Best Interior Design Tools and Software

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by tech-n-design

Whether you’re a homeowner eager to revamp your living space or an established interior designer aiming to enhance your design process, the best interior design software can be a game-changer.

Modern interior design software and tools empower you to craft detailed floor plans, produce life-like 3D renderings, and even manage budgets and timelines with precision. No longer is there a need for exhaustive manual sketches or a deep mastery of architectural software. Professionals can now present clients with vivid, realistic depictions of envisioned spaces, streamlining decision-making and boosting efficiency.

Dive into our curated selection of the best and top-tier interior design software and tools, tailored for both novices and experts. Experience first-hand how these tools can elevate your design aspirations to tangible masterpieces.

What is Interior Design Software?

Interior design software is a computer program that allows users to create and plan interior spaces, including floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings. These programs can be used by homeowners, interior designers, architects, and builders to visualize and plan home renovations, remodels, and new construction projects. They typically include a variety of design tools, such as room layout and furniture placement, color and material selection, lighting design, and decorating. Some software also includes cost estimating and project management features to help with budgeting and scheduling. Some of the popular Interior design software are AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, ArchiCAD among others.

Criteria that informed my list of best Interior design tools and software

When evaluating and selecting interior design software, there are several criteria to consider:

• Functionality: Consider what specific features and tools you need for your project. For example, do you need software that can create detailed floor plans, generate 3D renderings, or help with material and color selection?
• Ease of use: Look for software that is intuitive and easy to navigate. You don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use the software, instead of working on your design project.
• Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your computer and operating system. Some software may require specific hardware or software to run.
• Price: Compare the cost of different software options and choose one that fits your budget.
• Online support: Make sure that the software you choose has good online support, tutorials or a comprehensive help center.
• Mobile App: If you are looking for something you can work on the go, look for software sat also have mobile apps.
• Cloud-based: Consider you want software that you can access from anywhere, cloud-based software will allow you to work on your project on any device.
• Integration with other software: Look for software that can integrate with other programs you already use, such as Sketchup, AutoCAD, or Photoshop.
• Import & Export: Consider if the software allows you to import and export data and files in the format you desire, this will make it easier for you to share your work with others and import others’ work.
• Collaboration: If you are working on a project with a team, look for software that allows you to collaborate with others in real-time.

The 6 Best Interior Design Software and Tools

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk 3ds Max
• Autodesk Revit
• Graphisoft ArchiCAD
• Coohom
• SketchupPro

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Autodesk AutoCAD: Best for Precision drafting and modeling

What is Autodesk AutoCAD?

Autodesk AutoCAD is a distinguished, industry-recognized computer-aided design (CAD) software program, acclaimed for its comprehensive features and versatility. Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD caters to professionals across diverse domains, including architecture, engineering, and interior design, facilitating the creation of precise 2D and 3D models and drawings.

With an extensive array of drafting tools and an intuitive user interface, AutoCAD streamlines the design process and enhances overall productivity. It offers numerous customizable elements, such as line weights, hatch patterns, and text fonts, enabling users to adjust their designs according to project-specific demands.

AutoCAD’s support for a wide variety of file formats promotes interoperability with other design software applications. Moreover, the software integrates smoothly with other Autodesk products, including Autodesk 3ds Max and Revit, which fosters effective collaboration and workflow optimization. AutoCAD’s compatibility with multiple platforms, such as Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, provides users the flexibility to access and modify their projects remotely.

Autodesk AutoCAD is a multifaceted, industry-leading CAD software that equips professionals with the necessary tools to generate detailed and accurate 2D and 3D designs. Its rich feature set, customization options, and cross-platform compatibility make it an essential tool for professionals from various disciplines.

Features

• My Insights: Complete your projects faster with helpful tips and features from My Insights.
• Markup Import and Markup Assist: Import feedback from paper or PDFs and add changes automatically, without altering your existing drawing.
• Share: Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues to view or edit from anywhere.
• Count: Automate counting of blocks or geometry with the COUNT command.
• Floating windows: Display drawing windows side by side or on multiple monitors, in the same instance of AutoCAD.
• AutoCAD anytime, anywhere: Create, edit, and view CAD drawings with a browser using the AutoCAD web app or AutoCAD mobile app.
• Drawing History: Compare past and present versions of a drawing to see the evolution of your work.
• Push to Autodesk Docs: Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs directly to Autodesk Docs from AutoCAD.
• Blocks palette: View and access your blocks from AutoCAD quickly on desktop or the AutoCAD web app.
• Customize your workspace and extend AutoCAD: Complete your work more quickly. Gain access to thousands of parts and additional features with industry-specific toolsets, APIs to automate common processes, and 1,000+ third-party apps.

Pricing: subscription

Pricing: flex

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Autodesk 3ds Max: Best for High-end Visualization and Animation

What is Autodesk 3ds Max?

