Vectorworks Mac Specs

[Kayla Munl]

Lookingfor a recommendation for a new PC that with a great graphics card AND the ability to handle very large vectorworks files. We currently use a decent gaming pc with a great graphic card but it struggles with large vectorworks files. Any recommendations?

Can you let me know which graphics card is built into the gaming PC you mention? For very large scenes we generally reccomend the lineup 3xxx lineup from NVIDIA starting in this case with the RTX 3080 (Ti) - RTX 3090 (Ti) depending on your budget. The more VRAM the better here.

Does the machine also struggle still if you reduce the Rendering Quality in our Visual Settings to High instead of Ultra? How large are the project files you are using? And is there maybe a chance you are using high-quality (and thus perhaps also high poly) third party 3D models instead of our Enscape Assets?

Thanks, Demian...the pc has a the following- so I think my problem is it can't handle the vectorworks large files and is super buggy when using vectorworks alone. My mac does not have the same issues, which is why I am looking for a new pc that will handle the vectorworks part and have a great graphics card

I first used Vectorworks in a much earlier incarnation, when it was still called MiniCAD. I believe the new appellation was a wise move, as there was nothing mini or Mickey Mouse when it came to power and features.

I often feel that we CAD pros get paid for our familiarity with where to find the content we need MUY PRONTO (very quickly and soon), or know how to create it accurately from scratch based on cut sheets, specs or 3D scans.

Nemetschek Vectorworks conducted a series of usability tests to ensure the Orbital C1000 met the minimum performance requirements for use with Vectorworks software. These tests included evaluating the speed, processing power of design files, rendering performance, maneuverability in Open GL, and overall operating system ease of use with the workstation.

Developed by Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., Vectorworks software is a line of industry-specific CAD and BIM solutions that allow designers to advance their ideas from concept through completion. Vectorworks users include architects and interior architects, landscape architects and designers, urban planners, lighting and scenic designers, and product and furniture designers, as well as students starting out in their careers. For more information, visit www.vectorworks.net.

So with the release of MA3 1.0 I tried patching some GDTF files (Mac Aura XB and Encore performance) from GDTF-share, exported MVR and imported to VW 2020 sp2, screenshots below show that patchinfo got through, but I cannot believe that both those files just look like rectangles in 2d and 3d, should they not show the enclosed 3ds-model of the fixture like they use in MA?

you are right this is more a GDTF in VW format issue. I have been working with this for a while, There is one issue for now that the object file in VW is more detailed than the GDTF file and by default the internal format is used. Another one is that you need to have the GDTF files in a specific folder in VW already before you open the MVR file. I know they are working on that one but it is not yet released.

So the best workflow that I came up with right now is to start in VW and export to MA. When you re-import into the same VW file the existing connection will be re-created but the changed information will be updated. So the issue for now is the GDTF handling while MVR works pretty well already.

As much as I can report about Vision we need to wait for the next release/update to see a much better handling of GDTF & MVR data.

If you want to open and manipulate a GDTF file I recommend the GDTF builder on the GDTF webpage. That is best tool according to GDTF specs so far.

Cheers,

Rene

So hopefully they will eventually get it to work in the way it could where it does not matter which program you start with as all use the same files and I do not have to exhchange symbols and attach records.

I will let the R&D guys in DK and Wouter who was on training handle the first GDTF-files and then potentially give it a go. For me it is more focus on actually using it and finding a good workflow for now.

I am a residential designer/builder who started with AutoCad many years ago and then made a significant move to Vectorworks, self taught on both platforms. Though very sophisticated, I have been very frustrated with the lack of productivity gains. I feel that Vectorworks is a software geared towards the commercail architectural market, not so much the residential. I have been researching CA but have yet to find information that compares CA against Vectorworks (ver. 13). My fear is not knowing what I will lose versus gain by switching programs. Any opinions, thoughts, advice I can get here would be greatly appreciated! I'm very close to pulling the trigger but think I need some level of assurance that I'm doing the right thing.

