Make 3D as Easy as 2D

Improved 3D Environment
     
The 3D environment is much more intuitive in the Vectorworks 2011 software. Working in 3D is similar to the ease of 2D, for a truly unified and simplified experience. You can draft any shape, on any plane, in any view, using the tools you already know how to use.

Push/Pull & Face Selection
     
The tool's name tells you how it works-just push and pull. The Push/Pull tool can edit solids faces and planar objects just like it would in the real world, so you get dynamically interactive feedback and instant results as you work.

Extract Planar Objects
     
Now the Extract tool can create instant planar objects from a 3D surface in the Extract Surface mode, so you can simulate the appearance of a hatched 3D object.

Vectorworks Architect-Do BIM Better

Improved Space Object
  
Get the power and flexibility to model spaces that are truly intelligent. Add a large array of BIM/IFC-compatible and GSA-specific details. Create the spaces with a single click according to the wall boundaries, or use familiar drawing tools. And more.

New Slab Tool
  
Create BIM-compliant slabs that interact with bounding walls to make architecturally correct wall-floor intersections in both 3D and cross-section. And more.

New 3D Wall Components
     
Enjoy better wall modeling with more realistic section views and textured wall components. Wall components can be offset from the wall itself, and of varying heights for detailed wall views

Wall End Caps
  
Create both standard and custom component wrapping at the ends of walls.

Multi-File Batch Print
    
Save time by printing from sets of multiple saved views and sheet layers from Vectorworks files, whether open or closed. Do the same for PDF exports.

Improved Window and Door Settings
   
You asked, and we listened. We've substantially re-designed the window and door interface for ease of use and fewer mouse-clicks when you create window and door objects.

Vectorworks Landmark

New Retaining Wall Site Modifier
  
This new parametric object not only allows you the flexibility to sculpt the terrain around the wall, but also to easily produce materials take-offs.

New Existing Tree Tool
  
Document existing site trees for evaluation before construction work or landscaping, or use it for management and reporting purposes.

New Grade Tool
  
This innovative new tool creates a parametric grade object to annotate terrain slopes on site plan documents. Grade objects can be networked together to show slope characteristics across a surface.

New Create Stepped Wall Command
   
Here's a simpler method for creating a stepped wall that contains wall peaks at even intervals-one with a constant rise at each interval, or one with a variable rise conforming to the underlying terrain.

Site Model Improvements
  
Site models are more robust than ever with these enhanced options: easily map aerial images onto site models; use color to illustrate grade changes between contour lines; display cut and fill with a new display option. And more.

New Apply Saved Hardscape Settings to Existing Hardscapes
  
Once a hardscape is set to the desired appearance, save it as a resource. You can then drag the resource onto a different hardscape to automatically apply your saved settings in just seconds!

Vectorworks Spotlight

Better Focus Point Support for Lighting Instruments
  
Now you can focus light exactly where you need it most. Lighting instruments and everything associated with them-their light source, accessories, associated 3D geometry, and beam-now always point toward your desired focus point, both when there are actual focus point objects or virtual representations that are displayed in design layer viewports.

Lightwright Data Exchange Improvements
  
The automatic data exchange with Lightwright can now: - Place new lights created in Lightwright between existing lights on a lighting position - Allow Lightwright to set the selection state of lighting devices when updating

New Options for Seating Layout
   
Now you can note the seating section name, seating count, and seat numbering along with the starting seat number and seating number incremental value on your drawing.

Improved Focus Point Object Graphics
  
Choose from new options to control the visibility of text and select from a library of default content graphics for the Focus Point object.

Renderworks

Renderworks with CINEMA 4D Engine

Introducing the award-winning CINEMA 4D, the exciting and powerful new rendering engine in the Renderworks 2011 version. Together, they provide dramatic speed and quality gains, with a robust integrated rendering option that's right inside your Vectorworks application. You'll be blown away by simpler, more intelligent controls, and render speeds that are five to seven times faster for indirect lighting rendering!

Linking Camera and Viewports

We've given you what you asked for! Now, when you link a camera to a viewport, the viewport's view derives from the camera's view .And, the camera view can be edited from the viewport.

Attribute Mapping Tool Improvements

Now you can edit texture mapping directly in the drawing window, and if the selected part or object has an unsupported mapping type, you're automatically assisted with switching to a supported type.

Exceptional Text Features

Perfect Preview Text Editing
     
We're taking the guesswork out of your work. With perfect text preview, text appears the same when editing as it does on the drawing, saving you time and effort. Rotated text can be edited in place, or un-rotated if needed.

Text Styles
     
Use text styles to quickly and easily apply and maintain a consistent look to all text throughout a file, including text in sheet borders, dimensions, and callouts. Text styles are resources that can be shared among files to facilitate compliance with office standards.

Improved Text
     
Check out these additional options: - Use a tight fill for optimal text background fill effects - Check spelling from the context menu during text editing - Rotate text with the Selection tool - Left and right justify your text at the same time - Make units look more accurate with sub- and superscript options

Tap into Power Tools

New Scalable Symbols
     
Now you can adjust the scale of a symbol right from the Object Info palette, without having to create a new symbol for each size that you need. That's not all-symbols can now be page-based or world-based when created, so if you have an annotation symbol, it will always display at the size you want.

New Tile Fills for 2D Objects
     
This creative new fill type will amaze you! Enjoy creating beautiful tiled patterns on planar objects.

New Select Connected Objects Command
     
Here's a handy command that will save you a bunch of time. Select one or more objects and all other objects that are connected end-to-end are also automatically selected. I This is especially useful for imported DWG survey drawings.

New Even Divide Command
     
This convenient command divides lines, arcs, circles, and rectangles into even subdivisions.

New Triangle Tool
     
Add the new Triangle tool to your tool set to quickly create triangles by a variety of methods.

Resource Browser Library Access
     
It's much easier to find the amazing libraries of resources that ship with Vectorworks 2011 software. Use shortcuts to the Vectorworks, workgroup, or user folders to find what you need in no time.