# Vectorworks Architect Reviews **Vendor:** Vectorworks, Inc. **Category:** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 236 ## About Vectorworks Architect Built to showcase your skill and creativity, Vectorworks Architect allows you to sketch, model, and document in a fully integrated workflow with the world’s most design-centric BIM solution. With superior 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and visualization tools, Architect is built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. ## Vectorworks Architect Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users find Vectorworks Architect's **ease of use** invaluable, aiding in efficient and accurate architectural design workflows. (13 reviews) - Users value the **robust toolset** in Vectorworks Architect, enabling seamless design across 2D and 3D with diverse options. (11 reviews) - Users value the **exceptional drawing capabilities** of Vectorworks Architect, enhancing their architectural plans with clarity and quality. (10 reviews) - Users love the **intuitive design** of Vectorworks Architect, making it easy to use for smaller projects. (7 reviews) - Users appreciate the **excellent client support** of Vectorworks Architect, resolving issues promptly and effectively. (6 reviews) - Users commend the **excellent customer support** of Vectorworks Architect, enhancing their overall user experience significantly. (6 reviews) - Design Development (5 reviews) - Drawing Ease (5 reviews) - Rendering (5 reviews) - BIM Integration (4 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users face **3D modeling issues** in Vectorworks Architect, finding tools difficult and lacking necessary features for effective use. (4 reviews) - Users struggle with the **difficult learning curve** of Vectorworks Architect, citing confusing instructions and initial adaptation challenges. (4 reviews) - Users find the **limited features** of Vectorworks Architect frustrating, particularly regarding customization and file management restrictions. (4 reviews) - Users experience a **steep learning curve** with Vectorworks Architect due to confusing menus and complex functionalities. (4 reviews) - Users often face **update issues** that disrupt workflows, complicate functionality, and degrade performance in Vectorworks Architect. (4 reviews) - Complex Interface (3 reviews) - Users experience a **steep learning curve** with Vectorworks Architect, requiring adaptation to its unique workflows and terminology. (3 reviews) - Limited Modeling Capabilities (3 reviews) - Users note a lack of **essential features** in Vectorworks Architect, particularly for renovation projects and 3D coordination. (3 reviews) - Revit Compatibility (3 reviews) ## Vectorworks Architect Reviews ### 1. Great Potential & Flexability **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Patrick V. | Technologist/ Information manger, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 22, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The flexability that the software offers. The true desire from the developers to push for software development. The vision that company has for the next 10 years of the development. They are listening to feedback and have setup a developer road map webpage where they have shown the steps and tools that they are improving. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The push for new features has sadly meant that existing tools have not had the right amount of development which has meant that they are lacking with customisation features. There are some tools that had some development and the developer has clearly made improvements, however the consistant tools that are being used for years have not been improved and still need to be looked at. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** They are addressing feedback when it comes to Revit collaboration. We have seen throughout the years a decent advancement when importing Revit files and seeing improvements in converting Revit parametric objects to Vectorworks equivalent parametric objects. There are new features which have vastly improved out internal worflows, notably 'Project shring', 'Data visualisation', 'Graphic legend tool' and 'Data tags' which have allowed us to address so many types of technical model drawings for our internal worlflows. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and insights. It’s great to hear that you value the flexibility of Vectorworks Architect and our continued focus on innovation and transparency through the public development roadmap. We’re also happy to know that tools like Project Sharing, Data Visualization, the Graphic Legend tool, and Data Tags have strengthened your internal workflows. Your feedback about further enhancing long-standing tools is well noted, and we remain dedicated to improving both new and existing features to provide a more consistent user experience. ### 2. VectorWorks works for a Naval Architect **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** John H. | Consultant Naval Architect / Test Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Have used VectorWorks since it was MiniCad 1.0 on the Macintosh. Like it’s Mac feel. Learning curve is steep so I have mastered most of VectorWorks but still learn new things all of the time. Very rich with capability. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not much to complain about, have used other CAD programs but always come back to VectorWorks. Maybe it is already there, but would like a dynamic 3D slice viewer that moves through a shaded object with mouse or arrow control. Also a "bender" that can distort an object such as a plate or beam. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am a Naval Architect and I use it to design towing tank models and apparatus for testing. Since I retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, I consult with Stevens Institute Of Technology’s Davidson Laboratory. It helps me as I said design towing tank ship models, apparatus and report figures. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for your many years of dedication to Vectorworks. If you're looking for a slicing feature, check out our Clip Cube tool. You can also distort 3D objects in Vectorworks with the Deform tool. We’re grateful that you continue to choose Vectorworks for your designs! Clip cube resource: https://university.vectorworks.net/mod/overview/view.php?id=8397 Deform tool resource: https://university.vectorworks.net/mod/overview/view.php?id=8395 ### 3. Intuitive Yet Lacks Advanced BIM Features - Would love a renovation filter and more advanced pen sets similar to ArchiCAD **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Vaughan B. **Reviewed Date:** February 11, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like that Vectorworks Architect is easy to use, particularly on smaller projects, and it's intuitive. It enables us to quickly model and test 3D architectural outcomes that we can render in Enscape. The initial setup was simple, which was a great start for us. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I think Vectorworks Architect should have a renovation filter similar to what ArchiCAD uses, so we can fine-tune demolition and existing conditions on renovation projects. I also feel there should be a greater ability to adjust pen sets, so a single model can be converted into a variety of printouts like a colored marketing plan or a construction set with different graphic needs. Additionally, it sometimes lacks in more complex BIM coordination. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks Architect enables us to quickly model and test 3D architectural outcomes. It's easy to use for smaller projects, improving our workflow in residential and childcare projects. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback! We’re pleased to hear that you find Vectorworks Architect intuitive and well-suited for smaller projects, especially for quickly modeling and testing 3D outcomes. You’ll be glad to know that a renovation workflow feature like the one you described has recently been added — it’s called the Phasing Tool, and it allows you to manage existing conditions, demolition, and new construction within a single model. Feedback like yours guides our ongoing BIM development and helps us continue advancing the software for more complex project coordination. ### 4. All-in-One 2D/3D Workflow That Streamlines Sketching to Construction Docs **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 26, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The hybrid 2D/3D workflow lets me switch between the two instantly. I can attach custom data to any object and generate an automatic schedule. Vectorworks gives me the ability to sketch, model, present, and document everything within the same program. Live section views update construction documents automatically as the 3D model changes, which saves a lot of time on rendering and manual edits. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not many of my peers at other firms use VW, so sharing files can be problematic. It also took me a long time to learn some of the features, such as site modeling. Online VectorWorks certification programs are very helpful, however. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can use one app for sketching, modeling, and presenting. Editing in 3D automatically updates 2D plans so that saves time. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thanks for the detailed feedback—we’re glad the 2D/3D workflow and live updates are helping save time and streamline your process. We also appreciate your note on file sharing and the learning curve; improving interoperability and expanding learning resources remain ongoing priorities for us. Great to hear the certification programs have been helpful! ### 5. Visually Friendly, But Updates and Weak BIM Make It Hard to Trust **Rating:** 1.