Vectorworks 2027, released on 16 September 2026, is a performance and interoperability update rather than a release built around new modelling tools. Its main change is a new graphics engine that moves display work onto the GPU, alongside PBR materials, wider import of Revit families and CAD blocks, and an expanded AI Visualizer. Versions for architecture, landscape and entertainment design ship together.
A GPU graphics engine in Vectorworks 2027
The graphics module now runs on Vulkan under Windows and Metal on macOS. Vectorworks, Inc. claims panning and zooming can be 15 to 35 times faster in some workflows and selecting many objects up to 50 times faster, with lower memory use in shaded, wireframe and presentation views. These are the developer’s figures from its own test files, so actual gains will vary with the model and the graphics card, but they target the most common complaint from users with large BIM and site models: lag when orbiting and selecting.
Materials, rendering and the AI Visualizer
Textures have been rebuilt on a physically based rendering system, with a redesigned texture editor that previews materials live and converts older textures in one step. The aim is for a material set up once to look consistent in Vectorworks and in external visualisation tools. Maxon’s Redshift is added as a synchronised real-time renderer, and Chaos has said its Enscape 4.21 supports the new release and its OpenPBR materials.
The AI Visualizer now offers Google’s Nano Banana image models, with higher output resolution and up to 14 reference images. The feature is reserved for subscription customers; the more capable models draw on credits shown in the palette, while a free model stays available for routine iterations.
Imports, shared content and site setup
- Dynamic imports: Revit families and DWG/DXF dynamic blocks are now brought in as parametric objects rather than flat lines, and FBX files can be imported natively with their geometry, hierarchy and materials.
- Batch export: DWG and DXF settings can be defined once to produce several consultant files in a single run.
- The Exchange: a new in-app hub where users and manufacturers share models, textures and objects.
- Geolocation Setup Wizard: places survey data, point clouds, GIS layers and imagery on a shared survey point, with Google Maps imagery for subscribers.
Compared with Vectorworks 2026, which concentrated on documentation and sustainability reporting, including a Sustainability Dashboard for embodied carbon and biodiversity metrics, the 2027 release is aimed at offices working with large files and mixed software. English versions are available to Service Select and subscription customers now, with localised editions rolling out from October to the first quarter of 2027. The US store lists a Vectorworks Architect subscription at $1,530 a year or $170 a month.
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