drawings, construction documents, and renderings into one file. We use its BIM capabilities to generate elevations, schedules, and smart tags. The program is visually appealing and easy to navigate, making it a good choice for a Mac-based office.

Cons

My team has faced a bit of a learning curve when modeling curvy objects. Vectorworks has subdivision and parametric modeling capabilities, but they do require some training. While I can import 3D files for items like furniture from Sketchup or Revit, this can slow down the model.

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

Pros

Setting up and creating drawings is a hassle-free process. The tools are designed to be highly intuitive, making them easy to use and understand. This simplicity allows users to efficiently set up their drawings and utilize the tools without complications. The interactive design ensures a smooth and effective workflow, making it easy to complete drawing tasks with minimal effort.

Cons

Cost. I'd like a low-cost version without 3D BIM for just 2D drafting.

“It does absolutely everything

Pros

If I want to accomplish something, there are usually at least three different ways to do it in this software.

Cons

There are too many customization options, making everyday simple tasks quite time-consuming. It has too many glitches with Mac OS. We haven't been able to use the file sharing option without wasting hours redoing work due to crashes or random glitches that prevent files from saving and syncing.

“VECTORWORKS REVIEW

Pros

The ease of use, the customer support from the software company, and the simplicity of training are all great.

Cons

Creating drawing sets and all the viewports can be tedious.