Vectorworks Architect
Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for architectural design from pre-design through construction documentation.
What Vectorworks Architect is
Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for architectural design from pre-design through construction documentation. It supports data-rich workflows using parametric building objects such as walls, doors, and windows, and produces construction documents, fabrication details, shop drawings, material take-offs, and schedules. Advanced 3D modeling tools support custom parametric elements. Built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon, while visualization tools support renderings, AR/VR experiences, presentations, and mood boards. The software supports openBIM and IFC, with file exchange for AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino; integrations include Solibri, Bluebeam, Revizto, and BIMCollab. Cloud processing handles rendering, animations, and exports. Its mobile app can create 3D models from photos and review cloud-hosted documents. Annual costs $127.50 a year, billed $1,530.00 annually, and Monthly costs $170 a month. A free trial is available, but there is no free plan. A license can be installed on up to two machines, with active use on only one device at a time.
Good
- Creates construction documents, shop drawings, and schedules.
- Includes energy and embodied-carbon assessments.
- Supports openBIM and IFC.
- Cloud processing handles rendering, animations, and exports.
- A free trial is available.
Watch out
- There is no free plan.
- Monthly costs $170 a month.
- Only one device can use a license actively at a time.
- Periodic server authorization and online connection are required.
Who it suits
Vectorworks Architect suits architects who need BIM tools from early design through construction documentation. It may also suit teams that need IFC exchange, visualization, and cloud processing in their workflow.
Verdict
Vectorworks Architect covers modeling, documentation, assessment, and visualization for architectural BIM work. Review the subscription cost and online authorization requirement, particularly if multiple devices or intermittent connectivity matter.
Plans and prices
From Vectorworks Architect's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $170 a month | Best for infrequent use · Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses · 10% off online training · $170.00 /mo. |
| Annual | $1,530 a year | Best for frequent use · Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses · 15% off online training · $1,530.00 billed annually |
The facts
Each one read from Vectorworks Architect's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- BIM
- It supports data-rich BIM workflows with parametric building objects such as walls, doors, and windows.checked 2 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Connectivity limit
- The software needs periodic server authorization, and active subscription customers must connect online within three days of their renewal date.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- It generates construction documentation, fabrication details, shop drawings, and reports such as material take-offs and schedules.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The Vectorworks Partner Network includes integrations such as Solibri, Bluebeam, Revizto, and BIMCollab.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Interoperability
- Vectorworks Architect supports openBIM and IFC and offers file exchange with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino.checked 2 Oct 2026
- License limit
- A license can be installed on up to two machines but used actively on only one device at a time.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- The product includes advanced 3D modeling and tools for creating custom parametric design elements.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for design phases from pre-design through construction documentation.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- Vectorworks says it uses technical and organizational measures to protect personal information and its data-processing addendum describes safeguards and breach notification obligations.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Vectorworks offers technical support requests, online help, a knowledgebase, training, and professional consulting services.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The listed minimum operating systems are macOS 26 (Tahoe), macOS 15 (Sequoia), and Windows 11.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Sustainability
- Built-in assessments cover energy and embodied carbon.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Visualization
- The product supports renderings, AR/VR experiences, presentations, and mood boards.checked 2 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1985checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Columbia, Maryland, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
