Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Vectorworks Architect

vectorworks.net

From $127.50/mo Free trial WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroid
Visit vectorworks.net
Spec score 7.9 #6 of 13 in Building Information Modeling Software

What it is

Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for architectural design from pre-design through construction documentation. Its parametric building objects include walls, doors, and windows, and it produces construction documentation, fabrication details, shop drawings, material take-offs, and schedules. Advanced 3D tools support custom parametric design elements; built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon. For presentations, the software supports renderings, AR/VR experiences, and mood boards. It supports openBIM and IFC, exchanges files with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino, and connects with tools including Solibri, Bluebeam, Revizto, and BIMCollab. Cloud processing handles rendering, animations, and exports. 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 billed annually; Monthly costs $170 a month. A license can be installed on two machines, with active use limited to one device at a time.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for design phases from pre-design through construction documentation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Integrations
The Vectorworks Partner Network includes integrations such as Solibri, Bluebeam, Revizto, and BIMCollab.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Security
Vectorworks says it uses technical and organizational measures to protect personal information and its data-processing addendum describes safeguards and breach notification obligations.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Support
Vectorworks offers technical support requests, online help, a knowledgebase, training, and professional consulting services.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Headquarters
Columbia, Maryland, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · vectorworks.net
Founded
1985Read 28 Sep 2026 · vectorworks.net
BIM
It supports data-rich BIM workflows with parametric building objects such as walls, doors, and windows.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Connectivity limit
The software needs periodic server authorization, and active subscription customers must connect online within three days of their renewal date.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Documentation
It generates construction documentation, fabrication details, shop drawings, and reports such as material take-offs and schedules.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Interoperability
Vectorworks Architect supports openBIM and IFC and offers file exchange with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
License limit
A license can be installed on up to two machines but used actively on only one device at a time.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Modeling
The product includes advanced 3D modeling and tools for creating custom parametric design elements.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Supported systems
The listed minimum operating systems are macOS 26 (Tahoe), macOS 15 (Sequoia), and Windows 11.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Sustainability
Built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Visualization
The product supports renderings, AR/VR experiences, presentations, and mood boards.Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net

Plans and prices

Monthly $170 a month $170.00 /mo. Best for infrequent use · Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses · 10% off online training Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net
Annual $1,530 a year $1,530.00 billed annually Best for frequent use · Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses · 15% off online training Read 2 Oct 2026 · vectorworks.net

Every Vectorworks Architect plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports openBIM and IFC.
  • Generates take-offs, schedules, and fabrication details.
  • Built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon.
  • Cloud processing supports rendering, animations, and exports.
  • Free trial is available.

Limits

  • No free plan.
  • Active use is limited to one device at a time.
  • Periodic online server authorization is required.
  • Minimum listed systems are macOS 26, macOS 15, or Windows 11.

Who it suits

It suits architectural teams that need BIM workflows, construction documentation, and visualization across design phases. Its cloud and mobile tools also serve users reviewing cloud-hosted documents or creating models from photos.

Verdict

Vectorworks Architect combines architectural BIM, documentation, modeling, and visualization with IFC support and cloud processing. Its paid plans and connectivity requirements are important considerations, alongside the one-device-at-a-time license limit.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Vectorworks ArchitectAll alternatives →