--- title: "Vectorworks Architect Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Vectorworks Architect Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Architecture products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-05" --- # Vectorworks Architect Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 5, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Vectorworks Architect ## What is Vectorworks Architect? Built to showcase your skill and creativity, Vectorworks Architect allows you to sketch, model, and document in a fully integrated workflow with the world’s most design-centric BIM solution. With superior 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and visualization tools, Architect is built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. ## What is Vectorworks Architect used for? [Architecture](https://www.capterra.com/architecture-software/)[3D CAD](https://www.capterra.com/3d-cad-software/)[BIM](https://www.capterra.com/bim-software/) Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 53 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 87% Neutral 9% Negative 4% Starting price $127.5 Per User, Per Month Free trial available Free version not included Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for Vectorworks Architect?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/claim_requests/new?auto=true) ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### Vectorworks Architect 4.3 (53) VS. [4.5 (118)](https://www.capterra.com/p/267349/SpecLink/reviews/) Starting Price $127.5 Per User, Per Month Starting Price Contact vendor Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.0 (53) Ease Of Use 4.3 (357) Value For Money 3.9 (46) Value For Money 4.3 (323) Customer Service 4.0 (46) Customer Service 4.5 (324) ## Vectorworks Architect alternatives [4.4 (72)](https://www.capterra.com/p/207052/Enscape/reviews/) Starting price $52.90 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 90% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.4 (46)](https://www.capterra.com/p/177284/Cedreo/reviews/) Starting price $129.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 87% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Design Flex](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/) [4.3 (357)](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 83% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/) Highest Rated [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) [4.6 (484)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) Starting price $365.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 96% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/alternatives/) ## FAQs about Vectorworks Architect Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from Vectorworks Architect? Vectorworks Architect is most used by architects, architectural designers, and drafting teams that need to develop building models, produce documentation, and refine design concepts. Firm principals, owners, and directors benefit from it for overseeing project delivery, coordinating production workflows, and aligning design development with business and client requirements. Answer based on 53 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is Vectorworks Architect built for? Vectorworks Architect is built mainly for small businesses, which make up 78% of reviewers, and for architecture and planning firms, which represent 59%. It serves architecture, landscape architecture and design, and entertainment users, with additional adoption in enterprise at 13%, midsize at 9%, construction at 7%, and entertainment at 7%. Answer based on 53 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of Vectorworks Architect? Vectorworks Architect includes core 2D drawing and 3D modeling tools, BIM modeling with linked plans, sections, and elevations, plus rendering and panoramas for presentations. Differentiating features include landscape design, project sharing for collaboration, and data import/export for working with DWG and other CAD files. Answer based on 24 reviews Limitations ### Does Vectorworks Architect have bugs or stability issues? Vectorworks Architect offers broad design features, but stability feedback is mixed because some teams run into glitches, crashes, and update-related problems. Mac users and firms using file sharing or heavier BIM workflows mention more friction, while others report dependable day-to-day drafting, long-term file access, and helpful support when issues appear. Answer based on 18 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on Vectorworks Architect? Vectorworks Architect offers onboarding through in-person training, live online sessions, webinars, documentation, and videos. Reviewers describe setup and basic 2D work as fairly easy for self-starters and smaller teams, while advanced modeling, customization, and teams transitioning from AutoCAD usually need more time, classes, and support to build consistent standards. Answer based on 21 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does Vectorworks Architect offer? Vectorworks Architect provides email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, phone support, and chat. User feedback is mixed: some describe the support team as helpful with training and answers, while others report slow responses and unresolved issues that can take days or longer. Answer based on 5 reviews Features and Usability ### How good is Vectorworks Architect for drawing and design? Vectorworks Architect handles architectural drawing and design well by combining 2D drafting, 3D modeling, rendering, and construction documents in one workspace. Architects, event designers, and small studios like its flexibility and clear presentation output, though some teams find drawing set creation and viewport setup more tedious on larger projects. Answer based on 22 reviews Features and Usability ### Is Vectorworks Architect easy to learn and use? Vectorworks Architect feels approachable for everyday drafting, with intuitive tools, flexible customization, and a workspace many designers find easy to navigate. Students, Mac-based offices, and small firms often get started