

It was sold in 2017 and now offers best-in-class design tools. Homestyler was originally created in 2009 by Autodesk, the makers of 3D software AutoCAD, REVIT, and 3ds Max. SketchUp Free also comes with 10GB of online storage. Users can also play around with SketchUp Free, a no-cost web-based version that offers user-generated and manufacturer-produced models that can be viewed on a mobile device. SketchUp Pro costs $299 annually and comes with a 30-day free trial. Users can import and export multiple graphic file types, view 3D models on mobile devices, and enjoy unlimited cloud storage for project sharing and collaboration. Desktop and iPad versions are available for certain versions of SketchUp as well. Users can easily turn 3D models into 2D presentations and offer clients virtual walkthroughs by integrating with VR applications like Oculus and Microsoft HoloLens.īecause SketchUp is web-based, you can use it on both Windows and Mac computers from anywhere and at any time. SketchUp Pro best suits interior designers, letting users create scaled drawing sets in 2D and plan and design accurate 3D models. SketchUp offers three paid versions of its web and desktop software: Go, Pro, and Studio. We chose it as our runner-up because it’s easy to learn, has an intuitive interface, and offers a free web-based version that's more limited to help users learn the basics of 3D modeling. It’s commonly used by architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and civil and mechanical engineers. SketchUp was developed in 2000 to make 3D modeling easy and fun to learn. Virtual Architect is available as a download for Windows computers only and costs $99.99. The software also offers other useful tools for home design, a blueprint generator, a materials list, 3D virtual tours, and day and night lighting conditions. The library even contains over 7,500 plants with lighting and watering requirements useful for landscape designers. Virtual Architect features a huge library of objects, including brand-name furniture and appliances, that can be customized with any color or texture and dropped into place.

The software’s best feature is its design wizards that walk users through creating stunning 3D renderings of kitchens, bathrooms, decks, staircases, and more. Virtual Architect makes it easy to get started by importing home photos or floor plans or picking one of the customizable floorplan templates. We chose it as the best overall since it is easy to use thanks to its drag-and-drop design wizards, and a huge library of premade household and landscape objects. Since its name change, the software has added many more features and is popular among design pros as well as beginners. Virtual Architect Ultimate Home with Landscaping and Decks Design gained popularity when it was marketed as HGTV Ultimate Home Design through the HGTV network.
