Fundamentals Pricing

What is the difference between a perpetual and subscription license?

Vectorworks offers two distinct purchasing options. A perpetual license means you will own the software forever and can always use it, so long as your operating system remains compatible. Current version perpetual licenses are eligible for enrollment into our Vectorworks Service Select maintenance plan, where you will receive free upgrades to the current version, the latest industry content, and exclusive training opportunities. After December 30, 2022, perpetual licenses that are not actively enrolled in a Service Select Agreement will not be eligible for upgrade, so if you wish to have upgrade capabilities, you should consider a Select Service Agreement.

Subscription licenses are the exact same Vectorworks product as perpetual with all the same tools and include the same benefits that Service Select members receive. Subscription licenses are rented on either a monthly or an annual basis. Once your rental period has expired, your access to Vectorworks will expire unless you renew for another term.

What is the purchasing process for new customers?

Subscription – Subscription licenses can be purchased via our website. After you add your desired license to the shopping cart, you’ll be prompted to either sign in to your existing Vectorworks account or create a new one. Once the purchase is complete, you will receive your installation information via email. Your subscription will automatically renew on your specified renewal date unless canceled.

Perpetual – Perpetual licenses can be purchased via our website or directly from our Sales team. Once you finish the purchasing process, please allow 24–48 hours for processing. You will receive an email with installation information and your serial number. Customers within the United States may purchase directly by calling Vectorworks, Inc. at 888-646-4223 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday or by emailing sales@vectorworks.net. Customers from outside the United States may find a local distribution partner using our online map.

What is your return policy?

If you are not satisfied with your perpetual license for any reason, our return policy allows you to request a refund within 30 days of purchase. We offer a refund up to 30 days after purchasing a yearly subscription. Refunds are not available for monthly subscriptions, but they may be canceled at any time up to 4 days prior to your next renewal date.

Can I convert one license type to another?

Vectorworks subscription licenses are an alternative to perpetual licensing and there is no conversion or credit provided when switching from a subscription license to a perpetual license. Starting January 1, 2023, we will offer an option to transition your existing perpetual license to an annual subscription at a discounted price for your first year.

I have an expired trial version of Vectorworks installed on my machine. Can I convert this once I purchase a new license?

Yes, if you have a current trial version installed, you can convert it to a perpetual or subscription license. Once you open Vectorworks, you will be prompted to enter a new serial number, which you obtain via email when you complete a subscription purchase online. You can also find your serial number in the Customer Portal under HOME.

Can I install my Vectorworks license on multiple machines?

Yes, you may install your perpetual or subscription license on up to two machines, but you can only actively use your Vectorworks license on one device at a time.