quickly, but the wider feature set, many menu paths, and BIM workflows can create a noticeable learning curve. Answer based on 18 reviews Features and Usability ### How well does Vectorworks Architect handle 2D and 3D modeling? Vectorworks Architect works well for both 2D drafting and 3D modeling, letting teams move from plans to models, sections, elevations, and renderings in one system. Architects, event planners, and Mac-based studios like the flexible workflow and visualization tools, though advanced parametric forms and model exchange with Revit can require extra care. Answer based on 16 reviews ## Features AI summary Based on 1,204 Architecture reviews Capterra reviewers highlight these as the features buyers care about most when choosing architecture software: - **Presentation Tools** (**40%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Quotes/Estimates** (**55%**) - **Multiple Projects** (**49%**) Vectorworks Architect supports **Presentation Tools**, which can help firms present design concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders. However, it does not include **Quotes/Estimates** or **Multiple Projects**. Instead, it offers other features that reviewers also rate as important, including **3D Imaging** (**51%**), **2D Drawing** (**45%**), and **Drafting** (**42%**). These capabilities help architecture teams create detailed visual plans, produce technical documentation, and move projects from concept to design development more efficiently, providing teams with clearer communication and more accurate design work. Presentation Tools 4.2 (6) 83.33% of 6 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Share and present designs 3D Imaging 3.9 (9) 66.67% of 9 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Representation of any object in 3D 2D Drawing 4.3 (13) 92.31% of 13 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions Drafting 4.3 (10) 90.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Prepare preliminary versions of digital documents, technical drawings, or design mock-ups for review Data Import/Export 4.1 (9) 66.67% of 9 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Import and export data to and from software applications BIM Modeling 3.6 (8) 87.50% of 8 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important 3D design and modeling tool enabling a virtual information model Vectorworks Architect 125 features ### All Features - 2D Drawing: Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions - 360-Site Stream: Create and add 360-degree videos to the virtual tour - 3D Imaging: Representation of any object in 3D - 3D Modeling: Representation of any object in 3D - 3D Rendering Integration: Allows users to integrate with other 3D rendering software. - Access Controls/Permissions: Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems - Activity Dashboard: Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities - Activity Tracking: Track and document all activities across devices, networks, and other systems - Aerial Rendering: Allows users to render aerial views. - AI Copilot: A virtual assistant that uses AI to pursue goals and complete tasks on behalf of users - AI Text-to-3D: Provides the ability to generate 3D renderings from a text prompt. - Animation: Ability to insert animations/transitions - Annotating: Add keynotes, tags, dimensions and more to your document. - Annotations: Highlight content and/or make notations about parts of content - API: Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases - Approval Process Control: Manage the process of evaluating documents or requests submitted for approval - Atmospheric rendering: Allows users to render atmospheric effects such as rain and snow. - Audit Trail: A record of all activities within the system, including user access, changes made, etc. - Automatic Formatting: Automatically formats data in a predetermined way - Billing & Invoicing: Create, manage, and send invoices or bills to customers - Bills of Material: Material list of manufacturing parts and associated costs - BIM Integration: Allows users to integrate with building design and building information modeling (BIM) software. - BIM Modeling: 3D design and modeling tool enabling a virtual information model - CAD Tools: Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations - Change Management: Track and monitor efficient handling of all changes/transitions - Circuit Design Integration: Enable integration with circuit design tools for detailed schematics and layout coordination - Clash Detection: Ability to detect clashing elements, such as electrical conduit or ductwork that run into a beam. - Collaboration Tools: Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together - Commenting/Notes: Leave comments and notes on documents for others to view - Communication Management: Manage and track all internal and external communication conducted via calls, email, text, or chat - Comparison View: View and compare images, studies, etc., to track changes over time - Component Library: Database of components and materials used in design templates - Configurable Workflow: Configure existing workflows to meet your organization's needs - Conflict Tracking: Detects conflicts in the latest version when multiple users are editing a file at the same time - Contact Management: Manage, organize, and store contact information - Content Library: Centralized repository to store content and assets - Contract/License Management: Track, store, and access client contracts or licenses - Customizable Branding: Add customized logos and colors to align with company branding - Customizable Reports: Alter the layout and content of reports - Customizable Templates: Pre-designed layouts that can be customized to match preferences and requirements - Data Import/Export: Import and export data to and from software applications - Data Visualization: Graphical representation of data - Design Management: Collaborate on creating a product by sharing and adjusting designs through a shared portal - Design Modeling: Helps create, plan and design construction models for AEC businesses - Design Templates: Create designs using pre-built templates