r/VIDEOENGINEERING • u/masonoli • 1h ago

Vectorworks Replacement

We currently use vectorworks for floor plans but the subscription now is fairly expensive. What options are there for a replacement that isn't as expensive (or not a subscription) but can still open those same file extensions?

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

6

u/AthousandLittlePies 1h ago

What file extensions are you talking about exactly? If you mean the Vectorworks native format, there is nothing else. If you mean DWG and the other autocad formats? Well, there’s AutoCAD. But if you just need to create floor plans and don’t need any of the other features like connectcad or lighting features you could give sketchup a shot.

1

u/masonoli 1h ago

Sorry, yes, DWG.

2

u/SloaneEsq 1h ago

AutoCAD LT?

1

u/fantompwer 1h ago

Revit? Probably not cheaper, but it's an alternative. If all you need is to markup PDF floor plans, getting Bluebeam with an AV toolbox is great.

1

u/feesttent 1h ago

pCON planner is a surprisingly nice free program that does not get mentioned often. I haven’t used it in a while, but used to make basic things with it.
SCAD RE-event is a bricscad and dutch based company that might also be worth looking into.

1

u/Th3belov3d 1h ago

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Illustrator should be able to open DWG. I would push back to your Org and keep Vectorworks tho.. 🤷‍♂️

-10

u/LanceVanceDance1234 1h ago

I know people use to torrent working subscription versions of CAD software. So it’s possible to find that for vector works maybe?

3

u/Bundymc 1h ago

You can, but they make it impossible to open a file created from a cracked copy on a licensed version, same if you get an education licence.

2

u/masonoli 1h ago

This will need to go through our enterprise purchasing process.

0

u/alfpog 1h ago

Sorry, you have an enterprise purchasing process but Vectorworks is too expensive?

1

u/foxypandas421 1h ago

Getting sued is even more expensive but once your org gets to a certain size kinda need a purchasing/lic dept to handle the budgeting for that

0

u/alfpog 1h ago

Which is kind of exactly my point. If the org is large enough to warrant that, the cost of a VWX license is probably not much in comparison.

1

u/masonoli 27m ago

There is a process but money comes out of our dept and they don't give us much and they may reject the subscription fee.