With the Vectorworks 2016 release, much has been improved. In addition to the underlying code being improved for the latest generation of operating systems, there are some seriously useful feature upgrades that will not only improve productivity but can probably reduce the need for, and cost of, other external software.
New Features
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Project Sharing
Potentially a major step change in productivity, the new project sharing functionality means a job can be split out amongst contributors – with each user’s jurisdiction protected from another user’s edits. Project Sharing enables two core features – version control and task splitting. For some organisations, this is a huge, game-changing feature.
To give an example.. Say you had a project in Dubai. Some team members are in Dubai, others are back in London. The project needs to progress fast, but there’s no way everyone can be on site. Additionally, saving files to a VPN or Dropbox account only goes so far – there are inevitable moments of overlap, or staff are held up whilst another user or team edits the principle job file. Perhaps worse, elements are built separately and some poor soul has to compile them at some late stage. With Project Sharing, this chaos can be avoided. A single project can have multiple contributors, each is protected from clashes with another. There is no limit to the number of users that can be working on a project at the same time. Time zones become irrelevant. Carefully saving files or merging changes is no longer a manual task. The gains are enormous. Take a look at the video for more details – or talk to us about a trial of Vectorworks 2015 if you’re not already a user.
Energos
Ideal for those in architectural or civil disciplines, Energos is a built-in building energy analysis tool. Use to improve the energy efficiency of a design, generate information for interested parties or even export for further analysis. For more information, take a look at this article on using Energos in Vectorworks.
Subdivison Surfaces
Quite a significant modelling addon, now that Vectorworks has SubD modelling, it becomes easy to create more organic forms without the use of external tools.
Cloud Services in Vectorworks Software
If you are on Vectorworks Service Select (VSS), you can now use built-in tools to save project files to Vectorworks cloud storage and publish drawings to the cloud or a DropBox account. These features, combined with the new Project Sharing functionality mean potentially huge productivity gains for users working as part of a team.
Point Cloud
Save time on projects that interact with historical structures. Vectorworks 2016 can process cloud point data in an intuitive way. Snap to cloud point data in order to dimension or draw up reference geometry.
Marionette
Marionette is a visual scripting interface based on Python. Specifically, it’s designed to allow easy creation and manipulation of calculated objects. Users of Rhino may see a lot of familiarity with Grasshopper. If you’re willing to spend some time with Marionette, it can become a powerful way to create organic geometry, develop repetitive forms that adjust incrementally based on a custom formula or use it to apply model-wide adjustments to particular parametric objects.
OBJ and STL Import
Further enhancing interoperability with other packages and systems, OBJ and STL import functionality means it’s just a little bit easier to load in objects from clients, suppliers, colleagues on other systems and object libraries.
Landmark Data Improvements
Small but significant improvements to the interface and live linking with the plant database should make life simpler for anyone routinely using the plant tools and database.
Renderworks Upgrade and Improvements
Easily modify line thickness and ambient light in OpenGL render. Use panoramic JPEG and PNG images as backgrounds as well as HDRI. Speed enhancements in full screen preview rendering and various UI improvements mean Renderworks is easier to work with than ever before.
Create Stage Improvements
Site Modelling Improvements
User Experience Improvements
Slab Improvements
Database Worksheet Improvements
Horizontal Sections from Clip Cube
Visualisation Techniques
Roof Components and Styles
Door and Window Improvements
Greater control over windows and doors including multiple glazing settings, new louvre settings, ‘span-wall’ window feature and other minor enhancements within the UI.
3D PDF Export
Easily export simple or detailed PDFs of your model for clients or collaborators. This incredibly useful feature can save time, reduce in-person meetings and means it’s no longer necessary to go to an external application for this functionality.
DXF DWG Improvements
Improvements to DXF & DWG exporting mean it’s now possible to store mappings and settings of classes to meet external requirements. Save one set of mappings and reduce time on every subsequent export.
Hardscape Improvements
Improvements to paving tools, allowing multiple gradients in hard surfaces and variable heights for kerbs and borders increase Vectorworks Landscape 2016‘s usefulness for users creating external environments.
Hoist Tool
The new hoist tool for Spotlight and Designer users allows hoists to feature as specific hoist objects within drawings and with associated settings – making them easier to create and edit.