Vectorworks
| Nemetschek - Vectorworks | |
|---|---|
| Basic data
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| developer | Vectorworks, Inc. |
| Current version | Vectorworks 2020 |
| operating system | macOS / Windows |
| category | CAD program |
| License | Commercially |
| German speaking | Yes |
| nemetschek.com/marken/vectorworks | |
Vectorworks is a CAD / BIM system from Vectorworks, Inc. It offers a set of 2D, 3D, presentation and construction tools for all phases of the planning process.
As with traditional work on the drawing board, users can sketch ideas with straight lines , arcs , circles, rectangles, etc., but also use elements such as walls, windows, cupboards, plants, streets and spotlights. These objects can be displayed in 2D and 3D views using multiple windows. 2D objects can also be drawn as "planar objects" in 3D views. 3D models can be generated from 2D drawings and vice versa, e.g. B. by laying cuts.
Vectorworks has a DXF / DWG and an IFC interface and can import and export a large number of file formats . These include a. SketchUp, Revit, 3DS, c4d, EPix, Shapefile / SHP, SAT, Parasolid X_T, PDF, EPS, JPG, TIF and BMP. In addition, Vectorworks supports the formats IGES , SAT, STEP and STL , with the help of which Vectorworks models e.g. B. can be transferred to 3D printers or rapid prototyping machines. With the integrated ODBC database interface, objects drawn in Vectorworks can be linked to data from external databases such as FileMaker, Access, MySQL. The 3D modeling is based on the Parasolid modeling kernel from Siemens PLM software. The screen layout is accelerated by the Vectorworks Graphics Module, which has multicore support and intelligent object tessellation. The standard format GDTF was co-developed for the event industry . The data can be passed on using the MVR file format . The Vectorworks Architecture, Landscape, Spotlight and Designer versions support Building Information Modeling (BIM).
With graphic functions such as B. real line thicknesses , patterns, raster image fills , hatching , color gradients, transparencies, mosaic fills, viewing areas (viewports), layout levels, etc., customer presentations can be generated. Sketch style technology gives CAD drawings the look of hand-sketched illustrations.
Renderworks is available for more advanced 3D rendering . The renderer integrated in Vectorworks can be used to create realistic images as well as images that look like they have been sketched by hand (watercolor, pencil, etc.). The functionality of Renderworks includes global illumination , shadow studies, visible light and area lights, a library of well over 1000 textures, 3D raster image objects, ambient images, atmospheric effects as well as support for HDRI and QuickTime VR. Renderworks is based on the CINEMA 4D Render Engine and thus creates a generic .c4d format during export.
Project sharing makes it possible for several people to work together on the same project. Office standards such as title blocks, stamp objects or symbol libraries can be managed centrally.
Vectorworks also has a programming language called VectorScript, which you can use to program or record functions yourself - from simple search scripts to your own commands and tools to intelligent objects. VectorScript is syntactically similar to Pascal . You can also create your own scripts with Python and Visual Scripting.
The features of Vectorworks also include structural elements such as levels, classes, references, groups, symbols, etc., associative dimensions , an integrated database and a spreadsheet, as well as solid modeling functions for volume models .
Versions
- Vectorworks Basic
- contains the basic functions of the CAD program.
- Vectorworks architecture
- builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic and extends it with architecture-specific tools, commands and intelligent objects. The version is based exclusively on the needs of architects and was one of the first CAD programs to incorporate the concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
- Vectorworks landscape
- builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic. The version was specially developed for landscape architecture and urban and landscape planning. It includes 2D drawing and 3D modeling functions, combined with professional tools for competition designs, work plans with integrated dimensioning and 3D models.
- Vectorworks interiorcad (formerly interior design)
- builds on the functionality of Vectorworks architecture. The version contains numerous industry-specific functions for carpenters, shopfitters, kitchen fitters and interior designers: Carcase furniture such as cupboards, sideboards, shelves or roll containers can be parametrically planned with the carcase generator. A worktop tool is integrated for tables and kitchen worktops and washbasins. A parts list and a calculation can be determined for all drawn furniture, from which a material order or an offer can be created with the appropriate industry software . With the add-on module VectorWOP, the furniture can be exported to common CNC machining centers, e.g. B. from Weeke , Ima, Biesse or Holzher possible.