or customize them with flowcharts, mindmaps, wireframes, network diagrams and org charts - Document Management: Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location - Document Storage: Store and organize documents in a centralized system - Drafting: Prepare preliminary versions of digital documents, technical drawings, or design mock-ups for review - Drag & Drop: Assemble applications and processes by dragging over and arranging pre-built components - Dynamic Updating: Allows users to create relationships between objects so design changes are dynamically updated - Earthwork: Allows users to calculate cut and fill earthwork quantities between two surfaces. - Editing: Ability to edit or modify data and demo elements to tailor to prospect - Electrical System Modeling: Provide tools for designing and modeling electrical systems (power distribution, wiring, panels) - Estimating: Estimate expected cost based on various factors before a project begins - Exterior Rendering: Allows users to render exterior objects around the architecture such as foliage, streets, and people. - Fabrication: Ability to create models of various systems that need to be integrated into the structure. - File Management: Create, save, and store files - Floor Plans & Maps: Actual floor locations and directions with the virtual floor map to reflect a realistic view of the floor during the virtual tour - For AEC Industry: Primarily serving architecture, engineering, and construction industry professionals - For Architects: Intended to be used by architects - Generative AI: Use AI to generate content in the form of text, images, videos, etc. - Grading: Contains grading tools to grade assessments and assignments created in-app and externally. - Graphical Data Presentation: Visual representation of data using various graphical elements such as charts, graphs, maps & other visual aids - Historical Reporting: Information, data and reports that are being tracked over time - Image Editing: Edit, touch up, and convert images for publishing - Interoperability with BIM & CAD: Integrate electrical models with BIM and CAD platforms for holistic project collaboration - Invoice Management: Captures invoice data and maintains comprehensive records for auditing and reporting purposes - Issue Tracking: Record and follow the progress of every issue - Job Costing: Calculate total itemized costs, including initial costs and any changes - Landscape Design: Edit images and create drawings with computer-aided design (CAD) tools - Lighting: Allows users to render environmental lights, sky models, and artificial light areas. - Load Calculation & Analysis: Offer simulation tools for electrical load analysis, capacity planning, and fault detection - Materials: Provides users with a library of premade materials to place within your archietcural design. - MEP Coordination: Support seamless integration of electrical systems with mechanical and plumbing (MEP) designs - Mobile Access: Access software remotely via mobile devices - Modeling & Simulation: Using physical, mathematical, or logical models as a basis for simulations to generate data for managerial or technical decision-making - Multi User: Allows users to save and share work in one project - Multiple File Format Support: Supports multiple file formats, such as Doc, Docx, PDF, HTML, etc. - Multiple Projects: Ability to handle several projects simultaneously - Objects: Provides users with a library of objects to place within your architecural design. - Offline Access: Ability of websites, web applications, or mobile applications to function without an active internet connection - Panoramas: Create panoramic images - Pre-built Templates: Pre-defined templates within a library for common cases such as contracts, websites, emails, and more - Presentation Tools: Share and present designs - Project Accounting: Manage and track financials on a project-to-project basis - Project Management: Plan and coordinate all the resources, costs and time needed to execute assignments - Project Planning: Organize and schedule projects - Project Time Tracking: Measure time to completion or hours worked for projects - Project Tracking: Monitor the progress of projects from start to finish - Project Workflow: Create, manage, or update project workflows. - Projections: Estimate or forecast of a future scenario based on the study of present trends - Proposal Generation: Create proposals based on costs of labor and materials - Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation: Generate accurate material takeoffs, project cost estimates, and budgeting reports - Quotes/Estimates: Generate quotes or estimates for customers - Real-Time Data: Receive data and information in real time - Real-Time Notifications: Notifications that are delivered to users as soon as an event occurs - Real-time Product Visualizations: Visualize products in real time, as they are configured - Real-Time Updates: Receive system updates as soon as any changes are made - Reinforcement Tools: Add reinforcement to vital points in the model of your structure. - Rendering: Generation of non-photorealistic images from a 2D or 3D model - Reporting & Statistics: Collection, analysis, and representation of numerical data and generation of reports to understand various patterns - Reporting/Analytics: View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data - Role-based access: Allows for varying access to chatbot and admin settings, depending on user, their role, etc. - Role-Based Permissions: Set & manage permission levels based on user roles and restrict access to only authorized individuals - Scheduling: Plan availability and assign specific time slots for tasks and resources - Search/Filter: Search and filter data across systems to locate required information by entering keywords or certain criteria - Secure Data Storage: Securely stores data to prevent data loss or breaches - Sequence Steps: Create and animate the sequences of steps, materials and building crews needed to construct your building. - Shading: Allows users to create different shade renderings on materials. - Sketching and Annotation Tools: Create, draw, and annotate