Vectorworks 2012 lineup unveiled, adds Lion compatibility
updated 03:30 am EDT, Thu September 15, 2011
Huge speedups in viewport switching, more
Nemetschek Vectorworks has announced their 2012 product line, which includes Vectorworks Architect, Renderworks, Fundamentals, Spotlight and new Landmark and Designer editions. The new versions have over 100 performance usability improvements, including significant speedups when navigating or switching between viewports and design layers, Lion compatibility, enhanced 3D modeling, improved IFC support, an instant access Push-Pull tool and more.
New features include automatic working planes, a Heliodon tool, a unified Reshape tool, better door capabilities, floor-to-floor linking, new metallic shaders and brick shader dimensions, realistic OpenGL shadows, increased DXF/DWG support, faster access to favorite settings, new GIS capabilities and hardscape improvements, an LED video screen and Soft Goods object, and a 2D "X-Ray" mode activated with a single keystroke, among many other enhancements.
The GIS and BIM capabilities and improvements are now integrated with the new Landmark and Designer versions, and Renderworks has received significant fixes as well, including regular and artistic Renderworks Styles and Attribute Mapping Tool improvements. BIM geometry gains a new Stories feature and parametric capability, and the entire suite gains a streamlining of the interface tools.
Vectorworks 2012 requires an Intel Mac (2GHz or faster) running OS X 10.5.7 or higher, or Windows XP SP3 or later. Both the Mac and Windows versions require QuickTime, along with as much RAM and scratch hard drive space as possible. Prices vary depending on version but range from $1,560 for the Fundamentals single-license to $3,100 for Vectorworks Designer. The software is sold through resellers such as PC/Mac Mall, CDW and other outlets.
