Vectorworks Architect 2022

Engineered to meet the specific needs of smart-sized companies, Vectorworks Architect has everything you need to streamline the design and production process. From project setup to programming, schematic design development and construction documents - Vectorworks Architect lets you work faster and smarter with fewer errors. That's why top architects around the world rely on Vectorworks Architect to create and present their designs. At a fraction of the cost of other CAD programs, Vectorworks Architect can take your designs to places you never thought they could go.

Highlights

	BIM software for every design phase Phase 1: Pre-design With more support for common file formats than any other BIM solution, Vectorworks Architect can pull together all necessary information to start your project, providing everything you need for conceptual design, site planning, and analysis all in one interface. Quickly confirm design intent while transitioning from massing models to concept models.
Imagine it. Design it. Document it. BIM software isn’t exactly known for promoting creative expression. But Vectorworks is different. We allow you to freely sketch, model, and document your design ideas with precision drafting capabilities and the most flexible 3D modeling engine available, powered by SIEMENS Parasolid. So you’re not limited by presets and strict parameters — you have the flexibility you need to design anything you can imagine.
	Maximize the I in BIM Getting the most out of the “I” in Building Information Modeling is essential for optimizing your designs. Vectorworks makes it easy to quantify and analyze information as early as the schematic design phase so you can make smart decisions. Run “what if” scenarios and automate schedules, calculate costs, analyze energy efficiency to maximize each design element.
Work with anyone Vectorworks allows you to easily collaborate and share files with colleagues, consultants, and clients. We offer the most default import/export capabilities available, as well as support for openBIM and IFC, and direct links with Revit®, SketchUp®, Rhino®, Photoshop®, and Cinema4D.
	Stay Ahead of the curve Vectorworks is advancing the use of emerging technologies and making them accessible to everyone. You won’t merely keep up with the latest technologies, you’ll stay one step ahead. AR/VR Point Cloud Photogrammetry Cloud Services
Win more work With an extensive suite of drawing, illustration, and rendering tools, Vectorworks allows you to produce remarkable line drawings and stunning 3D presentations so you’ll impress even the toughest of clients. You can even create an immersive presentation experience with cutting-edge technology like virtual and augmented reality and rendered panoramas.

