Vectorworks

A23D assets integrate directly with Vectorworks via its OBJ importer and the Renderworks texture engine. Models import with their geometry and UV data intact, and A23D PBR textures apply through Vectorworks' Renderworks Texture resource system. Renderworks textures are built from color, reflectivity, transparency, and bump shaders, so this is a partial PBR workflow rather than a direct metalness/roughness material standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using A23D assets with Vectorworks

Do I need a plugin to use A23D assets in Vectorworks?

No. Vectorworks' native importers and the Renderworks texture system handle the workflow. No third-party A23D plugin or extension is needed.

Which file format should I download for use in Vectorworks?

You don't need to pick a format manually - just select Vectorworks in the Software dropdown on the asset page and A23D delivers the right format automatically. For A23D mesh assets in Vectorworks, use .obj with its .mtl file and texture folder. Vectorworks' official OBJ importer is the documented path for 3D mesh model import.

How do I use A23D PBR textures with Vectorworks materials?

In the Resource Manager, create a new Renderworks Texture and load the A23D maps into the matching shader channels:

• Albedo / Diffuse -> Color shader (Image)
• Normal -> Bump shader (set type to Normal Map where available)
• Roughness -> Reflectivity shader (invert if the slot expects glossiness)
• Metallic -> Metallic reflectivity shader or renderer-specific metal control where available
• Height / Displacement -> Displacement shader
• Opacity -> Transparency shader (Mask)
• Emissive -> Glow shader

The texture renders in Shaded, Custom Renderworks, and Final Quality Renderworks modes when the relevant shader features are enabled. For strict PBR parity, verify roughness/metalness behavior in the final renderer because Vectorworks' native texture system does not expose a single standardized PBR material model.

Can I use A23D Decals in Vectorworks?

Yes. Apply the A23D decal as a Renderworks Texture with the color image in the Color shader and the opacity map in the Transparency shader (Mask). Map it onto a thin extrude or a wall surface using Attribute Mapping to control position, rotation, and scale of the decal projection.

How do I use A23D IES lighting profiles in Vectorworks?

Vectorworks supports IES profiles via the IES File parameter on lighting objects. Place a Light or a Lighting Device, open its Object Info palette, and load the A23D .ies file. The luminaire then emits with the manufacturer-accurate beam shape and falloff in Renderworks.

Are A23D assets scaled correctly for Vectorworks?

Yes. A23D models are authored in real-world units. On OBJ import, confirm the model-space units match your document units because OBJ itself does not store units reliably.

What texture resolution should I use in Vectorworks?

Use 4K maps for hero finishes seen up close, 2K for general furniture and surfaces, and 1K or 512 for background and distant geometry. Tiered resolutions keep large landscape, theatre, and architectural files responsive without sacrificing render fidelity in close-up views.