- Vectorworks interiorcad Small Business
- builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic. It only contains basic functions for 3D planning, but just like interiorcad all industry-specific functions for joiners, shopfitters, kitchen fitters and interior designers. CNC output is also possible with the add-on module VectorWOP Small Business.
- Vectorworks interior xs
- is also based on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic, but is designed as a pure planning and visualization tool. All construction tools for furniture making are included. Parts lists, calculations and CNC outputs are not possible, however.
- Vectorworks Spotlight
- builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic. The version combines 2D drawing and 3D modeling technology with advanced lighting and set design tools and is specially developed for lighting, set and stage designers, artistic directors and design professionals in the entertainment industry. The entire Wacken Open Air was planned with Spotlight .
- Vectorworks Designer
- contains the entire functionality of Vectorworks Basic, Architecture, Landscape and Spotlight. This version is mainly used by interdisciplinary planners.
Additional modules
- Braceworks
- Braceworks is an additional module for Vectorworks Spotlight for rigging analysis in the event industry. It contains functions with which the load on the trusses can be calculated in order to comply with technical standards and to guarantee safety, taking into account Eurocodes and trade association regulations. Finite Element Analysis (FEM) enables static analyzes with a graphic representation of the results in the model. The files can be exported as DTSV files for data exchange with structural engineers.
- vision
- Vision is real-time visualization software. Vision works platform-independently with consoles and can be used for the pre-visualization of shows and the programming of cues. Light shows planned with Vectorworks Spotlight can be transmitted to Vision, including lamps and patches.
- ElementsCAD Basic
- ElementsCAD Basic is an additional module for Vectorworks. The module contains industry-specific tools, commands and libraries for shopfitters, stand builders, interior designers and interior designers. A cabinet generator generates parametric furniture, shelves, carcasses or sloping roof cabinets. Door fronts, handles, plinths or panel profiles that you have drawn yourself can be called up from the cabinet generator. Another tool creates beveled or curved objects, such as living room cabinets with curved doors. A parts list is issued for the drawn furniture. The CNC program ElementsCAM generates CNC programs for the parametric furniture as well as for self-drawn components, which are transferred to machining centers from various manufacturers such as Weeke, Biesse, SCM, Format4 or HolzHer.
- ElementsCAD Basic contains a library with symbols, 2D and 3D materials from various manufacturers such as Häfele, Hettich, Grassmann, Egger, Ostermann or Thermopal.
- ElementsCAD Basic integrates itself into the Vectorworks versions Basic, Pro, Spotlight, Architektur, Designer and Interiorcad through its own working environments. The module is available in German and English and can also be freely translated into other languages within Vectorworks.
- ElementsCAD XS
- ElementsCAD XS includes a 2D cabinet generator and the ElementsCAD library and is also aimed at the target group of shopfitters, stand builders, interior designers and interior designers. The 2D cabinet generator creates parametric front views. Individual colors, hatching, patterns, color gradients or raster images can be assigned to the individual parts using separate classes.
- Furniture manager Vitra
- This additional module contains the "Furniture Manager" tool, which can be used to access manufacturer libraries via an OFML interface - the standard used by German furniture manufacturers. In this way, for example, the entire furniture range from Vitra and the lamp range from Belux can be used in Vectorworks. The material and colors of the furniture can be freely selected. Thanks to the OFML interface, the furniture also has commercial data that can be used for an offer from all furniture included in the planning. The Möbelmanager tool currently supports the Vitra and Belux product range. The integration of catalogs from other manufacturers is planned.
- SimTread
- SimTread can be used to simulate flows of people in Vectorworks designs, e.g. B. in the planning and analysis of buildings or traffic projects in order to visualize the movement of pedestrians. SimTread can be used by planners in the fields of architecture, urban planning, traffic management and fire protection in order to minimize the risk in an emergency. Specifically, it can be used, for example, to control the routes taken by visitors in a museum or at a concert, or to see hundreds of thousands of fans leaving a football stadium in a film.
