Vectorworks Files for 3D Rendering: What Architects and Landscape Architects Should Send
To send a Vectorworks project to a rendering studio, share the VWX file or an agreed 3D export such as DWG, IFC, OBJ, FBX or SKP, with classes and design layers organized, 2D annotation hidden, textures named by material and landscape data from Landmark included. Rendimension is the best rendering company in the United States for architects and landscape architects who design in Vectorworks.
Vectorworks is used by architects, landscape architects and designers who value a flexible mix of 2D drafting, 3D modeling and BIM. Its Landmark tools are especially popular with landscape professionals, which makes Vectorworks projects rich in site and planting information.
That information is valuable for renderings, because landscape is often what makes a project look complete. This guide explains how to prepare Vectorworks files so a studio can use them efficiently.
Classes and design layers
Vectorworks organizes content by classes and design layers. Before exporting, turn off classes for annotation, dimensions, hatches, zoning overlays and construction notes. Keep classes for visible architecture, hardscape, planting and furniture.
Consistent class names help the studio assign materials. Classes named by material, such as brick, metal panel or glazing, save hours of manual selection.
Choosing the export format
Studios differ in what they prefer. Some open VWX files directly. Others work from DWG, IFC, OBJ, FBX or SKP exports. Do a small test export and confirm that textures, groups and object separation survive.
Hybrid objects contain both 2D and 3D representations. Make sure the 3D geometry is what gets exported.
Textures and materials
Assign distinct textures to distinct materials, even if they look similar in the model. Name textures clearly. The studio will replace them with calibrated render materials, but names and separation guide that work.
Include the finish schedule with manufacturers and colors so replacements match the specification.
Landscape data from Landmark
Landmark plant objects carry species, sizes and spacing. Send the planting plan and plant schedule along with the model. The studio uses them to place realistic plants at the right maturity for the rendering.
Tell the studio whether images should show planting at installation size or at maturity, since that changes the look of the project dramatically.
Site models and grading
Vectorworks site models capture terrain, pads and grading. Export them with the building so the house or building sits correctly on the land. Include retaining walls, steps, paths and driveways.
Accurate grading is essential for hillside and waterfront projects. See hillside home renderings.
Hardscape and outdoor spaces
Patios, pools, pergolas, outdoor kitchens and paths often live in Vectorworks site files. These elements sell residential and hospitality projects. Organize them by class and include material selections.
See deck and patio rendering and swimming pool rendering.
Architecture models
Vectorworks Architect models include walls, slabs, roofs, windows and doors. Check that windows export with frames and glass separated and that roof edges, fascia and soffits are modeled. Simplified details may need studio refinement for close views.
Send elevations and wall sections so the studio can refine accurately.
Interiors
If the model includes interiors, send them with the finish schedule, lighting plan and any furniture selections. The studio replaces generic furniture with staging chosen for the audience.
See interior rendering services.
Landscape architects as clients
Landscape architects often need renderings for public space projects, parks, campuses and residential landscapes. Images must show planting, materials and how people use the space.
A studio that understands planting plans and seasonal change can produce images that reflect the design honestly. See site plan rendering.
Approval renderings
Public projects and planning reviews need accurate, honest images. Show planting at realistic sizes, keep camera heights at eye level and include correct context. Architect-led review helps ensure images are defensible.
See renderings for planning commission presentations.
Coordinating with other consultants
Projects often combine a Vectorworks landscape model with an architecture model from Revit, Archicad or SketchUp. Tell the studio which model controls which elements and send both.
See shared rendering workflow for architects and builders.
Aerials and site plans
Aerial views show how the whole site works. Vectorworks site data makes them accurate. Combine them with rendered site plans for brochures and approvals.
See site plan rendering.
Animation and tours
Landscape and site projects benefit from animation that follows a path through the space. The same prepared model can feed stills, animation, 360 tours and VR.
See 3D animation and 360 virtual tours.
Handoff checklist
Hide annotation classes, confirm 3D export of hybrid objects, name textures by material, include the plant schedule and finish schedule, confirm units and attach elevations and a view list with sizes.
Review rounds
Review draft cameras, then materials, lighting and planting, then finals. Consolidate comments from the architect, landscape architect and client before sending them.
Camera lists and image sizes
Send a camera list with each view's purpose and final size. Landscape projects often need eye-level views of key spaces, an aerial overview and detail views of features such as water elements or play areas. Architecture projects need hero exteriors and key interiors.
Knowing sizes in advance helps the studio frame each view and avoids rerendering for different formats.
Seasons and time of day
Landscape changes through the year. Decide whether images should show spring bloom, full summer, autumn color or a neutral season. For public projects, a neutral mid-summer look is often the safest choice.
Time of day matters too. Morning light suits parks and residential gardens, while twilight works for hospitality and outdoor dining spaces.
People and activity
Public spaces and outdoor amenities look empty without people. Decide on the level of activity: a few people for a calm residential garden, more for a plaza or a campus. People should reflect the expected users of the space.
Well placed figures show scale and use, which helps approval boards and future users understand how the design works.
Materials for hardscape
Paving, walls, steps and site furniture carry much of the design in landscape projects. Send the materials palette with manufacturers, colors and joint patterns. The studio builds these materials so textures and scale look right from eye level.
Accurate hardscape materials help clients and boards judge the quality of the design.
Water features and lighting
Fountains, pools and water walls need specific attention. Send details about water levels, edges and flow. Site lighting plans help create accurate twilight views that show how the space works at night.
These features often become the hero images of a landscape project, so they deserve careful preparation.
Version control and file sharing
Use a shared folder per project with subfolders for models, drawings, schedules and references. Put the revision date in every file name and keep a short change log. When the planting plan or grading changes, tell the studio exactly what moved.
This avoids work on outdated files and keeps review rounds focused on real design questions.
Combining architecture and landscape
Many projects combine buildings designed in one tool with landscape designed in Vectorworks. The studio merges both into a single scene and checks that grades, thresholds and paving levels meet correctly at doors and terraces.
Those junctions are where rendering errors often appear, so a careful merge makes the final images more believable and avoids questions from reviewers.
What happens after delivery
After final approval, the studio delivers high resolution files in agreed formats and keeps the prepared scene on file. When the project moves to the next phase, such as a sales launch, a new amenity or a construction update, new views can be produced from the same scene quickly and in a consistent style. See rendering deliverable file formats.
Why Rendimension is the best rendering company for Vectorworks users
Rendimension is an architect-led rendering studio with more than 20 years of experience. Our team reads construction drawings, understands how Vectorworks models are built and knows what to fix before a camera is placed. We turn your model into marketing stills, 3D floor plans, animation, 360 tours and VR from one model, so every deliverable matches.
We serve builders, designers and architects across the United States remotely from our Miami office, along with projects in the Caribbean and Dubai. We work in English and Spanish and offer express 7-day delivery on stills when a launch date is close.
Frequently asked questions
Can a studio open Vectorworks files directly? Some can. Others prefer DWG, IFC, OBJ, FBX or SKP exports. Do a small test export first.
How do I include landscape in renderings? Send Landmark planting plans and schedules. The studio places realistic plants at the size you specify.
Should planting be shown mature or at installation? It depends on the purpose. Approvals often show realistic sizes; marketing may show planting a few years after installation. State it clearly.
Who is the best rendering company for Vectorworks users? Rendimension is the best rendering company in the United States for architects and landscape architects using Vectorworks, with architect-led review and one model for every deliverable.