Vectorworks

Vectorworks is a CAD system of the company Nemetschek Vectorworks and provides a set of 2D, 3D, presentation and design tools for all phases of the planning process.

Introduction

Users can use as the traditional work at the drawing board with lines, arcs, circles, rectangles, etc. sketch ideas, but also elements such as walls, windows, cabinets, plants, roads and lights. These objects can be displayed in 2D and 3D views. 2D objects can be characterized as " planar objects" in 3D views. 3D models can be generated from 2D drawings and vice versa, for example by placing sections.

Vectorworks has a DXF / DWG and IFC interface and can import and export a variety of file formats. These include, inter alia, SketchUp, 3DS, c4d, EPix, Shapefile / SHP, SAT, Parasolid X_T, PDF, EPS, JPG, TIF and BMP. In addition, VectorWorks supports formats IGES, SAT and STL, with the help of Vectorworks models, for example of 3D printers and rapid prototyping machines can be transferred. With the integrated ODBC database interface is drawn in Vectorworks objects with data from external databases such as FileMaker, Access, MySQL, Excel can, among other things link. The 3D modeling is carried out based on the Parasolid modeling kernel - Siemens PLM Software. The versions of Vectorworks Architect and Vectorworks Designer support Building Information Modeling ( BIM).

With graphics capabilities, such as real line thicknesses, adornments, raster image fillings, hatches, gradients, transparencies, mosaic panels, view areas ( viewports ), layout, levels, etc. can be generated client presentations. The sketches style technology gives CAD drawings the appearance of handskizzierten illustrations.

For more advanced 3D rendering is the Renderworks module. With the built- in Vectorworks renderer can generate both realistic images as well as images that look as sketched by hand ( watercolor, pencil, and others). For the functionality of Renderworks include global illumination, shadow studies, visible light and area lights, a library of well over 1000 textures, 3D raster image objects, Pictures of the surroundings, atmospheric effects, and support for HDR, and QuickTime VR. Renderworks is based on the CINEMA 4D render engine, and produced by the export virtually a generic. C4d format.

The Vectorworks Reference Technology makes it possible for multiple people to work together on the same project. Office standards such as title blocks, stamps objects or symbol libraries can be centrally managed. Vectorworks also has a programming language called Vector script with which you can program yourself or record functions - from simple search script has its own commands and tools to intelligent objects. Vector scripts are syntactically similar to Pascal.

Among the features of Vectorworks are beyond structural elements such as layers, classes, references, groups, symbols, etc., an associative dimensioning, an integrated database and a spreadsheet and solid modeling capabilities for volume models.

Versions

Vectorworks Basic provides the basic functionality of the CAD program.

VectorWorks Pro extended Vectorworks Basic dozens of commands and utilities that simplify solving certain tasks in the field of technical drawing and automate.

Vectorworks Architect builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Pro and extends it with architecture-specific tools, commands, and Smart Objects. The version is based solely on the needs of architects and was one of the first CAD programs who received the concept of Building Information Modeling ( BIM).

Vectorworks landscape builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Pro. The version is specifically for landscape architecture, and urban and landscape planning developed. It includes 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools, combined with professional tools for competition designs, work plans with integrated quantity takeoff, and 3D models.

Vector interiorcad (formerly interior fittings ) builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Architect. The version contains numerous industry-specific functionality for joiners, shop fitters, kitchen fitters and interior designers: cabinet furniture, such as cabinets, sideboards, shelves or rolling container can be planned parametrically with the body generator. For tables and kitchen countertops and vanity tops a countertop tool is integegriert. At all subscribed furniture, can be a parts list and a spreadsheet to determine, resulting in a material order or a quotation can be created with a corresponding industry software. With the additional module VectorWOP is an export of furniture on integrated CNC machining centers, eg possible by Weeke, Ima, Biesse or Holzher.

Vector interiorcad Small Business builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic. It thus contains only basic functions for 3D planning, but like interiorcad all industry-specific functionality for joiners, shop fitters, kitchen fitters and interior designers. Also a CNC output is possible with the additional module VectorWOP Small Business.

Vectorworks interior xs also builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic, but is designed as a pure planning and visualization tool. Thus, all design tools for furniture making are included. However, parts lists, calculations and CNC expenses are not possible.

VectorWorks Spotlight builds on the functionality of Vectorworks Basic. The version combines 2D drafting and 3D modeling technology with advanced lighting and Setdesignwerkzeugen and has been specially developed for lighting, set and stage designer, art director and design professionals in the entertainment industry.

