VectorWorks Line Updated

By DE Editors

Nemetschek North America (Columbia, MD) has updated its entire line of VectorWorks products to version 12.5. Notable enhancements to VectorWorks 12.5 include support for Apple Macintosh OS X operating on the new Intel-based Macintosh, Adobe PDF import and export support (including batch export), and support for Google Earth’s KML files, as well as overall speed and performance improvements.

 “The big news for version 12.5 is that VectorWorks is now a universal application—it runs natively on both the Intel and Power PC-based Macintosh,” says Paul Pharr, Nemetschek North America’s chief technology officer.

“We’ve run speed trials that demonstrate 2D drawing, rendering, and 3D modeling operations are up to 12 times faster on a Mac Pro Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz, compared to a Power Mac Dual G4 500 MHz. Users on Windows and older Macs will see some important speed improvements, too. Opening and saving files on network servers is between five and 30 times faster with VectorWorks 12.5—depending on the file, and RenderWorks rendering is up to 40 percent faster. Finally, the ability to both import and export PDF files on Mac and Windows will open up interesting possibilities for VectorWorks offices to streamline their document workflow.”

Other noteworthy improvements to VectorWorks 12.5 include unit matching and intelligent detection of Xrefs for smoother DXF/DWG imports, new drafting tools, and support for High Dynamic Range Images (HDRI) in RenderWorks for creating realistically-rendered objects and exterior scenes.

 For a complete list and descriptions of VectorWorks 12.5 improvements, visit nemetschek.net/12.5.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.