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Vectorworks vs Chief Architect: catalog facts
Vectorworks	Chief Architect
Best for: Architects, landscape designers and stage or lighting designers	Best for: Builders, remodelers and designers producing residential home plans
Paid Commercial software sold by Vectorworks, Inc.	Paid Subscription at $1,995 per year or $229 per month, with a downloadable trial.
Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS
Covers sketching, modeling and presentation in one program Dedicated products for architecture, landscape and entertainment design All 3 strengths for Vectorworks Covers sketching, modeling and presentation in one program Dedicated products for architecture, landscape and entertainment design Training options from the developer	Automatic generation of roofs, foundations and framing Produces dimensions, schedules and materials lists from the model All 4 strengths for Chief Architect Automatic generation of roofs, foundations and framing Produces dimensions, schedules and materials lists from the model Focused specifically on residential design Trial version available
Paid commercial software Closed source	Expensive subscription aimed at professionals Specialised for homes rather than general-purpose CAD
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Vectorworks vectorworks.net Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Chief Architect chiefarchitect.com Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.