Revit vs Vectorworks Architect - 2025 Comparison

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Concept about Revit software

Revit is the BIM application that has been used by architects, MEP engineers, construction professionals and others. Through the Revit software, multiple team members of the design project can work together at the same time within a centrally shared design model. The comprehensive suite of tools of this BIM software helps to allow the design professionals to design, stimulate, collaborate and visualize the building projects within the unified model-based environment.

Concept about Vectorworks software

Vectorworks is a powerful BIM software that has been used by landscape architects and design professionals throughout the world. Vectorworks software provides support for the tight integration of the building elements. Users can choose different design options from this BIM software to continue their 2D and 3D modelling and documentation process. This software is used to build BIM models for architects with its 2D and 3D design capabilities which is easy to use for the users.

Key differences between the Revit and Vectorworks software

BIM software has been used in the design phase as well as the entire life cycle of the building project by the building project stakeholders including contractors, engineers, and architects. In this context, the right selection of BIM software is necessary to achieve the efficiency of BIM workflow and collaboration among the project stakeholders. Revit and Vectorworks are powerful BIM software though there are some differences which are as follows:

Differences on the basis of the use of the BIM software

This is one of the widely used BIM software which supports the integration of Python through the application programming interface. This can be accessed with the help of the Python libraries including pyRevit and RevitPythonShell.

Revit software has been used for all stages of the building design projects. The features of this BIM software have been categorized by different types of industries including structural industries, MEP industries, construction industries and architecture industries. Both parametric and non-parametric architectural design models have been allowed by this BIM software along with the embedded data during the production of the schedule and other documentation. The team collaboration feature of the Revit software also helps to achieve an effective design workflow.

On the other hand, Vectorworks software is used for both BIM modelling and 3D modelling. This software is available in different products including architects, spotlight, fundamental and landmark which has been optimized for different types of scopes. The Vectorworks software helps to analyse the information of the design project and helps to create project schedules as well as calculate the project costs. This BIM software also helps to deliver accurate documentation of the design project as well as increasing BIM efficiency.

On the basis of the ease of learning and modelling

In Vectorworks software, there is a large selection of modelling tools which help to make the 3D and BIM modelling process more convenient. Accurate BIM models along with more precise detailed schedules and reports have been provided by this BIM software which has been created in simplified worksheets. These processes are easier to read and create as well as require less time.

On the other hand, in Revit software, 2D designs have been extracted from 3D models. There is a bidirectional relation among 2D and 3D elements which means a change in the 2D model view can change the 3D model view which indicates that any changes have been reflected in all design views and components. However, the Revit software is quite rigid as compared to the Vectorworks software as it requires the input of plugins and add-ons. Revit has a steep learning curve for beginners as the interface of this software is less intuitive and more complicated.

On the basis of the availability of the plugins or add-ons

There are numerous options for the Revit plugins which increases the functionality of this BIM software. There is one remarkable plugin which is Rhino.Inside Revit which offers more flexible parametric design capabilities.

On the other hand, like the Revit software, there are also plugins and add-ons available in the Vectorworks software in which most of the plugins are third-party developers. These plugins help to provide options for photorealistic rendering and animations. In addition, the plugins of the Vectorworks software help to allow the analysis and simulation of the different building performances.

Based on the compatibility with other BIM software

The Vectorworks software helps to provide shared cloud services in which users can coordinate the work process. A variety of file formats has been also supported by this BIM software which makes the import and export file process easier. The integration with emerging technologies has been also allowed by the Vectorworks software.

On the other hand, the Revit software has interoperability with other Autodesk applications. The use of the BIM 360 is effective in offering a cloud-based data management platform which enables live collaboration among users. Many images and CAD formats have been also supported by the Revit software.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Jonathan Reeves CAD