Global design and BIM software maker, Vectorworks, Inc., has released its 4th service pack for Vectorworks 2023 (SP4). The latest update includes numerous new benefits for the popular BIM and CAD software, but surely the most exciting will be its new NVIDIA Omniverse direct connection.
Other new updates boast performance improvements around Sheet Layer viewports, new capabilities with hardscape tools for landscape architects and architects alike, plus cloud services and updates to ConnectCAD.
“This Service Pack continues the tradition of delivering key improvements for quality and performance, as well as increasing advantageous connections for customers,” said Vectorworks Senior Director of Rendering and Research Dave Donley. “New features in this release enable exciting workflows not seen before, and we are confident that some truly amazing designs will result. This continuous evolution keeps our users at the leading edge of technology, enabling them to be efficient and unrestricted in their design process.”
Omniverse Connection
Vectorworks, through a collaboration with NVIDIA, now delivers a direct connection to NVIDIA Omniverse—a platform for developing and operating metaverse applications as well as for designers to collaborate using best-in-breed tools across industry sectors and subsectors on various types of projects.
NVIDIA continues to advance the future of the Metaverse. This image is from a recent GTC event about Omniverse (their name for metaverse). Now Vectorworks becomes the latest connection partner.
Vectorworks 2023 SP4 (Windows version only) features a new integrated Omniverse Connector. The new plugin makes it possible to connect Vectorworks 3D models and scenes straight to the Universal Scene Description (USD)-based Omniverse platform. Architosh has written about the NVIDIA Omniverse platform here and here in our Xpresso newsletter.
USD-based Interop
The USD format was created by Pixar and is an open format for the various 3D software industries. It has quickly gained notable traction for its capabilities. NVIDIA Omniverse is based on USD, and Omniverse and Vectorworks users can save valuable time by eliminating steps for import/export process workflows in lieu of USD-based interoperability.
The new Omniverse Connector will also serve as an important catalyst for further advancement and expand Vectorworks’ users’ opportunities to contribute to and collaborate on the same 3D projects at the same time as others on other 3D software tools, all while using their favorite design tool.
Apple Uses USD
Vectorworks users can now drive new collaboration efforts by adding the USD Omniverse Connector as part of their workflow options. It supports 3D geometry, texture, and metadata, delivering these three items into the Omniverse platform and back out through connectors to user-favorite 3D tools and best-of-breed specialty software. It is these advantages that have driven Apple and NVIDIA to deploy the USD format in their own design workflows.
Other SP4 Updates
The SP4 update also includes new upgrades to Sheet Layer Viewports, offering a more responsive user interface and faster and more accurate processes when viewing, rendering, and navigating sheet layers. Low-resolution previews of sheet layer viewport contents are now automatically created with the option to snap easily with other’s viewports. This bonus improves collaboration and reduces file sizes.
New capabilities with site models allow architects and landscape architects to excavate the site surface model based on these hardscape objects. There is also a new “drape” mode such that hardware objects automatically conform to the surface of a site model.
Vectorworks Cloud Services have gained updates, including the ability to process Solar Animation Exports. And there are significant updates to ConnectCAD, which the reader can learn about here.
SP4 Availability
Vectorworks 2023 SP4 is available for download for all U.S. English-based versions, including Vectorworks Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, Braceworks, ConnectCAD, and Vision.
Readers interested in trying Vectorworks 2023 SP4 with NVIDIA Omniverse connectivity firsthand can download a 7-day free trial of the Vectorworks Design Suite.
