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Vectorworks Architect
Columbia, Maryland, United States
What it is
Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for architectural work from pre-design through construction documentation. It uses data-rich workflows and parametric building objects such as walls, doors and windows. The software produces construction documents, fabrication details, shop drawings, material take-offs and schedules, with tools for advanced 3D modeling and custom parametric elements. Built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon. Visualization features support renderings, AR/VR experiences, presentations and mood boards. For exchange with other software, Vectorworks Architect supports openBIM and IFC and offers file exchange with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and Rhino; listed integrations include Solibri, Bluebeam, Revizto and BIMCollab. Cloud processing handles rendering, animations and exports, while the mobile app can make 3D models from photos and review cloud-hosted documents. A free trial is available, but there is no free plan. Annual costs $127.50 a year, billed $1,530.00 annually; Monthly costs $170 a month. A license can be installed on two machines, with active use limited to one device at a time.
For and against
For
- Supports openBIM and IFC.
- Produces construction documentation and material take-offs.
- Includes energy and embodied-carbon assessments.
- Cloud processing supports rendering, animations and exports.
- A free trial is available.
Against
- There is no free plan.
- A license is active on one device at a time.
- Periodic server authorization is required.
- Active subscribers must connect online within three days of renewal.
The verdict
Vectorworks Architect covers BIM, documentation, modeling and visualization in a single architectural workflow. Its paid plans include a free trial, while license and periodic connectivity requirements are worth considering.
Who it suits
It suits architectural teams that need BIM across design and construction documentation, plus modeling and visualization tools. It may also fit workflows that exchange IFC or other listed file formats with partner tools.
Plans and prices
Monthly
Best for infrequent use · Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses · 10% off online training
Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Annual
Best for frequent use · Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses · 15% off online training
Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
On the record
- BIM
- It supports data-rich BIM workflows with parametric building objects such as walls, doors, and windows.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Cloud and mobile
- Cloud processing supports rendering, animations, and exports, while the mobile app can create 3D models from photos and review cloud-hosted documents.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Connectivity limit
- The software needs periodic server authorization, and active subscription customers must connect online within three days of their renewal date.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- It generates construction documentation, fabrication details, shop drawings, and reports such as material take-offs and schedules.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The Vectorworks Partner Network includes integrations such as Solibri, Bluebeam, Revizto, and BIMCollab.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Interoperability
- Vectorworks Architect supports openBIM and IFC and offers file exchange with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- License limit
- A license can be installed on up to two machines but used actively on only one device at a time.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- The product includes advanced 3D modeling and tools for creating custom parametric design elements.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for design phases from pre-design through construction documentation.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- Vectorworks says it uses technical and organizational measures to protect personal information and its data-processing addendum describes safeguards and breach notification obligations.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Vectorworks offers technical support requests, online help, a knowledgebase, training, and professional consulting services.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The listed minimum operating systems are macOS 26 (Tahoe), macOS 15 (Sequoia), and Windows 11.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Sustainability
- Built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Visualization
- The product supports renderings, AR/VR experiences, presentations, and mood boards.vectorworks.net · read 2 Oct 2026
