Vectorworks Fundamentals FAQ
[+] Do I need Vectorworks Fundamentals or Vectorworks Designer?
Do you need to do simple 2D/3D design? Then go with Vectorworks® Fundamentals. It’s a great CAD solution for general 2D drafting and 3D modeling, and it’s the fundamental application that’s the basis for other Vectorworks products. To find out more about it, see our
Fundamentals page.
If your needs are more specific to one particular design discipline like architecture, landscape, lighting, or machine design, and you don't need tools from other disciplines, then pick a single Vectorworks Design Series product to suit your needs. To find out more about our other products, see our Design Series pages.
Once you need the tools available in two or more of the Design Series products, Vectorworks Designer is a smart choice. It’s a collection of all the Vectorworks products: Vectorworks Architect, Landmark, Machine Design, and Spotlight. Vectorworks Designer is made for the person or firm that handles multiple design disciplines and needs the tools to get it all done. To find out more about it, see our Designer page.
Vectorworks Fundamentals is known for its streamlined user interface and workflow. Getting you up and running quickly is our goal. Typically, after a two-day training course you’ll be able to understand the basics of Vectorworks Fundamentals and you’ll be able to start designing. We also have a number of self-training options available, so that you can learn at your own pace. We offer tutorials with illustrated, step-by-step instructions, and sample designs. See our training page
training page for a list of tutorials.
Yes. Students around the world use Vectorworks Designer, which combines all the functionality of Vectorworks Landmark, Architect, Spotlight, and Machine Design into a single application. For more information, visit our
academic website.
Institutions of higher education and other schools throughout the world have already discovered Vectorworks Fundamentals. To effectively prepare your students for a successful career in architecture, landscape, entertainment, manufacturing, or just about any type of design, please contact us via our
academic website.
You are not obligated to upgrade at any time. If you choose to upgrade, you'll find it is for only a fraction of the original cost. Nemetschek North America offers a variety of services (many of them free) to help users succeed with Vectorworks products. Take advantage of free options like service pack updates, technical support, the eDispatch online newsletter, and tech tips. Or, for more personalized training, you can purchase workbooks, training CDs, online training options, premium support services, and group or individual training courses. Check out the
training page for available resources.
Vectorworks Fundamentals handles a large variety of different import and export formats. You can export your plan seamlessly in a DXF/DWG format, which will work accurately with the application your colleague may be using. You can create JPGs, TIFs, and MOVs of your designs for your clients to see. Many other formats (EPS, PICT, STL, SAT and IGS, among others) allow you to exchange 2D or 3D data freely with almost every application.
[+] Can I install my licensed software on both a Macintosh and a PC?
No. Your license is based on a single platform of your choice. When ordering your license, please specify Macintosh or Windows as your operating system. If you need to switch operating systems in the future, simply contact your sales representative.
[+] Can I design a 3D model in Vectorworks Fundamentals?
Yes. Yes. Yes! In fact, we specialize in 3D, with best-in-class modeling now available in Vectorworks Fundamentals 2009. Vectorworks Fundamentals features a set of sophisticated tools that facilitate true, free-form modeling.
[+] Can I create renderings, videos, and path animations with Vectorworks Fundamentals?
Yes, with Vectorworks Fundamentals you have the ability to create videos, and path animations. With the Renderworks add-on, you’ll have the ability to create high-quality photorealistic and non-photorealistic rendered models that you can use for producing stunning images, and rendered path animations.
[+] Can I draw floor plans directly in Vectorworks Fundamentals?
Yes. In Vectorworks Fundamentals, you can draw plans directly. Vectorworks Fundamentals provides a structure of design layers, sheet layers, and classes for drawing organization. Drawing sets can be very easily organized so that you can quickly accomplish floor plans, sketches, elevations, details, sections, and schedules.
[+] Can I draw the floor plans directly in Vectorworks Designer?
Yes. In Vectorworks Designer ,you can draw plans directly. Vectorworks Designer provides a structure of design layers, sheet layers, and classes for drawing organization. Drawing sets can be very easily organized so that you can quickly accomplish floor plans, sketches, elevations, details, sections, and schedules.
[+] Who can get the free Vectorworks Viewer?
You, your colleagues, your clients—anyone who wants to open, view, or print Vectorworks documents can get the free Viewer. The Viewer helps the plot service or printer who needs to work with Vectorworks files. Owners and clients can use the Viewer to see the documents without the need for a full version of Vectorworks. The files cannot be changed; all tools except those for revision control are blocked. With the Viewer, you can open drawings from all Vectorworks products. Download it here, free of charge.
[+] What are the system recommendations for Vectorworks Fundamentals?
Windows: Minimum of 2GB RAM
Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1
Macintosh: Minimum of 2GB RAM
Mac OS X, starting from 10.4.11
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