From version 2008 Vectorworks is distributed as a collection of separate licenses, each licensing a different level of feature functionality. The licenses are bundled together as an ILS(Integrated License System), which allows the user to pay for a license instead of a particular feature set, and allows the license to be distributed across a number of machines.
From the Windows version 2008, Vectorworks 8 and 9, the licensing system has been changed to be based on a monthly subscription. This change was made to prevent organizations such as schools, universities, businesses, or governments, from having an initial investment cost to license Vectorworks if only a small number of licenses are purchased.
In the last year or two the yearly cost has increased considerably due to new features being added, but is still much less than most professional users would ever spend in a single year.
Features
Vectorworks gives users the power to create layouts and drawings using a range of tools, such as:
A 3D block-based modeling system for creating parts, features and assemblies.
A 2D drafting system that supports both CAD and traditional pen and paper workflows, including construction/architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, piping and manufacturing.
A parametric drawing system.
Integration with and support of Macromedia Director version 8 and later.
Integration with Microsoft PowerPoint.
History
Vectorworks started development at Vector Inc., a design firm in Eagan, Minnesota in 1987. Early versions were intended for the architectural and engineering professions. Version 2.0 was released in 1992 and added parametric modeling. In 1993 Vectorworks version 3.0 was released, and had a number of new features and an entirely new parametric feature.
Many users also report that Vectorworks was a useful tool for them to work with project files they had created in Rhino, CorelDraw and other vector-based products, as they were able to import and align those files.
Vectorworks 2009
Version 2009.0, released in 2009, has been called "one of the best" vector-based programs.
Vectorworks 2010
Version 2010.0, released in 2010, has been described as the "Best in Class" 3D parametric modeling tool. Vectorworks 10.0 comes in two editions: Standard Edition and Professional Edition.
Vectorworks 10.1
Version 10.1 of Vectorworks was released on December 4, 2011.
Vectorworks 10.2
Version 10.2
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