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Hi, I've been closely following VW's evolution in regards with BIM for the past 10 years. VW has made huge progress. Yet, what we REALLY need NOW is a good workflow allowing us to have a real and full integration within at least one of the well established OPENBIM platform. The 2 main players are, according to my knowledge BimCollab and BimTrack. While both of them have plugin fo full integration with Revit, Naviswork and even Archicad... there is nothing for Vectorworks. VW has always advertise its commitment to OPENBIM, so it seems that NOW is time to be able to help us have plugin to be able to work with those platform and catch the train ... Things are really happening now and I feel a sense of urgency, otherwise we are going to be ... too late. Could you let us know if the team has this kind of development in mind for a near future? Thank you.

As we all know when we draw walls, floors (slabs) and roofs the component portion of each object representing lumber is a monolithic object that in itself can only give area and volume. How does one determine board feet or the number of joists, studs or rafters required from the data we can retrieve from these objects. A formula of course. Would anyone care to share how that is done? I haven't figured it out yet. I'd like to get estimating materials worked out more for the company I work for using the models we create. More BIM! Thanks.

Are there any plans for a complete MEP modeller in the near future?, we need to compete with Archicad and Revit on that specific area.

We have a client dealing with a very demanding BIM convention, and I would be more than happy if anyone could help me with this. Q1 When exporting a project as an IFC Project, whatever are the units settings in the Vectorworks files, the units in the IFC file seem to be always millimeters. Is there a way to change this or it is a default setting? If yes: Where and how? If no: How are your clients dealing with this when merging with files coming from Revit? Q2 Our client has to merge his building IFC model in a CIM model, the CIM model is made with Revit, when the his upload takes place without specific settings in the checker (EveBIM), his model is placed very far away from its CIM model placement has anyone experienced this kind of problem? Q3 Line from a Revit IFC export from the studio responsible for the #43= IFCSIUNIT(*,.LENGTHUNIT.,$,.METRE.); Line from our clients IFC export from Vectorworks #16= IFCSIUNIT(*,.LENGTHUNIT.,.MILLI.,.METRE.); Could anyone explain to me what the two last arguments stand for? I found nothing on this, my guess is that the first one specifies the file units for length (if MILLI it would mean that units for length in the model are millimeters) and if there's a $ it is inherited, but from what?

Dear All, I want to know how you guys join these BIM object seamlessly? since all of these are concrete. Many thanks for letting me to @Pat Stanford tag you again. Many Thanks

Hi All, One of my colleagues has been having issues with their files - when a section viewport is placed on a design layer (to be drawn over the top of) and then subsequently sent to a sheet layer the "profile line" glitches and moves relative to the section. I might add that the model is being referenced into a plot file - the problem does not seem to occur for sections cut within the same model file. The rest of the drawing is fine it is just the profile line that moves - sometime the shift occurs when we send it to print, other times the shift is visible in the file. Has anyone had any similar issues? Any help would be appreciated! 04 0500-Proposed Section A-A.pdf

Hi guys, I've been using Vectoworks Landmark since 2017 and, at this moment, I use it as my exclusive software. Each project that I develop with Vectorworks I try to enhance the BIM capabilities of the software (IFC import, water budget, plant schedule, etc.). After seeing the webinar with Eric Berg, I saw that I have a long path to walk... The questions that I would like present are: Do you reccomend a specific online course? Last year I did one about Sustainable Site Design / Analysis and helped me a lot. Do get to a "smart design", I saw a lot of custom spreadsheets. Are they done with the normal spreadsheets or are you using other resources? Can you give your feedback to "step up the game" and use all the resources that VW offers? Thanks!!

What we do currently is create a "line of heights" symbol then place that in the annotation space of every relevant veiwport. Knowing that the symbol can be updated one place and will show correctly in all places. We do the same with plan grids. The big problem here is that information exists in two places and one of them will be wrong. Someone changes the symbol but not the layer heights and the model is wrong, reverse and the drawings are wrong. This is a major problem as council holds us the written dimension not the overall look. So this is a source of co-ordination nightmares (ie wake up at 3am Sunday Morning then have sleep till arrival in the office to check and deal with) We did this before Storeys were introduced in VW2013 but thought well at least storeys shows promise. Then again before VW2013 getting usable elevations from a model wasn't as much a thing as it is today. Given Storeys has been upgraded many times to improve it's function why hasn't it been upgraded to present it's information on the drawings? This would make it both the easiest and correctest way to set heights in the project and anything not conforming to the information presented is most likely wrong. It would also vastly improve to busy work needed to get model to presentation.

