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VectorWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) software program developed by Nemetschek North America (NNA) that is used for drafting, technical drawing and 3D modeling.

Description

VectorWorks offers a full range of 2D, 3D, production management and presentation capabilities for all phases of the design process.

In addition to offering traditional CAD tools, VectorWorks goes beyond CAD and allows its users to design with real-world components. Users can sketch ideas with lines, arcs, and circles, then build and document designs with real-world objects, such as walls and windows, cabinets and stairs, plants and patterned walkways, lights and trusses, and more. The objects are easy to edit and automatically display both in 2D and 3D views. VectorWorks 3D models can be generated out of 2D drawings, and vice versa.

VectorWorks is able to communicate with other applications via DXF/DWG file translation and by importing and exporting a variety of file formats. Some of the file formats VectorWorks supports include SketchUp®, 3ds, Shapefile/SHP, JPG, TIF, EPS, GIF, and BMP. Support for IGS, SAT, and STL allows users to send VectorWorks models to 3D printers and rapid prototyping machines.

VectorWorks provides automatic data tracking capabilities, which allow users to generate schedules, reports and materials lists based on the information contained in a design.

Advanced graphics capabilities allow users to create client presentations. VectorWorks gives users the ability to control line weights, as well as add colors, patterns, hatches, and gradient fills to designs. Sketch rendering technology enables users to give hard-lined drawings the appearance of soft, hand-sketched illustrations.

For more advanced 3D rendering capabilities, the plug-in RenderWorks is available. RenderWorks integrates with VectorWorks to provide both realistic and artistic effects. Some of the technology incorporated in RenderWorks includes radiosity, raytracing, solar animation, non-photorealistic rendering, volumetric lighting, physical lights and area lights, a library of more than 1,250 textures, advanced texture mapping, background images, free image props, atmospheric effects and Macintosh® and Windows® support for QuickTime VR.

VectorWorks also incorporates a scripting language called VectorScript that lets its users create custom tools. VectorScript is a lightweight programming language that syntactically resembles Pascal, incorporating many of the programming constructs of that language. VectorScript is actually a “superset” of the Pascal language, extending basic Pascal capabilities with a number of APIs (application programming interfaces) that provide access to the features and functionality of the VectorWorks CAD engine. The VectorWorks product line includes: • VectorWorks Fundamentals • VectorWorks Architect • VectorWorks Landmark • VectorWorks Spotlight • VectorWorks Designer

VectorWorks Fundamentals contains the core VectorWorks CAD technology.

VectorWorks Architect

VectorWorks Architect builds upon VectorWorks' functionality in four general areas: drawing organization, project management, drawing notes management, and design tools. VectorWorks Architect contains more than 100 new, architectural-specific tools, objects, and commands. The program was designed exclusively for architecture professionals and was one of the first CAD programs to incorporate Building Information Modeling (BIM). The BIM technology within VectorWorks allows users to design in 2D and 3D simultaneously. VectorWorks Architect does not limit users to a certain workflow. Users can work in 2D only or merge 2D and 3D. Workgroup referencing features allow teams of designers to collaborate on the same project. VectorWorks Architect also offers management tools to help develop, organize, and manage CAD standards.

VectorWorks Landmark

VectorWorks Landmark contains 2D drafting and 3D modeling technology combined with professional tools specifically for site and landscape design built into the program. These include a Massing Model tool, an editable plant database, an exclusive Place Plant tool, plant, site, and landscape symbol libraries, a Hardscape tool, site modeling and analysis capabilities, irrigation design tools, and GIS shapefile import/export capabilities.

VectorWorks Machine Design

VectorWorks Machine Design is a 2D drafting and 3D visualization program for designers, machine shops, and fabricators. Some of the technology found in VectorWorks Machine design includes advanced dimensioning, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, free-form NURBS and 3D solids modeling, shaft analysis, CAM and Geneva mechanism design and analysis, control values for keys and support for PartSpec™. Built-in calculators include chain- and belt-length, spring, conversion factor, solution of triangles and beam load.

VectorWorks Spotlight

VectorWorks Spotlight merges 2D drafting and 3D modeling with advanced lighting design and production tools. VectorWorks Spotlight allows lighting designers, scene and set designers, art directors and other entertainment industry design professionals to create light plots, place set and scenic elements on stage, automate reports and schedules, and visualize design concepts in 3D. Some of the technology found in VectorWorks Spotlight includes a lighting position tool, instrument auto-numbering, automatic instrument alignment, automatic lighting position summaries, 2D/3D light beams, an exclusive Label Legend Manager, thousands of lighting instruments and accessories from leading manufacturers, a focus point object, a find and replace instrument command, a multi circuit instrument command, a ganging instrument tool, photometric data, accessories, scene management and animation, truss, curtain and stipple objects, a Seating Layout command and more than 3,000 gobos. VectorWorks Spotlight also supports Lightwright™ and ESP Vision™.

VectorWorks Designer incorporates all the Design Series tools and technology for the designer who requires a multi-faceted design solution.

RenderWorks seamlessly integrates into all VectorWorks solutions to provide you with sophisticated photorealistic and hand-rendered effects. Whatever your objective—realistic or artistic, you can create stunning presentation materials to help you sell your ideas. Some key features include: Radiosity, New area and line lights, Volumetric Lighting, Easier Light Aiming, New Camera Object, Texture Compression, Drag and Drop Texture Improvements and Quicker access to rendering modes.

History

VectorWorks was previously known as MiniCAD. It was originally developed on Mac OS. It was developed by Diehl Graphsoft now Nemetschek North America.