Vectric Ltd Reviews 36

Been using Vcarve Pro for two years with no problems, exceptionally bug free for such a complex system. Updating policy in-between versions is generous and works flawlessly. My only support question was answered promptly with helpful explanations and suggestions on how to go forward.

I shopped for my CNC for about two years (I needed space to put it). Also looked at various CAD programs; I tried the Trial Version of Aspire (fully functional - just can't save files?).

Try before you buy makes a lot of sense to me.I like their licensing model: pay once, own forever. Major upgrades do have an additional fee, but I find it reasonable considering all the new features they add and old ones they improve.

Customer Service
In my 79 years Vectric is among the top 3 companies I have ever dealt with when it comes to customer service! The staff is responsive, knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help solve your issue.

I love their Forum. Very active and members are always ready to help with any CNC or software issue. A great place to learn about CNC design, hardware, tooling, cutting, woods, learning the various Vectric products, etc.

Do your homework. Shop around before investing in a machine or software. Vectric is not like Microsoft - it just takes your money and forgets you. Vectric becomes your CAD software partner.

Vectric VCarve Pro is AMAZING!

I have used VCP for about 8 years through 3 or 4 major version updates. The features are perfect for beginners and experts. The drawing tools are what you would expect from any vector art package but I am not an artist. I purchase and download vector artwork and modify to suit my needs. Where VCP shines here are the "Vector validator" for making sure purchased artwork is defect-free and other tools for correcting defects in artwork. This has saved me a lot of time preparing artwork for cutting and machine time avoiding overly complicated artwork.

The biggest value in VCP IMHO is helping to create perfect tool paths. Toolpath options include great sane defaults and plenty of adjustability to allow tweaking challenging cuts.

Another VCP feature that I love is its CNC cut simulation. To a VCP beginner It may seem like a gimmick but I can vouch that the simulation is 99% accurate. It has saved me a lot of time and material simulating CNC toolpaths. You see how your choices behave and can reorder and change toolpaths to get the best real outcome when you run on your CNC mill.

VCP software quality is world-class. I am a professional software engineer and have worked on dozens of projects in my career seeing all sorts of quality issues. I have never encountered a better quality software product. Sure, there are patch releases to fix bugs but it's kind of crazy how relatively few bugs I have actually encountered.

The FREE Vectric video training and FREE projects included in with your purchase are also a huge value.

I've been using Vectric software since early 2018, starting with VCarve Pro and later moving to Aspire. I stay current on versions. I've met some of the people and any interactions have been helpful. The public forum is also very well run.

I like the software. It's intuitive to me and despite being more of a casual user at this point, it's still worthy of staying current as I mentioned previously.

The single thing that I'd like to see change is to not be exclusive to Microsoft Windows. I don't use Windows except on the controller computer for my CNC machine. I'm a long time MacOS user and have been doing my design work on the Mac using Parallels to provide Windows in a virtual machine. It works just splendidly, but it makes my cost of running Aspire higher due to the additional licensing. A native application would be far preferable. I know there is also interest in the Linux community for native. From a software standpoint, it's absolutely possible to support a multi-OS customer base. Adobe does it. Even Microsoft does it. And yea, I've been asking for this since 2018 when I first started with the Vectric software that came with my CNC machine.

Been using Aspire since 2009 and it is constantly being updated and additional features added. Their upgrade policy is second to none when you upgrade from VCarve to Aspire. Their forum where actual users answer your questions is the best I've ever dealt with. They have numerous tutorials that are updated with each new version.

Once you learn the software it is a joy to use.

I have been a Vectric Vcarve Desktop user for 5 years. While the software may be a bit intimidating at first glance, it quickly becomes very easy to navigate and can help you create great vector graphics for CNC carving with its intuitive drawing tools, built-in clipart, projects and toolpath generation. There are dozens if not hundreds of Vectric created (and user created) video tutorials available online to guide everyone from the novice CNC user to the seasoned user, helping you to create exceptional finished carvings with very little effort. I’m not sure how I could operate my modest woodcarving business without it.