- VBvisual
- VBvisual offers three-dimensional plants (trees, bushes, perennials, potted plants, cacti, palms, water plants, etc.) for Vectorworks, which can be inserted into the drawing with the "Plant VBvisual" tool. Different seasonal representations can be selected for each plant. Since the plants consist of a maximum of 8000 polygons, little computer time is required.
history
Vectorworks was called MiniCAD until 1999. It was originally developed for the Apple Macintosh by Diehl Graphsoft Inc. From 2000 the company was called Nemetschek North America , from 2008 Nemetschek Vectorworks and since 2015 Vectorworks Inc.
| version | platform | year | Main functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiniCad 1 | Mac | 1985 | 3D editor, rendering with invisible surfaces, 27 basic geometric objects, perspective views, editing of raster images |
| MiniCad 2 | Mac | 1986 | 2D editor, 15 levels, PICT support, unlimited zooming, multiple drawing sheets, support for Mac fonts, raster image import, 8 line types, symbol library, dimensions |
| MiniCad 3 | Mac | 1987 | Editing of multiple documents, text rotation, pen and fill patterns, alignment grid, free object rotation, double straight line tool, creating and deleting areas, rounding, movable origin, layer colors, cut command |
| MiniCad 4 | Mac | 1988 | Fold-out tools, text editing in every zoom, joining double lines, double line connections, new arc methods, general increase in speed |
| MiniCad + 1 | Mac | 1988 | Duplicate Plus, MiniPascal, integrated data sheet, symbol folder, curve tool, integrated 2D / 3D environment, 256 colors |
| MiniCad + 2 | Mac | 1989 | DXF interface, EPS export, fully rotatable text, vector hatching, click-click drawing mode, mode palette, mirror tool, movable tool palette, create area |
| MiniCad + 3, construction module | Mac | 1991 | Intelligent 2D pointer, database, data palette, data sheet, search functions for MiniPascal and data sheet, new dimensioning tools |
| MiniCad + 4, construction module | Mac | 1993 | Wall object, floor and roof objects, traversal tool, skimming tool, intelligent 3D pointer, dimensioning supports tolerances, own line types, intersection, hybrid objects, method line, info line |
| MiniCAD 5, construction module | Mac | 1994 | Chamfer tool, custom scales and units, improved smart pointers, polylines, edit group mode, unlimited number of levels and classes |
| MiniCAD 6, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 1996 | Info palette, holes in polygons, EPSF export, ClarisCAD interface, work plane palette, 3D forming tool, 3D auxiliary points, direct 3D editing, SDK C programming interface, mask editor, PowerPC support |
| MiniCAD 7, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 1997 | Show light sources, position of the sun, hidden edges with dashed lines, associative hatching, automatic wall connections, support of formulas in input fields, dimensions with two units, column objects, rotatable grid, DWG export, 3DMF export. Compatible with AutoCAD 12. |
| VectorWorks 8, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 1999 | 100 revocation steps, class attributes, reference technology, round walls, complex wall structures, roof objects, context menus, tooltips and balloon help, saving in old file formats, QuickDraw 3D rendering, raster image import and export. Compatible with AutoCAD 14. |
| VectorWorks 8.5, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 1999 | Smart Objects, OpenGL rendering (Windows only) |
| VectorWorks 9, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 2001 | RenderWorks, higher precision, associative dimensions, relations, NURBS curves, path bodies, join and separate tools, smart path objects, taper bodies, convert to hatch, unlimited coordinate system, spell checker, smart windows, doors, buildings and trees, free viewer. Compatible with AutoCAD 2000. |
| VectorWorks 9.5, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 2002 | OS X support, 3D Power Pack (solids, NURBS surfaces, fillets, hollow bodies, surface bodies, IGES import and export). Compatible with AutoCAD 2002. |
| VectorWorks 10, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 2002 | Batch conversion, zooming with the mouse wheel, improved accessory palette, gradients, raster image fills, tab characters in text fields, improved raster image export, text on path, double-click to edit objects, STL export, faster solids, new stair tool, plant tool, connected walls, seating object, automatic backup files |
