Vectorworks

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 1985
Developer: Vectorworks, Inc.
Pricing: Subscription-based; perpetual licenses available
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS, Windows

Indexes

Moving/Floor Planning

Overview

Vectorworks is 3D design software for CAD, BIM, and modeling used by architecture, landscaping, and entertainment professionals. It supports sketching, 3D modeling, documentation, and presentation in a flexible workflow from concept to construction.¹³

Key Features

Flexible 3D Modeling - Powered by SIEMENS Parasolid engine for precise sketching, modeling, and documentation without strict presets.³
Detail Callout Tool - Selects areas from plans, sections, or elevations to generate larger-scale detail viewports.²
Detailing Tool Palette - Provides ready-made 2D symbols like joists, insulation, and anchors for efficient drafting.²
Phasing System - New in 2026 version for managing project phases.⁴
Maxon Redshift Rendering - Integrated rendering engine for presentation-ready visuals in Vectorworks 2026.⁴
AI Visualizer - Generates and edits images using natural-language prompts based on design edges, colors, and materials.⁴
Resource Manager - Access to profile examples and symbols for interior details and components.⁸

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Vectorworks Architect	Subscription from $153/month	BIM/CAD tools for architecture, 3D modeling, detailing.³
Perpetual License	Starting at $3,045	One-time purchase with maintenance option for updates.¹

Platforms & Requirements

Runs on macOS and Windows with no Linux, mobile, or web support mentioned. Minimum requirements align with modern CAD software, leveraging SIEMENS Parasolid for 3D. No notable platform-specific limitations identified.¹³

Integrations & Ecosystem

SIEMENS Parasolid modeling kernel
Maxon Redshift renderer
Manufacturer detail imports
Consultant data imports
Detail libraries and symbols
AI image editing tools

Alternatives

App	Difference
Revit	More rigid BIM-focused; Vectorworks offers greater 2D flexibility and hybrid CAD/BIM approach.²
AutoCAD	Vectorworks provides integrated 3D/BIM with creative flexibility over AutoCAD's drafting emphasis.
SketchUp	Vectorworks excels in professional BIM documentation; SketchUp is lighter for conceptual modeling.
ArchiCAD	Vectorworks emphasizes hybrid 2D/3D freedom; ArchiCAD is more parametric BIM-oriented.

Reputation

Vectorworks is recognized for its flexibility in 3D modeling and hybrid CAD/BIM capabilities, appealing to architects and designers seeking creative freedom over rigid parametric systems like Revit.²³ Users praise detailing tools, resource libraries, and recent additions like AI Visualizer and Redshift for efficient workflows.⁴⁶ Criticisms include less emphasis on pure parametric BIM compared to competitors, potentially suiting hybrid workflows better than fully model-driven projects.

Sources (8)