Guides & Publications

Whether you're new to Vectorworks or an experienced user, you'll find a training workbook that's tailored to your skill level. Each training guide offers a different type of experience for the user, from a conversational tone with simple exercises to detailed step by step instructions. Download the tables of contents and a few sample chapters to see which one best meets your needs. Many guides come with sample files and tutorial videos. Review the descriptions below to see what additional resources are included. Instructions on how to order are at the bottom of the page.


 

Entertainment and Lighting Design with Vectorworks Spotlight

Entertainment Design: Scenery, Lighting, and Sound with Vectorworks Spotlight $75
Buy Now

This book, written by award-winning scenic and lighting designer Kevin Lee Allen, explores the use of the Vectorworks Spotlight with Renderworks program for use in the entertainment industries. While the methods and techniques described are applicable to film, television, concerts, exhibits, and themed architecture or interiors, this tutorial focuses on a project that creates a lighting, sound, and set designs for the stage, the root of entertainment design.

From one step beyond traditional pencil thumbnails, this guide outlines a process of design development and collaboration with other designers and technical staff. The text is tutorial-based and directs the user to create two projects, each supported by a series of simple exercises. The first project is the creation of a simple 3D form, and the second project details the creation of scenic, sound, and lighting designs for a theoretical Broadway production of Romeo & Juliet. Each step of the process, created for either a sole practitioner or a designer working in a team, is laid out as an exercise with step-by-step directions and options to suit individual designers’ work preferences and tastes. The tutorial is perfect as either a classroom text or a self-guided training option.

Recommendations and Tips:

  • This tutorial is intended for use with Vectorworks 2013 software and is most applicable for Vectorworks Spotlight with Renderworks and Designer with Renderworks users.
  • This hard-copy workbook includes a companion CD with exercise files that demonstrate the steps described in the tutorial.
  • This book assumes basic working knowledge of computers and Vectorworks software. New users may find the Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial Manual helpful as an introduction to the program.
  • More than 40 additional pages of tips and techniques than Entertainment and Lighting Design with Vectorworks Spotlight are included in this tutorial.

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Bookmark and Share

 

3D Modeling in Vectorworks

3D Modeling in Vectorworks, Fifth Edition $75
Buy Now

3D Modeling in Vectorworks by expert Vectorworks trainer Jonathan Pickup is an essential guide for anyone interested in learning to create free-form models with Vectorworks software. By taking complicated examples and breaking them down into manageable steps, this tutorial will help the reader build a foundation of skills for creating 3D forms through the use of extrudes, sweeps, solids, NURBS, loft surfaces, and 3D primitives. This fifth edition of the book has been updated to show you how to get the best from Vectorworks 2013 software.

Recommendations and Tips:

  • This tutorial can be used with any Vectorworks 2013 product. Measurements for the exercises are shown in both metric and imperial.
  • This hard-copy workbook comes with a companion DVD that contains exercise files, and the entire manual in PDF. You will needAdobe® Acrobat Reader 10 or higher to view the PDF.
  • The PDF contains embedded tutorial movies that demonstrate the steps of each exercise.

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Read product reviews

Bookmark and Share

 

   
Light Plot Deconstructed

 

 

Light Plot Deconstructed, Fifth Edition $40
Buy Now

Veteran scenic and lighting designer Gregg Hillmar has succeeded again with this fifth edition of Light Plot Deconstructed for Vectorworks Spotlight. The guide, written in an easy-to-follow and insightful manner, reflects Hillmar's drafting style and functions as a companion handbook to the software to help readers draft light plots more easily.

The fifth edition reflects updates in the 2013 version of Vectorworks Spotlight software, including the re-engineered lighting device object, color options for lighting devices, unlimited fields in Label Legends, the new Clip Cube mode and Auto Hybrid command, improved rendering capabilities, increased navigation speed, and more. Readers who purchase this essential resource will gain a better handle on how to approach design and create more spectacular shows.

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Bookmark and Share

   
Remarkable Renderworks

Remarkable Renderworks, 2nd Edition $75
Buy Now

Remarkable Renderworks, Second Edition® is a must-have tutorial for anyone wanting to become proficient in using Renderworks, the essential rendering tool designed to work seamlessly with Vectorworks® software. This self-paced guide uses an exercise-based format to show you how to create impressive, realistic renderings. You'll learn to set lighting controls, add map textures and backgrounds, and illuminate scenes with Renderworks' Heliodon tool, which replicates the sun's light. The workbook was written by respected architect and long-time Vectorworks user Daniel Jansenson, and it is intended for the Renderworks user who already has some experience with the fundamentals of Vectorworks software.