I have been using Chief Architect since version 9. I came over from AutoCAD. In my opinion, nothing comes close to CA in residential design. It has everything a designer needs to complete a set of professional working drawings, and you can make great presentation renderings and walk-throughs to show your clients. CA X6 can now also be used with MAC. To find out for yourself you can get a free trial of CA on their website.

Thank you for the feedback Terry. I have been experimenting with the CA trial and have been impressed so far. It appears to be a very intuitive program, but have run into some frustrations with confusing key strokes with that of Vectorworks...that will take some getting used to. Some of my reservations come from colleagues (but they are commercial architects) have said that CA is not sophisticated enough to do complex residential projects. They say that the program is more geared towards residential contractore and designers, not architects. I think that may have been true a while back, but after reviewing the program in greater depth, I think CA might be quire the opposite now! I'm looking for productivity...not complexity in user interface. The latest home I completed was a 2700 sf, story and a half with a complex topography and a walk-out basement. Vectorworks was so cumbersome to complete standard residential constrution details and items, and so residential symbol poor/weak, that it took me a rediculous amount of time to complete. If I made $2.00/hour on that job I was lucky!

When I chose CA (about 8 years ago) it was based on the price for what it had to offer. I have been very pleased with my choice. For a residential design specific office it is a great program. You will need to some time to get up to speed but you will be able to be very productive once you have your main file set up to your specs.

I have been a Chief user since v7 in 2001. In observing many users come on board (via ChiefTalk) after switching over from AC, VW, SP and others, it seems to me that in almost every case, those users have not looked back. As with any software, Chief is not everything for everyone, but if your primary focus is doing home designs and construction plans, I think you will be pleased to be using Chief versus VW, AC, etc.. You have 30 days to give Chief a good test. ChiefTalk is a great forum where you can fill in some gaps of information and/or techniques to use when designing with Chief.

I would refute the notion that Chief is not geared toward architects. (I have peers that still believe architecture can only happen with a pen - people can be wrong about lots of things.) I made the switch from ArchiCAD about 8 years ago and have not once second guessed the decision. The level of complexity you can impart on the design is limited only by your creativity, not the software (though familiarity with the tools will help you pull off the more complex solutions.)

Thank you all so much for your posts...I was really hoping to hear all that I have heard above! I have a new project coming up and have discussed the potential of switching to a new software (and the associated & unknown learning curve I/we might have to endure) with the client. After showing them several of the features I am absolutely impressed with, they are all for it...and the extra time it will take for me to complete their drawings. Though I've invested a huge amount of time and money to get where I am with Vectorworks...I have great hopes that CA offers a much greater potential in productivity gains, as well as a much higher value output!

And Kevin...I was the first of my group of fellow architects (college-mates) to see the value of CAD versus the mighty lead holder! (though I have my MArch degree, and took the design portion of the FAIA exam many many years ago, for several reasons, I chose not to complete or pursue obtaining my registration). Over the years, and one by one, they have joined the fray and now many claim to be self-proclaimed experts. They all use a version of AutoCad and wished me luck with moving to Vectorworks. Now I can't wait to tell them I'm making another move. I only hope I can come up to speed soon enough to show off in front of them! (lol)

Another short note. A lot of users (not so much on the forum) have no idea of the power underlying things like Anno Sets and Layer Sets and it's easy to forego learning those features to get going with the software. My advice is don't ignore those types of features when first learning. They are SO powerful that getting into the habit early will add immensely to your productivity.

And also don't forget tech support. I rely on the forum for many many things but in a pinch the tech support is absolutely fantastic. They've helped me out of a couple of jambs when I needed quick fixes or techniques. Highly recommended.

I would also add that Terry Munsons new book on X6 would probably be a very good investment for getting up to speed on the basic functions of Chief as well as many of the more advanced topics as well. I don't have the X6 book yet myself, but I have purchased books from him on X4 and X5.

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