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LC

Lee C.

Principal

Architecture & Planning

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

1/22/2015

"Vectorworks 2025 review"

5/5

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

UA

Verified User in Architecture & Planning

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

11/1/2025

"Excellent 2D Tools and Interface, but 3D Features Need Improvement"

3.5/5

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

AA

Verified User in Architecture & Planning

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/12/2026

"Flexible and Versatile, but Collaboration is Behind"

3.5/5

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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). Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

DD

Doron D.

architect - builder - cheerleader

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/29/2025

"Long time vectorworks user"

4.5/5

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JS

jody s.

Principal

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/12/2026

"Affordable, Robust CAD with Powerful 2D/3D and BIM Integration"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?

2D and3d capabilities, data integration (BIM) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?

Nothing. most affordable robust CAD software available Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

AS

Ada S.

2/12/2026

"Not Intuitive, Needs Better Instructions"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?

I like that Vectorworks Architect shows me how my architectural drawings will look when printed out. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?

I find Vectorworks Architect is not intuitive, and it has horrible instructions and how-to descriptions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

NA

Noushin A.

Design manager

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

11/1/2025

"Beautiful Design Tools, But Poor Compatibility Forces a Switch"

2.5/5

What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?

It has a design approach platform. Good graphic and beautiful rendering options. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

ZT

Zhi T.

2/12/2026

"Decent Drawing Tool, Needs Better Shape Manipulation"

1.5/5

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?

I need a tool like in AutoCAD to manipulate shapes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

UA

Verified User in Architecture & Planning

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/12/2026

"Extremely Intuitive and Easy to Use"

5/5

What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?

I’d say its best feature is how extremely intuitive it is! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.

RK

Ratish K.

System Administrator

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/12/2026

"Vectorworks: Awesome Software for Architectural Work"

5/5

What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?

Vectorworks is an awesome piece of software for architectural work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?

I don’t have any dislikes about Vectorworks. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Elena Pantazopoulos of Vectorworks Arch

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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.