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Bookmark and Share

   
Residential Garden Design with Vectorworks Landmark

 

Residential Garden Design with Vectorworks Landmark, Fifth Edition $75
Buy Now

This tutorial covers the workflow for residential garden designers using Vectorworks Landmark software. Author Tamsin Slatter, the leading Vectorworks Landmark expert in the U.K., guides the reader through a landscape design project from start to finish.

The tutorial and accompanying DVD will provide you with the knowledge you need to take a landscape project from planning to final product. The exercise-based training covers:

  • Setting up your “Drawing Board” to make starting new projects easy and efficient
  • Setting up and storing your own graphical style for reuse
  • Drawing up your own or importing a survey
  • Creating a layout plan using simple drafting techniques
  • Drawing and specifying quantities of hard landscaping with steps and simple level changes
  • Using text and dimension tools to add relevant notes to your plans
  • Placing and customizing plants and then producing a planting schedule
  • Adding further 3D elements to the garden
  • Adding lighting to the garden
  • Basic rendering techniques
  • Creating 3D views, sections, and construction drawings
  • Preparing drawings for print/sharing


This fifth edition of the manual has been updated for use with Vectorworks Landmark 2013 software. With step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations throughout, it is the ideal reference to keep on hand following your initial Vectorworks Landmark training.

Read the Table of Contents & Sample Chapter pdf file

Read product reviews

Bookmark and Share

 

   
Vectorworks Architect Tutorial Manual

 

Vectorworks Architect Tutorial Manual, Fifth Edition $75
Buy Now
The Vectorworks Architect Tutorial Manual by expert Vectorworks trainer Jonathan Pickup is a thorough, project-based training workbook. This fifth edition of the tutorial has been updated for use with Vectorworks Architect 2013 software and includes instruction about the following:

  • Basic concepts of layers and classes and how they relate to developing an office layer and class standard
  • Creating an office library
  • Using the Property Line tool
  • Creating and manipulating site models and using them for height-to-boundary analysis
  • Walls and Wall Styles
  • Stairs and vertical transport
  • How to make a quick model of a project using spaces for bulk and location analysis
  • Using annotation tools, title blocks, and the notes database to quickly annotate your plans

Although the example in the manual is a residential project, the principles learned can also be applied to commercial building design.

Recommendations and Tips:

  • This tutorial is most effective if used in conjunction with Vectorworks Architect 2013 software.
  • This manual builds on the Essentials Tutorial Manual, which takes you through the basic concepts of Vectorworks software, such as 2D drafting, simple 3D modeling, and file organization. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, we recommend you begin with the Essentials Manual.
  • Measurements for the exercises are shown in both metric and imperial units.
  • This hard-copy workbook comes with a companion DVD that contains exercise files and the entire manual as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 or higher to view the PDF.
  • The PDF contains embedded tutorial movies that demonstrate the steps of each exercise.

 

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Bookmark and Share

   
Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial Manual

 

Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial Manual, Fifth Edition $75
Buy Now
The Vectorworks Essentials Tutorial manual by expert Vectorworks trainer Jonathan Pickup is a must-have workbook for anyone new to Vectorworks software. This manual is designed to help you build a foundation of knowledge so that you will understand how the program is intended to work. Updated for the 2013 version of Vectorworks software, this fifth edition of the tutorial has been structured to give the reader a clear understanding of the concepts behind each instruction. The book includes an introduction to the Vectorworks interface; a section to familiarize you with tools and commands; an introduction to 3D modeling; a section about organizing information to create models, drawings, and reports; a drawing exercise to practice the skills you learn; and a section about using worksheets. Notes and exercises throughout the tutorial provide additional guidance.

Recommendations and Tips:

  • This tutorial can be used with any Vectorworks 2013 product.
  • Measurements for the exercises are shown in both metric and imperial.
  • This hard-copy workbook comes with a companion CD that contains exercise files, and the entire manual in PDF.
  • View the PDF using Adobe® Acrobat Reader 10 or higher.
  • The PDF contains embedded tutorial movies that demonstrate the steps of each exercise.

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Bookmark and Share

 

   
   
Vectorworks Landmark Tutorial Manual

 

Vectorworks Landmark Tutorial Manual, Fourth Edition $75
Buy Now

Written by experienced Vectorworks trainer and author Jonathan Pickup, the Vectorworks Landmark Tutorial Manual provides explanations of Vectorworks Landmark concepts and techniques for users of all levels. The topics discussed apply to both residential and commercial projects. The manual uses a series of exercises to reinforce the features and workflow capabilities of Vectorworks Landmark software, starting with a very simple exercise on landscape budgeting. Content and exercises build in complexity, and by the end of the manual the user will be able to use the plant database, create custom plants, edit the plant graphics, import drawings from consultants, create planting plans, and send the drawings back to a consultant.

