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Are you in search of efficient 3D design software to enhance your workflow and impress clients with realistic visualizations? Whether you’re an independent designer or part of a large firm, finding the right software is crucial for productivity and achieving stunning results.
However, there may not be just one 3D design software that can solve all your problems, as every software has its own set of specialisations and features. Read on to understand what combination suits you best and learn the know-how to make that choice.
5 Best 3D Design Software for Interior Designers in 2024
1. SketchUp Pro
SketchUp Pro is one of the most extensively used 3D design modelling software programs among interior designers that enables users to create detailed 3D models of residential and commercial buildings. It offers a 3D warehouse where you can find furniture, lighting fixtures, decor pieces, and contemporary furnishings to create realistic visualisations of your models. The software is available in three versions: basic(free), Pro, and SketchUp Studio.
You can create 2D floor plans, add materials, custom styles, and colour schemes to your design, and visualise the space. This 3D design software also lets you work on elevations, construction drawings, and cost estimations. What’s more interesting is that it is compatible with a range of virtual reality platforms, which allows you to present a walk-through of the design process to your clients. With its cloud computing capabilities, you can collaborate, store, and share your work with clients and potential prospects. It goes a step further and allows designers to measure and analyse data related to daylighting, energy consumption, and HVAC so that you can accurately determine the overall performance.
Key Feature: 2D and 3D modelling, supports various file formats, includes preloaded templates, exports to PDFs, JPEGs, and CAD files, and can be integrated with other industry tools
Available On: Desktop, web browser, and iOS
Pricing: $349/year
2. Autodesk 3DsMax
3DsMax is another renowned 3D design software program highly recommended for designers just starting out. The interior design software offers powerful tools and high-quality graphics for 3D modelling, interior design, animation, and even video games. It is highly compatible with various operating systems, making sharing files with team members easier. There are free versions that you can use as a novice designer for small modelling projects. However, if you want to take advantage of all its capabilities and use it for complex geometries, you may want to upgrade to the paid version.
Using this modelling and rendering software, you can not only create impressive and realistic renderings but also focus on showcasing the details of interior projects. You can add materials and texture and work around with the colour schemes to make your designs as real as possible. The interactive rendering technique enables you to view accurate previews to evaluate if it works for you or not. Talking about productivity, automation further streamlines deadlines and ensures faster production, making it possible for you to spend more time being innovative instead of having to manage manual processes.
Key Feature: Modelling, texturing, rendering, animation, streamlining workflows, and import-export of common formats
Available On: Windows
Pricing: $215/year
3. Infurnia
Infurnia is an intuitive cloud-based 3D design software that allows interior designers to create 2D floor plans, realistic 3D models, panoramic views, and VR renderings. It’s a rich platform with features created specifically for interior design projects. 2D floor plans can be easily converted into accurate 3D models, and using drafting tools, you can add doors, windows, columns, and beams as per your design. You can even trace a plan from an existing image. It offers a catalogue where you can choose materials, furniture pieces, wall coverings, appliances, and furnishings or create your own. It also lets you create floor plans with intricate details like multilayered walls, false ceilings, lighting, tiling, and roofing. Additionally, its customisable cabinet tools, modular kitchen tools, and customisable staircases allow you to add more details to your project.
Its cloud-computing capabilities make it possible for interior designers, clients, and other stakeholders to collaborate, share, and review in real time throughout the design process. You can conveniently work on a web browser without having the need to install the software on your desktop. Infurnia may not be as powerful as some other tools, but it makes learning, customising and sharing easy.
Key Feature: Cloud-based platform, 2D and 3D modelling and rendering, real-time collaboration, a library for furniture, furnishings, and more
Available On: Web browser, Android, iOS
Pricing:
- Professional membership – free with limited features
- Business and enterprise membership – $60/ month with 100 render credits and includes 2 user licenses
4. Homestyler
Homestyler is a well-known cloud-based 3D interior design software that streamlines your workflow while you shape your ideas into innovative design solutions. It allows you to create 2D and 3D floor plans with accuracy and lets you virtually design homes or any other spaces. Once you’ve finalised your colour scheme and material palette, you can browse through the library and experiment with flooring, furniture, furnishings, and decor items you would like to implement in your designs. You can also take a picture of a room and check what colour schemes and furniture styles match your design. In addition to the image library, you can also use the app to find inspiration for your renovation projects.
