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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    AutoCAD

    Score8.4 out of 10
    N/AAutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and is available on Windows and Mac, but with extensive online collaboration tools.

    $245

    per month

    Vectorworks Architect

    Score10 out of 10
    N/AVectorworks Architect allows users to sketch, model, and document in a fully integrated workflow with a design-centric BIM solution. The solution supports 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and visualization tools, and is built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency.

    $153

    per month

    Pricing
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Editions & Modules
    Monthly Subscription
    $245
    per month per user
    Yearly Subscription
    $1975
    per year per user
    3-Year Subscription
    $5925
    3 years per user
    Annual Subscription
    $127.50
    per month per user
    Monthly Subscription
    $153
    per month per user
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Free Trial
    YesYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoYes
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details—$153/M: 2 GB of cloud storage, Basic tech support, Immediate access to new versions $128/M: $1530 billed annually | Save $306 over the monthly plan, 2 GB of cloud storage, Basic tech support, Immediate access to new versions
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Considered Both Products
    Autodesk
    No answer on this topic
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    96%
    Would buy again
    45 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    38 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    91%
    Happy with the feature set
    43 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    88%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    29 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    95%
    Implementation went as expected
    38 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Computer-Aided Design Software
    Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of AutoCAD and Vectorworks Architect
    Feature
    AutoCAD
    7.1
    7 Ratings
    5% below category average
    Vectorworks Architect
    -
    Ratings
    3D Modeling6.37 Ratings00 Ratings
    2D Drafting8.67 Ratings00 Ratings
    Rendering and Visualization6.57 Ratings00 Ratings
    Parametric Design7.67 Ratings00 Ratings
    Collaboration and Sharing8.97 Ratings00 Ratings
    Compatibility with other software and formats8.97 Ratings00 Ratings
    Assembly Design6.87 Ratings00 Ratings
    Simulation and Analysis4.76 Ratings00 Ratings
    Documentation and Annotation7.67 Ratings00 Ratings
    Customization and Extensions5.47 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Small Businesses
    Onshape
    Score7.4 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    Onshape
    Score7.4 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Enterprises
    PTC Creo
    Score7.8 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Likelihood to Recommend
    7.7
    (88 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    8.3
    (9 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    6.9
    (13 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    AutoCADVectorworks Architect
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Autodesk
    Once again, for jobs/companies where you are doing a lot of design and modelling of tanks, pipework or filling machine or basic electronics its fantastic as a 3D and 2D modelling tool, however once again when it comes to testing these actual products in the real world, I feel like AutoCAD is let down by its clunky fitting and spec management and also in very limited in-house engineering simulations.
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Pros
    Autodesk
    • Compatibility of different file formats, and also exports to different file formats.
    • CLI Commands as well as internal functions which are exposed can be used for automation of various tasks.
    • The new 2025 comes with .NET Core support which helps AutoCAD to connect with Cloud based features.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Cons
    Autodesk
    • User Interface Customisation: AutoCAD's user interface could benefit from more robust customisation options. Allowing users to rearrange toolbars, menus, and panels according to their specific workflows and preferences would enhance productivity.
    • Enhanced 3D Modeling Tools: While AutoCAD is capable of 3D modeling, it's not as intuitive or feature-rich as dedicated 3D modeling software. Streamlining the process and adding more advanced modeling tools would be a welcome improvement.
    • Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control: AutoCAD could improve its collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and version tracking, to facilitate smoother teamwork, especially in multi-disciplinary projects.
    • Intelligent Object Libraries: AutoCAD could benefit from an expanded and more intelligent library of standard objects and components. This would save time for designers who often have to create custom components from scratch.
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Likelihood to Renew
    Autodesk
    Because rarely we [would] rather wait for a whole year to update, sometimes the new updates don't bring many new features and we are still ok with the current version. Also the change of interface is always something that takes time for every partner in the company to get comfortable with. So those are the main reasons we may want to keep the same version.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Autodesk
    It is very usable once you understand the program. I believe there is room for improvement in the 2D to 3D modeling capability. We have to use other apps to 3D model and that can be time consuming and sometimes AutoCAD doesn't transfer work that well between apps. They can improve there.
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Autodesk
    AutoCAD has the issue of crashing or slowing down the design procedure once a heavy design that includes several disciplines or multiple families/blocks is involved. Customer services gets the feedback from the crash reports but this issue seems like it has never been addressed in the software updates past several years.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Autodesk
    the implementation was realy easy , to set up our workstation we pay for the licenses we are about to use , there was a little bit of delay to get the payment processed to receive the serial but after that the install runs without any problem , so you can fell secure there will be not issue with the implementation.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Autodesk
    I use Revit far more than I use AutoCAD. AutoCAD is great for simple linework, but even then I will often create the lines in Revit and then export to AutoCAD for final touches and printing. AutoCAD is a bit easier for large-format prints, which is why I almost always end up using it after starting in Revit.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Autodesk
    • As an educational institute there are no overall business objectives.
    • As a negative, the licensing is expensive and we have to limit the number of computers we put it on.
    • As a positive, many of our students will have a leg up when entering into programs or companies that use this software.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Vectorworks, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    ScreenShots

    Vectorworks Architect Screenshots

    Screenshot of Vectorworks Architect 2025Screenshot of where the user has the ability to select multiple walls and apply surface finishes in a single operation. From here, users can manage, annotate, and create reports with customizable project finishes and data visualization to help streamline the documentation process.Screenshot of where to assign classifications to Vectorworks objects and sub-parts and manage them centrally with a rules-and-criteria-based system. This helps save time and reduce risk for errors with automated application of local and national classification standards in a BIM collaboration and specification writing workflow.Screenshot of a tool that balances automation with customization, used to create finely detailed countertops and achieve quality visuals and reports. Users can manage countertops across projects with customizable styles and find superior control of design features like overhangs and backsplashes. With efficient modeling and automatic hole cuts, time becomes available to create without having to worry about manual processes.Screenshot of an example of the one-click navigation that allows for instant access to all views of a model and interactive model orbiting with click-dragging. The optional display of XYZ axes, compass direction, and working planes help orient and navigate the model.Screenshot of where to show, ghost, hide, or isolate specific objects with individual visibility control. Navigate to specific parts of the model by isolating objects and create custom drawings or viewports to clearly communicate design intent. Apply object visibility directly within the design layer or save it to viewports and data visualizations. Find fast, flexible workflows, while also working harmoniously with Class and Layer visibilities.