Digital home design software

Watch out for extra charges, too. One of the apps we reviewed charges a subscription but also limits key features such as how many plans you can make. Once you hit the limit you'll need to get your credit card out to get more.

We're not fans of this approach. When you're considering which home design software to buy, it's important to think about what your project actually needs. There's no point in getting a cheap app that doesn't include landscaping features if the outdoors are a key part of your project and if all you want to do is landscaping, you may find there's a better solution in our guide to the best landscaping design software , and there's no point in paying for a do-everything app if you just want to work out the best place to put some IKEA wardrobes in your new apartment.

If that's you, you might want to check out our best interior design software buying guide. You'll need to make sure that the app you're considering works on the kind of computer you have. Most of the apps here, but not all of them, are available for both Windows and Mac — but some aren't, and some others charge more for the Mac version than they do for the Windows one.

If you do want 3D, are you okay with static 3D images or do you want to create virtual walkthroughs where you can move around your building as if you were playing a video game? Object libraries Are you going to be designing empty spaces or will you want to fill them with furniture and photo frames? Some home design apps concentrate just on the actual buildings, but many come with libraries containing hundreds or even thousands of objects that you can drag and drop into your creations.

Some libraries also include extensive ranges of textures such as floors, stone and even paint that you can use to make your 3D models look more realistic. Export options Will you be creating plans and then sending them electronically to your architect or contractor? If so, find out what formats they can handle and make sure your chosen app can export in those formats. When you ask home design professionals about their chosen app, you tend to get the same answer: AutoCAD.

It's been the industry standard for designers since the earliest days of computer-aided design, and it's continually evolved to take advantage of ever-better hardware. Fans of the hit show Fixer Upper will be desperate to know which software Joanna Gaines uses to layout her designs before the renovations begin. The home design software in question is in fact SketchUp Pro , which is the rather pricey professional version of the free SketchUp program.

If your budget can't quite stretch to that, many of the apps here can generate 3D walkthroughs for considerably less money.

Finally, you might be interest in our 10 top tips for smart home design. Carrie Marshall is a freelance writer and podcaster based in Glasgow in the UK. Jump to: Home design FAQ. View Deal On This program earned the top spot in our round-up of the best home design software. Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design.

A superb all-rounder that includes every feature you could conceivably need. Reasons to avoid - A little pricier than rivals. Home Designer Pro. A meticulously detailed program perfect for extensive customization and vivid renderings. Reasons to avoid - Seriously pricey - Not the most intuitive. Reasons to avoid - Slightly limited compared to pro version. Perfect for keeping up with the latest trends and super easy to use.

Sweet Home 3D 6. Reasons to avoid - Limited features - A little clunky-looking. DreamPlan Home Designer. Reasons to avoid - Navigation isn't brilliant - Smaller library than some. Our 3D Library has thousands of paints, materials and furnishings to make the interior design match your exact needs. Design your projects in both 2D and 3D! Chief Architect provides the highest quality software, live customer support without charge and the very best resources for learning in the industry.

The software runs on a Mac or PC. It can be deactivated, making it easy to switch between multiple computers. All Home Designer products are compatible with the Chief Architect professional architectural product line, and you can share your designs with friends and family using the 3D Viewer app.

You can purchase, rent or download a trial of any of the Home Designer products. Get started on your design project today! Download Trial Version Purchase Software. Home Designer Products Advanced building tools for roofs, foundations and framing make the design process easy.

Was great. You could make your room. Add your furniture, was great to see what furniture would really fit since you can get the measurements of the furniture you want to buy.

Mac OS X Home Design Build your dream home. Landscape Design Exterior landscaping ideas. Deck and Patio Design Easy deck and patio tools. Interior Design Kitchens, bathrooms and more. Trace Mode Convert floor plans to 3D models. Pool Design Design a virtual swimming pool. Download Now. Visualize and plan your dream home with a realistic 3D home model.