| VectorWorks 10.5, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 2003 | Raster printing method, body reshaping tool, rotate profile on path, surface mapping of textures for NURBS, DXF / DWG with raster images, improved 3D snapping, improved 3D editing |
| VectorWorks 11, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering | Mac / Windows | 2004 | View areas (viewports), context-sensitive help, SAT import and export, 2D OpenGL acceleration, layout levels, roof truss, RenderWorks with painting style, multiprocessor support, automatic compression, object filling, spot colors, lists and legends, title block, batch printing, and the like . Compatible with AutoCAD 2004. |
| VectorWorks 11.5, Module Pro, Architecture, Landscape, Interior Construction, Mechanical Engineering, Spotlight | Mac / Windows | 2004 | Automatic lighting, improved freehand tool, recently used fonts, sketch style, improved parallel lines, online updater. Compatible with AutoCAD 2005. |
| VectorWorks 12, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interior design, mechanical engineering, spotlight | Mac / Windows | 2005 | Dynamic sections, 3DS import, terrain model, new tool palettes, completely revised layer and class management, navigation palette, SHP support, stacking layers, realistic light, create polygons with one click, 3D person object, radiosity, area and line lights, visible light. Compatible with AutoCAD 2006. |
| VectorWorks 12.5, Module Pro, Architecture, Landscape, Interior Construction, Mechanical Engineering, Spotlight | Mac / Windows | 2006 | PDF export and import, chain dimensioning, align to gray layers and classes, Google Earth export, improved references, Universal Binary / Intel Mac support, 3D smoothing, HDRI import and export, Unicode support, 3D duplication |
| VectorWorks 2008, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interiorcad (formerly interior design), mechanical engineering, spotlight | Mac / Windows | 2007 | Rotatable drawing sheet, viewing areas on construction levels, real references, object dimensions on the pointer, improved transparencies, any number of colors, shared use of preferences, specifications, favorites, etc., mass determination according to REB, hyperlinks, simple windows and doors, file extension ".vwx". Compatible with AutoCAD 2008. |
| Vectorworks 2009, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interiorcad (formerly interior design), mechanical engineering, spotlight | Mac / Windows | 2008 | Parasolid modeling kernel, improved intelligent pointer, file import via drag and drop, improved lists and legends, import of colors and color palettes, Parasolid X_T import and export, alignment to PDFs. Compatible with AutoCAD 2009. |
| Vectorworks 2010, Module Pro, architecture, landscape, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, mechanical engineering, spotlight | Mac / Windows | 2009 | Plan changes by overwriting the dimension figure, intuitive 3D modeling, automatically connecting wall shells, real niches and protrusions in walls, improved editing of hatches, tree cadastre, improved 3D alignment, decals. Compatible with AutoCAD 2010. |
| Vectorworks 2011, versions Pro, Architecture, Landscape, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2010 | Improved 3D modeling, text with justified and style sheets, floors and ceilings in layers, creating and managing rooms, scalable symbols, improved editing of dimensions, mosaic fills, CINEMA 4D render engine. Compatible with AutoCAD 2011. |
| Vectorworks 2012, versions Pro, Architecture, Landscape, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2011 | X-ray vision for hidden objects, improved working with walls, colors for drawing background, control object display with database entries, automatic work plane, 3D modeling with 2D tools, floors, georeferencing, rendering styles. Compatible with AutoCAD 2012. |
| Vectorworks 2013, versions Pro, Architektur, Landschaft, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2012 | Improved zooming and moving of the section, images in tables, freely definable line types, DXF / DWG batch export, detail view areas, cutting box, 3D area subdivision, auto-hybrid object, sliding doors, rendering in the background. Compatible with AutoCAD 2013. |
