Design Ideal 2-Channel Speaker Layouts with XTEN-AV
There are multiple plans, license types, and subscription models in ConnectCAD pricing plans, making it a challenge just to comprehend what exactly you are paying for, which creates an issue for people making a purchase decision. And let’s be honest, choosing the wrong plan can mean overpaying for features you’ll never use or missing out on essential tools your projects actually need.
This blog will give you a clear breakdown of Vectorworks ConnectCAD price points, including plans, subscription options, trial access, and billing structure.
Key Takeaways:
- ConnectCAD costs $183/month but needs an additional Spotlight or Design Suite license, making it expensive and less accessible for smaller teams or individual users.
- XTEN-AV starts at $66/month, offers AI automation and real-time collaboration, and doesn’t require extra software, making it a cost-effective choice for modern AV professionals.
- ConnectCAD works best for Vectorworks users who are handling large AV projects. XTEN-AV is better suited for agile teams needing speed, accuracy, and cloud-based flexibility.
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Vectorworks ConnectCAD is a specialized software tool for audio-visual professionals and system designers. It integrates seamlessly with Vectorworks to simplify the design, documentation, and management of complex wiring diagrams and connected systems. The software also features automated error-checking tools that can help you avoid issues prior to installation.
In addition, its designed rack layout, equipment management, and cable tracking are designed to allow the implementation of large-scale projects. Overall, ConnectCAD specializes in streamlining the workflows of complex AV systems while ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
The platform has various flexible pricing options that allow people to choose between a one-time payment license or a monthly/yearly Vectorworks ConnectCAD subscription, making users’ plans to suit their particular needs and budgets. It offers powerful features for audio-visual (AV) system designers and professionals who oversee connected systems.
Moreover, it offers a vectorworks free trial of 7 days, which is a plus point for those who want to explore its capabilities before committing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the available pricing plans and feature sets:
1. Architect
Price
Billed Monthly: $153/ month
Billed Annually: $1530 every 12 months
Key Features
Vectorworks Architect offers advanced rendering tools that allow users to create detailed 3D visualizations of architectural designs.
It enables dynamic updating of design changes, ensuring that modifications to objects automatically reflect in related components.
It also supports multi-user collaboration, allowing teams to work simultaneously on the same project file.
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2. Spotlight
Price
Billed Monthly: $153/ month
Billed Annually: $1530 every 12 months
Key Features
Vectorworks Spotlight comes with a collection of a pre-built library of lighting instruments and trusses. It helps audio-visual designers quickly create accurate and professional lighting layouts.
Users can also design event spaces, including seating plans and table placements with detailed 2D layouts and stunning 3D renderings.
It has a project-sharing feature that allows teams to track project details and annotate drawings for technicians and installers.
3. Landmark
Price
Billed Monthly: $153/ month
Billed Annually: $1530 every 12 months
Key Features
Vectorworks Landmark lets users import external data like GIS mapping data, survey files, and drone-captured data to create accurate, real-world site plans.
Designers can start with rough sketches and then turn them into smart design objects such as hardscapes and landscape areas while visualizing them in 3D.
It also helps with creating professional construction documents with customizable viewports and sheet layers.
4. Fundamentals
Price
Billed Monthly: $108/ month
Billed Annually: $1080 every 12 months
Key Features
Vectorworks Fundamentals includes accurate drawing tools for creating detailed plans and models and flexible 3D modeling powered by Siemens Parasolid.
It helps users create realistic visualizations of their designs by adding textures, lighting, and HDRI backgrounds.
The software can automatically create reports, saving time and reducing errors.
5. Design Suite
Price
Billed Monthly: $198/ month
Billed Annually: $1980 every 12 months
Key Features
The Vectorworks Design Suite includes an extensive library of lighting, audio, video, scenic, and rigging manufacturer content.
It supports transitioning from massing models to BIM models and construction documents.
It allows users to freely sketch, model, and document AV setups with unparalleled accuracy and adaptability.
6. Braceworks
Price
Billed Monthly: $253/ month
Billed Annually: $2530 every 12 months
Key Features
Braceworks provides design and rigging professionals with tools to analyze the performance of temporary structures under load.
The software seamlessly integrates 3D structural modeling, analysis, and documentation into a single interface.
