When we last reviewed VectorWorks (   ; February 2003), we felt that the program was an excellent value with well-integrated 2-D and 3-D capabilities and good documentation. However, we wished for more templates and symbols, and for QuickTime VR support. Well, the QuickTime VR support is still not here, but VectorWorks 10.5 has many more templates, symbols, and textures. It's also compatible with Panther (in a version 10.5.1 update).

But version 10.5's emphasis is on 3-D design. It has even more ways to manipulate a 3-D object: as a whole, by individual surfaces or edges, or by individual points.

VectorWorks' already extensive import and export functions for DXF and DWG files (used to interact with the popular, but Mac-incompatible AutoCAD software) have also been improved, giving more accurate text transfers. In addition, raster images are now included in DWG exports (as JPEGs) and can also be imported from DWG files created by AutoCAD 14 or later.

This upgrade isn't earth-shatteringly great, but it does add some very useful capabilities. If you're using an older version of VectorWorks or MiniCAD, what are you waiting for?