VectorWorks 2008

Nemetschek North America has announced the latest version of its design software suite, VectorWorks 2008, consisting of Designer, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Machine Design, Fundamentals, and RenderWorks. The new release includes a Data Display bar that brings precision drawing into the user's line of sight, with the ability to switch quickly between mouse and keyboard inputs. A new View bar consolidates often-used viewing and organizational controls and places them within easy reach. Also included are new batch-editing capabilities, such as the ability to select and edit multiple windows and doors in walls at one time. In addition, there is a new Rotate Plan command that allows users to work on parts of a design that lie at odd angles, while still drawing orthogonally.

VectorWorks 2008 also features unlimited color choices and pre-configured color swatches from Pantone, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and more. There is also object-by-object opacity control; improvements to dashed lines; new end marker styles; and new symbol libraries from Herman Miller, Marvin Windows and Doors, Sub-Zero and Wolf, and others. The add-on program, RenderWorks, offers improved OpenGL rendering, final gather rendering technology, and new texture libraries and bump shaders.

New workgroup capabilities make it easier to break apart and reassemble complex projects. PDF and image files can be directly referenced using new design layer viewports. For those working in digital practice, VectorWorks Architect's IFC 2x3 translator moves BIM models among other design, analysis, and construction platforms. New import/export options include a host of DWG translator improvements and support for AutoCAD 2007/2008 files, SketchUp 6.x, and the ability to import geo-referenced image files.

by MacNN Staff