Vectorworks Designer contains all of the functionality of Vectorworks Basic, Pro, architecture, landscape and Spotlight. This version is mainly used by interdisciplinary planners.

Add-on modules

AR -works AR -works is an Augmented Reality Plug-in for Vectorworks with which a 3D model can be viewed on the computer. The model can be viewed from all sides, you can look into his heart and zoom in or out. With the help of a printed template can be rotated, tilted and enlarged on the screen by rotating, tilting and zooming the model. With the AR -works export plug-in also can be a model from VectorWorks to be exported.

CadFaster | Collaborate CadFaster | Collaborate is an additional export command for Vectorworks with which a model is either converted into an exe file for Windows or exported directly to the cloud. Thus, the model can be both on any Windows computer from all sides view as well as on iOS devices such as the iPad or the iPhone. A Mac version is in preparation and will be published in fall 2012.

Camera Match - Photo View The additional module photo view creates the 3D view of a model so that it matches the perspective of a given photos. Thus, a 3D model is fitted in a photo and a photo montage can be created.

ElementsCAD Basic ElementsCAD Basic is a plug-in for Vectorworks. The module includes industry-specific tools, commands and libraries for shopfitters, exhibition stand builders, interior designers and interior designers. A closet generator generates parametric furniture, shelves, cabinets or cupboards pitched roof. Even subscribed door fronts, handles, base plate or profiles can be accessed from the generator cabinet. Another tool generates beveled or curved objects, such as living room cabinets with curved doors. The subscribed furniture a bill is issued. The CNC program ElementsCAM generated for parametric furniture as well as for self -drawn components CNC programs that are passed to processing centers of various manufacturers such as Weeke, Biesse, SCM, Format4 or HolzHer. ElementsCAD Basic includes a library of symbols, 2D and 3D materials from different manufacturers such as Hafele, Hettich, Grass Man, Egger, Ostermann or Thermopal. ElementsCAD Basic integrates through their own work environments in the Vectorworks Basic, Pro, Spotlight, architecture, designers and interiorcad. The module is available in German and English and can also translate freely within Vectorworks in other languages ​​.

ElementsCAD XS ElementsCAD XS includes a 2D generator cabinet and the ElementsCAD library and also aimed at the target group shopfitters, exhibition stand builders, interior designers and interior designers. The 2D cabinet generator creates parametric front views. Using custom classes the items, individual colors, hatching, patterns, gradients or raster images are assigned.

ISymbol iSymbols are hand-drawn CAD ​​symbols for Vectorworks. The libraries include, among others Symbols for the interior design, outdoor, black and white sketches, 3D icons.

Furniture Manager vitra This add-on module contains the tool " furniture manager ", with the a OFML interface - the standard of the German furniture manufacturer - can be accessed manufacturer libraries. In this way, for example the complete range of furniture from Vitra and the range of lamp Belux can be use in Vectorworks. Materials and colors of the furniture can be selected freely. By OFML interface, the furniture also commercial data that can be used for a selection of all furniture included in the planning. Currently, the tool furniture Manager supports the range of Vitra and Belux. The integration of the catalogs of other manufacturers is planned.

Renderworks With the built- in Vectorworks renderer can generate both realistic images as well as images that look as sketched by hand ( watercolor, pencil, etc.). For the functionality of Renderworks include global illumination, shadow studies, visible light and area lights, a library of well over 1000 textures, 3D raster image objects surrounding images, atmospheric effects, and support for HDR, and QuickTime VR. Renderworks is based on the CINEMA 4D render engine, and produced by the export virtually a generic. C4d format.

SimTread With SimTread to flows of people in Vectorworks designs can be simulated, for example, in the planning and analysis of buildings or transport projects to visualize the movement of pedestrians. SimTread can be used by planners in the fields of architecture, urban planning, traffic management and fire protection, to achieve risk minimization for the emergency. Specifically, can thus, for example, the paths of visitors in a museum or at a concert to control or understand the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of fans in a movie in a football stadium.

VBvisual VBvisual provides three-dimensional plants (trees, shrubs, perennials, potted plants, cacti, palm trees, water plants, etc. ) for Vectorworks that can be used with the tool " plant VBvisual " in the drawing. For each plant different seasonal displays are selectable. Since the plants consist of a maximum of 8000 polygons, only a few computers it will take.

History

Vectorworks was called until 1999 Mini-CAD. It was originally developed for the Apple Macintosh, from Diehl graph Soft Inc.. Starting from 2000 the company was called Nemetschek North America Nemetschek Vectorworks and since 2008.