Resource List for Vectorworks Users
Below is a list of links that you may find useful when working on projects in Vectorworks. Downloading and importing objects such as furniture and dressing is often more efficient than building them from scratch. There is no guarantee that every asset available on the internet has been constructed well or will import properly into Vectorworks, so use at your own risk.
Best Sources for 3D Models to Import into Vectorworks
SketchUp 3D Warehouse - Free
I use this frequently!
No need to have SketchUp software - just download SKP files and import directly into Vectorworks.
Make sure the search results are showing the “Models” tab not the “Products” tab.
TurboSquid - Free or paid
TurboSquid is a commonly-used asset source in the industry, though the “free” offerings aren’t always fantastic. However, it’s a great site for when you’re looking to download a specific high quality model for a fee.
Filetypes vary by asset so make sure it includes a filetype that can be imported into Vectorworks.
CGTrader - Paid
Similar status as TurboSquid, good for finding specific paid 3D models.
CGAxis - Free or paid
After clicking on an asset, watch out for ads on the download page. Look for the log-in section, then enter an email and click the blue download button. Import the FBX into Vectorworks.
Archive3D - Free
CadNav - Free
FormDecor Furniture Rental - Free
CORT Furniture Rental - Free
AFR Furniture Rental - Free
Squir Vehicles - Paid
SketchFab - Free or paid
Sources for 3D Models of Realistic Human Figures
RenderPeople - Paid (Also 3 free models to try)
This is the source that I’ve used with great success in Vectorworks by importing the SKP file. There is some clean-up that can be done to make these more efficient (they’re polygon-heavy), but that will be a future tutorial on this site.
Axyz-Design - Paid
EverMotion - Paid
Free Seamless Texture Images for 3D Modeling
CC0Textures - Free
Architextures - Free (or paid for super-high resolution)
TextureHaven - Free
3Dtextures.me - Free
Once you’re on a texture page, look for the “Download all the maps” button.
Quixel Megascans - Free (paid also available)
In Vectorworks make a new Renderworks Texture then load the “diffuse” image into the Color shader. If you want a reflection map, load either the “reflection” or “glossiness” image into the Reflectivity shader. If you want Bump and/or Displacement Mapping, load the “height” image into the Bump shader.
Textures.com - 15 free, then paid
There’s actually an mTextur interface built directly into Vectorworks. Go to File > Import > Import mTexture.
HDRI Backgrounds
HDRI Haven - Free
HDRI Skies - Free (or paid for super-high resolution)
Once you download an image, import into Vectorworks via the Resource Manager > New Resource > Renderworks Background.
Moulding Profiles
Paramount Moulding - Downloadable DWGs of profiles from the primary Hollywood supplier of wood moulding & millwork.
PDF catalog available here.
LeNoble Lumber - East Coast moulding supplier in the New York City area.
Randall Brothers - Atlanta-based moulding supplier.
EL & EL - Images only.
If you buy the “Mouldings Plug-In” below it comes with many libraries of vector moulding profiles.
3rd Party Tools & Plug-Ins for Vectorworks
Breaker_v1 - A much better break-line tool compared to the default tool in Vectorworks. I use this constantly.
Mouldings Plug-In - An alternative to the headaches of Extrude Along Path. Great plug-in from Paolo Marcuccetti. Free trial and very affordable to buy.
Landru Design Tools - Entertainment industry plug-ins from C. Andrew Dunning. Note these already come bundled with Spotlight, but the paid versions from this site allow you to use these tools if you don’t have the Spotlight package. They also give you faster access to future modifications as the developer continues to improve the tools.
AFDesign - Plug-ins for Architectural and Landscape elements developed by Andrea Facchinello.
Very Small Group - Free plug-ins including FastFlat and TheateRow, developed by Michael Klaers who hosts the Santa Barbara Vectorworks User Group (which is now virtual and open to all regardless of location).
AutoPlot - Essential package for creators of lighting plots, developed by Sam Jones.
Joshua Bengiat Plug-Ins - More great tools for creators of lights plots, such as Savvy Symbol Section.
Interiorcad - Creates detailed and accurate cabinetry that looks great in renders and is production ready to send to CNC. Developed by Stephan Mönninghoff / Extragroup.
Online Presentation Tools
SketchFab - Interactive 3D models directly in a browser with no plug-ins needed. Smartphone App also available.
Vectorworks Cloud Services Panorama Tour - Example of what can be done directly from Vectorworks with a Cloud Services account, linking spherical panorama images together. These can also be incorporated into presentations.
Hardware & Ergonomics
3D SpaceMouse - A must for anyone working heavily in 3D. I prefer the SpaceMouse Compact. Also check prices on Amazon.
Also see their interactive ergonomic diagram based on your height.
Stretches for your hands & wrists - YouTube video.
StandUp! - iOS app to help you remember to stand up throughout the day.
An article from Vision Center about Blue Light Filters – Benefits & Myths.
Other Useful Things
PureRef - Free app used by designers and 3D artists to collect reference images in an easy-to-use canvas which can overlay other software.
Building Technology Heritage Library - A fantastic collection of free public domain historic documents hosted on Archive.org which can be used for period research, including moulding catalogs, style guides, historic house layouts, wallpaper patterns, and much more. Filter by year in the lefthand panel. Once you find a document you like, you can download the original PDF file for future use.
The Designer’s Assistant - Online blog of prolific set designer Randy Wilkins. “An Information Site for Film and Television Set Designers.”
3rd party vendors to get parts manufactured, such as 3D printing and CNC machining: Shapeways, Hubs, Xometry, Fictiv.