--- title: Vectorworks Architect Reviews meta_title: 'Vectorworks Architect Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 236 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Vectorworks Architect works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.3 review_count: 236 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-12' parent_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # 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 to be **intuitive and easy to use** , especially on smaller projects, enhancing their design experience. (13 reviews) - Users admire the **graphic capabilities** and extensive features of Vectorworks Architect, enhancing their design flexibility and efficiency. (12 reviews) - Users commend the **intuitive drawing interface** of Vectorworks Architect, enhancing their design workflow and visual quality. (11 reviews) - Users find Vectorworks Architect highly **intuitive** , enabling effortless design development with robust tools and seamless workflows. (7 reviews) - Users value the **exceptional client support** from Vectorworks, ensuring swift assistance and effective problem resolution. (6 reviews) - Users commend the **excellent customer support** of Vectorworks Architect, enhancing their overall user experience significantly. (6 reviews) - BIM Integration (5 reviews) - Design Development (5 reviews) - Drawing Ease (5 reviews) - Rendering (5 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users find **3D modeling issues** in Vectorworks Architect, experiencing limitations and difficulties with the available tools. (4 reviews) - Users find learning Vectorworks Architect **difficult** due to unclear instructions and the adjustment from familiar software. (4 reviews) - Users find the **limited features** frustrating, as essential tools lack proper development and customization options. (4 reviews) - Users experience **missing features** in Vectorworks Architect, such as inadequate renovation tools and limited 3D capabilities. (4 reviews) - Users struggle with a **steep learning curve** in Vectorworks Architect, making the transition challenging compared to familiar software. (4 reviews) - Users face **update issues** that disrupt functionality, complicate workflows, and hinder overall satisfaction with 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 find **limited tools** in Vectorworks Architect frustrating, often hindering productivity and project completion. (3 reviews) ## Vectorworks Architect Reviews ### 1. Jack of All TrDes **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tom K. | Prinicipal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 17, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectororks does so much, and so much of it well. It is a full BIM solution, an excellent free surface modeler, a decent rendering solution, and a full AutoCAD replacement. It works well with almost any software. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Minority software. It does have an expansive list of import and export options, but still less convenient then being in the Autodesk suite. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** The learning curve from AutoCAD is not as steep as it might seem. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectororks is my full service BIM and rendering solution for my architecture office. It 3 softwares in one and our workhorse. ### 2. What You See is what you Get! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 03, 2018 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The closest thing to hand drafting. Seeing lines at actual thickness instead of having to remember layers is great. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not intuitive enough. As a longtime Mac office , that’s an expectation of all programs we use. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Truly industry focused & not obtuse like CAD. BIM modeling & materials calc so easy! **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Great working drawings for all projects that are quickly modified as needed. Easy to interface with other dwgs from engineers etc. ### 3. Very user friendly **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Travis V. | Senior Project Manager, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** 3D modeling is intuitive! The new live sections tool is great **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** No locking tool palettes , and crashes are inevitable, but getting better **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** It is a must, VW Designer is the only way to go **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Comprehensive project modeling that allows easy transition to CDs ### 4. The most intuitive CAD program for MAC users **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Judy C. | sole member, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** How easy and intuitive the program is; drafting is a pleasure! **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The only thing I dislike about Vectorworks is that I don't know all of its features. But that's my issue. I need to dedicate time to continually learn about the program features. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I attended Vectorworks training at its headquarters prior to subscribing, and purchased the software upon completion of the training. My recommendation is that you get training so that you understand how to use the software when you purchase it. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** design visualization (for clients) and design documentation (for us) ### 5. Vectorworks Designer never stops improving itself **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jeff M. | CADD Draftsman, Entertainment, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 14, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The designer package gives me countless symbols to access. As an Entertainment designer, my job varies from Lighting Designer to Event Layouts (Boardrooms to Festivals) to Scaffold Stage Construction Drawings. Using Vectorworks Designer allows both 2D & 3D presentation drawings to convey the information to both the Client & Technical Crews in one file. With new releases each year the content available just continues to grow including more tools and symbols that make my job easier. Can't ask for more! **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks Designer is a great software package, BUT, It can be a little quirky at times. New updates sometimes mess up old tools that have always worked. Usually fixed in the next update. It can be a little crash happy at times too (more so on the PC vs MAC). The backup system they have usually saves enough data to not lose too much information. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** The Architect and landscaping industries seem to have as many fantastic features as I use in the Entertainment Industry **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Using Vectorworks Designer has allowed me to see potential issues with the events i design. From things are going to bump into each other to there isn't enough light on stage Designer provides the nescessary tools to discover the problems at my desk versus out in the field (where its cost a lot more money). ### 6. Versatile, Powerful, Fast **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Thomas T M. | Project Designer, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 11, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vector works is easy to set up for the simplest task, but with a system that for handling very complex and large jobs. I use generally for architectural projects, but also for graphic design and quick studies. The symbol routine enables very efficient drawing. The wall tool is useful for many things other than walls. Being able to quickly transform text into enhanceable graphics, and use of images as surface textures adds flare to drawings. Cross referencing files is key. Viewports and annotation are fast and effective ways of creating interim drawings, or setting up for long run. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** A few glitches when files get large, especially with nested symbols. Some ghost images. It imports PDF's very well, but bogs down if they are large, and creates huge files when exporting drawing containing pdfs. The rendering engine is good for cartoon sketches, but frustrating for lighting and textures, which work really well sometimes, others not so much. Would like more explanation of different options and tools. Cross referencing is a bit cumbersome, as is setting up of 3D viewports and the camera tool. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Highly recommended. Take time to learn the tools. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architectural and Interior design. Concept and schematic, all the way to design and construction detailing. I can get drawings updated and out quickly and effectively. I am able to utilize my own systems and routines. ### 7. Vectorworks Architect for Interior Designers is the most usable tool **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Zoltán K. | Architect, Architecture & Planning, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 11, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** VW 3D modeling is easy to use and learn even for those who have never worked with a CAD software. I personally really like how BIM can be done in VW and how to make every sheet from a 3D model. Symbols are great and subdivisions made life easier significantly. I even use VW for graphical works as well. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It is a problem that VW doesn't have a lot of Eurpoean drawing standards such as door and window labels (door and window center lines with both height and width measurements for example). And some bugs (i think it is a bug) for example when you make a symbol from a door in a wall, than draw the center line and the measurements in it, when you turn the wall more than 90 degrees VW flips the numbers the wrong direction no matter what. It would be awesome if i could set different drawing styles to symbols to show different details in different scales and even to set up symbols to show different 2D in different layers (such as stairs). I wish there was an option to save multi-pass renders. I would really like that if there were more built in deafult scheduels such as wall volumes...just to mention some. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** It is a great software that has everything you need and even more. You don't have to buy different softwares for different thing, this one has everything you will ever need to design any building from scratch to realization. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** There is no such software that can handle 2D drawings, 3D modelling and awesome rendering at the same time integratedly without add-ons or plug-ins, while it is capable of making graphical designs, supports all scales from GIS through BIM until furniture design. ### 8. Vectorworks has given me a wet to show customers my designs **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Events Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like the ease of use, and the amount of detail in the finished product. My customers are amazed how their ideas can be transferred to a animated design **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** This is an absurd question. When someone like a product why then are you forcing that person to fine things wrong with the product. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Need more concentration for events and lighting. Need HUGE events library with theme decor props, flower centerpieces, decorations, etc. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** To show customers EXACTLY what will work for their event. ### 9. I Like the Comprehensive capability **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Peter B. | Project Manager, Construction, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** That I can draw one model and then show all elevations, sections, etc to my clients without having to re-draw. I can also get material take offs from the drawings **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The purchase cost is a little too much for me to upgrade. I don't like having to subscribe annually. When Vectorworks first came out, when you bought it, you owned it. No annual fees to keep using it **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can easily know how the material quantities change when the design changes ### 10. Good for solo architect **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tom B. | Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Easy to learn. One of the first truly 3D object based cad programs **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** No repeat command for repetitive tasks. No undo arrow like most every other program in the world has. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Try it. (Note to G2: I'm on a tablet and traveling at the moment t, so I didn't have a screenshot on this tablet device. Will upload or email one if requested. Thanks.) **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Easy to model schemes and create semi-complete schematics. Very professional presentation impression. ### 11. VW does what I need when I need it **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Trent T. | Assistant Chief, Research, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Designing in 3D as you are developing in 2D **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Inconsistent interface sometimes as tools developed over time and got integrated into the product. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Prototyping lab and office space changes with the stakeholders brainstorming saves lots of time ### 12. Vectorworks and its compatibility with laying out art exhibitions **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Museums and Institutions | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I appreciate the ability for Vectorworks to accommodate imagery and have this imagery be integrated into a variety of views. Especially handy when working on display with a multitude of objects, graphics, and lighting **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The lighting options take some getting used to. Not as intuitive as I would like. Also, it take more time than I'm willing to spend to go deeper and more resolved with some of the rendering functions. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Good to use for internal solutions and designs. Transitions easily from 2d to 3D. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** In terms of business and related efficiencies, Vectorworks is a tool in which to provide my institution designs to share and collaborate with various trades and colleagues ### 13. VW review **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Marketing and Advertising | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** the graphical object based CAD program. It allows me to be a graphic designer as well as a draftsman. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** rendering is okay at best. The export to VR is still a work in progress, and doesn't allow me all the control that I would like. Working with a Point Cloud is a bit difficult when you zoom in to close. VW also hasn't developed a lot of tools for Point Clouds. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** It's good for what I use it for, but I would not consider it for any large commercial project. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Being able to put a customer friendly design in front of people that can't read a floor plan, helps a lot. ### 14. Landscape Design on Vectorworks **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Diane H. | Partner and Principle Designer, Design, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** This is a very intuitive program to use. It has many easy-to-use tools that create clear, easy to read drawings. The viewport function enables you to look at elements in detail and gives great flexibility in creating various drawing formats. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I have always had trouble with the text tool malfunctioning, despite a new issue each year. You cannot edit a text style once set up, which is awful, so you have to create a whole new text style just to change alignment or letter style. Going from one scale to another (in viewports) creates problems with text scale. I have even had it ignore a default style set for a certain class and substitute an entirely different text style, and continues to do so even after making sure the default style is what you want. It writes over itself sometimes. The drawing label tools doesn't work sometimes in viewports, but will work if written over the viewport (instead of as an annotation). I waste a ton of time fussing with the text tool. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Take a class or hire a tutor (which I did) to make the most of this product. It has so much more than I ever use, but I know it's there and continue to develop my knowledge of the program. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** This enables me to produce plans quickly as an individual designer working alone. I can quickly import other drawings, photos, etc. and make them a component of my drawing. I do minimal hand drawing now which helps hand problems I've developed from years of drawing by hand. ### 15. VectorWorks is a great program with some room for improvement. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** John R. | Sculpture/Ceramics Department Chairman, Higher Education, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The visibility of the drawing space. It is easy to see your work and changed between views and projections. Like the newer Cinema 4D-based rendering engine. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The layers and class feature is too complicated for basic work, an option for something closer to Illustrator layers would be preferred. The walkthrough/animation options to create movies of projects are too simplistic, having multiple and greater options for cameras would be preferred as well as camera-on-path tools would be great. Needs better polygon-level creation and editing tools for 3D work. So far, learning the new resource palette interface in VW 2017 is cumbersome. I am very used to the old resource palette format, learning a new one is time consuming. I wish the landscape generation tools could be updated, it is very hard to find on the Mac platform good tools for working with high-res DEM and related files to create realistic topography, this is one area VectorWorks could offer a more advanced capability to the Mac design world. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** A program very useful for CAD and architecture. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Extremely versatile and important visualization tool for many different kinds of projects. ### 16. Vectorworks n the perfect tool for the entertainment design team **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kevin Lee A. | Principal Scenic and Lighting Designer, Entertainment, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** That's hard to say, and impossible to isolate into a single feature. I like the ability to collaborate either using symbol/layer referencing or Project Sharing. I like the streamlined design workflow. As a set designer, I can 'sketch in Vectorworks, turn the sketches into rendering, finesse the details, improve the renderings and create working drawings for the shops. I like the ability to collaborate, modify the model and have the modifications flow throughout my documentation. I like being able to share the model with the lighting designer (when I'm not also the LD) and the sound designer. I think it's critical that we all work together to ensure smooth and safe installation. The addition of Vision and the integration with Lightwright helps all off the design team, and the entire production team, not just the LD. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Huh? Dislike? Vectorworks assigns classes to parts of/types of spotlight lighting devices. I would generally want to assign my own class structure. With objects like doors and windows there are drop downs for class assignment. I would like a choice to assign one class to all (allowing exceptions for glazing), I would like to be able to impose my own classing on object types like renderworks cameras, drawing labels, etc. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Just get it. Vectorworks Designer is a great suite of tools for all kinds of designers. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I think the workflow in one application and the coordination with clients and colleagues is the greatest benefit. ### 17. Vectorworks Designer & Landmark **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Danilo M. | President Elect, Design, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I am simultaneously designing in 2D and 3D. There is no exporting to other software and modifying things that I have already created. Additionally, the file inter-operability with other brands of CAD software and other file types, such as PDFs and JPGs, makes incorporating information from other sources very easy. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Some tools seem a little more complex than they should be, like reshaping 3D objects. Sometimes I wish the interface were more like SketchUP, in a WYSISWG kind of way. Other tools require much pre-planning and setup before they will work, which is sometimes contrary to the early creative process. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Consider the needs of your company and what kind of information and documentation you receive from clients and collaborators. Also consider what kind of output you need other than just 2D drawings. If you do rendering, BIM, cost analysis or site data reporting with other software, you might be able to do all of that in VW at the same time as your design. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Since VW is very powerful in associating information to objects, I am preparing reports at the same time as I am drafting. This helps cut down the time it takes to do project cost forecasts of my work. I am able to deliver a better product to my clients at a competitive price because of this. ### 18. Best BIM software for architects **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 25, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It is the most suitable BIM software for architects because it was originally developed by architects and continues its evolution with architects on its development team. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not really. The target audience lacks knowledge of their skills. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Extremely competent modeling, excellent interaction with other BIM and CAD software, greatly speeds up the work, in addition to producing printed material at a very high level, internal spreadsheets, internal rendering. ### 19. Vector Works Architectural **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chuck H. | President, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The 3D Modeling and presentation capability. It is very easy to work a 3D environment. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** When in 3D views the inability to select objects and get an accurate measurement distance between. Or selecting an object and moving it an X or Y plan and returning to the plan view to find it moved in a direction that you did not intend for it to move. Example in your in an elevation view and you decide to raise the roof 6 inches. You select the roof, select move, input 6 inches in Y direction, return to the plan view to find the roof having moved 20 ft in the X-direction. Now comes the fun of trying to get everything aligned. Been complaining about this problem to Vector Works since version 2014 when the problem first arouse so far it was not fixed w/ 2016. Have not installed 2017 - hopefully it has been fixed but not optimistic that it has. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architectural and Mechanical design for light commercial and residential structures ### 20. It's great, but I've not given it my full attention yet. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Keith B. | Architect/ Partner, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is native to Mac and offers a much more intuitive graphic approach. It's powerful and capable of doing all that I need. I prefer the interface to other programs, even more as I use it more. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It's inconvenient to share files with AutoCAD users. As I'm normally the one hiring consultants it's not me having to adjust to their needs so the pain isn't huge on my part, but can be a bother for them. That has the potential to be an issue with consultants who'd maybe rather not deal with the hassles I bring to them. Yet to be seen. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** You can't do it half way, you have to commit. Once you do, it comes pretty easy. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I'm looking for a cost effective software that delivers comprehensive capability in the BIM market. This does it in spades as it's considerably less expensive and much better supported by the company. Other online resources are more limited because VW does not hold such a strangle hold on the market as Revit, for instance, but we're managing. ### 21. A CAD Program for Architects **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Niel D. | Owner/\Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks was designed from the beginning to be used by architects and designers for architectural projects. It is not loaded down with features that a designer will not need or use. It is also very user friendly. I found it much more intuitive to learn than my previous CAD program. Vectorworks Service Select is great. 95% of the time a phone call is answered immediately and I get an answer to my question. Being able to carry all of my custom setting over into a new version is one of the best improvements in years. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not much. There are functional characteristics that I don't like but they are minor in light of how well the software works. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Take the plunge. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I'm very busy and working to keep up with the requirements of my clients. The ease of incorporating corrections and changes is great. ### 22. Vectorworks Designer is the best BIM application **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Владимир . | архитектор, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Excellent architectural graphic of Vectorworks (all the tools at hand on your desktop). Import-export with Revit, SCIA, Cinema4D, Rhinoceros (Rhino+Grasshopper). Support OpenBIM standard (*.IFC) **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There is a lack of tools like 3D-modeling program Moi3D (or similar math and scripts) easy to use. It is necessary to make the display layers of profiles of walls in 3D-view of ClipBox tooll and sections! Spotlight tools should be adapted for street lighting. We need to make the interactive connection link Vectorworks to Lumion, twinmotion3D or LumenRT. I advise you to make a Russian language version with the russian architectural graphic standards. You must increase the number of scripts in the Marionette tool. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Vectorworks - BIM is a universal program for all sections of the architectural and design drawings and the 3-D modeling with enabled algorithmic design (Marionette) (VW Designer inside all: Architect, Landmark, Spotlight. There is InteriorCAD modul) Vectorworks has easy to learn and use BIM-system. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** With Vectorworks we solve the problems of the restoration and renovation of old buildings (PointCloud tools), in landscape and urban planning (Landmark-Landscape) in the construction of buildings (Architect) and interior design (Designer + interiorCAD), to street and interior lighting (Spotlight). Vectorworks helps of exchange of the drawing information with foreign business partners. ### 23. Best CAD for just about everything **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Stuart A. | President, Design, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Start with, it is fully cross Platform with no file translation needed between platforms. The software is virtually identical on both platforms. Next it is a completely capable 2d and 3d CAD platform with tons of capabilities. There are a number of specialized modules for Lighting Design, Landscaping, Architecture, Rendering, etc. It is very, very affordable compared with other Major CAD Software. There is a terrific user community with lots of helpful additional plugins and 3rd party add-ons. While I would not say any true CAD software is "easy" to learn, I believe Vectorworks is easier to learn than many and faster to use once one become familiar with it. We find it an outstanding and most compelling piece of software and vital to our business. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** No software is perfect, there are some inconsistencies in various tools, the occasional bug, etc. The Developers seem very intent on fixing those things, as updates and patches come out regularly. There is a certain focus these days on the BIM approach, which for my business is not all that important, so there are times I simply avoid those parts of the application. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Get a trial version, watch some of the tutorials online to grasp the basic concepts, and then start trying it out. There are many online tutorials for a lot of the modules. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** This is one of our handful of core software applications and is a vital part of our day to day work. It is the main design tool we use for all drawings, and documentation of proposed and installed systems. We have been using in for many years, and cannot imagine working without it. ### 24. More productive than you ever imagined **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ramón P. | Consulting Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** What I like best is being able to be a lot more productive than anyone I know that uses 2D and especially folks still using AutoCAD. I can't imagine doing tons of work on models in SketchUp only to have to butcher them to insert a bunch of lines into AutoCAD or similar 2D applications. And then when changes to the wok happen (and a LOT of them ALWAYS happen) you have to go back and redo the model AND the CAD drawings separately??? NO THANKS... Anyone still on the fence thinking about wether to take the plunge I would tell that in a couple of days (or nights if you are concerned with office downtime) you'll be on par with what you were doing in 2D CAD. From there on it's money in the bank in terms of time and effort saved. The Help menu and the free online tutorials are a formidable resources for becoming progressively more productive and efficient. There is even a free demo. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I'd say that new features are coming out faster than one can incorporate into the drawing routine. But, OTOH, when you need to do a very special or even weird object or effect it turns out that the capabilities are there and you just had to check a free online tutorial and in a few minutes go back to producing. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Download the demo and take the free online tutorials on the Vectorworks website. In half a day if not less you'll realize that the potential for you being more efficient and productive is extraordinary. When I first started to watch some tutorial videos 11 years ago I said to myself, "Damn... I can do that!!!" **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Well, construction drawings of course. But also great presentation drawings using the same info that eventually becomes the CDs. No wasted time there. ### 25. Pretty good **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Richard G. | Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Best CAD program for Mac. Reasonably user friendly. Pretty good tech support. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There are a few bugs which have been giving us ongoing difficulties. Tech support has been somewhat helpful, but a few times the only answer was to upgrade, which we can't afford. Our issues were related to basic functions of the program so there's no excuse for bugs not being fixed. 3d is overly complicated to use for early design studies. Upgrades are way too expensive!!! Upgrades in the past couple of years have been very incremental and have not added much value or additional usability to the program from our perspective. There's no justification for these upgrades costing the same as purchasing the program new. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use the software to make drawings. It works pretty well for that. It would be great to use it as a 3d design tool, but it is too time consuming to input all the necessary data. **Official Response from Lauren Burke Meyer:** > Hi Richard, thanks for your feedback. Regarding upgrading, have you considered our Service Select subscription program? It was designed to help people get the most out of their software at the best possible price. Compared to purchasing a single Vectorworks license, the Service Select program offers several benefits, including immediate receipt of product releases, predictable budgets, priority technical support, VIP access to downloads, easy account management and access to a growing library of on-demand tutorials. You’ll also have premium access to Vectorworks Cloud Services, as well as our mobile apps. Visit the Service Select website to learn more: https://serviceselect.vectorworks.net/login_form. ### 26. Software switch with confidence and ease **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Steve E. | Owner / Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 14, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I love the potential! I moved from a straight-up 2D cad program that was beloved for the entirety of my office's history - 17 years! But when it was clear that my office was behind the curve a little and clearly duplicating work, we needed to make the move. There is no doubt that the instant I started learning the ins and outs I knew we had made the right choice. Vectorworks is quite a well of tools, information and possibilities, but I've never felt it daunting at all. The switch was EASY! Being able to continue 2d drafting was virtually a non-issue. No time lost. Like many products, I know there are other ways to do what this does, but I think the look, feel and just the vibe of the interface is best in class. I've been consistently surprised and confident at the ease (and even fun!) to "getting to the next level" with productivity. Whether it be schedules, references and now 3D integration to our workflow, Vectorworks is an easy adventure in deep water. To stick with the analogy, the water is clear and also pretty warm - makes for nice diving! **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The only thing that I would say could be considered a challenge is just the fact that I waited so long to add Vectorworks to my toolbox. At my office, we have been pretty entrenched in our ways and the inertia is real. Just getting going is hardest part. I wish there were more on-board tutorials or manuals - like a "Start Here Guide " - that came with the package. I initially tried to learn Vectorworks while on vacation and since the reception was spotty for internet, it got fairly frustrating to view video tutorials and the real learning had to wait. (That said, once I was back in civilization, it was a breeze.) **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Buy the books, do the tutorials, you cannot be disappointed. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We have been jumping back and forth from our 3D modeling software and 2D cad work for years, but now the 3D capabilities of Vectorworks have collapsed the coordination time to zero. This saves a TON of time and frustration and keeps us designing a lot more ( and cleaning up translations to virtually zero). Schedules are also becoming a very low effort game as well. We're having more fun drawing again and that is worth a lot! ### 27. building integrated modeling **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 14, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** BIM is the most impressive part of Vectorworks - but with an easy user interface **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Jumping from AutoCAD to vectorworks and back requires shifting around your approach so everything makes sense **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** design/build project in another country allows for translating drawings and revisions easily using vectorworkds ### 28. Vectorworks Spotlight. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Performing Arts | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks Spotlight is an industry standard, **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Software is pricy, to a point of being cost prohibitive even on subscription renewals. Software is buggy and crashes all the time. Programmers are more interested in adding new elements so they can keep justifying the excessive cost rather than have it work. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** At times software is very frustrating. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks is the easiest and most common tool to do my job. ### 29. Vectorworks provides all the design tools I need. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 22, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Being able to work through a design project from initial concept through design development and construction detailing with BIM tools. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** That everybody doesn't use Vectorworks. Coordinating with other offices still using 2D CAD and other packages can be a pain. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Switch. You wont regret it. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Not having to have a suite of design software packages is a real benefit. ### 30. Been using VectorWorks since the mid 1990's and prefer VectorWorks over all the others **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kevin L. | Owner/Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 15, 2015 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Ease of use has always been the primary reason - it works the way I think! Of course working in model format so I can look at my design in 3D as well as work on production drawings in 2D has been key. Integration of multiple production tools, symbols, worksheets and libraries are a primary plus. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** An issue I've had with the program has been with upgrade where features are introduced, or changed and they don't work or are "buggy" and require work arounds. Often the fix comes with a paid upgrade or the next version (which has a cost of either an upgrade or paying for the service select membership). Hours may be spent on trying to get the feature to work and then giving up in frustration with the feature just isn't ready for prime time (the feature "Stories" comes to mind!). As an architect it would be like me telling the client, "oh, the front door doesn't really open, we're hoping it will work properly in the next version. But we find a good work around is to use the back door when you want to come in and out of your house!" Yeah, that would work really well! **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Vectorworks is a full featured program that has allowed me and my firm realize great communication with our clients and the builders we work with to get the best outcome we can in the execution of our designs, to the satisfaction of our clients. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Production and work flow. being able to model / sketch with 3D to help clients see how the design will come together. **Official Response from Lauren Burke Meyer:** > Hi Kevin, thanks for your feedback. We realize that sometimes we’re too eager to get tools into the hands of designers and as a result, there can be bugs, which is why we release service pack updates periodically throughout the year. These updates include enhancements and fixes to address bugs. If you notice any bugs, please do post them here so we can be sure to address them: http://www.vectorworks.net/support/bugsubmit. ### 31. VectorWorks Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 26, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I Have been using VectorWorks since it was MiniCad. It's intuitive, comprehensive and affordable. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It has gotten more expensive over the years. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Great CAD product. I haven't used the 3D lately, so can't tell if it has improved in usability. I use Sketch -Up for 3D, since it is easier to make quick models to study shadows and massing, etc. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** VectorWorks allows me to quickly provide all my architectural services to my clients. I can send digital files to clients, contractors and public agencies. Rapid communication saves time and money. ### 32. Registered Architect for 15 years and have worked in the profession for 25 years and use VW **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chris F. | Owner, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 06, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Quick and easy to create 3D BIM models. Multiple layers act as xreferences better than Autocad. Can use 3D model to assist in creating detail sections. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Note, notes, callout symbols are hard to control and keep consistent. You can't save callout symbols perimeters and going from design layer to sheet layer annotation viewport throws off text size. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Very Good to Great BIM and rendering ability. Inexpensive and easy to use. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** 3D BIM helps me find where potential intersection problems can exist. ### 33. Best architectural design and Spec drawing with 3 D ever **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Hardware | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 16, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** We started to use Vectorworks since it was miniCad. Vectorworks Architect and 3D **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The rendering is sometimes slow, but with a better Mac CPU is acceptable. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** We would like to see better rendering speed and Animation id posible. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We Design and do all Specification drawings and Details. Most engineering drawings etc. ### 34. Great All-round Design Software **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Janet T. | Interior Designer, Design, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It accomplishes all my needs: Construction Drawings and Rendering in one user friendly program **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I wish I could get a more "organically artistic" look instead of photo realism (i.e.: pencil sketches) **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** As an interior designer who works independently, most of the software I purchase has to perform multiple functions, as I don't have the time or resources to learn and apply multiple forms of presentation to clients, so this fits the bill really well, and I have not had to learn different technologies to stay current with the industry. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** A quick way to layout floor plans that contain valuable construction information such as wall depth and materials and the ability to turn into sections and elevations easily ### 35. Exceptional product **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Gerald L. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I enjoy the ease and the many options Vectorworks has to offer. This includes importing drawings with ease and able to duplicate and expand the drawing. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Just the price. I have been very pleased with everything else. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** N/a **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** My business is in set design for TV and Film. ### 36. Vectorworks and architecture **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Drawings are created in final quality. You can do SD to CD in own program. Rendering is integrated into the modeling program. Built in resources are helpful. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** 3D model tools are challenging to adjust to. Not as many clear online tutorials as other products. Slow to open initially. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The ability to easily draw, scale, and annotate drawings is helpful. The addition of project sharing has improved efficiency on larger projects. ### 37. Practicing Architect for 32 years **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rod C. | Owner/Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I started with early versions of Mini CAD, it was very easy to learn, since then Vectorworks has developed into a very powerfull program that compares to the best. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not sure if it is a dislike yet, but I have people telling me I should get Revit. I don't want to I hear that Vectorworks can work with Revit just haven't tested it out yet. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Getting more into the 3D, But need to make the full transition. ### 38. Great 3D Platform Fo Entertainment Design **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Performing Arts | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 17, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It's user friendly - very intuitive & tech support is terrific **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Nothing comes to mind VW is easy to use **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** All my design needs from quick rough sketches thru final renderings & Deign elevations are solved in the one file. ### 39. Vectorworks Architect is a great BIM alternative **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Severn C. | Principal, Design, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks BIM manages a good compromise between full 3d and 2d - this makes it easier to choose the level of detail at which to work to fit the task. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks has a much smaller user base among professionals and students, so we end up having to do more in-house training. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** BIM - as a small practice, automating the 'boring' stuff helps us be more agile and responsive. ### 40. The only choice for an Entertainment Lighting Desinger **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Todd P. | Full Professor, Higher Education, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Drafting programs can be intimidating, Vectorworks is easy to use and learn. I have been teaching the software for over 17 years. I can get students drafting in a matter of minutes. For an Entertainment designer there is no better software, the tools in the Spotlight workspace are exactly what we need. It comes with thousands of symbols, textures, gobo textures that are just not available with any other program. Some programs try to taylor themselves to the lighting industry but they fail because they are not a full drafting program like Vectorworks. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I don't think the shortcuts are as intuitive as other programs. Though the cost is much cheaper than other drafting programs the per year cost is high for many small or middle scale designers. As far as an educator it gets harder to get funding for software for our labs. I know the company is working with some schools to reduce the cost. Its hard to justify it to administrator when AutoCad is free for university computer labs. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Use the free trial but if you need a great drafting program for Entertainment Design this is the best choice. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is a superior product for Entertainment lighting plots and paperwork management. The program allows me to be more detailed with drawings and quicker with each plot I do. This is the only program I know of that allows you to project real theatre gobos in a 3d environment. This is so helpful when trying to communicate with a director or producer. ### 41. Better than other product **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Easy way to create working drawing and presentation document at same platform **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Need a lot of update and download the plug in after installation **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** does not required to spend lots of time or 3rd party outsourcing to prepare the construction documents ### 42. Fantastic design workflow **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Speed that you can produce presentation boards and planning drawings. Graphic quality and accuracy. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There is nothing I dislike. Vectorworks provides an exceptional set of tools for architecture. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** 2D-3D workflow is very efficient when trying to solve the build ability and the speed you can come up with solutions is much faster when you understand the problem in 3D ### 43. Since MiniCAD **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** MAC Platform. and a very intelligent and sophisticated program **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I would like the program to have better compatibility with Revit and other BIM workspaces. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Affordable and powerful software solutions. Great support. ### 44. Great Scenic Design Tool **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mason L. | Associate Special Effects Designer, Entertainment, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I love the speed that Vectorworks allows me to work at. I can within a few days quickly draft up a mockup and modify it quickly. This tool has allowed me to push my project ahead faster than I could have using other drafting programs. After using this program for a number of years also the speed I can quickly come up with a show set package has increase because of its hotkeys. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Sometimes getting a nice finish with drop shadows is a little difficult and getting a quick count of specific symbols is hard. Sometimes the text editing can be a bit step intensive between drawings of different scales but it is a simple inconvenience rather than a show stopper. The price tag, and lack of payment plan, makes it hard for me to upgrade year after year. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I would definitely recommend this program to other scenic designers. Its ability to quickly create 2D drawings is very easy and its 3D capabilities are quickly becoming a staple in my work flow. Also its ability to effectively get you easily editable drawings takes a little bit to learn the work flow, but once established you can edit any part of your drawing quickly and efficiently saving time and money. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** For my job I am in need of quickly and clearly illustrating scenic designs to a variety of shops. The ability to quickly draft, as well as add custom poche' and drop shadows helps my drawings be interpreted quickly and accurately. ### 45. Vectorworks is a Life Saver. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** matthew S. | Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I found the Vectorworks Architect to be relatively easy to jump into and learn. For the most part it feels rather intuitive. But the best thing about using Vectorworks is the integration of all the drawings. It really saves time and man power to when pushed up against tight deadlines. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There are some quirky things when it comes to customization. While i have found most anything i need to do, i can. Operations that require a greater level of customization tend to take longer than i think they should. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Vectorworks is a great product for getting into the world of BIM. It has allowed us to move from the world of 2D into the world of 3D documentation with very few growing pains. Overall, it is great product that i would highly recommend. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Tanking on bigger project scope without upsizing my firm has been the biggest benefit from having made the switch to Vectorworks. ### 46. Great software for TV and Film design **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Motion Pictures and Film | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It's so great to use Vectorworks for designing for film. I have tried different platforms and bu far my favorite one is this one. Very complete software that allows me to deliver the best work in the most efficient way. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Sometimes when the file reaches a large size, crashes seem imminent with certain plugins. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** With Vectorworks, I have become a fast drafter, allowing me to deliver projects much more efficiently. ### 47. The most versatile software out there **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks has always been great 2D software. About 10 years ago I started doing more and more 3D modeling. I am at the point where I created a complete model for every project and the time I save in creating documents is amazing. That Is benefit one. The great thing about Vectorworks is that it is not only for architectural models, but you can model anything you can dream up. You can render it and present it in hundreds of ways. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It does require a lot of computing power and my platform of choice has always been a Mac, so I have to spend a bit for my equipment to keep up with the software's capabilities. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I would highly recommend it for small to medium sized projects. I have not had experience with very large projects (> 60,000sf) or with work groups. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I love the software so much I went from being a full service architectural firm to just offering modeling, rendering, and construction document services to other architects. I am busier than ever and totally loving my work. ### 48. VW Architect is a great BIM tool that comes with amazing support. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The efficiency. Using one program from schematic design to construction documents has been great. The resource manager is a great tool to reference and streamlines the design process. Being able to produce quality renderings throughout the design process has been a nice benefit. The (VSS) support has been exceptional. If/ when I have an issue I can get a response pretty quickly and have usually been able to rectify any issues I might have had, with the help of tech support. My salesman is pretty great to (Shane Swanson) - always easy to get a hold of and helpful when we talk. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The file size gets pretty large and slow when you incorporate as much as you can from the resource manager. Occasionally I have to close and reopen the program because it seems glitchy. I've had some ghosting issues that appear and eventually disappear in a few files. I'm not sure what the cause is. I've had some crashing issues with past versions, but 2017 has been a pretty stable platform. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** VW Architect has all of the tools you need, regardless of the size of your firm. I don't understand the migration to Revit. It's mind boggling, considering what VW can do for a fraction of the cost. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It's a clean, intuitive, streamlined tool that makes day to day tasks easier. We've realized how efficient VW can be, by reducing redundancy. We need less people involved on individual projects to attain the same level of work and detail. ### 49. I have been using Vectorworks faithfully for over 20 years. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The 2d drafting is impeccable. Easily the best drafting software that I've used in 25 years of CAD drafting. I work in the entertainment industry, and I've taught on the undergraduate and graduate levels in Theatrical Design. The 2d software is the easiest for young designers to understand, and the best way for visually-based artists to get their creative ideas into "real-world" scales. Once the 2d elements are developed, Vectorworks makes it easy to extrapolate ideas into the 3d world. The integration between 2d Vectorworks and 3d Renderworks is practically seamless. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Nemetscheck owns Cinema 4d, yet the connection between VW and C4D has not improved in years. The steps which were attempted in VW2017 failed miserably. They really need to put forth a stronger effort towards the mutual exchange between VW and C4D or they will run the risk of being left behind. Programs like SketchUp are making strides at getting better in the area of software interaction. They also need to continue to stabilize the software. Every year the subscription users are forced to start using a new release which is completely unstable. Personally I have usually had to wait 3-4 months from the release of new versions before I can start using it. This has caused a lot of anger and resentment from loyal users, and is often construed as being a sign that Nemetscheck cares more about selling a new product rather than selling a reliable product. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I feel that this software is excellent for the Entertainment Industry. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have no idea what this question means. ### 50. Great BIM Software for the Mac Platform **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bill G. | Designer, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like the fact that the software is very user Friendly. The tools are easy to Identify as far as what tool does what function. The easy of use helps us in the cost of training in our office. We are a small office so the cost for such a powerful software is right on target for our needs. Vector works has been very good about staying on target with the demands and upcoming trends in the BIM software market **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I would like to see more in the way of Structural tools in this software. The Architectural features are nice but the tools that provide structural members could use some work and the ability to edit them easily would be a big bonus. The VR Features could still use some more polishing it would be nice for it to upload render works animated renderings as wells the open GL renderings. We would like to see the compatibility between Revit and opening Revit files to keep improving. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Great software for small firms that want a lot options for a great price. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The biggest problem this software helps with is coordination throughout our plans. Everything is linked together which helps in fewer missed mistakes. more and more of our contractors are using BIM during the construction process, so being able to send files back and forth in a BIM format on complicated projects has been great. ## 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?page=3§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-12+08%3A35%3A26+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=0254ef5f-28af-43d5-840a-f2c664cdf5ce&secure%5Btoken%5D=1449f524b899a8a252a500c4e59c27676fcde14fe401123f3cc174292adc569b&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 (1,299 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (918 reviews) - [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (285 reviews)