Homestyler also helps create stunning panoramic visualisation and lets your clients get a walk-through of the entire design. Its coordinating app makes it easy to design on the go. It has a basic plan that comes free of charge. To be able to access advanced features, you can upgrade to a pro or master version. If you are just starting your interior design business and looking for an affordable and easy-to-learn tool, this is the perfect option for you.
Key Features: Extensive furniture option, 2D and 3D floor plans, visualisation capabilities, cloud-based platform
Available On: Desktop, Android, iOS
Pricing:
- Basic plan – free with limited features
- Pro plan – $4.9/month
- Master plan – $9.9/month
5. Planner 5D
Planner 5D is another popular 3D design interior software known for its rendering capabilities and created for professionals as well as amateurs. Its intuitive interface allows you to create 2D and 3D floor plans and renderings with ease. It offers a wide range of options, including furniture, lighting conditions, furnishings, wall coverings, and decor pieces. With Planner 5D, anyone can create incredible interior designs, and you can access them from both mobile devices and computers.
It is available for free if you’re working on simple floor plans. However, to create realistic 3D renderings, you need to upgrade to a premium version depending on the number of designs you’re making every month. It may not be affordable for individuals and is better suited for larger companies. Additionally, you can create AI-generated interior design solutions for simplified workflow and access it anywhere and anytime. With a good internet connection, you can pick up where you left off and work wherever you are.
Key Features: Extensive library, free 2D rendering, 3D rendering available at a premium, mobile-friendly
Available On: Web browser, iOs, Windows, Android, Mac
Pricing:
- Basic plan – free version available with limited features
- Premium plan – $59.99/year
How Do You Choose Which 3D Design Software Is the Best for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all software that can take care of all your needs. Certain open-source 3D design software are relatively more user-friendly, making them particularly suited for beginners due to their ease of use and accessibility. Others are created for experienced professionals familiar with CAD and computer graphics. Let’s look at some of the major factors that you should keep in mind before choosing the right 3D design software:
1. Compare the features between top free and paid 3D design software – Many free versions offer features sufficient for beginners, like 3D floor plans, texturing, rendering, walk-throughs, and more. Depending on your clientele and requirements, you can take a call on whether you want to opt for a paid tool with better visualisation and detailing capabilities.
2. Rendering platform – Back in the day, most rendering software demanded high configuration and took up a lot of space in your system. But now, there are advanced features that not only allow you to access them on multiple devices but ensure that you don’t slow down the system. Various 3D design software programs offer a cloud-computing platform that minimises strain on your systems.
3. Ensure software compatibility with your operating system – You can choose any 3D modelling software compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and any other popular operating system. Selecting a 3D modelling software devised to support cloud computing can reduce the significance of the operating system, though it’s not entirely irrelevant. So, consider the system requirements.
4. Verify that multiple formats are available – Design firms and clients may not use the same devices and formats, making it inconvenient to share files. It’s advisable to go for software programs that support multiple formats.
5. Consider a software program that can streamline your workflow – Regardless of whether you’re running a design studio or working as a freelancer, it’s wise to opt for 3D design software programs that optimise workflow and manage your everyday operations.
In Conclusion
3D design software programs have evolved and brought about a significant change in the design industry. It has become way more than just a 3D modelling software and has pivoted into a versatile tool for communication, improved efficiency, and collaboration.
Carefully consider all the factors influencing performance and functionality, and evaluate what’s crucial for delivering top-notch results for your clients. The 3D modelling tools mentioned above should point you in a direction where you can pick software programs that align with your business goals and budget constraints. For experienced professionals, it is best to prioritise features and capabilities over cost to ensure the sustainability of your design processes.
Evolve India can provide you with one-of-a-kind interior design products to help you create a statement with your interior design style. Fill out the form below to receive an e-catalogue.