It supports both straight and curved truss structures, lighting pipes, and different types of building materials, allowing users to design highly detailed and realistic rigging systems.
7. ConnectCAD
Price
Billed Monthly: $183/ month
Billed Annually: $1830 every 12 months
Key Features
It enables users to create easy-to-read AV schematic drawings and diagram rack layouts while also allowing them to work in a hybrid 2D/3D environment.
Live error checking to ensure accuracy and support the creation of detailed reports.
Users can leverage customizable templates and symbols to enhance their designs, make changes easily, and generate comprehensive as-built documentation.
8. Entertainment Bundle
Price
Billed Monthly: $283/ month
Billed Annually: $2830 every 12 months
Key Features
Vectorworks Entertainment allows users to easily lay out signal flows, simplifying the design process for complex AV systems in event and stage setups.
With the Braceworks integration, users can perform structural analysis on rigging systems, ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards for temporary structures.
What doesn’t Vectorworks ConnectCAD excel at?
While Vectorworks ConnectCAD is a powerful tool for AV system design, there are certain areas where it may not excel or could present challenges for users:
1. Steep Learning Curve
ConnectCAD is a complex, specialized tool, and to use it effectively, you need a solid understanding of both the software and the AV system design process. If you are a beginner, then you may find it difficult to get started without training or experience.
2. Dependency on Vectorworks Spotlight/Design Suite
ConnectCAD is an add-on module and cannot function independently. You’ll need to purchase a separate license for Vectorworks Spotlight or Design Suite to use it, which increases the total cost and is not accessible if you only want ConnectCAD’s features.
3. Limited Compatibility with Other Platforms
ConnectCAD works only within Vectorworks and isn’t directly compatible with other popular platforms like AutoCAD. Although you can import/export files (like DXF/DWG), the process may not be smooth if you need to collaborate with people using different CAD tools.
4. Educational License Restrictions
If you’re a student or educator, you might not get access to ConnectCAD by default in the educational version of Vectorworks. You require extra steps to request it, which can be inconvenient for learning or teaching.
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Is Vectorworks ConnectCAD worth the cost?
ConnectCAD is made specifically for professionals who design AV systems, like broadcast setups, event production, or complex IT networks. It focuses on helping them create and manage technical diagrams and plans. Whether it is worth the cost depends on how much and how often a user needs it.
It costs $183/month and $1830 every 12 months and comes with added perks like unlimited learning resources from Vectorworks University and discounts on training. It has seamless integrations into Vectorworks Spotlight or Design Suite, providing tools to efficiently plan, visualize, and troubleshoot AV systems in great detail and in a professional way.
However, the price may be a barrier for smaller firms or individuals not already using Vectorworks products. Additionally, ConnectCAD doesn’t work by itself. You also need to buy or subscribe to Vectorworks Spotlight or Design Suite, which increases the total cost.
It is best for professionals or firms working on complex, large-scale AV/IT projects. But for those with limited budgets or simpler needs, the high cost and required Vectorworks dependency might be a dealbreaker.
An Alternative To Vectorworks ConnectCAD: XTEN-AV
Vectorworks ConnectCAD and XTEN-AV are two powerful options for designing audio-visual (AV) systems. However, it is designed for different types of users or workflows. Here’s a comparison of their features compared, and how XTEN-AV compares as an alternative:
Features | Vectorworks ConnectCAD | XTEN-AV |
AV Schematic Diagrams | Provides tools to create detailed AV schematic drawings and signal flow diagrams. | Automates the creation of AV diagrams, including signal flow and single-line diagrams. |
Rack Layouts | Allows users to design rack diagrams manually. | Automated rack layout generator based on project inputs given by users. |
2D/3D Hybrid Environment | Enables users to work in both 2D and 3D environments for better visualization. | Includes 3D visualization features for room design and equipment placement. |
Error Checking | Live error-checking tools to minimize design flaws. | Utilizes AI-powered design assistance, “AI Connection Checker,” to identify and alert users to potential errors in AV system designs. |
Customizable Templates/ Symbols | Offers customizable templates and symbols for personalized designs. | It has an extensive library of 1.5M products and offers customizable templates and AVIXA-approved symbols. |
Documentation | Generates detailed reports on the cable schedule, equipment list, etc. | Automates AV documentation, including Bill of material (BOM) and project reports. |
Collaboration Tools | Supports multi-user collaboration within the Vectorworks ecosystem. | Offers real-time collaboration tools with cloud-based access for team projects. |
Platform Dependency | Requires Vectorworks Spotlight or Design Suite. | It is a cloud-based platform with no software installation required. |
If you’re looking for a more modern, flexible, and automation-driven AV design software, XTEN-AV emerges as a powerful alternative to Vectorworks ConnectCAD.
