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Vectorworks Fundamentals

Vectorworks Fundamentals

Overview

What is Vectorworks Fundamentals?

Vectorworks headquartered in Columbia offers Fundamentals, a computer-aided design (CAD) application supporting 2D and 3D design and drafting.

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

Users have found the Vectorworks software immensely helpful for creating clear presentation and construction drawings with minimal effort. …
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Pricing

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Subscription

$108.00

Cloud
per month

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.vectorworks.net/fundamental…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Starting price (does not include set up fee)

  • $108 per month
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Product Details

What is Vectorworks Fundamentals?

Built to showcase the user's skill and creativity, Vectorworks Fundamentals offers superior 2D and 3D capabilities and a modeling and documentation platform. Users can freely sketch, model and document design ideas with precision drafting capabilities and the most flexible 3D modeling engine available, powered by SIEMENS Parasolid.

Vectorworks Fundamentals Features

  • Supported: Precise 3D Modeling
  • Supported: Data Management
  • Supported: High Quality Rendering

Vectorworks Fundamentals Video

Vectorworks Fundamentals Competitors

Vectorworks Fundamentals Technical Details

Deployment TypesSoftware as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo
Supported CountriesGlobal

Frequently Asked Questions

Vectorworks headquartered in Columbia offers Fundamentals, a computer-aided design (CAD) application supporting 2D and 3D design and drafting.

Vectorworks Fundamentals starts at $108.

AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, and SketchUp are common alternatives for Vectorworks Fundamentals.

The most common users of Vectorworks Fundamentals are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(10)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

Users have found the Vectorworks software immensely helpful for creating clear presentation and construction drawings with minimal effort. The software is used daily for producing construction drawings and presentations. One of its standout features is the ability to seamlessly work with both 2D and 3D designs within the same software, allowing users to make easy changes across both dimensions. Users appreciate how this comprehensive program encompasses all design stages, from conceptual drawings to design development, streamlining their workflow and saving valuable time. Vectorworks offers multiple approaches to projects, empowering users to work quickly and efficiently. While it is primarily used for architectural design and production work, it also enables the creation of precise diagrams and graphics that facilitate communication with construction and fabrication teams. Moreover, the software is known for its relatively short learning curve, making it accessible for basic drafting tasks as well as more complex modeling projects. Users particularly commend its efficiency when working with floor plans. In addition to architecture, Vectorworks finds utility in entertainment design, tradeshows, and rapid product creation. Since 1994, many firms have relied on Vectorworks as their primary BIM design tool, benefiting from its all-in-one capabilities for design, modeling, and construction drawings. Furthermore, this software exhibits excellent compatibility with other platforms and provides great value for Mac users.

User-Friendly and Great for Presentations: Many users have praised Vectorworks for being user-friendly and excellent for presentations. They appreciate the ease of use and find it suitable for small business owners due to its quick and easy-to-learn graphic output.

Versatile and Easy-to-Use Design Platform: Reviewers highlight the versatility and ease of use of Vectorworks as a design platform. It is compatible with both PC and Mac systems, making it convenient for different users. The software's completeness and user-friendliness are also appreciated by many.

Seamless Integration with Other Programs and Excellent Customer Support: Users value Vectorworks' seamless import/export capabilities, allowing them to communicate effectively with consultants using other programs. Moreover, they highly praise the superb customer service, training, and tech support offered by Vectorworks, enhancing their overall experience with the software.

  1. Subpar DWG conversion: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with VectorWorks' DWG conversion, stating that the custom workspace does not export properly from older to newer versions.

  2. Learning curve when transitioning: Several users have mentioned that there is a learning curve when transitioning from other software programs to VectorWorks, and it takes some time to adjust to the new renderer.

  3. Not widely used in industry: Users have pointed out that VectorWorks is not as widely used as AutoCAD or Revit in their profession, which leads to the need for converting and exporting DWG files when collaborating with other firms and consultants. They also mentioned that the software doesn't have the best hatches.

Users have made several recommendations for Vectorworks based on their experiences. Firstly, users recommend exploring all the commands and features of Vectorworks to make the most of the software. They suggest taking the time to familiarize oneself with the various tools and options available. Additionally, users advise reaching out to customer support for assistance in discovering additional features.

Secondly, users suggest that Vectorworks is a good option for users looking for an inexpensive alternative to AutoCAD, especially for designs that do not involve complex curves or geometry. This recommendation highlights the affordability of Vectorworks compared to other design software options.

Lastly, users recommend considering purchasing the more advanced versions of Vectorworks as they offer a wider range of features compared to the Fundamentals version, which is said to have only the bare minimum features. This recommendation aims to ensure that users have access to all the necessary tools for their specific design needs.

In summary, users recommend exploring all the commands and features of Vectorworks, considering it as an affordable alternative to AutoCAD for simpler designs, and investing in more advanced versions of the software for a richer feature set.

Reviews

(1-2 of 2)
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Nathan Kipnis, FAIA | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use VW Fundamentals for our architectural design and production work, along with the 3D work that we do. We like how tightly integrated the 2D and 3D components are.
  • We really like the wall tool, as it is extremely customizable. Additionally, it has many smart elements that work with BIM.
  • We like the parametric functions that allow for rapid customization of various building elements, such as windows and doors.
  • The terrain modeler is very good, too. We are able to analyze cut and fill calculations in real time with it.
  • The program is getting a little 'fat', and needs to be slimmed down. It is starting to bog down a bit when doing certain functions. The program of late is more buggy then we are used to seeing.
  • I like how smooth Sketchup is in 3D. It would be great to get VW's to be more responsive in 3D.
  • The space tool is very clunky.
  • I would be great if a texture map could be a video and not just a still image. We could really use that.
  • PLEASE get the energy modeling capabilities up to speed. It needs to be much more intuitive and NOT based on Passive House standards. Please include a clear output for a projects Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and how a project is doing relative to the 2030 Commitment.
It is perfectly suited for residential work, and work where the project requires integrated 2d and 3d. It is terrible for integrated energy modeling. This needs to be fixed immediately.
  • We use VW for all of our projects and have so since 1993.
  • We have additional fees to do 3D modeling. Clients almost always go for that. The 3D work on the computer has been a great vertical market for us.
  • I know that the thought is that 'within five years' we will have 2D and 3D totally integrated. I have heard that for 25 years now. But I think we are getting very close to that. Getting it totally integrated would be great.
Peter Exley | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Vectorworks is our primary BIM design tool - since 1994 we've been using Vectorworks and its predecessor incarnations to provide a one-software solution for design, modeling and construction drawings. It's perfect for our workflow, communicates flawlessly with other software platforms and is the best value on our Mac platform.
  • 3D modeling - no need to start in SketchUp or other more rudimentary programs.
  • Seamless import/export with other programs - ideal communication with consultants.
  • Superb customer service, training, and tech support.
  • We wish more US-based BIM users were trained in Vectorworks - however, it's very easy to get up to speed.
  • AR tools are in their infancy on mobile devices - however great improvements in recent releases. Very accessible and impressive tools for use with clients.
Very well suited for small, medium and large firm scenarios. Small projects are well suited, and the program architecture is clearly an ideal match for large projects too. In our office, we use it for small exhibits and large scale building projects.
  • Subscription model ensures we always have the latest versions - per-seat license is very affordable.
  • Training costs are low (i.e. new hires get up to speed quickly).
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