Autodesk 3ds Max is a prominent, industry-leading 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software solution, recognized for its robust capabilities and adaptability. Created by Autodesk, this comprehensive software suite is employed by a wide range of professionals, including architects, interior designers, game developers, and visual effects artists, to produce high-quality, realistic visualizations of their projects.

The software boasts an array of sophisticated features that enable users to generate intricate 3D models, animations, and scenes. Its powerful 3D modeling tools facilitate the efficient creation of complex geometries, while the extensive material libraries provide a diverse selection of textures and finishes, contributing to the realism of rendered images. Additionally, Autodesk 3ds Max supports customizable lighting solutions, offering users the flexibility to establish the desired ambiance and mood within their designs.

A key advantage of Autodesk 3ds Max is its compatibility with a variety of rendering engines, including V-Ray, Corona Renderer, and Arnold. This allows users to select the rendering solution that best aligns with their needs and attain superior-quality visualizations. Furthermore, 3ds Max integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD and Revit, fostering efficient collaboration and workflow optimization.

Features

• Deliver photorealistic designs: 3ds Max powers your creativity with easy-to-use tools for worldbuilding and asset creation.
• Boost productivity with automation:3ds Max automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks so you can meet deadlines.
• Use a rich and flexible toolset: Stay in the artistic flow with creative tools in an artist-friendly UI.
• Create realistic 3D designs with powerful modeling tools: Whether you’re building expansive worlds for games or visualizing intricate architectural designs, 3ds Max has the modeling toolset you need to bring your 3D assets to life.
• Produce high-quality renders: From light mixing to color correction, the built-in Arnold renderer provides a rich experience with the ability to handle your most complex characters, scenes, and effects.

Pricing: subscription

Pricing: flex

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Autodesk Revit LT: Best for Building Information Modeling (BIM)

What is Autodesk Revit LT?

Autodesk Revit LT is a sophisticated, industry-standard building information modeling (BIM) software application, well-regarded for its comprehensive capabilities and seamless integration within the building design process. Developed by Autodesk, Revit caters to architects, engineers, and construction professionals, enabling them to efficiently plan, design, and manage building projects.

Revit’s advanced features empower users to create detailed 3D models that incorporate essential building information, such as materials, structural components, and MEP systems. This data-rich approach facilitates better decision-making, improved coordination, and enhanced communication among project stakeholders. Furthermore, Revit’s parametric modeling capabilities ensure that changes made to one part of the model are automatically propagated throughout the entire project, promoting design consistency and reducing errors.

A key strength of Autodesk Revit LT lies in its ability to support multidisciplinary collaboration, enabling architects, engineers, and construction professionals to work on a single, unified model. Additionally, Revit’s compatibility with other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD and 3ds Max, ensures smooth workflow optimization and seamless data exchange between applications.

In summary, Autodesk Revit LT is a powerful, industry-leading BIM software that equips professionals with the necessary tools to effectively plan, design, and manage building projects. Its rich feature set, multidisciplinary collaboration capabilities, and integration with other Autodesk products make it an essential tool for professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

Features

• Run projects more efficiently: Ease production burdens by using built-in automation for documenting design and managing deliverables.
• Unify teams and workflows: Save, sync, and share model-based BIM and CAD data in Revit and connect multidisciplinary teams and workflows.
• Take command of your design data: Use Revit as the data backbone of your BIM process. Develop and deploy standards, workflows, and content.
• Explore Revit by industry: Revit includes purpose-built tools for architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines. See how you can use the right tool for your discipline and work together in a unified modeling environment.
• Quickly define and document design intent: With tools for sketching, scheduling, annotating, and document production, Revit drives efficient BIM workflows and includes specialized tools and automation for every AEC discipline.
• Connect seamlessly with project teams : Autodesk supports the way AEC project teams work together anytime, anywhere. With Revit cloud work-sharing and Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro, keep your teams in sync and your projects on track.
• Explore, iterate, and refine design decisions: With integrated analysis tools and interoperability support for a broad range of CAD and BIM tools, Revit helps project teams uncover insights and drive outcomes with data.

Pricing: subscription

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Graphisoft ArchiCAD: Best for Building design and documentation

What is ArchiCAD?

ArchiCAD is a highly regarded, industry-recognized building information modeling (BIM) software application, acclaimed for its comprehensive capabilities and user-friendly interface. Developed by GRAPHISOFT, ArchiCAD serves architects, engineers, and construction professionals, empowering them to design, plan, and manage building projects efficiently.

ArchiCAD’s advanced feature set enables users to generate detailed 3D models containing essential building information, including materials, structural elements, and MEP systems. This data-driven approach facilitates informed decision-making, improved coordination, and effective communication among project stakeholders. Additionally, ArchiCAD’s parametric modeling capabilities ensure that modifications to one aspect of the model are automatically updated across the entire project, enhancing design consistency and minimizing errors.

