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Software · head to head

PrusaSlicer vs Vectorworks

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vectorworks logo

Vectorworks

Software

Design software for the AEC industry

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities; Vectorworks the Internet Archive's capture of Vectorworks' products page on 12 December 2019 named seven distinct editions and add-on modules, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, Designer, Vision, and the Braceworks/ConnectCAD add-ons, each with its own 'Buy Now' link, but no price figure appeared on the page itself.
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Vectorworks covers BIM modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and Vectorworks actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and Vectorworks differ
AttributePrusaSlicerVectorworks
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, MacOS
Founded20121985

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers
  • Most FDM printers

Only in Vectorworks

  • BIM modeling
  • 2D/3D design
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • GIS integration
  • Entertainment design
  • Landscape tools
  • Lumion

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

PrusaSlicer

  • Preparation of STL models for 3D printingnot Vectorworks
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot Vectorworks
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot Vectorworks

Vectorworks

  • Building designnot PrusaSlicer
  • Landscape designnot PrusaSlicer
  • Stage designnot PrusaSlicer

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

Vectorworks

  • The Internet Archive's capture of Vectorworks' products page on 12 December 2019 named seven distinct editions and add-on modules, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, Designer, Vision, and the Braceworks/ConnectCAD add-ons, each with its own 'Buy Now' link, but no price figure appeared on the page itself.

Pricing, plan by plan

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Vectorworks

$29/month
  • Architect$2495/month
    • BIM
    • Architecture tools
  • Landmark$2495/month
    • Landscape design
    • GIS
  • Design Suite$3295/month
    • All modules combined

Which should you pick?

Choose PrusaSlicer if

  • You need automatic supports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multi-material.
PrusaSlicer review

Choose Vectorworks if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want 2d/3d design.
Vectorworks review

Questions people ask

Is PrusaSlicer or Vectorworks better?
Neither clearly leads. PrusaSlicer starts at Free and Vectorworks at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PrusaSlicer or Vectorworks?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PrusaSlicer and $29/month for Vectorworks.
Does PrusaSlicer or Vectorworks run on more platforms?
PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Vectorworks runs on Windows, MacOS.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Yes. PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Vectorworks starts at $29/month.
What is PrusaSlicer best used for?
PrusaSlicer is most often used for preparation of stl models for 3d printing, multi-material printing preparation, g-code generation and customisation via macros. Of those, preparation of stl models for 3d printing and multi-material printing preparation are not what Vectorworks is typically brought in for.
What can PrusaSlicer do that Vectorworks cannot?
PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Vectorworks covers BIM modeling, 2D/3D design, Documentation, Rendering. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.
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