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Compared to AutoCAD, it is much more visually friendly, having all the plans stack is convenient, rather than AutoCAD's separate files. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It is not the future. It BIM capabilities are lacking behind that of Revit. Hardscapes don't work well, tough to model slabs, and every update changes so many things, there is no point updating software, as it will mess up your drawing files. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** They are slowly getting better (it is more a more stable program with less bugs / crashes), but Nemestchek has chronically under invested in Vectorworks to the point that we consistently consider switching the office to Revit. Take some money from Bluebeam here ya'll. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for providing such honest and detailed feedback. We’re pleased to hear that you find Vectorworks Architect visually appealing and appreciate the convenience of working with stacked plans in a single environment. We’re sorry to hear that your experience with BIM capabilities, site and slab modeling, and the impact of updates on existing files has caused frustration and raised concerns about long-term compatibility. Your insights—particularly regarding stability and comparisons with Revit—are incredibly valuable. They help us prioritize improvements to reliability, BIM workflows, and update behavior, ultimately making the software easier to trust for complex projects. ### 6. Cloud Storage & Workflows That Keep Teams in Sync **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Justin D. | Director of Design and Engineering, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Cloud storage and workflows so teams can work on the same projects. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Subscription based access is the new industry standard that needs to be removed. There should be an option to outright purchase the software. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Drawing and plan creation for projects in seemless. Utilizing Vectorworks, to copy and paste the vector selection can be pasted in Illustrator. Is much easier to draw in Vectorworks as well. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing your feedback and for highlighting how Vectorworks Architect supports your drawing, planning, and Illustrator workflows, as well as your team’s ability to stay in sync through cloud-based collaboration. Subscription licensing simplifies license management, ensures you always have the latest features and security updates, and allows us to deliver continuous innovation. Our focus moving forward is to evolve our subscription offerings to provide even greater value and reliability. That said, we understand that every customer’s needs are unique, and we recognize that change takes time. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team at sales@vectorworks.net. ### 7. Easy CAD-Like Interface and Simple Sheets, but 3D and Layers/Classes Need Clarity **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Nazifa V. | Architect, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The interface is easy to learn and use if you’re coming from a CAD software. The layouts for the sheets are so much simpler than using viewports in other softwares. Exporting and importing other types of files is intuitive and clean. This is a great software for small projects and offices **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The 3d component is not as strong, and in built rendering engine would be great. The distinction between layer and class can be confusing when you first start. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The speed at which you can produce drawings is great compared to software like revit, this makes it great for easy iteration. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing your feedback! We are pleased to hear that you find the interface easy to learn, especially considering your CAD background. It's great that the simplicity of sheet layouts and file exchanges supports your workflow on smaller projects. We appreciate your insights regarding the 3D tools, rendering, and the learning curve associated with layers and classes. Feedback like yours helps us improve clarity and functionality. We're glad that Vectorworks Architect allows you to produce drawings quickly and iterate efficiently. ### 8. Versatile and feature-rich, but 3d not always accurate and still slow load times **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kathy G. | Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 01, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Extremely versatile - suitable for many types of business and user. Very good number of innovative features, relatively easy to use. Customer tech support is excellent. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Size of text. Sometimes, updates are 'buggy'. Very slow to load up despite high end powerful computer 3d not always accurate enough **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Used for both building design and rendering. Extremely helpful to have both in same app. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing your feedback and for highlighting the versatility and innovative features of Vectorworks Architect. We’re happy to hear you’ve had a positive experience with our customer support team. We appreciate your honest notes about 3D accuracy, load times, and update stability — these are important areas of focus as we continue refining performance and reliability. Your input helps guide our ongoing improvements to deliver a smoother, faster, and more precise design experience. ### 9. Streamlined Design and Documentation with Vectorworks Architect **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Joe S. **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like Vectorworks Architect for its excellent sheet organization, the ability to create groups and symbols, and its capabilities in 3D modeling and rendering. We use these features every day for designing buildings and creating construction documents. The initial setup was easy, which I appreciate. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Object snap selection can be difficult with multiple objects overlaid. I also do not understand the need for the shortcut key to turn snaps off. It is in a bad location. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use Vectorworks Architect for drafting help, accurate depictions of work, and organization, which streamlines my architectural design and construction documentation. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > We’re delighted to hear that Vectorworks Architect supports your daily design and documentation work, and that you value its organization tools, grouping and symbol functions, and 3D modeling capabilities. We appreciate your feedback about snap selection and shortcut placement — that insight helps us identify opportunities to improve usability and customize workflows. It’s great to know the software is helping streamline your design and construction documentation process. ### 10. smoth but deep **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Daniel G. | architect assistance, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 06, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** i like the way you use the software, what you draw is what you are gonna print. You have so much pen and fill options so the 2D is amazing. in 3D you also have different way of buildings. BIM objects are in a diverse quantity. The tools to create personalised reports are also helpful. Implementation and integration were relatively easy but exist a big curve of learning I faced after. Customer supports works pretty well, every time i had a problem with my license, it was solve the same day. I use the software everyday and it works pretty well. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** you also have different way of buildings, which in my opinion they could connect more between them. Sometimes the file get too big, spacially with the bim objects, that could be treat with some coding. Also you kind of lost complete control of design when you are trying to mix constructive objects with extrudes or 3d symbols.Implementation and integration were relatively easy but exist a big curve of learning I faced after, in comparison with others softwares. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** helping with openings size and type modifications, with slab components modifications, all the BIM information from the specialities. The rendering is also good but considering this is not a rendering program. For better results I always have a postproduction session. ### 11. Vectorworks 2025 review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Lee C. | Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 22, 2015 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I have used this software for 30 years, starting in its early days. Compared to other systems I've used, I find it more intuitive. Now that I’ve steadily used a BIM workflow for more than 15 years, the built-in plug-in objects in this software make it easy to develop a design concept quickly. Using layers and classes allows for easy control of attributes and features in the model and drawing sheets. New features in v2025 have been game-changers. AI Visualization, on-screen control, and the one-point perspective were overdue additions. The ability to easily search for classes and layers has also saved time. It is possible to generate a drawing quickly with excellent graphic quality. The shaded rendering option has significantly improved for quick views, allowing me to promptly study solar angles and make meaningful design changes based on real data. The added rendering partners also enable outstanding renderings. People know me as an architect with clear, beautiful drawings that demonstrate my integrity as an architect. I can credit Vectorworks for being a trusted partner with that reputation. When one examines the options out there based on visual quality, price, ease of use, and a community of support, there is clearly no other BIM platform that can match the overall balance of Vectorworks. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Recent releases have greatly improved, but I hope the software designers continue to listen and spend time with architects who work on existing buildings and reach out to them to see how the software can be adapted to the workflow of an architect who has to balance the complexities of older buildings, manage the demolition of features and model building parts that are not clean and simple like new construction. Lag and RAM management have improved in 2025, but it can be challenging to explain without observing a user for an extended period. In other words, it still takes up too much memory for my taste. Perhaps there is a memory issue with how it returns RAM to the computer. Maybe this is the reality of heavy graphic crunching software packages. My friends who use the other well-known BIM platforms complain about them more frequently. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Try it on a full project and make your decision. It's far more affordable than just about any other package out there. The VSS fees are considerably lower than other software subscription fees. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Most of my work involves dealing with existing buildings. Being able to set up a model of the existing building and instantly use that as a backdrop for design – while extracting data is a priceless tool. I generate renderings rather rapidly with the Shaded feature, but better with third-party plug-ins that set me apart from other architects. The ability to see in 3D helps all of us make better and quicker decisions. ### 12. Excellent 2D Tools and Interface, but 3D Features Need Improvement **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 01, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The 2D drawing tool and interface are easy to use. The use of classes, layers, sheet layers, etc. is very easy to use and straightforward. The control of viewports is designed well and easy to use. The customer support has always been excellent and easy to access. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Moving to 3D drawings in Vectorworks has been challenging. Some tools are easy to use, but some of the things we want to do with the 3D tools are either difficult to complete or not available in the tools available today. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We've been using the Mac platform for our computers for years. Vectorworks was easy to implement on our computers when we first starting using computer-aided drafting. As BIM has developed, Vectorworks continues to serve the Mac platform. Other available BIM software may only be available utilizing Windows software. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted that you find the 2D tools, interface, and viewport controls intuitive and practical, and we appreciate your kind words about our customer support team. We understand that transitioning to 3D workflows can be challenging, and your feedback helps us continue improving those tools to provide a smoother experience. Our development team is constantly working to enhance 3D capabilities and modeling performance for users like you. ### 13. Flexible and Versatile, but Collaboration is Behind **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks Architect is easy to use, particularly on smaller projects. It is intuitive and feels like drawing, rather than building a complex - data loaded 3D model. On small projects simpler is sometimes better. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Collaboration on Vectorworks Cloud or using . We always encounter problems with save, committing and even model crashing once there are more than three simultaneous users in a model even for small, low complexity files. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** They are improving project collaboration tools (VW cloud sync panel) and document standardization tools (for example, viewport templates similar ot view templates in Revit). They have been slower to address some odd bugs (for example, a bug in version 2025 caused models to crash whenever a window was inserted with a sill). **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing such detailed feedback. It’s great to hear that Vectorworks Architect supports your work on smaller projects with an intuitive, drawing-like workflow, especially when a lighter approach is more effective than a heavily data-loaded model. We also appreciate your candid comments on challenges with multi-user collaboration and stability in cloud and project sharing environments, as well as the specific bug you mentioned — insights like these are invaluable as we continue to improve collaboration performance and reliability. It’s encouraging to know that the evolving collaboration and standardization tools are already helping, and your experience will help guide future refinements. ### 14. Long time vectorworks user **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Doron D. | architect - builder - cheerleader, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 29, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** i love the constant improvement that the software has gone through over the years. the continued improvements have vastly improved my work, and capabilities. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** the has been an issue over the years as well as the learning curve. additionally, finding cost effective vectorworks users who use BIM / ad 3D model and render has been almost impossible over the years. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** i have been a vectorworks (minicad) user since 1992 and it is my go-to software because i can model anything and document the design to a vary high level. vectorworks allows me to think and dream in 3D, model and design in 3D, and output drawings and specifications that reinforce the project at a vary high level. i look forward to future upgrades and capabilities. ### 15. Affordable, Robust CAD with Powerful 2D/3D and BIM Integration **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** jody s. | Principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** 2D and3d capabilities, data integration (BIM) **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Nothing. most affordable robust CAD software available **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Allowing us to do business (architectural Firm) **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for your positive feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you appreciate the strong integration of 2D, 3D, and BIM capabilities in Vectorworks Architect. It’s great to know that our solution has been both affordable and powerful for your firm’s projects. We truly value your support and are pleased to be a part of your design process. ### 16. Not Intuitive, Needs Better Instructions **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ada S. **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like that Vectorworks Architect shows me how my architectural drawings will look when printed out. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I find Vectorworks Architect is not intuitive, and it has horrible instructions and how-to descriptions. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use Vectorworks Architect for preparing architectural drawings, and I like that it shows how the drawings will print out. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing your candid feedback. We’re glad to hear that the ability to see how drawings will look when printed is helpful in your documentation process. We’re sorry that your experience with intuitiveness and instructions hasn’t met your expectations, and we appreciate you calling this to our attention. Your comments reinforce the importance of clear guidance and learning resources, and they help us continue improving how we support users as they learn and work in Vectorworks Architect. If you’d be open to it, we’d welcome the chance to learn more about your experience and offer guidance — please contact us at sales@vectorworks.net. ### 17. Beautiful Design Tools, But Poor Compatibility Forces a Switch **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Noushin A. | Design manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 01, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It has a design approach platform. Good graphic and beautiful rendering options. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It’s not compatible with other programs used in industry. It never exports or imports well enough to make it workable for other programs used. I’m actually being forced to switch to Revit just for this reason. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I design and render my ideas with vectorworks. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thanks so much for sharing your experience and for highlighting what you enjoy about Vectorworks Architect — especially its design-focused approach and beautiful rendering capabilities. We’re glad to hear those strengths have supported your creative process. We recognize how frustrating it can be when working across different design platforms. Interoperability is a key priority for us at Vectorworks. We support a variety of file formats, including DWG, RVT, IFC, and many others, to enhance collaboration. Since every workflow is unique, it may require some communication and adjustments to discover the settings that work best for your project team. Our technical support specialists are always happy to assist you through this process. Whether you continue exploring Vectorworks or move to another solution, we truly appreciate your feedback — it helps us continue to improve — and we’ll always be here if you’d like assistance or wish to return in the future. ### 18. Decent Drawing Tool, Needs Better Shape Manipulation **Rating:** 1.