Features

What's New in Vectorworks 2022

• NextGen Tech - Vectorworks is being constantly re-engineered to take advantage of advances in hardware and technology, and Vectorworks 2022 is no different. This version will run natively on the latest Apple silicon processors, giving positive gains in performance for Mac users and keeping Vectorworks' core technology well-aligned with reengineering plans and priorities set for the future. We also know the importance of first impressions, so when it comes to your designs, crisp and clear graphics are a must. As part of a modernization initiative, Vectorworks has been working to increase stability, ensure long-term system interoperability, and improve interactive real-time graphics. As part of a modernization initiative, critical areas of Vectorworks have been increased, making the Vectorworks Graphics Module (VGM) technology purpose-built for your chosen hardware: Metal on Mac and DirectX on Windows. Your designs will leverage the most robust technology available for better file performance.
• Redshift Render Mode - Every designer seeks to optimize their time when designing, and what better way than through our fastest rendering option yet. In partnership with Maxon, Vectorworks 2022 introduces a new GPU-accelerated mode called “Redshift.” Redshift speeds up rendering time without sacrificing the quality of your design by using features like lighting, reflections, volumetric effects, camera effects, and anti-aliasing.
• Direct Link To Twinmotion - In Vectorworks 2022, we’re introducing a direct link between your model and Twinmotion that allows you to make changes in Vectorworks and easily have them reflected in the linked file. By eliminating the intermediate steps of exporting and importing, you can save time and easily control the quality of necessary geometries.
• UI Improvements - A continued focus on improving the customers’ experiences with Vectorworks shines through in the latest UI improvements in Vectorworks 2022. Modernization of the Attributes palette lets you organize your workspace with a more efficient tool palette layout. The new UI will also provide you with accurate and immediate visual previews, removing the need to open dialog boxes. Additionally, Vectorwork is introducing a new Status Bar that can be found at the bottom of the application window. This will give you quick access to the smart cursor settings, hold snapping options, and toggle snapping on or off.
• Per-face Texture Mapping - Upgrades to the texturing workflow give you the ability to map textures to different faces of the same solid modeling object with the ability to rescale and more. You’ll be able to cut down your texturing time with this efficient and more perceptive way to freely create custom objects. Additionally, the render tab of the Object Info Palette has also been updated to let you easily view and manage the textures on the object’s various faces. This feature is not applicable to parametric objects.
• Direct Stair Editing - Leave the complexities of stair configuration in the past! Enhancements to the stair plug-in object introduce interactive placement and reshaping in both 2D and 3D views. With the new rectangle and polygon mode you can easily place a stair between walls or follow a floor opening without measuring distances. Just draw a rectangle or a path and your stair object is placed. You can now use the new tool settings to set the side length, width, and total rise of the stair without opening the dialog box. Not to mention you can also use control points to stretch and contract stairs to change the length or curvature within a space.
• Wall Component Control - In Vectorworks 2022 you can define wall component wrapping at window and door openings for a more realistic BIM model and accurate 2D drawings. We’ve also combined the round wall and straight wall object into a singular object type (Wall), providing more accurate data and easier reporting.
• Worksheet Expansion - Creating precise and accurate BIM models means being able to create detailed reports and schedules. Enhancements to worksheets in Vectorworks 2022 give you just that. UI improvements make generating targeted reports, schedules, and material take offs for complex objects easier. We’ve also simplified worksheets and added better visual cues to allow richer reporting of complex models. Between redesigned criteria, a new search function mode, and an improved formula bar with a new set of functions, you won’t waste time wrestling with your documentation, leaving more time for your BIM modeling.
• Civil3D DWG Support - Save time and avoid frustration with improved Civil3D file import. With the latest release, you no longer have to request specially exported DWG files to view Civil3D objects. Instead, these objects will become Vectorworks groups, each containing all of the necessary geometry. And the best part? Your exchanges with internal and external civil engineers are handled more directly with less risk to your data.
• GIS and BIM Exchange - Vectorworks is now better capable of reading the georeferencing data embedded in a DWG file, an image, or an IFC import, so you can now import and export your files without losing this data. You’ll see better default options and improved coordination and alignment when exchanging DWG and IFC files for your projects.
• Plant Zones And Styles - Get complete representations of installed plants with the new root ball settings. The added geometry and specified data for plant root balls provide the crucial information you need to complete your BIM for landscape workflow and better collaborate with consultants. The new additions to the Plant Object allow for both 2D and 3D representation of root balls, and excavation zones.
• ArcGIS Feature Layers - See an efficiency boost in your GIS/BIM workflows with easier integration for site planning and collaboration. In partnership with Esri, you can now access, download, and incorporate an incredible amount of information into your design with the vector geometry and data using Vectorworks Layers. You’ll also be able to export and upload from Layers back to the ArcGIS Feature Layers, making it easier to manage specific geospatial data beyond traditional methods and collaborate with GIS professionals.
• GIS Support For Tree Survey Import - The process for importing various tree survey types is simpler with location parameters for geographical and cartesian coordinates built in with the newly added GIS support for tree surveys. You’ll benefit from the new geospatial import methods when documenting existing vegetation for biodiversity and biomass considerations, and import pertinent survey area types like mass plantings, meadows, and more.
• Site Model Components - Enjoy the ability to define subsurface geological strata as components within your Site Model. Now site model components create solid geometry that can be accurately represented in 2D elevation, section, and textured 3D views. The upgraded object components accommodate fixed or variable thicknesses of the strata, allowing you to create a more realistic BIM model.
• Spotlight Improvements - General improvements in Spotlight 2022 make editing and revising lighting designs easier by creating more efficient and intuitive ways to accomplish common tasks. You’ll see improvements in overall visualization capabilities and accuracy. Several new Context Menu commands let you select lights by position, rigging object, and instrument type as well as the ability to rotate groups of devices around insertion points, swap the positions of two lighting devices, and more.
• Cable and Power Planning - Efficiently plan and document your show or event’s cable and power requirements with these new and improved Spotlight features. Easily prepare documentation and inventory lists, loom construction lists, and power load spreadsheets without the need for third-party software. Now, you’ll be able to automate inserting cables between linked objects, and these cables will automatically reshape as changes are applied. The new Cable Navigation system allows you to automatically draw cables by selecting the relevant inputs and outputs.
• Enhancements for Schematic Views - Spend less time jumping between tools and commands when working with schematic views. With the latest enhancements, you’ll be able to choose the placement of Schematic Views and the management of objects in and on a Schematic View has been improved. See more logical snapping of objects and get direct access to an object’s properties through the Object Info Palette. Also, common Spotlight commands now work in Schematic Views, keeping your focus on your work.
• Truss Magnets - Check out the latest in truss connections with Truss Magnets. This new object will be placed within a truss assemble definition to allow for better control when joining sections of trusses using the AutoConnect system. You won’t have to rely on post-placement edits anymore! Magnets provide a quick and consistent method for connection, ensuring it’s the correct orientation the first time and every time.
• ConnectCAD Cable And Route Planning - Say goodbye to hand-calculating lengths of cables and hand-drawing complex cable runs. With the new ConnectCAD Cable Route Planning, you’ll have access to a full-featured 2D and 3D cable planning system that will allow you to plan cable runs and drops, perform calculations, and more. You’ll save countless hours and reduce errors with more precise estimates on lengths of cable needed for installation.
• Device Tool Eyedropper Mode - Save time configuring your ConnectCAD devices with the new eyedropper mode. With this mode enabled, simply copy configuration and data from one device and apply it to other devices. This lets you quickly make bulk changes to device configurations and accounts for the addition and deletion of sockets and then updates device graphics to ensure accuracy in your schematic drawings.
• Updates to Device Editing - ConnectCAD’s device editing workflow has been simplified in version 2022. Now, all device databases can be accessed directly from Vectorworks meaning you’ll spend less time jumping from file to file to edit devices. The Device Builder was also improved to allow you to create a new DA device in the builder. But it doesn’t stop there — you’ll also see improvements to signal type editing. Now you can see all the signal and connector types in the ConnectCAD setting dialog for easier editing and management.
• Laser Visualization - Take your show to the next level with new laser visualization in Vision 2022. With support from industry leader, Pangolin, and the connection to Pangolin’s technology, you’ll be able to add and configure laser projectors. Vision will also support controlling lasers using Pangolin’s BEYOND software through a network streaming to vision. All of your lasers can also be previsualized in either Vision or Pangolin.
• Soft Goods Update - The Soft Goods tool now has greater flexibility with more options for base plates, uprights, double sided drape setups and more. The addition of Styles lets you add Soft Goods without needing to adjust them after they’re inserted or modified. And you’ll find better control in weight calculations — perfect for when you need a creative solution to odd problems.

