Vectorworks
Vectorworks Alternatives
Thinking of moving away from Vectorworks? We've got you covered. Whether you use Vectorworks for architecture, product design, manufacturing, landscaping, events or any other project, we have you covered.
Why Users Are Moving to Vectorworks Alternatives?
Pricing Model Changes
Vectorwork's shift to subscription-based licensing and higher licence fees means ongoing costs have increased. With no option for perpetual licences, customers now face permanent recurring expenses.
Less Flexability and Support
Vectorworks recently moved away from working with resellers. As purchases and support now go directly through Vectorworks, customers lose the flexibility and competitive pricing that resellers once offered, including varied payment plans.
Value for Money
Although Vectorworks still performs strongly in certain areas, there are now alternative products available that can offer better value. Where it was once a lower-cost option compared to AutoCAD LT for architects, this is no longer the case.
Top Vectorworks Alternatives in 2025
The top Vectorworks alternatives in 2025 give professionals in architecture, landscaping, entertainment, retail, and exhibitions focused tools for their workflows. SketchUp supports fast concept development and presentation. Rhino’s advanced modelling is great for detailed modelling, and when paired with the architectural plugin VisualARQ, enables detailed BIM integration for bespoke projects. RhinoLands serves landscaping professionals with excellent terrain modelling and plant libraries within Rhino's software. For more technical projects, BricsCAD provides a budget‑friendly CAD and 3D platform that’s compatible with industry standards. These alternatives can be more cost-effective and easier to run with a simple learning curve when moving from Vectorworks..
BricsCAD
Technical 2D and 3D modelling for architects, engineers and construction.
checkDrafting, 3D design and modelling for multiple industries
checkOpens and saves predominantly DWG files, but also supports a wide range of formats.
checkChoice of perpetual, annual, or 3‑year licences.
checkHigh‑quality in-built rendering engine, with optional plugins such as Enscape.
checkPreferred over Vectorworks by many for speed, compatibility, and flexibility.
BricsCAD Lite
BricsCAD Lite is a fast, DWG-native 2D CAD tool with flexible licensing and a familiar interface, offering a smoother drafting experience than Vectorworks for traditional CAD work.
BricsCAD Pro
BricsCAD Pro includes everything in Lite, and adds 3D modelling and design tools, giving greater versatility than Vectorworks at a lower cost. BricsCAD Pro is also a perfect AutoCAD alternative.
BricsCAD BIM
BricsCAD BIM builds on Pro with AI-driven tools to speed up workflows, smarter features like Propagate, and advanced point cloud capabilities, offering faster modelling and documentation than Vectorworks.
Rhino3D
Great all rounder with a highly customisable workflow.
checkCustomisable alternative to Vectorworks with advanced modelling tools.
checkPerpetual licence with low‑cost upgrades.
checkHandles both intricate products and large‑scale projects.
checkMultiple free and premium plugins to enhance modelling, BIM, and so much more.
checkBuilt‑in renderer and also works with plugins like Chaos V‑Ray and Enscape.
Rhino v8
Rhino V8 excels at precise NURBS-based and Sub-D 3D modelling, giving greater control over complex geometry and surfaces than Vectorworks. Plus, free plugins like Grasshopper help to create incredibe automations, such as repeating patterns through to animations for theatre and exhibition displays
VisualARQ 3
VisualARQ combines Rhino’s precise NURBS modelling with parametric architectural objects which makes adding windows, doors, rooves and railings much easier. Plus it's got excellent curtain wall controls. It also contains improved building and level controls and CAD drafting tools, offering a more flexible approach than Vectorworks Architect.
RhinoLands
RhinoLands combines Rhino’s NURBS precision with a rich plant library featuring season-based images and filters for geolocation and soil type so you get the right options for your project. Plus, there's advanced plant documentation using the meta data of the plants. RhinoLands also gives the Rhino render a plant-specific boost, giving more control than Vectorworks Landmark.
SketchUp
Best for rapid 3D modelling and presentation.
checkSubscription‑based with regular updates.
checkIdeal for architecture, interiors, events, and retail.
check3D Warehouse provides a vast library of pre‑built objects.
checkLayOut creates polished 2D drawings from 3D models.
checkApproachable interface and short learning curve.
SketchUp Pro
SketchUp Pro delivers push/pull modelling on desktop, web, and iPad, with Layout for documentation and instant access to the 3D Warehouse, making it perfect for rapid ideation through to detailed modelling and presenting visuals to clients.
SketchUp Studio
SketchUp Studio builds on Pro by adding a Chaos V-Ray licence, Revit import, and point cloud features, giving designers more options for visualisation and data-rich modelling. .
SketchUp Pro & Podium Bundle
This bundle pairs SketchUp Pro’s fast, intuitive modelling with SU Podium’s high‑quality rendering, delivering better visuals and workflow efficiency for presentations.
Which One to Choose?
The top Vectorworks alternatives in 2025 help you to find a workflow that fits you. Whether you work in landscaping, architecture, engineering, interior design or any other design industry, there is a software that's perfect for you. We've put together an easy guide to help you choose.
| Architecture | Interior Design | Landscaping | Entertainment | Events & Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BricsCAD Lite | |||||
| BricsCAD Pro | |||||
| BricsCAD BIM | |||||
| Rhino | Limited | ||||
| RhinoLands | |||||
| Rhino & Visual ARQ | |||||
| SketchUp Pro | |||||
| SketchUp Studio | |||||
| SketchUp & SU Podium |
VECTORWORKS FUNDAMENTALS
Entry-level CAD software for beginners contains all core 2D and 3D functionality without specialist tools and libraries.
£97 per month
£970 per year
VECTORWORKS DESIGN SUITE
The complete Vectorworks experience with access to all tools, including fundamentals, architect, landmark and Spotlight
£174 per month
£1740 per year
VECTORWORKS ARCHITECT
For architecture, interior design and other built environment projects.
£135 per month
£1350 per year
VECTORWORKS LANDMARK
For landscape and environmental design projects, including gardens, parks and other outdoor spaces.
£135 per month
£1350 per year
VECTORWORKS SPOTLIGHT
For stage, screen and exhibition design, with specialist tools including lighting design.
£135 per month
£1350 per year
*Prices ex VAT
WHY VECTORWORKS?
Whether you're an architect, landscape designer, or entertainment professional, Vectorworks offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to your industry's needs. By choosing to buy Vectorworks, you gain access to advanced 2D drafting, 3D modelling, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and rendering capabilities, all within a single, intuitive platform. Vectorworks integrates with a variety of tools, like V-Ray and Enscape, giving you flexibility over your final output.
Purchasing Vectorworks means equipping yourself with a tool that grows with your projects, enabling you to bring your creative visions to life efficiently and effectively. Whether you want an entry-level package with Vectorworks Fundamentals or a more comprehensive package like Design Suite, or something specialist, Vectorworks has something for you.
- While it is no longer possible to upgrade Vectorworks outside of existing Service Select contracts, Vectorworks periodically runs offers to access the latest version. See Current Offers