Hi all, I am still fairly new to VW working with a new practice, with a background in ArchiCAD. Currently the drawing templates are split into 3 separate models: Concept Planning Construction In ArchiCAD, the use of "renovation filters" allowed all work to take place in one model, assigning elements of the building to different stages of the project. Does VW provide any similar function? Thanks in advance.

Hi, Can anyone help with importing IFC files into vectorworks?...First I imported the IFC file and then converted it in to an Auto Hybrid, then to 2D/3D symbol to give the object the 2D Visual I want. However when doing this process the IFC (BIM) data is hidden?..or disappears from the object.. Is there a way to add the BIM data so it is seen on the 2D/3D symbol?. Thanks

In addition to the Land8 Social Media Awards honor earlier this year, global design and BIM software solutions provider Vectorworks, Inc. proudly announces that it is a winner of two awards from BUILD Magazine: their 2019 Design & Build Awards’ “One to Watch in 2019” and “Best BIM Software Developer 2019 – Metro Washington D.C.” in the Home & Garden Awards. Additionally, Vectorworks was touted as one of the “Leading Providers of BIM & CAD Design Software 2019” in the 2019 Designer Awards, hosted by LUX-Life Magazine. “It’s a tremendous feeling for Vectorworks to receive its fourth award this early in the year,” said Jeremy Powell, VP of marketing at Vectorworks. “I would like to thank BUILD Magazine and LUX-Life for these prestigious honors. It keeps us motivated and focused on providing a one-of-a-kind software program for the design community.” The BUILD Awards are dedicated to uncovering and rewarding the very best in technical innovation, design and service. This program showcases companies around the world that are innovating, trailblazing and deserving of recognition. “Here at BUILD, we noticed that Vectorworks had a fantastic 2018, and we believe they will go on to do great things in 2019,” said Megan Cashmore, features executive at BUILD Magazine. “With the release of their 2019 software, we have seen a huge increase in efficiency and innovation for designers within the industry. Their success has led them to be selected as a One to Watch in 2019.” Along with BUILD Magazine’s 2019 Design & Build Awards, Vectorworks has also been selected as the “Best BIM Software Developer 2019 – Metro Washington D.C.” in their 2019 Home & Garden Awards. From creative minds in landscaping and interior design, to cleaners and carpenters, this award is designed to highlight companies supporting professionals to truly make a house a home. And last, but not least, Vectorworks has been crowned as the “Leading Providers of BIM & CAD Software – 2019” in the 2019 Designer Awards, hosted by LUX-Life Magazine. The Designer Awards reward the innovative and those who exceed the public’s expectations year upon year to provide an excellent selection of new products and experiences for the everyday consumer. “The 2019 Designer Awards prides itself in identifying outstanding work in a field which provides so much, not just to the economy, but society as well,” said Jessie Wilson, awards executive at LUX-Life. “Receiving such an accolade represents that all of Vectorworks’ hard work, dedication and creativity is truly paying off!”

How detailed can BIM go? Maybe it's because I use Vectorworks for product design, and we model everything in 3D to precise detail, which forms the basis for manufacturing and assembly drawings, but I find the BIM components restrictive and low on detail. Maybe this is the point? That the BIM model is a 'diagram' and not the real thing, appropriate for 1:20 scale but not particularly detailed at 1:2? Do I need to work within the simplistic representations of BIM components, and the configurable settings on offer, in order to benefit from their functionality? Or can I push the detail further? And how is the best way to achieve this? For example, on a simple panelled door, I can't add chamfered beading to the panels on the leaf settings. On a top hung casement window, I can't add a rebate and have the opening window further out than the fixed glazing below. I can't seem to edit the BIM components to what they actually are in reality. Do I need to change my mindset - that this isn't reality?! Do I need to adjust my thinking of what BIM is - an intelligent model, with elements which are 'generic representations' - or can refine and add detail to my hearts content, and what is the best way of doing this? Can BIM be as flexible as 3D modelling, or is this just 3D modelling and BIM is something else?!

Hi, I am looking to add BIM to the 3D symbols which I've created in Vectorworks. Could anyone point me in the right direction to accomplish this? Thanks

Hey there, is there a workaround to extract the texture pads on a site model for further use? I cloud imagine to generate solids via marionette from the 3D polygons (for BIM use). I know it is possible to have a 3D hardscape, but with serious drainage planning i can't get what i want. Cheers...

Hi folks, did some one successfully use the wall component function in an ifc-export? Neither ifc 2x3 nor ifc 4 does anything for me. What am I doing wrong? Where is it supposed to be found in an ifc-file? Vectorworks Help doesn't offer anything remotely helpful. Regards, Eddi

Hi, Before we have had issues with the wall end cap to IFC. It has exported as "open sheets and not a solide wall into IFC. Then we did a work around to make it solide. In 2018 SP4 it export as solide, but its not a wall it export as covering not wall that is an issue for us. Is this fixed in 2019 or will there be another service pack on 2018?

