Vectorworks Architect is a 2D/3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) software, the software is targeting architecture and civil engineers looking for an affordable alternative for Autodesk Revit. Vectorworks Architect as a BIM software comes with tools like cost analysis, material analysis and energy efficient analysis, it even comes with a graphical scripting tools.

Learning the basics of Vectorworks Architect is essential for architects and civil engineers even if you’re not currently using it, as it’s a useful tool that should be always available in your toolbox in case you want an alternative for your current BIM software.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn Vectorworks Architect, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn Vectorworks Architect) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with Vectorworks Architect from Scratch

Vectorworks Website

Vectorworks Website is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning Vectorworks through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 15 chapters, each chapter is a video lesson with downloadable material and even some further exploration section where beginners can dig deeper.

Interface: the interface is very simple, just click on the chapter you’re interested in from the menu and you’ll be directed to the page where the video lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using Vectorworks Architect.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover every technique and tool in Vectorworks Architect.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning Vectorworks Architect through video tutorials.

Resolve YouTube Channel

Resolve YouTube Channel is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Vectorworks Architect.

Structure: The training is divided into 4 sections, each section is divided into video lessons and each of these video lesson covers the various tools available in Vectorworks Architect.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover the latest release of the software, though that won’t be a complete problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning Vectorworks Architect through video tutorials.

OzCAD

OzCAD is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Vectorworks Architect through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 4 sections, each section is divided into a group video lessons that covers the various tools and topics in Vectorworks Architect.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the “Architect” tab on the top menu bar and the available sections for Vectorworks Architect would be listed down below, just select the video lesson you’re interested in and a window will pop up and the video will start to play. It’s worth noting that the videos require flash to play.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of Vectorworks Architect.
2. The training only covers the very basics of Vectorworks Architect.
3. The training isn’t well-structured for beginners.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet where beginners can have an overview about Vectorworks Architect, but it’s not suitable for beginners to start learning from it.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning Vectorworks Architect:

1. Vectorworks Website is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Vectorworks Architect through video tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning Vectorworks Architect.