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Zhi T. **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I find Vectorworks Architect helpful for drawing plans as it aids in our architectural work. Additionally, setting it up was easy for us. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I need a tool like in AutoCAD to manipulate shapes. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks Architect helps us draw plans. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you find Vectorworks Architect helpful for drawing plans and that setup was straightforward. We’re sorry to learn that shape manipulation tools haven’t met your expectations. Your mention of needing functionality similar to AutoCAD’s tools is very helpful — could you share a bit more detail about which specific shape manipulation features or commands you’re referring to? Our team would love to understand your workflow better so we can explore possible solutions or improvements for future updates. Please feel free to reach out to tech@vectorworks.net. ### 19. Extremely Intuitive and Easy to Use **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I’d say its best feature is how extremely intuitive it is! **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Sometimes the updates and auto-saving feature can feel a little clumsy. That said, they do seem to be improving over time. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Updates and auto-saving. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for your review! We’re thrilled to hear that you find Vectorworks Architect extremely intuitive — ease of use is one of our top priorities. We also appreciate your note about updates and auto-saving; it’s great to know you’ve noticed ongoing improvements in those areas. Feedback like yours helps us continue refining the user experience with each release. ### 20. Vectorworks: Awesome Software for Architectural Work **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ratish K. | System Administrator, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is an awesome piece of software for architectural work. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I don’t have any dislikes about Vectorworks. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It helps me solve building design tasks and other related work. **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for your positive feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you find Vectorworks Architect to be an awesome tool for your architectural work and that it supports your building design tasks and related projects effectively. We are glad to be part of your design process. ### 21. Wide Design Options and Smooth Architectural Integration **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 12, 2026 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** A wide range of different options for architectural design and integration. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Some menus are difficult to understand for the first time experience **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Team work and easyness of results **Official Response from Elena Pantazopoulos:** > Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are glad to hear that the variety of design and integration options in Vectorworks Architect supports your architectural work and collaboration. We also appreciate your observation that some menus can be challenging to understand at first. Input like this helps us refine the interface and enhance the experience for first-time users. ### 22. Broad feature set that lets me avoid using multiple software programs **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tom O. | Architect, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 19, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** While I've used several different CAD programs over the years, Vectorworks stands out above them all. I love the graphic capabilities - the drawings just look better - crisper, clearer, cleaner. I have a great deal of graphic flexibility - both to set overall styles of a drawing but also to zoom to one particular element and adjust it to suit my specific need. My primary use is Vectorworks Architect but I also own the "Designer" package so I get civil/landscape, theatrical and rendering modules. But more importantly, I really appreciate the Vectorworks staff. I can call them on the phone, any day of the work week and get a live person who will take the time to answer my question, solve my problem ...and help me understand what's happening ... on the screen while we talk. I was along time user of another program and that never, ever happened. ...and the cost of an annual subscription plus premium support is far less than just the annual subscription to our former architectural software....and that includes the Designer Suite, not just the architect module. We're a small firm so while cost is an important consideration, customer service/technical support is critical to keeping us working efficiently. Vectorworks is also cross-platform compatible so it works equally well on PCs and Macs. Setup is easy. Vectorworks does most of the work and you can usually walk away and do something else while it's happening. Vectorworks has frequent updates. Some are driven by bugs that users find and report - usually in the Fall when the annual major version upgrade is released and the wider user base uncovers the little glitches. But after that, updates keep coming every few months - usually to add new functionality or further refine something. Vectorworks also comes with a huge array of "content" ranging from generic items like preconfigured title blocks, symbols, date tags, etc. These are ready to use and generally have a consistent way they can be used .... as opposed to my previous software's content which clearly had been developed over many years by many different users so each one was unique and had to be further customized to a consistent standard. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks has a different"way" or working than the widely used software I used to use. It's taken a bit of time - longer than I hoped - to purge the "old" processes from the front of my brain and adapt to Vectorworks. But part of that was my own stubbornness. While Vectorworks has a plethora of keyboard shortcuts, there isn't a command line so if you are used to that being your primary method of command selection and customization, you'll initially feel lost but like any software, you'll quickly adapt to those things you do the most frequently and then keep adding more skills for the less frequently used processes. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I need to draw buildings including all of the types of drawings architects use. Vectorworks does a great job of that. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hey Tom, we're delighted to hear that you are enjoying the graphic capabilities and flexibility of Vectorworks Architect, as well as the comprehensive feature set of the Designer package. Providing exceptional customer service and technical support is a top priority, and we’re glad it has been valuable to you. We appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your support as a small firm. Thank you for choosing Vectorworks! ### 23. A design experience that lets you draft, model, render and document within a single platform. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Federico S. | Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 22, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The fact that there are always different ways to achieve your design goals and there is always something new to discover. It is a highly customisable software that can be shaped around your reqirements. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There's something off here and then, some tools could be improved, it is sometimes not so easy to collaborate with other professionals who use different softwares. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** VertIcal integration: it allows to reduce errors by keeping everything in one place ### 24. A comprehensive BIM SW package **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 19, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Innovation and continual improvement, support and knowledge base **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** some compatibility issues with other BIM packages **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Intergrated desing and BIm implementation **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > It's great to hear that Vectorworks Architect is helping you with integrated design and BIM implementation. If your interface compatibility issue persists, please get in touch with tech@vectorworks.net for additional support. ### 25. The most flexible, and intuitive cross platform 2D/3D/CAD/BIM software for architects and designers **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jonathan Reeves A. | Owner- Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 20, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks Architect has a full suite of intuitive tools for designing architecture, interiors and landscape. It combines 2D CAD drafting with Adobe like graphical qualities that means you can develop your own unique style. For 3D work it combines freeform modelling with BIM tools allowing you to develop co-ordinated detailed models rapidly. Documentation and presentation capable are excellent and the Vectorworks Cloud services offers a suite of features for collaboration and rendering. Built in rendering using Renderworks provides a lot of creative options from conceptual to photo-realistic, and the built in AI visualiser provide extra enhancements and AI options. Support for with direct links to Enscape, Twinmotion and Revit for real-time Rendering, allow for high end visualtion and animation. Finally interoperability between different software is well supported with a large range of import and export options for other industry software like Revit, AutoCAD and SketchUP. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Sometimes clients and contractors request DWG or Revit file formats as they are unaware of how good Vectorworks BIM capabilities are. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The software allows me to conceive, develop and communicate my ideas clearly and share them with customers and clients. I also teach Vectorworks via Zoom online all over the world with over 20 years industry experience. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hi Jonathan, we're pleased to hear that Vectorworks Architect is essential in helping you conceive, develop, and communicate your ideas effectively. We're thrilled to support your teaching efforts and appreciate your 20 years of industry experience. ### 26. Easy workflow and learning curve and Keeping with changes in our profession **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 19, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It is a constant incorporation of new nechnologies **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks should integrate more and easier ways to design in 3D. Additionally, to integrate a better Rendering engine **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Construction Documents have been easier through this software. Additionally the native 2D works is a great help **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > We're pleased to hear that Vectorworks Architect enables digital design while preserving the integrity of hand-drawn sketches. We look forward to continuing to integrate new technology that helps you design more efficiently. ### 27. My Vectoworks experience has been positive. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Juan H. | Job Captain, Project Manager, Designer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 10, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The best thing about Vecotworks is that it is an all in one CAD program. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There are numerus tools to use to created your drawings and the intergration between objects. Like the doo and windows on the plans can easely create a door & window schedule and door / window elevations on your schedule. If you make a change you can simply update and your work will not be intergrated. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vecotoworks solve all of my problems / issues ### 28. A joy, clean, quick and creative. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bruce B. | Project engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 20, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Intuitive, fantastic dealer support, always gives me exactly what I need, plotter interface so simple, render and fills are far superior to the competition, drawing to scale a huge advantage. I use it every day for technical as well as graphics, massive font library, updates always seamless. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Some difficulty with geo referencing, but we will resolve that. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Provides professional, slick, classy presentations. Enables overlays from factories of their products into my darwings. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hi Bruce. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Vectorworks Architect! We're pleased to hear that it meets your technical and graphic requirements and that you find the plotter interface easy to use. We appreciate your feedback regarding the geo-referencing issue. If you need further assistance with troubleshooting, please don't hesitate to contact tech@vectorworks.net. ### 29. Great and flexible software **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chris L. | Partner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 20, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Whatever I can imagine, I can figure out a way to draw it in Vectorworks. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Only being able to have 8 files open at once. When I am busy I am constantly having to close files in order to open a file to get some information from another project. Freaking annoying! I run up against this problem pretty much every week. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Prime software I use to do my work. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Thanks, Chris. We're glad to hear that Vectorworks Architect is the prime software for your work. We understand the inconvenience of the file limit and have forwarded this to our product team. Thank you for your valuable feedback. ### 30. Vectorworks Architect 8 hours per day **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Steven G. | Owner, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks Architect has a set of integrated 2D and 3D tools that allow small and large firms to use the software from Schematic Design through Construction Documents and have photo-realistic renderings produced art any point in the design process. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Upgrading yearly to take advantage of the new features requires upgrading files with the potential of minor incompatibilities with older versions. Many of the projects I work on don't magically end in September when the new versions are released. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I have worked with training students, Interns, and other firms with Vectorworks. Start-up time is minimal (only slightly longer than Sketchup) but the eventual depth of information you can get out of the software would on par with any other CAD/BIM platform, even surpassing others in instance. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** In addition to CAD and BIM, we also use VW for Graphic layout of forms, project publication and even project payment forms using the multi-dimensional worksheets built into the program, saving me time in project administration. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hi Steven, Thank you for your review! It's great to hear you're using Vectorworks for through your design process, even using it to help with your project administration. If you have any ideas for future updates, please submit them to (vectorworks.net/public-roadmap). You'll also be able to vote on other ideas and updates scheduled for deployment, are in development, and are actively being researched. Looking forward to hearing from you. ### 31. Long time user **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chris F. | Design consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 10, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The speed that I can set up a room and begin designing. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There are so many tools that I simply don't need to use. But I'd rather have them available and not use them right away than need them and they aren't available. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Being able to model in 3-D is a godsend. I used VW for years and never touched the 3-D side of things. Then I decided to have a couple of training session, and I've never looked back. In fact, I can't figure out how I managed in 2-D only for so long! ### 32. Very intuitive program **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 10, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The main thing I enjoy about Vectorworks is the features that are included,and that they keep including very helpful tools with some of the updates they make every year. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There doesn't seem to be an easy way to do remodels in vectoworks.There aren't as many helpful videos or resources on how to do certain features, So whenever we have a new employee start working for us we have to teach them everything ourselves. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Doing both 3d and architectural plans at the same time is our main reason for picking vectoworks. ### 33. Lots of promise, poorly executed **Rating:** 1.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Nico v. | Architectural Designer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 04, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It features a number of useful features that are missing in other software, such as the ability to easily perform booleans using any geometry which can produce slabs, roofs, walls etc quite seamlessly. VW has a large selection of import and export file formats which mean it has fairly good ease of integration in a mixed-software type environment. The landscaping / grading tools are slightly more useful than Revit, which is not saying much. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** At its core Vectorworks feels like a cobbled together collection of older software, lacking any coherent overarching UX approach, and desperately in need of a ground-up redesign. Older features are still supported in a piecemeal fashion, mashed together with newer BIM aspects in a poorly-executed way that often leaves users scratching their heads. 2D and 3D layers collide incoherently, and Design Layers, Scales, and Elevations are all poorly implemented due to the inconsistent approach. Every accepted standard in terms of layer handling or shortcuts needs to be thrown out of the window, so your retraining time is very high. The UX, while it looks good, is decidedly un-user friendly in operation. Even if you have decades of experience using BIM and 3D software, many of the functions are not intuitively usable without consulting the help or online forums. And, unfortunately, those resources are both poorly maintained and quite sparse. Customer support, even at Premium level, is not good. The nail in the coffin is that this software is incredibly, painstakingly slow. Every operation, even simple line drawings, can have detectable lag between operations, and larger BIM files are an absolute menace. I have been a daily user for 3 years and in this time have upgraded computers 3 times in an attempt to get enough power to overcome this hurdle, but to no effect. Even small files that would run smoothly in Rhino or Revit are a lumbering, stuttering mess. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** As a general BIM software, for both Arhitectural and Landscape design. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hi Nico, Thank you for your feedback. At Vectorworks, we rely on our customers’ input to continuously improve our software, so we appreciate your insight. We are, however, disappointed to hear that your experience has not been ideal. I have shared your feedback with a member of our team, and someone will be reaching out to you soon to better understand your concerns and help provide a solution that meets your needs. If you have other questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out at sales@vectorworks.net. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. ### 34. Great software that makes operating a small firm easy **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 19, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I love that every year Vectorworks makes the needed update to keep up with latest trends to improve user experience and efficiencies. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I would'v liked to see a tab with most recent video/ tutorials inside the software. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** While cost played a role in use of the software, we've continued our use due to the great integration of latest trends and needed software tools to complete drawing sets. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > We appreciate your feedback! The idea of providing access to tutorials is great, and we will pass this along to our product team for consideration in future updates. ### 35. Almost 20 year architect user **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Arthur R. | Principal Architect, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 20, 2025 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Simplicity of program use to develop nice presentable dwgs. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Integration with other similar (cad) softwares **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** As a longtime user, ease of developing dwgs. from one project to another. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hi Arthur, it's great to hear that you find Vectorworks Architect user-friendly and beneficial for your projects. We appreciate your feedback! ### 36. Vectorworks is FANTASTIC! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dennis N. | Owner, RA, NCARB, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 17, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** There are many great features in Vectorworks. I particularly like the full integration of space planning, reports/schedules, 3D, Rendering, and online support. VW also has great importing and external file referencing functions, tremendous flexibility in establishing using defined interfaces, and list keeps going... This is a fantastic program and I highly recommend to any serious Architect. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Perhaps a major pitfall is that Vectorworks seems to think that newcomers already are familiar with their software. I have been using CAD since 1985, including 4 or 5 different programs, but I had difficulty learning the terminology and file structures. In my opinion, a Beginners Guide to Vectorworks would be a tremendous help for newbies. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Importing dwg and pdf files from consultants is seamless, which was NOT the case with my previous CAD software. **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Hi Dennis, Thank you for the positive review. We're thrilled you find value in the complete set of tools available for designing and collaborating with your consultants. We understand that it's difficult for beginners to learn new software, and we recommend checking out Vectorworks University (https://university.vectorworks.net) to discover various videos of tips & tricks to get started. In Vectorworks University, you will also have access to our onboarding program for all learning styles, with multiple training options, instructor-led live seminars, and an on-demand quick start guide. ### 37. Vectorworks Architect is my best studio partner **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Elias M. | Consultor principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks Architect is a robust solution for architectural design that offers a combination of performance, versatility, and easy-to-use features. I highly recommend it to any professional looking to improve their architectural design workflow. What I have found in Vectorworks Architect is a comprehensive workspace that allows me to develop a project in all its phases with ease and precision. It is also a tool that allows you to exchange files with other formats and link efficiently with complementary software for real-time rendering. I have been using Vectorworks for more than 20 years and the program has been improving significantly with each new version and update, so I have stopped using other software packages as Vectorworks has become increasingly complete and robust. I currently use Vectorworks Architect in my professional studio and teach a course dedicated to Vectorworks Architect at LCI Veritas University in San José, Costa Rica. I can assure you that the learning process is quite fast and without complications. Vectorworks is not a toolbox, it is the single tool that does everything an architecture firm needs **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I can honestly say that there is nothing I don't like about Vectorworks Architect **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks Architect is the tool that solves each and every phase of a project, therefore it is not necessary to use different software with different formats to develop a complete project **Official Response from Tyler French:** > We appreciate your kind words about Vectorworks Architect and are delighted to hear that it has become your go-to tool for all your design needs. Thank you for choosing Vectorworks for over 20 years. ### 38. A love-hate relationship over thirty years. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Robert O. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Reasonably intuitive and powerful. We're very used to it. Works with everyone else we deal with. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** File changes every new version. A huge issue with 30 years of projects. System requirements for newer versions require new hardware purchases - which is starting to make VW very expensive to maintain. Basic BIM tools not updated for years (stairs, windows, doors). These are clunky and seem neglected as flashy features are prioritised. Rendering slow, and problems with Shaded and tree symbols. Referencing flaky (co-ordinates jump inexplicably). A better export to Sketchup would be appreciated. File sizes now seem huge. We're a smallpractice and often have 1GB files. Many features do not reflect UK (or Europeran) practices. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use VW from inception massing studies to record drawings on completion. We also work on a variety of project types. Best features (other than CAD drawing) which assist us in everyday work: - BIM modelling - for everything. From the start to the finish. Mainly 3D BIM, but also 2D BIM using scheduling tools. - Worksheets for objects, spaces and records - particularly window and door schedules, area schedules and the ability to export to Excell for sharing with others. - Camera Match for early design testing and photomontages. - Sketch styles for early stage drawings, to make them look less 'definitive'. The frustrating thing is VW does most things well, and when it acts up it is deeply infuriating. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We're glad to hear how Vectorworks Architect solves various issues and how it meets your design needs. We hear and understand you regarding file size and changes for new versions. If you'd like to submit an idea for a future update, we'd recommend checking out our Public Roadmap (vectorworks.net/public-roadmap) where you can also view updates that are scheduled, in development, and actively being researched. ### 39. My go-to Program for Schematic 3D Design **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** John C. | Owner and Principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 22, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Excellent, fast Rendering on Mac Studio using RenderWorks Excellent DWG translation Clear and Easy to use interface Strong 2D tools Really strong database for object intelligence **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Unclear instructions as to how viewports work No advantage of using sheet layers over sheet views Implementation of Sheet Layers and Viewports makes program complex **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Make sure your Mac is 64-bit for 2015 and later. Your mac should have 16 gb RAM for optimal performance, especially when making complex renderings and animations. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The development of an accurate design model greatly defines accurately such issues as roof configurations and building elevation views. There are some really valuable 3D tools, such as the Extrude tool and the Chain Extrude tool. Extensive libraries help accurately depict proprietary windows. Design layers allow easy stacking and pasting inp lace 3D layers. I am grateful for the Renderwors tool which enables me to develop nicely detailed renderings, which rreatly aid in presentations. ### 40. We have used Vectorworks and all of it’s predecessors dating back in to the late 1980s. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Andrew H. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** We have used Vectorworks and all of it’s predecessors (such as MiniCad) dating back in to the late 1980s. I highly recommend Vectorworks to anyone in the design world! We use it for machine design (2D), as well as generating files for our parts making machinery. Vectorworks is used daily by several associates. They have great customer support when we need it. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Thsi is not a cut in anyway, but I sort of wish we could avoid updating every few years. Of course we feel that way about both hardware and most software. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use Architect to design all of teh machines we manufacture...and ship to over 50 nations. We also use the software for generating programs and files that our cutting machines use to make steel parts. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for your review. We're thrilled to hear that you have been a long-time user of Vectorworks and have found it to be a valuable tool for your design work as it relates to machine design, and appreciate the kind words towards our customer success teams. ### 41. Vectorworks is the best CAD/BIM package for architects. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 14, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is a flexible design tool. It fits my process for all types of projects. As a designer, I want to draw and model. Vectorworks lets me quickly test design ideas in 2D and 3D -- without wasting my time filling in endless forms and managing nonsense like Revit 'families'. The graphic quality of documents produced in VW is also very flexible and far better than any other competing software package. It's easy to produce everything from friendly concept documents and renders, to detailed and clear documentation for construction. Having extensively used all major CAD/BIM packages professionally (AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit and Microstation), when it came time to start my own practice I chose Vectorworks. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks needs better support for iPadOS. The current companion app is woeful. When I'm on site I always have an iPad with me. It's the best site computer for checking documents, quickly sketching solutions to queries and taking progress photos. But there's no way to open, view and edit VW files from the iPad. This needs to change. We need real Vectorworks on iPad now. A companion app or viewer does not fit the needs of working architects. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use Vectorworks for design and documentation of all our projects. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for your positive feedback on Vectorworks Architect and for sharing your experience with us, it's great to hear specific examples of how Vectorworks streamlines workflows. We recommend checking out our Public Roadmap (vectorworks.net/public-roadmap) where you can submit your idea for better support on iPadOS. You'll also be able to vote on other ideas and look at which updates are scheduled for deployment, are in development, and are actively being researched, ### 42. I have been using Vectorworks Architect for around three years and has not disapointed. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ivan D. | Principal Architect, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Verry powerfull and versatile. Ease of use, vectorworks university online on-demand training, integration with other file types and the use of cloud processing with Nomad app. Nomad is what separates Vectorworks from the competitors with the ability to take photos to 3D, plan and point cloud. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not a dislike but would suggest that they creat a Engineer version of the softwar. For example a structural engineer version, a mechanical and electrical version. or better yet throw it all in the vectorworks architect. I would love to have my engineers work and collaborate by using the same software. The recently added AI for visual renders should integrate with Twinmotion. e.g. when we say make the floor dark carpet, the AI knows from the model what is a slab and knows where to apply the finishes and uses the available textures from twinmotion... This could be very powerfull. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** once modeled properly, generating site plan, sections, elevation are of huge benefit. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you find the software powerful, and that the integration with other file types and the use of cloud processing with Nomad app are beneficial. We'd really recommend submitting your Engineer version of the software to our Public Roadmap (vectorworks.net/public-roadmap) where you can also see all updates that are scheduled, in development, and are actively being researched. ### 43. 30 years we've grown with Vectorworks and have never really considered changing platforms **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 05, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I think is better than conventional AutoCAD platforms because it's model based. AutoCAD, under all the layers is point based and line based and it's painting opjects with points. True modeling software is materailly better if you're constructing things on [paper] so that you can then analyze what you've built. To me, that's the accurate way to draw. The accurate way to build. I think Vectorworks is better than other modeling platforms because it's been in the game a very long time comparitively. Revit is written for AutoCAD users and I find it to be very porodecural. There's a lot to learn and the rote learning required, to me, inhibits creativity. Lot's of others out there are cheaper and simply lack the functionality to be serious design software. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I think it's quite compatable with other platforms today. Going back it was hard to communicate with DOS based AutoCAD workers. Just like back then if you had an Apple computer you were an odd ball that couldn't communicate in the MS world, today is different. Today the analogy is that there are people, even big people (e.g. Sony) that don't play well with iPhone, but you don't feel hamstringed owning an iPhone, you just feel frustration when other big players are set up communicate well with your excellent and well established platform. Really, we don't have any projects that aren't able to integrate outside our offices, but that's the thing that gives us the most gas. Second would be RAM consumption. We seem to need a lot of RAM. That might have to do with how we use Vectorworks. Clearly and obviously others are drawing much bigger buildings, files, drawings than we are and rendering them at a high level of detail. It feels like we spend more on Hardware than I would like to. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Internal integration. Cloud services is getting better and I would say that's the place we could use 90% of their efforts. There isn't much we can't do that we want to, but communicating with each other and sharing for collaborative inspiration and not losing time there is something that seems like it could get a lot better with less effort and be really, really impactful to our team. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for your detailed feedback on your experience with Vectorworks Architect over the years. We appreciate your loyalty and value your insights on the software's strengths and areas for improvement. ### 44. Vectorworks Architect is my CAD/BIM happy place. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Furniture | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 11, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Cross platform, Stable, Reasonably intuitive to use. High quaity 2D drawing package. Brilliant 3D. its so versitile for so many different uses. Great value for money when compared to other mainstream CAD/BIM. I switched back to Vectorworks after years of using Archicad and it was a pretty smooth transition. I use Vectorworks all day everyday and then when I get home I use vectrworks for my side gig. Initial Customer support was great but I havent really needed to call the help desk at all for a long time **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I've found the Vectorworks Video tutorial content to be a bit of a punish compared to what is available for other similar software I've used. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks fills the gaps left by my industry specific software (cabinet industry) but also it works well for colaboration on architectural work on projects with international stae holders. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > We're thrilled to hear that Vectorworks Architect has become your CAD/BIM happy place! We appreciate your feedback on the drawing capabilities and customer support. We're always listening to user feedback, and if you'd like to submit an idea for a video, please email us at hello@vectorworks.net. ### 45. I've been using VW since 1994 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Initially I used VW (MiniCAD) because it was available for the Mac. Now, of course, it's available for Mac and Windows users and I've worked on both platforms. I've not had any problems working with consultants or other professionals who use other CAD programs. I like the fact VW creates drawings in 3D from the start, that walls, windows and doors are more than just lines. I have had good results working with VW staff, and fortunately haven't needed a lot of help. I probably use less than half of the program's capabilities because it has grown into a lot more than drafting software. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I can't think of any downsides. The learning curve for new users is pretty quick. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I produce design drawings, presentations and construction drawings with VW. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for your review! We appreciate the kind words, continued support, and for highlighting the ease of use and versatility of Vectorworks Architect. ### 46. A great product, but frustratingly unstable **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kevin C. | Managing Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 18, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** As a design tool VW Architect is really intuitive **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There are a number of baisc tools which VW fails to fix, it is extremely unstable. Irrespective of what VW states, it does not integrate well with other software platforms and utilising industry standard BIM libraries which are primarily in Revit format is painful at best **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** None **Official Response from Vu Nguyen:** > Thanks for your feedback, Kevin. We are proud of how intuitive Vectorworks Architect is for designers like yourself. We understand navigating BIM collaboration and interoperability can sometimes be challenging and frustrating. However, if you encounter unexpected results when importing and exporting files to various formats, please get in touch with our Tech Support team at tech@vectorworks.net, and we can help resolve any issues you may be facing. ### 47. Robust BIM software for AE professions **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Drafting and documentation. Continual updates and incorporation of tools familiar to other CAD / BIM programs. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Digital terrain manipulation is difficult. Standard manufactures for doors and windows are buried deep in the resource library. Symbol objects can be difficult to edit. Extruded objects only show in wireframe when in top/plan view. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The problem of hand drafting is being addressed with VW software for drawing and documentation. Design iterations and options are much easier to produce. ### 48. I have been using Vectorworks since it's inception as Blueprint in 1987 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dave N. | Owner / Managing Member, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 16, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Once you become familiar with the Basic Fundementals of the software, it allows for design in it's purist form, rather than having to think about what tool is needed in order to design. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Residencial Design is what I do, some of the plug -in's and reports are not as friendly or as intuitive for Residencial design as I would like. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It allows my Clints to visualize their design much eisier, and changes can be made very quickly, most often on the fly. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for sharing your experience with Vectorworks Architect. We're glad to hear that the software allows for you to design the way you like. We appreciate your feedback about plug-ins and reports and will forward to our engineering team for consideration in future updates. ### 49. It is the most time and cost effective yet most fully featured for a micro-SME with limited funds. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 09, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Having used both ArchiCAD and Revit 'in anger' for over 5 years each as well as many others over the past 30 odd years I settled on Vectorworks for my own use and for KR.eativ: Architects because, for me, it is the most time and cost effective yet most fully featured for a micro-SME with limited funds. It is the fact that all the design software I need is included within Vectorworks Architect (and Designer) and keeps on improving hat makes vectorworks the best sofware for me as an architect **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The welcome frequency of updates is hard to keep track of and to learn or relearn. Even that aspect is dealt with through Vectorworks University. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The accuracy of the model and drawing set and the direct links to NBS Chorus and TwinMotion. The ability to use BIM for any project of any size **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for talking through some of the details about your switch to Vectorworks Architect, we're happy you're having a positive experience and that it's been especially beneficial in your BIM related projects. ### 50. Long time user. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bruce C. | Managing Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2024 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It does everything I need to present professional drawings to mr clients. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I really ejoy watching short, sharp training viceos and would like to see more of them. I am not one to read pages of instruction manuals. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Having made a customised template, I can start work on a project immediately and go effortlessly from scheme design to working drawings. Also making plan adjustments take very little time. **Official Response from Tyler French:** > Thank you for your review! It's great to hear about specific examples of the features/tools our users take advantage of with our software. As Vectorworks University's (university.vectorworks.net) video library and categories are constantly growing, please do check back often to see if there may be new videos that answer new questions you have. If you'd like to suggest content for a video, please email hello@vectorworks.net. ## Vectorworks Architect Discussions - [What languages is Vectorworks Designer design software available in?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/4308-languages) - 1 upvote - [How does Vectorworks Designer software stack up against other design software competitors?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/4307-vectorworks-designer-vs-its-competitors) - 1 upvote - [How can I share data in and out of Vectorworks Designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/4306-sharing-data) - 1 upvote - [What is the learning curve of the software, and what is the transition like?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/4305-learning-curve) - 1 upvote - [What training offerings or resources does Vectorworks offer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/4303-training-offerings-resources) - 1 upvote - [View Vectorworks Architect pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-06-15+20%3A09%3A03+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=0946229e-5d4e-4282-a645-a5bfee199741&secure%5Btoken%5D=b36e13f575be32a7a2d9ecd1f763c080c8d4714e250f7d21f836e311307b0127&format=llm_user) ## Vectorworks Architect Integrations - [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) - [ALLPLAN](https://www.g2.com/products/allplan/reviews) - [Apple Numbers](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-numbers/reviews) - [Bluebeam](https://www.g2.com/products/bluebeam/reviews) - [Cinema 4D](https://www.g2.com/products/cinema-4d/reviews) - [D5 Render](https://www.g2.com/products/d5-render/reviews) - [Enscape 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/enscape-3d/reviews) - [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) - [Keynote](https://www.g2.com/products/keynote/reviews) - [Loom](https://www.g2.com/products/atlassian-loom/reviews) - [Lumion](https://www.g2.com/products/lumion-lumion/reviews) - [NBS Chorus](https://www.g2.com/products/nbs-chorus/reviews) - [Newforma Konekt](https://www.g2.com/products/newforma-konekt/reviews) - [One Click LCA](https://www.g2.com/products/one-click-lca/reviews) - [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) - [Siemens EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/siemens-eda/reviews) - [Solibri Office](https://www.g2.com/products/solibri-office/reviews) - [Twinmotion](https://www.g2.com/products/twinmotion/reviews) - [Veras](https://www.g2.com/products/veras/reviews) - [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) ## Vectorworks Architect Features **Design** - Visualizing - Rendering - Drawing - Editing - Sequence Steps - Dynamic Updating **Library** - Objects - Materials **Collaboration** - Multi User - File Import/Export - Annotating - Document Storage **Rendering** - Textures - Shading - Lighting - Exterior Rendering - Aerial Rendering - Atmospheric rendering **Construction** - Fabrication - Reinforcement Tools - Clash Detection - Grading - Earthwork **Integrations** - BIM Integration - 3D Rendering Integration **Generative AI** - AI Text-to-3D **Generative AI** - AI Text-to-3D **Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Role-Based Access - Centralized Data Management **Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Lifecycle Cost Tracking - Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation **Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Clash Detection - Electrical System Modeling - MEP Coordination - Load Calculation & Analysis - Interoperability with BIM & CAD - Circuit Design Integration ## Top Vectorworks Architect Alternatives - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (1,296 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (914 reviews) - [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (284 reviews)