--- 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: '2026-07-07' 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. Robust and High Customize-able **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like the scale of being able to make large and small things. Site to a chair. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Overly complex at times for simple quick task. Would like a standardized set of view preloaded etc. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I like it a lot but the competitors are demanding a lot more market share when it comes to skills outside of school **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Designing chairs and other furniture pieces ### 2. Some room to improve **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bob Y. | Owner, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 20, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I do appreciate the flexibility to use the program to suite my method of producing working drawings. I am still learning all the features to streamline this process. The new file tabs for each drawing file open was a welcome feature. The way the tool boxes now attach to the window is a plus. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Little I dislike. Selecting views using a drop menu could better be served with tabs along the bottom of the window. The majority of drawing time is spent moving between views. Problem with some fonts I use where some characters not plotting **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Ability to collaborate is making communication with consultants and clients more streamline. ### 3. best CAD software in the market. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Carlos K. | Associate Interior Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** easy to learn, it makes drawing very easy. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** more hatch library. and more tools for 3d **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** all interior design, architecture problems ### 4. Cad on a budget **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 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?** Compatibility, versatility and 3D capability **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Software is often buggy and crashes to often in my opinion **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** N/A ### 5. Vectorworks review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like that the program is reliable, and fairly easy to use. I am a theatrical lighting designer so the data exchange with lightwrite saves eons of time on every production. The program works in a way that allows even a novice user such as myself easy access to create drawings that do not look at if they have been crafted via a machine. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I very much dislike the fact that the program has not yet evolved into an affordable subscription model as of yet. For a working freelance artist, 500+ $ annually on updates is a lot of money. We do not Comand the large annual salaries of an architect or others that utilize this program. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Think about the cost of committing to this product **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am currently designing several productions using vectorworks and it streamlines my workflow. ### 6. Architect and designer review **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Flexibility system and application to multiple uses. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** sharing ability and compatibility with autodesk, export features are not the best. Need some more ability to control output and printing. Controlling memory usage is a problem. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Get some initial training to help you understand the concepts first and then periodically attend user groups for shared knowledge. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Helping clients understand design and using it as 3d design tool. It still needs a lot of improvement in that area but it works. ### 7. Architect, Sole Proprietor **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bret B. | Sole Proprietor, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Ease of use, also because I've been using it for 18 years **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Too hard to become aware of all features available **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Learn all about its rendering capabilities. I wish I knew more. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Speed of design and development of construction documents ### 8. A key to the A/V world. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Very easy to use to design live events. Great for collaborating with multiple departments. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** New releases tend to be buggy. I wish you could move sheet layers across different files. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** You can't move sheet layers between drawings. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Location of large audio speakers for live events. ### 9. Best business decision! and a No-Brainer!! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Samuel S. | Planner, Government Administration, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I love how intuitive Vectorworks is! It was very easy to transition form auto-cad and sketchup. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** nothing yet! It's all been positive, the support from the selective service team is amazing! **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Just make the move away from the other guys, it will be he best decision for your business and clients! **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The ability to showcase TOP 3d-graphics to all my clients on small projects. They can see and understand the design from a new perspective, leading to better design decisions and in the end a highly satisfied customer! ### 10. I have used Vectorworks and the Designer series for at least 30 years **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kieran, KC I. | Gaffer, Entertainment, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The ability to turn a plan view into a 3d model very quickly. I like the ease of adding textures to surfaces. Support and videos are also excellent. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The lighting render is cumbersome. Open GL is limited to eight lights. For lighting instruments to focus they need focus points as opposed to regular lights where you can just pooint them **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Excellent value and support. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** VW offers me the ability to quickly illustrate design ideas and lighting concepts. My job would be severly hampered without this software. ### 11. Great Product **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It's really easy to use and understand. Great interface. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Sometimes the resource libraries don't update and you have to install them again **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Still needs to improve the resource library bug that doesn't update them. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architects and designers ### 12. Custom Woodworker using Vectorworks **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jeff R. | President, Furniture, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Versatility of Vectorworks. I like the ability to use 3-D if needed and have resources I can use from drawing to drawing without redrawing. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Complexity of some of the menu boxes. Understanding the function of some tools becomes difficult if you do not understand all the terms used within the menu. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Use online resources or a training seminar to help with understanding the most efficient uses. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The ability to offer customers an excellent representation of the project. ### 13. I've retired and can now only justify Fundamentals; "Fun" should not be part of that name **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Architect was really ok -- lots and lots of options. Back in the day, arguing MiniCad over AutoCad for a large design project, I won the day with a contest counting keystrokes to create a drawing. You won then and I suspect your still may? **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** When it comes right down to it the bits, the columns, furniture, stairs, etc. were quite generic and I often ended up creating my own. I suppose that's just my design sense. However, in the best of all worlds it would have been nice to be able to modify the Vectorworks bits and keeping more of their functionality rather than starting from scratch. Beyond that -- I wish your questions were about Fundamentals which seems to me should serve as a gateway drug to the full packages. I am so pissed that it is more difficult to do a vertical section or interior elevation in this stripped down thing than with a T Square. As a newby, I'd walk away from Fundamentals so fast. If I started in Fundamentals, there is no way I would invest in to Architect. You need to find a better balance between functionality and features. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Put some time into Fundamentals -- your gateway drug. It's got some brick walls that will stop many/most newbies. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Volunteer exhibit design for the reworking of a Historical Society and Museum. ### 14. Vectorworks Designer **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 23, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Working in both 2D and 3D at the same time **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Changes in menu items locations change more often than I would like **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** This is the most complete and versatile product I have ever found. I work in both the Theatre and the Landscape design world and it meets my needs well for both. While I may be unique in using it in more than one of its fields the advantage of having the basics without having to learn an entire new software for each filed is great. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Seamless products. When you make a change it is it reflected throughout the document whether that be in the drawing or the paperwork. ### 15. I have been using Vectorworks in all its previous iterations since early versions of Minicad in 1985 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Ease of use. I have been using it for a long time and developed my own techniques. Unfortunately this does not allow me to use all it features but I find it most useful for me as a sole practitioner. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Too sensitive when using an Apple magic mouse....it takes off on its own sometimes when my finger is not touching the mouse but just in the proximity. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Offer a simpler version with fewer features to support use as a 2D drafting and cad program. I really do still not have the skills to utilize the full palette of 3D and rendering stuff. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use it for all aspects of my practice. ### 16. Room to grow **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Robert S. | Owner/principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I have been using vectorworks for more than a decade. It has grown with me as my own skills increase. It's a kick ass 2-d drawing program with excellent graphic design features and control. A user can go fully 2d, startusing some BIM features or go all-in on BIM. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There are some aspects that need work,- stairs and roofs are still difficult to control. I also find that with my high performance home work, I use non-standard detailing which takes a lot of work to initially set up. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** get training **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** My speed and familiarity with Vectorworks allows me to speed up production incrementally as I learn more and more about the program ### 17. Lifetime User **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Nicole D. | Owner Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I like the viewport interface between design layers and sheet layouts. I also really like the new opacity controls! **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I don't like setting up and changing wall styles. I feel like a lot of the things I didn't like have become non-issues with 2017. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I interface with consultants who do not use Vectorworks with 9/10 ease. I usually need to do a couple test runs when exporting from Vectorworks for a new consultant but once I learn what works for them it is fairly seamless. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I love using Vectorworks as a graphics tool for zoning and master planning diagrams that show layers of data. ### 18. Vectorworks Architect / Best In Class **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Graphic Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** What I like best about Vectorworks Architect is: ● the wealth of features available to accomplish any task at hand ● ease of use in navigating the user interface to find the appropriate tools for a given project ● the generous selection of import and export file options ● the ability to easily change the various parameters of all of the objects created regardless of how far along you are **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** What I dislike best about Vectorworks Architect is: ● that it is not more widely used by creators worldwide **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** It's a very well developed software application for architects specifically and 3D creators in general. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks has enabled me to create freely not be limited by the software's features/options. I have increased the speed and efficiency of my workflow allowing me to work with more individuals and companies. ### 19. I am a Vectorworks user since the change from MiniCad **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** William K. | Propriétaire, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 11, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Great adaptation and improvement in every chapter every year. Very friendly interface. High quality in presentation for the clients. Good for team work **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** i love the software and and it's ok for me. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Very useful software for architects **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architecture projects and small constructions ### 20. Love Vectorworks Architect! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Wanda M. | Owner/Designer, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Easy to learn, great tech support, Great Training. I work alone so, I can quickly go from design to Construction documents easily. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** There is nothing I dislike about the product, it is so powerful. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Best CAD program to use for a small firm! **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The benefits are that you work in 3D and you can model quickly to present your design quickly to clients. ### 21. Vectorworks Architect modeling **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Andrew M. | Board Chair, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I have been a long tome user of Vectoworks and like the simplicity and the ability to generate excellent graphics **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Often I find it hard to make the cross over to full 3-d BIM , **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am able to have my clients review complex model and don't have to depend on 2-d floors plan to explain ### 22. Full featured CAD/BIM solution **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I love the ability to integrate 2D Cad, 3D BIM, and images into a single file presentation to working drawing solution. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Files do get large. You have to make sure you're computer has the specification but CPU and GPU to handle it if you want to use all of the features. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am able to to do the work of a much larger office and exercise control over all aspects of the process. I have also been able to share work with people in my city as well as around the world. ### 23. Powerful but buggy **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The range of features and tools are great. It is fairly easy to use. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The program crashes a lot. I find the glitches become more frequent the large your drawings get or the more you use it **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Affordable powerful program but be prepared for glitches **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** My primary use is designed solutions for small commercial projects. The program's 3d capacity and rendering ability is helpful in visualizing the project and allowing you to comprehend the scope of work. ### 24. Best CAD for Macs **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Brendan C. | President, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 11, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Seemless/intuitive CAD operational commands. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** 'Fundamentals' version does not import PDF files. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Its a bargain per licensed seat. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** VWX Software works across our entire Mac office platform with other office Mac software. ### 25. Powerful software with great potential that still struggles with bugs and its own legacy **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 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?** Extremely capable 3D modeling that's very well integrated with equally capable, very graphically rich 2D drafting, along with powerful, built-in, rendering capabilities. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Too many things don't work as one would expect, either due to bugs in the software, convoluted tools and workflows, or an apparent lack of understanding on the part of the software's developers when it comes to how buildings actually go together and the related needs of those using the software to communicate such information. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The ability to create a single 3D model and then extract meaningful 2D drawings and expressive 3D renderings from that model is typically very beneficial when it comes to the efficient development of a design and the production of subsequent construction drawings. ### 26. Great user interface **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 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?** It feels like drawing on paper, but you are using the screen. It's much more 'personable' than AutoCAD, which feels like I am operating a machine when I use it. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not that many people use it so I have to export to DWG. It would be nice if it were more well known. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** It somehow has the feeling of old fashioned pen and paper drawing in a CAD program **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We design our work almost completely with this program. ### 27. Powerful presentation tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chris S. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Ease of use and depth of the programs ability to provide visual representations and BIM simultaneously. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Not enough photo realism for irregular shapes and textures. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Using site survey information to create upfront estimates for site development costs and then seamlessly integrating this information into structural design and documents . As a result clients have the ability to adjust outcomes based on in depth cumulative data. This helps eliminate unintended consequences that occur when there are gaps in communication. ### 28. My firm has used Vectorworks for almost 10 years and have found it to be everything we need! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Level of model complexity that is possible within the software. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The learning curve for new users. If a Vectorworks Lite was available to get users started I think it would help new converts. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Keep practicing. VW is NOT Autocad. . . **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are able to complete more work with fewer staff members which has allowed us more flexibility and profitability. ### 29. Using Vectorworks Architect as an Architect **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Hyruan M. | Arquiteto Associado, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 14, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The program is an evolution of simple CAD, leading to another level of experience, starting with the management of drawings by layers, which facilitates viewing levels and understanding of the plant (even for the customer!). The whole design is done in 3D with BIM technology, it makes the design reconciliations (architectural, civil, hydraulic , electric, etc.) are stored in greater accuracy and clarity. And best of all, it is much cheaper and easier to work than AutoCad and Revit. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The software requires much computer processing, ie good computers. And good computers are expensive. Which raises another expense to the office/company, but worth the investment, which will pay for seeing productivity increase considerably. Another thing is that sometimes the software does not properly export the DWGs, which creates some discomfort with offices using other software such as Autocad, which is the most in Brazil, the country that I live, but everything is solved with a phone call. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I recommend implementing the Vectorworks software, not only this software, as other BIM software. The programs should not be a problem, but a means of reaching a final result of something much bigger. Vectorworks helped me a lot in the construction of knowledge as an architect, because as projects run faster, I have time to devote myself to other crafts and learning new things . **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It proved to be very useful in predicting design problems, annotation features and detailing of various project scales, documentation and organization boards for printing. Agility, especially in the final stage of the project, which does not require adjustment of lines and colors (already set when drawing). And best of all, you draw is exactly what will be plotted. ### 30. Vectorworks Architect facilitates a spectrum of documentation and visualization. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Geoff G. | Principal/Owner, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The range of tools that span from basic CAD drafting to a full BIM work flow to rendering/visualization. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Occasional lingering bugs in newer tools. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Give it a trial run and get a sense of how capable the package is. It is rare that a program is as versatile at a professional quality level. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The ability to full develop, present, and document a project is essential for a firm like mine. ### 31. Started when it was Mini Cad and stayed with it. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 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?** Has Classes AND Layers, much more intuitive than Autocad. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The need to upgrade computer every 2 releases. BIM **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Have been using Vectorworks since it was called "Mini Cad" and have found that it's consistently been very good for both design and permit drawings. Have tried Autocad and it does not come close to the capabilities and intuitive use of Vectorworks. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Clarity of presentations to clients ### 32. Software which adds tremendous value, speed and quality to architectural planning **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dominic H. | Architect, Architecture & Planning, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 13, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is used throughout my office, and it certainly wouldn't function without it. We've had alternatives such as AutoCAD, Revit, Archicad, but none have matched our experience with Vectorworks. Referencing other plans straight into files and overlaying is absolutely essential, both 2d and 3d work seamlessly. The UI is easy to learn, and users manage to completely adapt to the program within days. The layers and class system is straightforward and allows for very structured workflows within groups of people. The price is reasonable compared to other similar CAD software. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** One of the most recent additions has been collaborative working within same documents, which I believe Nemetschek seems to have addressed. What I find strongly lacking are vector patterns, as well as textures. Finishing touches of architectural elevations for example are always, essentially, completed in Photoshop, because there is simply no way to create equally beautiful imagery straight from Vectorworks. Another strong drawback is Autocad functionality, and while dwg's are certainly supported, small mistakes appear constantly when importing them. Addition problems is the backwards compatibility, with files produced on previous versions being completely incompatible with newer ones. Rendering tools are also lackluster compared to other alternatives. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Due to the relative ease, lower price point, and technical ability of Vectorworks, I would certainly give a trial a go. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** When working with subplanners that also use Vectorworks, the workflow simply seems to be at a higher speed than with alternative CAD software. The graphical abilities also allow for the production of final presentation plans, so while Photoshop can enhance them further, enough offices produce the majority of their competition plans straight from Vectorworks, meaning it replaces other software which could save other software costs. ### 33. Vectorworks Designer a powerful 2D/3D CAD Tool **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 21, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I started working in Vectorworks in 2003. I'm please that succeeding generations of command structure have been built on the first version I learned. While successive generations have added features and functionality, each edition has not required a steep learning curve to master. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** It is a shame that VW does not have a larger market share. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** This is a great product. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** My challenge is to visually describe in the simplest terms possible the intent and detail of a specific design. VW is a fully functioning 2D/3D design platform with an very competitive cost per seat price. ### 34. Independent Architectural Draftsman **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is comprehensive CAD software that is effective for communicating precise design concepts through 3d modeling/renderings and generating corresponding high quality 2d architectural drawings. The general aesthetic is pleasing and the workflow between 2d and 3d is well integrated. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Complex geometries and organic forms are time consuming or simply not feasible to generate with the current tools. Many of the site modeling tools are awkward or simply notoriously buggy and do not present well; particularly the road tool(s). **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Vectorworks excels as architectural software for producing most any type of drawing required in the field. ### 35. very effective **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Joel C. | Founding Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** addapt to my way of create and process ideasas architect. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Needs more improvement on interface with DWG **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Construction documents at all. Precision. ### 36. Vectorworks Designer is layed out well and very easy to use. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I really like the way the tools are layed out in Vectorworks Desinger. I also like the vast library it has. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I wish there was an easier way to get to a blank page instead of using the grid linesz **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** I would recommend Vectorworks anyone entering a design or drafting career. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have really benefited using this software for my scenic designs and woodworking business. It helps the scenic carpenters understand and build my design. It is also easy to show the director what the set would look like from a Birdseye view ### 37. Great all around program **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chas N. | TV DP/LD, Broadcast Media, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 20, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** i like the many features that I use and also the ease with which I can get feedback from tech support when i need it. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The too quick displacement of VW 2015 to" not supported" **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can work with my ground plans for projects which help me communicate my needs to people with whom I work. ### 38. Vectorworks has transformed my practice. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 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?** Working in 3D leads to faster and better solutions, then documenting them in 2D is a snap. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I don't dislike anything. I just wish the 3D work flow was a little more intuative, like Sketch-up. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architectural Designs can be realized and communicated much sooner. That is the biggest benefit. ### 39. Have been using since Minicad days, the product gets better every release. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 05, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** All in one production and presentation software. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Needs better spread sheet editability. Spread sheet and schedule tools need to be a lot better. needs better import/export with revit. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Interior design, construction management, design, interior design, production. ### 40. Powerful CAD solution for entertainment **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Robert T. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is the greatest choice for cad whether you are looking for light plots or full rendered looks. I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of its power. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I honestly have few dislikes about the software. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is easy to show clients events laid out in pictures and to scale. ### 41. Good interface overall yet lacks some very important capabilities. It is also plagued provlems **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ron S. | Associate Architect, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Ease of use. Understandable interface for most of the application. Has many features. Best tech support of any cad company or application in the world. Easy to learn and has been around for many years. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Lack of reliable results and limits on creating some forms. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Good bum application **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architecture. Document projects. ### 42. I use Vectorworks Designer daily and it always performs as needed for the tasks at hand. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Functionality and easy of use in a workplace with users using alternate CAD platforms. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The backwards compatibility with much older vectorworks files in archives. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Download the trial and see if it is the right solution for your needs **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Execution of plans and designs of set designs for various projects. ### 43. Its my first professional design software I learned to use and still use it. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Andrés V. | Proyecto personal freelance, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** I use Vector since college, its my personal favourite tool every time im going to build something or need to design exhibition stands, furniture and architecture stuff, for me is the best tool because it´s easy to use and you can draw blueprints as long as you are making a 3d model. I really like that you can set up preferences, menus and commands just as the way you like it. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I would really like a better render and more freely 3d shapes though. On the other hand y believe this program should give some compatibility with adobe files. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** its very easy to use considering its a cad program, I would really recomend it. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** It helps me to design blue prints and to show the design in 3D at the same time. ### 44. Drafting for Television **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Broadcast Media | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** It has a user face very similar to Adobe Illustrator and the libraries of simple items. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** The viewports confuse me but that is more on me **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** ease of use and workflow. I am not solving any real problems or curing cancer I just design sets ### 45. LANDSca design tool **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** landscape command moduls,build in libraries **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** transfering dwg files to vectorworks and setting **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Good value **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Landscape design. ready to use graphics. ### 46. Even though it's buggy at times, I still love Vectorworks **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?** It's designed to make things look good. Painterly, like photoshop, with a similar thought process. Getting into 3D is relatively easy and powerful. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Buggy. Crashes a lot depending on how hard I'm making the computer and program work. Sometimes can't keep up with the keystrokes I'm doing as I switch between commands. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** draw every day. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I'm using 3D to draw light beams, etc. to visualize and help clients understand what our design goals are. ### 47. Great for production design! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Events Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** The interface and plug ins are easy to use and allow me to make quick diagrams for my clients. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** I wish there were more options for animations and 3d renderings. I do not like having to export to an external program like cinema 4D to animate screens or create more realistic looking renders. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** Design for clients. Very helpful in showing them what fits in rooms and how it will look and feel. ### 48. Great software only for 2D drawings **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Zahra K. | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vector works is a great software for creating floor plan, elevation, section, annotation and creating different design schemes. This software helps to simply create schematic drawings and add color and texture to them and make them sketchy in the feasibility phase of the project. Also, vector works is a great software for creating very detailed construction drawing. This software is really similar to AutoCad and it is compatible with AutoCad as well. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Learning shortcuts are not as easy as Autocad. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** It's an amazing 2d design software for drawing accurate design. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I’m using VW both for 2D& 3D drawings. I love the fact I can do all schematic designs and construction drawings by using only one software. ### 49. Vectorworks for Theatrical design **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Theresa P. | Artisan, Performing Arts, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 15, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Ability to create 2D and 3D renderings with full lighting capabilities for theatrical design renderings. Able to import google sketch-up objects. overall the way VW thinks about drawing lines and laysout the page is easier to understand than the way AutoCadd works Easy software for learning drafting in both 2D and 3D. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** Importing any student files(free user) or portions of files instantly watermark any of my professional files, exporting to DFX files end up with far more vector points and are difficult to use with CNC machinin. Can be quite pricy of a program if its not a primary program you need but more of a secondary. **Recommendations to others considering Vectorworks Architect:** Try out a free version first and really do a price comparison if its best for you cost wise. Consider what your industry standards are for programs to be compatible **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** I draft for theatrical productions, groundplans, unit elevations, and renderings utilizing the full span of the VW design software. I also do some designing for CNC plasma table metal work ### 50. Principal /e3 design lab **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Vectorworks Architect?** Vectorworks is more intuitive than Autocadd, I use both. I like the zoom line weights,and some of the commands. **What do you dislike about Vectorworks Architect?** How large the file become. The compatibility with other mainstream software. **What problems is Vectorworks Architect solving and how is that benefiting you?** The conversion of files from vectorworks to auto cadd still have issues with line weight, and objects. I have been trying to use vectorworks in the office but others prefer auto add. ## 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=4§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-11+04%3A02%3A36+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=d3424482-c946-4fb7-9bd0-da4b7ad352c7&secure%5Btoken%5D=21ebe82b573e699463a7ad806d5f062fb26ce311832ee13ededac916936417d9&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)