It’s easy to step back from updates when you feel you’re happy with the way your software is currently performing. However, even with the most cynical software developers, most updates are usually very beneficial to the user, resulting in improved efficiency and greater ease of use.
Nemetschek’s Vectorworks software is now updated annually, which means if you’re not on the VSS automatic updates, you may wonder whether it’s worth upgrading. In short, the Vectorworks 2013 release should be very useful to relatively heavy users of the programme and a large jump up for those users still running Vectorworks 11, 12 or 2009.
So, Why Upgrade to Vectorworks 2013?
Improved Door & Window Tools
[Vectorworks Architect Vectorworks Designer]
Greater room for custom settings, adjustments and new controls for global/bulk changes. One of the most requested improvements.
Surface Array Object
[ Vectorworks Architect | Vectorworks Spotlight | Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]
A hugely significant feature – especially for commercial architects, the surface array tool allows users to accurately repeat items across a complex surface. This is pitched particularly at users creating buildings with organic forms using large volumes of glazing units or other architectural/structural features.
Golden Proportions
[Vectorworks Fundamentals | Vectorworks Architect | Vectorworks Spotlight | Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]
An interesting new feature, that some may find useful, others a little unnecessary, is the golden proportions tool. A simple device to draw golden rectangles directly into your plan.
Hyperlinks within drawings
Links to other drawings, external files or web links. Not groundbreaking – just great for sending documents to clients and exporting to interactive PDFs.
2D & 3D Visualisation & Navigation
[Vectorworks Fundamentals | Vectorworks Architect | Vectorworks Spotlight | Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]
Vectorworks 2013 now incorporates some user interface tools that have been commonplace in other 3D apps. Users of Sketchup may see some familiarity here.
Small Efficiency Improvements
[Vectorworks Fundamentals | Vectorworks Architect | Vectorworks Spotlight | Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]
Several key improvements have been made throughout the application. Furthermore, many processes have become faster (especially screen redrawing).
Plant Object Improvements
[ Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]
Greater control over plant objects.
Speaker & Speaker Array Tools
[Vectorworks Spotlight | Vectorworks Designer]
A completely new tool for audio/visual event planners. Specify speaker types accurately – both for visualisation and data generation.
Site Model Improvements
[ Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]
An important new tool for Landmark users that should help significantly when planning cut-in and landscaping work within a geographical environment.
Physical Sun & Sky
[Vectorworks Renderworks]
Hidden Line Render Improvements
[Vectorworks Fundamentals | Vectorworks Architect | Vectorworks Spotlight | Vectorworks Landmark | Vectorworks Designer]