Likelihood to Recommend When it comes to modelling a product using multiple parts, CATIA becomes tedious. One need someone to sit with and learn with the experience from a frequent user. If switching from any other software to CATIA, it can be intimidating as learning curve is lengthy. For example, when working with complex shape in a knuckle joint, more steps are needed in part modelling. This cause part modelling lengthier and consume time more time, in comparison to
SOLIDWORKS . However, CATIA is tremendously helpful in generating really complex features. Surface modelling is way easier when one know how to use it. It becomes really handy to make changes to the design later as well. The design history tree is also very well organized, which save time in later modifications
Read full review Vectorworks is just as useful for perfectly measured, hard-line CAD drawing as it is for making beautiful presentation drawings and renderings. Tools in the application allow you to transition between working drawings and presentation drawings without modifying the underlying geometry. DWG exchange with other design team members works very well
Read full review Pros Surface modeling module is extremely developed and successful. 2D drafting module is doing the job effectively (AutoCAD is no more required). Read full review I tell people that Vectorworks is CAD for people who know how to draw. You can control the appearance of all the objects on a layer, or you can tweak the way a single object looks. Most of the barriers to producing good-looking, legible drawings are removed. Vectorworks Landmark is made for landscape architects.Creating hardscape, planting, and irrigation plans is pretty straightforward. Read full review Cons The software is pretty heavy, even with computers designed for heavy-duty loads, resulting in long wait times to load files and make changes, reducing productivity. Read full review There's a bit of inconsistency in the operation of some tools that would appear to the user to be more similar. Importing complex Revit models takes a long time and, if the model has a lot of symbols in it, the import might not finish. Read full review Support Rating We got frequent updates on CATIA. There are lots of update notes. Also, there are lots of lots of videos online to solve the issues that you can stumble upon. It also has a built-in help manual, which helps occasionally. I have gotten my education through a physical class on CATIA, so there are opportunities like that as well.
Read full review Alternatives Considered You can create solid or 3D figures more easily and efficiently using Catia than in other programs or in specific
AutoCAD . You can also create different pieces to later assemble them and thus create figures even more complex or in greater detail. In the same way, you can make 2D drawings without much complication.
Read full review I was an
AutoCAD user before switching to Vectorworks when coming to work with my current firm. Vectorworks Landmark includes tools specifically designed for landscape architects - it's not an
AutoCAD add-on. The initial investment for a new seat is much less than
AutoCAD , and the Service Select program pushes down the annual upgrade cost even more
Read full review Return on Investment If designing large assemblies or very complex ones, especially in the aerospace industry, CATIA is the way to go. The graphics are really good, and the software offers many possibilities to view a design: 2D, 3D, bird's eye view... Controls pan zoom rotate are easy. Read full review There is a learning curve for new employees, as regionally Vectorworks is not in wide use and generally not introduced in the academies However, because it is more intuitive as far as WYSIWYG drawing, most people pick up the basics pretty quickly. It's a really powerful suite of tools. Sometimes it's good to spend some time afforded by a larger project to explore ways to use the software more efficiently (e.g., improving worksheets, using different smart object tools, etc.) Read full review ScreenShots