Recommendations & Tips:

  • This tutorial is most effective if used in conjunction with Vectorworks Landmark 2013 software.
  • This manual builds on the Essentials Tutorial Manual, which takes you through the basic concepts of Vectorworks, such as 2D drafting, simple 3D modeling, and file organization. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, begin with the Essentials manual.
  • Measurements for the exercises are shown in both metric and imperial units.
  • This hard-copy workbook comes with a companion CD that contains exercise files, and the entire manual as a PDF file.
  • View the PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader X or higher.
  • The PDF contains embedded tutorial movies that demonstrate the steps of each exercise.

Read Table of Contents and Sample Chapter pdf file

Bookmark and Share

 

How To Order

US Customers:
Please call 888-646-4223 or visit our Online Store.

International Customers:

Country Distributor Phone

Email

Australia OzCAD Pty Ltd. 612 833-88622 sales@ozcad.com.au
Belgium Design Express 015/71 96 00 info@designexpress.eu
Canada Paxar Technologies 800-260-0905 sales@paxar.ca
Canada Resolve Software Solutions Inc. 1+866-288-1888 sales@resolve.ca
Denmark MikroGraf AS 7022 2101 info@mikrograf.dk
Germany ComputerWorks 49 (0) 7621 40 180 info@computerworks.de
Greece iSquare S.A. 0030-210-9012892 tsimetta.v@isquare.gr
Israel Arigent Ltd 03 5615322 support@arigent.co.il
Netherlands Design Express 018/275 66 60 info@designexpress.eu
New Zealand Megabits Trust 09 445 8480 info@megabits.co.nz
Norway Dakantus AS 47 22 82 87 00 vectorworks@dakantus.no
Sweden BMV Studio +46 (0)8-795 55 10 info@bmvstudio.se
Switzerland ComputerWorks Switzerland AG 061 337 30 00 backoffice@computerworks.ch
UK Computers Unlimited 44 0 20 8358 6668 3ddesign@unlimited.com

All other international customers, please call us at 410-290-5114 or email sales@vectorworks.net

 

Other recommended guides:

Vector-workout
From $124.00US to $135.00US

Vector-workout is a downloadable movie based training resource offering fast and easy access to instructive movies, ideal for sharpening vectorworks skills quickly.

Jonathan Pickup, the author, said "a client told me recently 'I'm too lazy to read the manuals, just give me the information. Quickly!' So, I've rethought how to deliver Vectorworks training resources as visual tools. Vector-workout is the result - it's a visual teaching revolution for Vectorworks. As they say, a picture tells a thousand words, and Vector-workout kits do this brilliantly and the movies are the perfect alternative to slogging through endless textbooks.

Vector-workout training manual kits use pdf files with embedded self contained movies. When you open the files with Acrobat Reader, you have bookmarks on the left-hand side for quick access to the movies. Acrobat Reader has a built-in search function, so you can type in a word or phrase and have Acrobat search for you."

Platform: win/mac

Contact:
archoncad
ph +64 21 743 470
email: jon@archoncad.co.nz
web: http://www.archoncad.co.nz/training/vector-workout.php

 

Short Sharp Training
$21.50US

This new training resource is designed to sharpen your Vectorworks skills using a single task manual that explores and explains a single area of Vectorworks. If you want to learn about just one area of Vectorworks, these are the resources for you.

Each SHORT SHARP MANUAL clearly demonstrates key learning tasks and techniques, with 15-25 pages of step-by-step instructions and screenshots. By focusing on single topics, we give you access to new Vectorworks skills and techniques in small meaningful chunks!

These manuals are suitable for Vectorworks 12 to 2010.

Platform: win/mac

Contact:
archoncad
ph +64 21 743 470
email: jon@archoncad.co.nz
web: http://www.archoncad.com/electronic-manuals.html

 

LRA Designs
http://lradesigns.com/training-videos/
Price range $35-$200

These tutorials teach 2d drafting, 3d modeling, lighting rendering and light plot creation for VectorWorks. They also teach the basic use of Lightwright 5 and Adobe Acrobat Writer Pro. They are intended not only to teach the software but also to teach a way of navigating drawings and setting up workflow for large scale projects.