graphical content directly within the software application - Status Tracking: Track the status over time for a request, process, asset, or transaction - Subcontractor Management: Track information, qualifications, and contact details of subcontractors - Task Management: Create, manage and track all task activities and progression - Task Progress Tracking: Track the status and progress of tasks - Task Scheduling: Track and manage the scheduling of tasks - Template Management: Create, save, and re-purpose templates for emails, forms, etc. - Textures: Allows users to render image and procedural textures. - Third-Party Integrations: Set up connections to third-party platforms to improve business processes - Timesheet Management: Track the amount of time spent on a job or task - User Management: Manage user accounts, profiles, roles, permissions, and other details across applications, devices or networks - Version Control: Track revisions and updates made to files and navigate between different versions - Video Creation: Create original videos from scratch - Visualizing: Design your project in 3D - Website Integration: Seamlessly integrates with 3rd party websites - Workflow Management: Create, design and manage workflows for repetitive tasks --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.4 (53) 4.4 Based on 53 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 3.9 (46) Free Trial [View pricing plan details](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/pricing/) Annual Subscription $127.50 Per User,Per Month Monthly Subscription $153.00 Per User,Per Month Value for money 3.9 (46) 3.9 Based on 46 reviews Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.0 (46) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.0 (46) 4.0 Based on 46 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.3 Based on 53 reviews Filter by rating 5(25) 4(21) 3(5) 2(1) 1(1) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent Craig B. Managing director Entertainment ### "Takes my plans to the next level" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 November 29, 2025 Vector works takes my plans to the next level, giving our drawings an air of professionalism our clients are looking for. Pros Easy to use, managed to self teach its so user friendly. We mostly use if for 2d drawings, produces industry standard plans so no need for a middle man to translate our plans. Cons For our use, there are no cons, we are able to do what ww need plus lots more. If you get stuck on any aspect of the software, there are plenty of help forums and how to videos available online Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Krista F. Interior Designer Architecture & Planning ### "Great but too convoluted" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 October 26, 2025 Even with its glitches and flaws, we’re glad we went with Vectorworks. It’s so nice not having to bounce from one program to another to another, on the same project. Pros Our firm chose Vectorworks because of the ability to do so many different things in one program. We love being able to draw in 2D, or 3D (with good rendering abilities), or create all our construction documents in one place. There are also virtual classes and updates all the time which is nice. Cons Options are great, but there are actually too many ways to do things and too many menus per feature. As an analogy, it’s like using Studio Designer (1,000 different menus), when what we really want and need is a streamlined experience like Programa. The other frustrating thing is that the tools are too picky as to whether they will work on a shape. You have to pair the type of object (mesh, nurbs, polygon, etc) with the right tool or else it won’t work at all. I wish that all 3D tools would work on all 3D shapes, and all 2D tools would work on all 2D shapes. I also find the classes too convoluted and not very helpful. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) We wanted to add 3D modeling to our presentations. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. MP Marcel P. Bachelor of Architecture Architecture & Planning ### "Vector"works"" 1.0 Overall Rating 1.0 1.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 2.0 2.0 Likelihood to Recommend 0/10 August 22, 2025 With Vectorworks you pay with work time. Having already used Vectorworks 4 years before I had hopes that they would have used the time to fix their software, but they managed to make it even worse in some aspects due to bugs. User expierience got a litte bit better when it comes to the main Interface, but the underlying lack of struckture with the tools combined with the bugs make it still a pain to use. Pros Probably the amount of funktions. Some are unique and useful Like the eraser Tool, but none are well tested and thought throu. Cons The unbearable amount of bugs. This Programm feels unfinished and rushed, basic things like dimensions and mirroring are plagued with bugs and inconsitencies and still don't get a fix. I usually see 3-10 bugs a day, including crashes and hung ups. The user expierience is way behind other softwares and lacks testing. For example: Vectorworks loves to distract you with huge windows popping up in your face like setting the scale in a multiple choice window instead of letting you type in the scale directly. The finishing of tool funktions is inconsistent: Some require a double click, others ESC, others ENTER to confirm your previous action. Too bad that some funktions delete your progress when pressing ESC and yes there is no indication - which makes it impossible figure out if it's caused by a bug or not. Switched from [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/) I got a new workplace which makes me use it. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. GR Greg R. Principal Architecture & Planning ### "You are on your own once you buy in" 2.0 Overall Rating 2.0 2.