- Cost Effectiveness: XTEN-AV is much more affordable than ConnectCAD, as it comes with a basic plan of $66/month with all the necessary features, including drawing and documentation. However, if we talk about ConnectCAD, it has a plan of $183/month, plus users will have to buy a Vectorworks license of Spotlight or Design Suite to work on it.
- Automation: XTEN-AV automates tasks like creating documentation, mapping signal flows, and choosing compatible components, which lets you spend less time doing repetitive tasks and lowers the risk of human error.
- AI-Powered Features: It uses Artificial Intelligence to optimize your AV designs and help reduce design errors. This makes your workflow smarter and faster compared to manually checking every step.
- Extensive Product Library: It gives access to 1.5 million real-world products from more than 5200 brands. Not only this, but it also has around 80 AVIXA symbols for racks, displays, and cabling to ensure designs adhere to global AV standards for professionals.
- Cloud-based Collaboration: As it has a cloud-based platform, teams can collaborate in real time, regardless of location. It is a plus point for remote teams, project managers, and stakeholders working across different offices or time zones.
- Ease of Use: XTEN-AV includes easy-to-use built-in AV features for diagramming and proposals. It’s also much simpler to learn to start and use for new users compared to ConnectCAD’s CAD-based environment.
Choosing the best AV design software to suit your team’s requirements, budget, and workflow. Vectorworks ConnectCAD is a strong tool, but it works best for people who are already using other Vectorworks software. However, it’s more expensive, harder to learn, and requires extra software to function.
XTEN-AV, on the other hand, is newer, more affordable, and easier to use. It offers smart features like AI-based error checking, team collaboration in real-time, and access to a huge library of AV products. These features help save time and reduce manual work. For AV professionals who want to work faster and more accurately without spending too much, XTEN-AV is a smart, competitive option.
Vectorworks ConnectCAD can be licensed via subscription and integrated with Vectorworks Spotlight or Design Suite. It costs $183 a month, which is convenient if you only need it for short-term projects or occasionally. By opting to pay a full year upfront, you’ll receive a discounted rate compared to paying month by month.
You can try out Vectorwork’s free trial for 7 days before paying for it. During the trial, you can test the tools and features to see if the software is right for your projects. This way, you can make an informed decision before buying a Vectorworks ConnectCAD subscription.
If you want to use ConnectCAD on a monthly basis, you’ll pay $183 each month. If you choose to pay for a full year upfront, it costs around £1830 (with taxes included); this is cheaper than paying monthly over 12 months. ConnectCAD is available to students and educators with a free Design Suite 2023 educational license.
The software has some powerful tools that enable users to work quickly and accurately. These characteristics simplify planning and performing complex projects accurately. But, it’s only useful if you also purchase Vectorworks Spotlight or Design Suite, so you will need to buy those, too, raising the total cost. If your company works on large, detailed projects that require accuracy and organization, ConnectCAD is worth the money because it saves time and prevents errors.
Designed exclusively for AV system design, XTEN-AV has the distinct benefits of being more affordable than alternatives, having no steep learning curve to overcome, and also offering advanced features such as intelligent cable management, making it a more appealing proposition for AV professionals than Vectorworks ConnectCAD. However, ConnectCAD is relevant to those individuals or businesses that are already working on Vectorworks, as ConnectCAD is an extension of that platform.
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AV Design Mastery + Winning Proposals = 10x Productivity!
- Automatic Cable Labeling & Styling
- 100+ Free Proposal Templates
- Upload & Create Floor Plans
- 1.5M Products from 5200 Brands
- AI-powered ‘Search Sense'
- Legally Binding Digital Signatures
No Credit Card Required
