new vectorworks

What’s New in Vectorworks 2019

Vectorworks 2019

Some greet annual updates with scepticism, some with genuine excitement. Vectorworks provide annual major updates (with free service pack releases throughout the year) and this year sees some significant changes and added features.

There are significant improvements in sections and cut-throughs, Fundamentals loses its access to window and door tools, and there are a range of more minor new features that improve general usability or address gripes.

Changes to Fundamentals

Traditionally, Vectorworks Fundamentals has been pitched as the entry level solution but it has carried within it various tools that are extremely helpful for architectural work. These industry-specific tools will now only be available in design-series packages. The tools that are removed from Fundamentals 2019 are:

  • Walls
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Spaces
  • Columns
  • Stairs & Ramps

Fundamentals users on VSS when 2019 is released will be entitled to a free upgrade to a design series product (Architect, Landmark or Spotlight) and their VSS will increase slightly upon renewal to reflect the upgrade. Fundamentals users without VSS but wishing to move to 2019 will need to upgrade to Vectorworks Architect to have access once again to those tools.

The price of Vectorworks Fundamentals 2019 has been frozen and it’s anticipated that going forward it will continue to fill a role as a good 2D & 3D application, provide a cost effective alternative to AutoCAD but architects and interior designers will find the design series products more useful. Likewise, anyone looking for a BIM platform will need to be working in a design series product.

 

New Features Across the Board

  • 2D Components for Hybrid Objects
  • Image Effects
  • Clip Cube Options
  • Subdivision Iterations
  • Multi-Core Support for Graphics
  • Improved DWG Import/Export
  • Vectorworks Graphics Module Available on Sheet Layers
  • Layer and Class Filtering
  • Improved Flyover Sensitivity
  • Improved Chain Dimensions

 

Industry Series

  • BIM Ready Building Libraries
  • Data Tags
  • Marionette Improvements
  • Bi-Directional Editing in COBie worksheets
  • Improved OpenBIM / IFC Export Options
  • Improved PDF Workflows
  • Improved REVIT Collaboration
  • Section Drawing Creation
  • Object Catalogues
  • Point Cloud Enhancements
  • Space Objects: Non-Horizontal Ceilings and Floors
  • Space Styles
  • Improved Title Block Management
  • Project Sharing Diagnostics
  • Vehicle Turning Simulation

 

Vectorworks Architect

Vectorworks Architect

  • Improved Stairs
  • 3D Site Sculpting

 

Vectorworks Spotlight

Vectorworks Spotlight

  • Spotlight Objects in 3D
  • Introduction of My Virtual Rig (MVR) Open File Format Container
  • 3D Label Legend Improvements
  • Improved Lighting Instrument Tool
  • Projector Screen Creation Mode
  • Spotlight Numbering Command

 

Vectorworks Landmark

Vectorworks Landmark

  • Improved Stairs
  • 3D Site Sculpting
  • Plant Data Sources
  • Planting Plans: UI Enhancements
  • Hardscape Components

 

Vectorworks Designer

 

Vectorworks Designer

  • Improved Stairs
  • 3D Site Sculpting
  • Plant Data Sources
  • Planting Plans: UI Enhancements
  • Hardscape Components
  • Spotlight Objects in 3D
  • Introduction of My Virtual Rig (MVR) Open File Format Container
  • 3D Label Legend Improvements
  • Improved Lighting Instrument Tool
  • Projector Screen Creation Mode
  • Spotlight Numbering Command

 

If you’re interested in purchasing Vectorworks, or have any queries, give us a call or email us on contact@cadsoftwaredirect.com

Vectorworks 2019: Clip Cube for Viewports

Vectorworks 2019

Vectorworks 2019 introduces clip cube support for viewports and Renderworks modes in design layers and sheet layers.

Previously, clip cube supported openGL and WireFrame rendering modes. However, now you will be able to use clip cubes in any rendered view or style, giving you the efficiency and capability you need to create remarkable sections, elevations, and presentation drawings.

The clip cube option is located in the advanced viewport dialog box, along with other preferences, such as changing the fill and edge color or casting shadows of removed objects. To get the full details check out the video below:

“The new clip cube feature is great. We’ve been waiting for the ability to show clip cubes in sheet layer viewports, and now we can,” said Chad Hamilton, AIA, LEED, AP, principal architect at Hamilton + Aitken Architects. “In schematic design, we can make 3D plan views by setting clip cube a few feet above the floor. Or in design development, we can present sections in cutaway axon views to really demonstrate how things relate to each other. This really expands our tools for design presentations.”

Vectorworks 2019 Teaser – Class & Layer Filters

Vectorworks 2019

Vectorworks are returning again this year with Teaser Tuesday! Here’s your chance for a sneak peek at updates to come in Vectorworks 2019. For the first in the series, here’s a Vectorworks 2019 update that will help you save time and make your workflow even smoother.

Most design files end up with more classes and layers than one can easily manage. In Vectorworks 2019, steps have been taken to increase efficiency by adding the ability to search, filter, and add tags to layers and classes. This means you can instantly find what you’re looking for by typing in a keyword search or using filters to display class and layers based upon specific properties. Watch the video below to see the full capabilities:

“As the amount of data in BIM files increases, it gets harder to find and manage classes and layers,” said Chad Hamilton, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Architect at Hamilton + Aitken Architects. “The new layer and class filters help sort through this information so we can quickly find what we need. This is a huge improvement, especially for offices doing more complex projects.”

Find out more by visiting CAD Software Direct/Vectorworks.