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 1.0 1.0 Likelihood to Recommend 2/10 August 14, 2025 I am stuck with it for now. I wish they had support that could honestly help. It was great service when they started out. Pros quick to learn, easy modelling, but after that it drives of the cliff. There are a lot of glitch this week's flavor is wall-types that won't day. The list is long Cons Customer service is lousy, even if you pay the premium, which is not worth it, as they often can't solve your problem and have to upload your file, then their response can take days or never Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. EG Erwin G. COO Architecture & Planning ### "Intuitive, easy to use, powerful" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 January 1, 2024 In general, my experience of many years of using the software and having grown with it from its very primitive versions, has been very good. I have managed to carry out complete designs with a very good integration in BIM, in a very easy and intuitive way. Without hesitation I recommend this platform for the development of any project in the industry. Pros Complete solution to develop architectural designs from the first sketches, with complete ease of 3D control of volumetry and shapes, perfect integration of 2D drawing and the generation of construction documents, as well as the possibility of generating complete reports for a good constructive process. Actually an excellent BIM option. Cons The possibility of generating optimal quality renders on the MAC OS platform is almost impossible. It must be integrated with other software solutions and at least on MacBook Pro it is a disaster. I understand that it is not entirely a software problem but it is really depressing. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. DH David H. Architect Architecture & Planning ### "The hub of my architectural workflow" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 December 19, 2023 Overall, I'm pleased with it. It fits well into my workflow. It's a little bit expensive, and I do find it a bit frustrating that Vectorworks offers seasonal discounts that I can never take advantage of because my annual subscription renewal never coincides with them! Pros I love the flexibility and customisation options Vectorworks gives me. I can use it as a very simple drafting software for simple projects, or a fully-fledged BIM application for larger projects. With Vectorworks, I don't feel like I have to design in a way the software wants me to design. Cons There is a fairly long learning curve to get the most out of the software, and occasionally you do have to do a bit of head-scratching to figure something out. However, I feel like that is inevitable for software that offers this degree of flexibility. Switched from [AutoCAD LT](https://www.capterra.com/p/2011/AutoCAD-LT/) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/) I got started with AutoCAD LT because it was cost-effective, but ultimately lacked features. I found ArchiCAD to be too restrictive - I felt like I had to design the building ArchiCAD wanted me to design! Alternatives considered [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) Reasons for choosing Vectorworks Architect Revit is too expensive and I didn't think it was very good. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. DC David C. Principal Architect Architecture & Planning ### "Best BIM software for a growing practice" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 November 18, 2022 We have generally had a superior experience using VectorWorks Architect, primarily on a OSX platform. Pros the vast array of features and it's integration with other 2D, BIM and 3D software. Cons The service select feature which is marketed as a customer service platform comes at a separated cost, further you cannot get updates or pay for upgrades without it. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/) it was the most cost effective BIM solution available on the mac platform at the time Alternatives considered [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/) Reasons for choosing Vectorworks Architect cost and ability to run natively on mac Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. GO garin osvaldo T. Especialista Civil Engineering ### "Herramientas confiables en CAD 2D" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 6/10 November 17, 2022 Llevadera para el trabajo bajo presion. Pros Para la aplicacion 2D es muy amigable, dacilidad de uso. Cons El precio y la falta de interconeccion con otros programas. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AN Anonymous User Job Captain Architecture & Planning ### "Great for smaller projects" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 August 16, 2022 Overall its easy to pick-up and has been getting better over the years. Pros What I like most about this program is that it is fairly easy to pick up from the start and be really affective. Cons It would be great if they figure out a way to include some sort of clash detection in vectorworks. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. KL Kristan L. Architect Assistant Architecture & Planning ### "VectorWorks really work hard" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 March 8, 2022 Vectorworks will help you deliver excellent 2D drawings and can really work hard as a 3D program too. It has all the thrills of BIM but without the major benefit of being able to collaborate with other consultants, unless they also use Vectorworks. Pros Vectorworks produces the most graphically appealing and customisable drawings that I have experienced on any BIM software. This ability to make highly desirable 2D graphics and a simple 3D rendering tool that can quickly realise concepts in 3D makes Vectorworks appealing for small and mid sized Architecture practices. The program also harnesses the power of BIM to make models that are data driven. Cons The only downside of Vectorworks is that it won't work well when you need to collaborate with those who don't use it. Although it works well DWG as soon as you want to issue a model to a Revit user you are in trouble. This may be fine for a small Architecture practice that wants to use Vectorworks for 2D drafting and not share the 3D model, however this isn't very future proof. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. 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