VectorWorks 2009
Vectorworks is one of the best all-round CAD packages with specialist versions available for Architects and interior designers (ARCHITECT), Garden and Landscape designers (LANDMARK), Stage and stage lighting designers (SPOTLIGHT) and mechanical designers (MACHINE DESIGN).
Main features include the following:
- NEW! Parasolids modelling engine. Provides a much more robust and accurate 2D draughting and 3D modelling engine.
- NEW! Snap Loupe gives a small zoomed window at the point of the cursor when you type Z, allowing you to see where you are snapping to and then the moment you click the zoomed box disappears.
- NEW! Pre-selection highlighting gives you immediate feedback on what you are about to select to take away ambiguity or guessing.
- NEW! Tool pre-indication highlights in a different colour the items that are to be affected by a certain tool
- NEW! Similar object creation. Want to make a wall with the same style as an existing one or pick a symbol the same as one on the drawing? Vectorworks 2009 takes you to the correct tool including settings, classes, layer and attributes to make a similar object.
- NEW! Drag and drop support. Import DXF, DWG or any importable files by drag and drop straight from your desktop. It just works
- NEW! Export Design layers as separate DWG files provides complete compatibility with Autocad allowing you to separate drawings that were amalgamated in Vectorworks to separate DWG files
- NEW! PDF Snapping allows you to import a PDF, scale it precisely and then snap to existing end points, mid points etc. as if it had been imported as a Vectorworks drawing.
- Easy and intuitive to use
- Graphically rich. Includes gradients, image fills and WYSIWYG editing.
- Includes transparency for all objects.
- 2D drafting and advanced 3D modelling in one package. 2D drawings, plans, elevations and sections may be derived from 3D models.
- Live sections through walls show wall cavities
- Integrated database/spreadsheet tracks content and attributes such as window and door schedules.
- Bi-directional spreadsheets allow input on spreadsheet that changes the drawing
- Up-to-date import/export of AutoCad (2008 and prior) and other CAD programs
- PDF export included in Architect, Landmark etc
- SketchUp file import in Architect, Landmark etc
- Sketch Rendering of 2D and 3D in Architect, Landmark etc
- Integration with other rendering programs such as Artlantis and Cinema4D
- Now featuring advanced Nurbs 3D modelling allowing modelling of almost anything
Available in the following versions:
- Fundamentals - still very capable 2D and 3D Cad - but most will appreciate the additional tools and capabilities of the industry specific versions
- Architect - for architects and all building-related designers.
Click here for more information on Architect - Landmark - for landscape and garden designers including terrain modelling, plant placement and database and much more.
Click here for more information on Landmark - Spotlight - Lighting design tools for theatre and set designers -lights, towers and gantries in 2D and 3D.
Click here for more information on Spotlight - Machine Design - for mechanical engineers and designers. The main addition is in parametric mechanical parts and the ability to show live sections and views of your 3D models. Parametric objects nearly all have the ability to create 2D or 3D versions of nuts, bolts, springs, shafts, collars etc.
Click here for more information on Machine Design
For software updates and downloads visit VectorWorks' official website.