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Model editing with Vectorworks


The download and installation of the Vectorworks app is described in the following article: Installing the Vectorworks app.


Advantage of the Vectorworks app

With the Vectorworks app, project content such as model tasks can be viewed from buildagil and associated model views can be opened directly in Vectorworks. The Vectorworks app enables access to buildagil directly in Vectorworks itself. This means that model adjustments can be made efficiently, as the appropriate sections do not have to be searched for manually. Once the app is installed and added to the menu bar, the Vectorworks app can be opened and the Registration can be made on buildagil.


As the role is still being introduced and can therefore be used buildagil in Vectorworks, the Preview version must be activated.



Vectorworks model integration, BIM workflow optimization, CAD task management, efficient model processing, BIM project coordination

Settings

To define the position of a Vectorworks model and enable coordination with other programs, the coordinate origin must be set in the project. The settings can also be opened via the menu bar. You can choose between "Internal origin (0,0)" and "User origin".


In Vectorworks, the project coordinate settings are saved to the user. If a different coordinate origin is used in two projects, these settings are overwritten in each case.



Internal origin (0.0):

Uses the internal zero point of Vectorworks as a reference. BCF coordinates are converted directly into VW coordinates. This option is suitable if the user origin has not been moved in the project.


User origin:

Takes into account the user origin set in the file. BCF coordinates are first converted to millimetres and then shifted by the user origin offset. This option is required if the user origin has been set to real coordinates (e.g. Country coordinates).


Set coordinate system, determine position of CAD model, adjust project coordinates, define coordinate origin

Editing models and model tasks

Models and CAD files such as DWG or IFC files that are saved on buildagil can be opened directly from the documents in Vectorworks. Further information can be found in the following article: Opening documents in local programs. The Vectorworks app can then be opened and used to access all project content on buildagil. Further information on navigation in the Vectorworks app can be found in the following article: Navigation apps. Via the "Project" tab, all model tasks of the project can be opened and displayed in a list.



Model views from buildagil can be opened directly in Vectorworks. The corresponding model view is automatically displayed in Vectorworks.


For the model view to be displayed in Vectorworks, the model must be open in Vectorworks in the 3D view.



The model from buildagil can be displayed directly next to the model in Vectorworks. In addition, all model tasks and associated model views can be accessed.



With the OneDrive synchronization exports of IFC and PDF files can be saved directly to buildagil.


Open Vectorworks files, IFC integration Vectorworks, Manage model tasks

Updated on: 18/02/2026