I use VCarve Pro and it serves my needs quite well. The learning curve is gradual and intuitive. The help menu is comprehensive and the forum support is about the best of any I have ever encountered. It is well monitored and supported by avid users with tons of experience coming from backgrounds in engineering, teaching, fabricating etc. There are a number of training videos both on the Vectric site and of course YouTube. And being able to start with affordability in mind to get your feet wet and apply the cost of that initial investment toward upgrades going forward allows you to build up to the level of product capability that you need in the end.

The Best thing about Vectric, is the online forum,
Friendly, people, willing to help, at any skill level.
I, have been a user, for 15 years. Working with Sacred Art and Ornamental, woodworking, projects, Aspire, has worked well, as our primary, Design Software, as well as, driving our, CNC Cutting Business. I can't say enough good thing about the Company

The Vectric team are brilliant. They don't leave you to figure things out for yourself. They support you all the way. After about two years I still consider myself as a beginner. The help and support is fantastic. The software is super fantastic. The tutorial videos are so good. If you combine it all together then you get a very wise purchase. If you are getting a CNC then get this software. It is easy to use and you get amazing results.

I used Vectric/Aspire for almost 20 years. Creating models in Aspire is painfully slow. A really cheesy "CAD" program. Pretty much everything else on the market runs circles around it. I hung in there since it does do a decent job of post processing. However, even that is now dated, no adaptive clearing? Really? Not like that is new technology, has been around for years and is a mainstay in most CAM software these days. If you want to create models, do yourself a favor, purchase Rhino and Nomad. Learn how to use AI and you will have a very winning combo. If the lack of adaptive clearing is not an issue then buy the absolute cheapest Vectric product that you can.

Great software, stable, quick & regularly updated.
Owned software, once you buy it you have it forever,
You get a shed load of 3d clipart included as well, marvelous!
I have been in contact with Vectric staff a few times for different reasons, they seem a good bunch & cant do enough.
The software paid for itself pretty quickly by being easier to use and help me get more stuff done.
Yep, I'm a fan , I'd buy it again.

I have used Vectric Aspire since 2021. It's a great product. I do mostly 3d relief artwork on a hobby quality CNC machine, but I mostly design 3d relief for others. I find the product intuitive and easy to learn but there are tons of shortcuts and tricks that have a steeper learning curve. Well worth the time to investigate those. I would buy it again in a minute...but I don't have to...because this license is forever. That said...I do buy the updates which are also well worth it.

I have been using Aspire since version 4.5 (that is over 10 years, we are now in Version 12.5+).
I am very well pleased both with the capabilities of the software and the ease of use. The training materials are excellent, as is the support from the Vectric team. The Vectric-supported forum is also a huge plus--very helpful and friendly members that assist with problems in learning and application

On recommendation from another user, I started out with Aspire V8.5. I have updated every version since I started. Overall, the program is solid. There have been issues which are quickly addressed and updates posted. I like the license format. Hopefully the company maintains the perpetual license format rather than subscription into the future. As for support, it is hard to believe how responsive the support people are. Email sent during working hours is within that day, or the next day.

I have had Vectric products for many years now and am very happy with it.
I started with Cut2d and now have Aspire 12+. I have carved hundreds of art pieces and signs, both custom and inspirational. The software works very well and the latest AI, Easy Create, is really fantastic. I have already carved several pieces using pictures and using the AI.
Their video tutorials are really well done and I have used many of them to learn the software. I have done Vcarve, 2D, and 3D pieces from downloaded images and ones I created myself using the Aspire software.
The support forum has answered many of my questions and given me a place to display some of my better pieces. I haven't needed Vectric's customer support, but from what I see on the forum, it is very good.
Keep up the good work, Vectric team. 👍