Hi, There is a new feature in Solibri in the INFO Location pallet called Federated Floor. I have done a couple of exports and don't understand how I can control this from Vectorworks to IFC. Seems like its random. Does anybody know how to control this from VW?

I'll be teaching a 2-day hands-on Vectorworks BIM workshop at the AIA offices in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, on October 12 and 13: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-fe-vectorworks-bim-workshop-tickets-50280749074

To best support and grow its rapidly expanding user base, global design and BIM software solutions provider Vectorworks, Inc. has opened a new corporate office in Canada. To facilitate this new office, Vectorworks has acquired Resolve Software Solutions and the assets of Paxar Technologies Corp, both long-time distributors of Vectorworks software. The Vectorworks Canada office is located in Vancouver and led by Geoff McBeath, former director of Resolve Software Solutions, who has more than 20 years of experience in Vectorworks support, training and sales. “The opening of a Vectorworks office in Canada will allow us to better serve our growing community of users in North America, offering improved resources and a direct connection with our product development team,” said Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar. “Geoff McBeath has provided significant contributions to the growth of this market over the past two decades, and he and his team will continue to offer training and support to designers in the AEC, landscape and entertainment design industries.” “I am very pleased to be joining Vectorworks, a company with which we’ve had a close relationship over many years,” said McBeath. “For Canadian customers, I think this an excellent development — it says that Vectorworks considers Canada an important market that has strong potential for growth, and that it needs to be served by a Canadian team that understands local concerns. With a larger staff and the resources of Vectorworks headquarters behind us, we are poised for strong growth in the coming years.” The Vectorworks Canada office is located at 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 611, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1H7. In addition to the office in Vancouver, Vectorworks plans to open a satellite office in Toronto. Qualified sales candidates in Toronto are invited to explore open positions. More information about Vectorworks can be found at vectorworks.net/ca.

Greetings Something to ponder over the holiday: I have a 7 story mixed use building created in 2010 (i.e. no stories) It was a developed schematic design (all floors modeled, elevations and sections taken and rendered) Many duplicate apartment units which I made into symbols with some strange elevational results but it all held together for what was needed. 7 or 8 years later (now) the project may be coming back to life. I suspect many changes will ensue including story heights. I spoke to VW support and they suggested that I not move to stories due to the complexity of transferring the model layer by layer and the complicated setup. I currently use stories for literally everything (even single story additions, even though levels and walls can be cumbersome at times.) I have found when it works, the results are a real time savings. Anyone have any experience/thoughts/insights on something like this? Steve Steven Glickman Architect 400 Northampton St, Suite 500 Easton, PA 18042 V: 610.253.6536 E: stevenaia@gmail.com http://www.stevenglickmanarchitect.com

Hello everyone, I'm learning how to manage personal IFC data on specified object. My goal is to generate a IFC file with specified information, to manage costs in STR vision. On this way, I'm trying to set a specified personal pSet, and I'm searching for a variable that can define the object's volume, for instance. Actually I just created the record format to define the fields to fill. I would like to create a variable formula that generate data depending from the object's volume. If I correctly understand, I need to add a specified formula in the pSet dialog into IFC data mapping dialog. After that, I need to manage the specified mapping on the specified voice. The focus is: where can I find the entire formulas list to manage it? For instance, I need to add the volume, so I think it depend from a specified object's variable data. I just find this short list attached: it is the right way?

I have been having a problem when trying to list window numbers in my elevations. Within my drawings I have two Deep revealed windows and once I give these two windows ID's they seem to be showings but behind the glass. Assuming this is because I have unusually deep windows. Is there any way to move the ID's in 3d to in front of the glass? Also I am having a problem where a part of the window number is gettings cut off. Anyone else had any of these problems?? Also as you can see in the screenshots below. (the two windows on the left are the extra deep ones, the other windows have part of the window numbers cut off) I am using Windoors and VW2018 sp1. Thanks, Steve

Hello, We are working on a BIM level 2 project and have to import our 3D landscape model (produced in Vectorworks) into the Architects master Revit file. We planned to do this via .ifc but it is not importing in the correct place. If we export our drawing as a 2D .dwg it imports correctly but the .ifc seems to lose its georeferencing. Does anyone have any idea why this might be/if I am missing something? Many thanks! JJ

Greetings all, Does anyone know how to get glazing areas from a curtain wall object? And a harder question, how would we query only the glazing (minus the spandrel area)? Possible/Not Possible?

I am trying to import a Revit *.rfa file for a product, VW is giving me this error "This version of Revit file is not supported". Does anybody have a solution to this? Thanks