| Vectorworks 2014, versions Pro, Architektur, Landschaft, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2013 | Scripting with Python, modeling in OpenGL, displacement mapping, publish command, twist tool, 3D chamfer tool, evaluate terrain model, reference DXF / DWG files, external database connection to SQLite. Compatible with AutoCAD 2014. |
| Vectorworks 2015, versions Pro, Architektur, Landschaft, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2014 | 64-bit version, extended Vectorworks Graphics Module, support of Retina and 4K, curtain walls, PDF / A-1b export, STEP export and import, improved labeling, transparent gradients, improved insulation, 2D hatching in 3D edge renderings . Compatible with AutoCAD 2015. |
| Vectorworks 2016, versions architecture, landscape, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2015 | Graphic scripting, energy analysis, subdivision modeling, project sharing, migration assistant, chain hoists, import point cloud, 3D PDF export, OBJ, STL and NAS import, compatible with AutoCAD 2016. |
| Vectorworks 2017, versions Architektur, Landschaft, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2016 | Accessory manager, main snap points, beams and beams, irrigation planning, interior views, cable tools, export web display, renderworks and photo view integrated, IFC version 4 support, import Revit. Compatible with AutoCAD 2017. |
| Vectorworks 2018, versions Architektur, Landschaft, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2017 | Multi-window technology, object styles, support of Unicode, export of rendered panoramas, GeoTIFF import, foliage, additional module Braceworks for rigging analysis, integrated rendering engine CineRender. Compatible with AutoCAD 2018. |
| Vectorworks 2019, versions architecture, landscape, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | Mac / Windows | 2018 | Multicore support of the Vectorworks Graphics Module, data stamps, hybrid technology, image effects, trailing curve simulation, terrain modeling, bridles, import mtextur and buildup data, file format MVR (My Virtual Rig) for the exchange of GDTF data. Compatible with AutoCAD 2019. |
| Vectorworks 2020, versions architecture, landscape, interiorcad, interiorcad Small Business, interior xs, Spotlight, Designer | macOS / Windows | 2019 | Data visualization, data manager, integration of GIS information, historicized modeling, real-time animations, schematic views for lighting plans, Resilio Sync support, export Revit, import XPlanung. Compatible with AutoCAD 2020. |
literature
- Georg Wider: Vectorworks 2012/2013, 2D beginner course. Basics of Computer Aided Design (CAD). (5th ed., Wider Engineering & Verlag, 2013), ISBN 978-3905913033
- Horst Sondermann: Vectorworks architecture. CAAD and visualization (Springer-Verlag 2011), ISBN 978-3709105283
- Werner Püntener, Marvin Säuberlich: Inside Vectorworks. Integrated plan work. Architecture • Landscape • Design (CADForum Architecture and Design 2010), ISBN 978-3952091333
- Georg Wider: VectorWorks 2010/2011, 2D beginner course. Basics of Computer Aided Design (CAD). (4th ed., Wider Engineering & Verlag, 2011), ISBN 978-3905913026
- Georg Wider: VectorWorks 2010, 2D beginner course. Basics of Computer Aided Design (CAD). (3rd edition, Wider Engineering & Verlag, 2009/2010), ISBN 978-3905913019
- Georg Wider: VectorWorks 2008/2009, 2D beginners course. Basics of Computer Aided Design (CAD). (Wider Engineering & Verlag, 2009), ISBN 978-3905913002
- Georg Wider: VectorWorks 12, 2D beginner course. Basics of Computer Aided Design (CAD). (Wider Engineering & Verlag, 2007), ISBN 978-3939616009
- Philipp Hauzinger: First Bite 3. The compact Mac practical book for architecture, design, graphics and film (Niggli Verlag 2005), ISBN 978-3721205688
- Philipp Hauzinger: Movie Bite. The compact practical handbook for digital film production and CAD animations (Midas Verlag 2006), ISBN 978-3907020159
- Philipp Hauzinger: CAD Bite. (Niggli Verlag 2006), ISBN 978-3721205961
- Daniel Jansenson: The RenderWorks Recipe Book (2004).
Web links
- Vectorworks website at ComputerWorks
- Link catalog on the subject of VectorWorks (English) at curlie.org (formerly DMOZ )
Individual evidence
- ↑ Wacken Open Air: Rain or shine with Vectorworks Spotlight. Accessed June 20, 2018 (German).