I've been using Vectric products since 2010 and I can't say enough good things about them. Compared to other products they are very reasonable for what you get. Once you buy a product, you don't have to pay additional fees for support and you're not forced to upgrade. If you don't need what an upgrade offers, then don't upgrade. You can also start out with their more basic programs (such as Cut2D) and if you need more features, you only pay the difference to get something like Aspire instead of having to pay the full price of the more advanced program. That in itself is a bargain. Vectric support is second to none regardless of what some of these other reviews say. They are not a giant company so you can't expect them to be available 24/7, but they respond as soon as they are in the office and you don't have to talk to someone in India that can't speak English. On the excellent user forum, it isn't unusual for one of the founders to reply to a problem. Kind of like having Bill Gates respond to a problem you're having with Windows. The software itself is relatively easy to learn IF you don't try to make something super complex as your first project and then wonder why you failed. Like any other software, you have to take the time to learn how it works and spend some time with their videos to learn how to do things. If you do have problems, their user forum is the first place to go. If that group of masters can't solve your problem, then it must be really difficult and Vectric would be the next stop.
A few others may have mentioned this, but one other interesting aspect of the Vectric business model is that you can try out any of their software products for FREE to see if you like it and to make sure it works with your CNC machine. You can only cut out a few specific items, but the software itself is fully functional so you can try out all the features before buying.

I bought Vectric Aspire about 4 years ago. I started with V Carve and joined the Forum. Even though I had hardly used it I upgraded to Aspire after seeing what it could do. I've still only scratched the surface of what it Can do but what I've done I'm very pleased with. The Vectric team were very helpful on the couple of occasions I've had to contact them. They answer the phone VERY quickly in my experience. I also love the lifetime licensing. You buy a license for the software as is. If in time they bring out new features that you want you can pay an upgrade fee or stay with the version you have. As a pensioner I know that when money gets even tighter I will always be able to use Aspire and I'm not tied to a monthly fee that I can't afford any more.
The forum is full of very friendly and helpful people and is also moderated by Vectric staff. They run a tight ship on there and keep a look out for people who need help or are abusive.
Take a look at the online tutorials. They're superb.
Now the important bit . . . . I am VERY happy with my purchase.

I have used Vectric products since 2007. Cut3D, PhotoCarve, VCarve and Aprire. I have use many CAD CAM package in my 40+ year career as a professional manufacturing engineer. Using Vectric is very user friendly and a great user forum. Though Vectric is not fully blown like MasterCam or Solidworks it does not cost $20,000. Even cost aside Vectric does things that MasterCam does not. A few quirks, sure, but Vectric actually DOES listen to the users and every upgrade has fixes and nice enhancements. For the price, Vectric is really good.

I’ve been using Vectric products since 2005, originally for our CNC woodworking business. The software that came with our machine at that time was clunky and limited, so I switched to Vectric’s VCarve Wizard on the recommendation of another shop owner. It was a game-changer. It was far more intuitive, with highly accurate previews that removed much of the guesswork. This was especially helpful because my business partner was skilled with tools but not with computers.

When Aspire was released a few years later, we used it to design and machine bas-relief carvings, opening new markets for us, especially high-end custom retirement plaques. Over time, Vectric has continued to simplify and improve its 3D design tools.

I also appreciate that Vectric listens to users. I was among those who requested rotary-axis support, and they implemented it using a wrapped-axis method that’s easy for newcomers to understand.

Vectric balances ease of use for beginners with advanced features for commercial users. Many of the more complex capabilities stay hidden until you choose to enable them, which keeps new users from being overwhelmed.

Their licensing model is straightforward: buy it once and it’s yours, with no subscription required. You’re never forced to upgrade, and you can skip multiple versions without penalty.

Official support is available by email or by phone during UK business hours. However, many users find the Vectric User Forum to be even faster and just as helpful. It’s a friendly, global community with deep expertise. People are willing to help beginners as well as advanced users. I recommend the Vectric forum over Facebook groups.

I’m retired now but still enjoy CNC work. I’ve used several CAD/CAM packages, but Vectric remains my preferred environment.

I highly recommend both the software and the company.

My initial entry to cnc hardware & software was 5 years ago. I spent a year with the software produced by the maker of my machine before purchasing Vectric V-carve Pro.

Like any new software it took a little while to get used to, however I found the learning curve quite gentle, I was amazed (and still am) at how much simpler most actions are with Vectric software than with my initial provider. If only I had known then what I now know I would have purchased it from day one, it would have made many aspects MUCH easier. Vectric is constantly to innovating producing updated and enhanced software. I can highly recommend their software!