What is Vectorworks Service Select?

Vectorworks Service Select is a maintenance agreement that provides customers with several added benefits, including immediate upgrade of new product releases, the best pricing, priority technical support, VIP access to downloads, and an always-growing library of on-demand learning tutorials. You’ll also have the premier level of storage with Vectorworks Cloud Services at 20 GB (over the standard 2 GB).

Why should I invest?

Vectorworks Service Select is the best way to get the most out of your Vectorworks software with the lowest available price.

Vectorworks Cloud Services

Vectorworks Service Select subscribers get exclusive cloud benefits like expanded, 20 GB storage, automatically-generated drawing sheet PDFs, and useful file histories that make it even easier to design anytime, anywhere. 

Support & Maintenance

Vectorworks Architect includes 12 months FREE technical support directly from Vectorworks. Vectorworks Technical Support is available to all registered users by fax, by e-mail and by phone from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm EST.

 

Download

Vectorworks Product Software Download

Download your full installation of Vectorworks Trials and Updates.

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Vectorworks Free Viewer Download

The Vectorworks Viewer is a FREE value-added benefit to Vectorworks users. The Viewer enables those who do not own the program to look at and print projects created in Vectorworks. And, it allows on-line collaboration between designers and clients during the creative process.

Download Now

 

Compare

Compare Vectorworks Versions

Which version of Vectorworks is right for you?

Main Features	Fundamentals	Architect	Spotlight	Landmark	Design Suite
2D & 3D	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Architectural Design		✔			✔
Lighting Design			✔		✔
Landscape Design				✔	✔
Advanced Rendering	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

HW Specs

Recommended System Specification

Manufacturer's system requirements are generally the bare minimum that you need to run the software and insufficient for effective and productive operation of the product. 

Our suggested "real world" mid-range desktop system key specifications to properly run Vectorworks are as follows:

• CPU: Intel Core i5
• Memory: 16GB
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA QUADRO P620
• Hard Drive: 500GB NVMe
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

Novedge, in partnership with High Speed Computing, can also provide the perfect hardware for your design needs, pre-installed with your software, at a very competitive price. Contact us to discuss custom-configured workstations and laptops.

Suggested Workstation

Silver 3D Workstation CPU: Intel Core i7 Memory: 16GB Hard Drive: 500GB NVMe Graphics Card: NVIDIA QUADRO P1000

 

 

Webinars

Latest Vectorworks Novedge Webinars

Novedge Webinar #316: Productivity Techniques in Vectorworks 2019 

Novedge Webinar #300: Best bits for Vectorworks 2019 by Jonathan Pickup

Tutorials

Vectorworks Tutorials

You can find a collection of our favorite Vectorworks Tutorials here:

Vectorworks Tutorials