One of the key strengths of ArchiCAD is its support for multidisciplinary collaboration, allowing architects, engineers, and construction professionals to work together on a single, unified model. Furthermore, ArchiCAD’s compatibility with various file formats, such as IFC and DWG, ensures seamless data exchange with other design software applications and smooth workflow optimization.

Features

• Design: Unleash your creativity with the leading BIM software developed by architects like you. Focus on what you do best – designing great architecture – thanks to powerful algorithmic design tools and large model support.
• Visualize: ArchiCAD’s professional architectural visualization tools translate your conceptual designs into compelling imagery of future buildings. Bring your models to life, inspire the audience, and invite stakeholders to engage with your designs.
• Collaborate: Work with your team and other disciplines around the corner or around the world on projects of any size and complexity. Open standards and workflows mean collaboration is guaranteed — regardless of what software other team members are using.
• Document: Complete, out-of-the-box documentation tools combined with a powerful publishing workflow that complies with local BIM requirements means you can focus on your designs, not the paperwork.

Pricing

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Coohom: Best for creating 2D/3D floor plans and furnishing rooms

What is Coohom?

Coohom is a prominent interior design software that offers a user-friendly platform for creating 2D/3D floor plans, furnishing rooms, and renderings of interior spaces.

Features

• 2D/3D Floor Planner: This tool allows users to create, visualize, and modify floor plans in both 2D and 3D formats. It provides an intuitive interface where users can draw rooms, add walls, doors, windows, and other architectural elements. The 3D visualization offers a realistic view of the space, enabling designers to better communicate their ideas to clients.
• Model Library: Coohom boasts a vast library of 3D models that users can incorporate into their designs. This includes furniture, decor, appliances, and more. The extensive model library allows designers to furnish and decorate spaces with a wide variety of items, ensuring that the final design aligns with the client’s vision and preferences.
• Custom Furniture Design: Beyond the pre-existing models, Coohom offers tools that allow designers to create custom furniture pieces. This feature is particularly useful for designers who want to craft unique items or cater to specific client requests that aren’t available in the standard library.
• Photo & Video Studio: This feature enables users to generate photo-realistic images and videos of their designs. The high-quality renderings provide a lifelike representation of the space, making it easier for clients to visualize the final outcome. It’s an essential tool for presenting designs in a professional manner.
• Stunning CGI Solution to Boost Sales at Scale: Coohom’s computer-generated imagery (CGI) solutions are designed to enhance the sales process for businesses. By offering high-quality visualizations, businesses can showcase their products in the best light, leading to increased customer engagement and sales. The CGI solutions are scalable, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can benefit from the enhanced visuals.
• Global Community: The platform is used by over 4 million designers worldwide, showcasing its popularity and effectiveness in the interior design community.
• Continuous Updates: Coohom is known for regularly updating its 3D design functionalities, ensuring that designers have access to the latest tools and features.
• Mobile Apps: Coohom offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS, allowing designers to work on their projects on the go.

Pricing

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SketchUp Pro: Best for simple and intuitive modeling

What is Sketchup Pro?

SketchUp Pro is a versatile, industry-appreciated 3D modeling software application, recognized for its user-friendly interface and approachable learning curve. Developed by Trimble Inc., SketchUp Pro caters to professionals across various fields, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering, enabling them to create and visualize their projects effectively.

SketchUp Pro’s comprehensive feature set allows users to generate detailed 3D models, from simple geometries to intricate designs. Its intuitive interface and straightforward tools, such as push-pull modeling and accurate measuring capabilities, streamline the design process and enhance overall productivity. Additionally, SketchUp Pro offers a wide range of customizable elements, empowering users to tailor their designs to specific requirements.

A significant advantage of SketchUp Pro is its compatibility with a vast library of extensions, which expands the software’s capabilities and functionality. These extensions include rendering engines, parametric modeling tools, and productivity enhancements, enabling users to customize their experience and optimize their workflows. Furthermore, SketchUp Pro supports various file formats, ensuring seamless data exchange with other design software applications.

Features

• Interoperability: SketchUp plays well with all of the other tools in your design toolbox.
• Extensibility: Use the Extension Warehouse to make SketchUp exactly what you need it to be.
• Objects: Work smart and work fast with SketchUp’s objects.
• Customization: Customize the look and feel of any project’s style to make it your very own.
• Generate Reports: Get stakeholders all the details they need to get the job done.
• Inferencing: This isn’t SketchUp’s first rodeo. SketchUp uses inferencing to make accuracy and speed a cinch.

Pricing

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FAQs: Interior Design Tools & Software

Best interior design tools apps and software?

Personally, I would recommend Autodesk and Graphisoft products having used them for more than twelve years in my profession.

• Ease of use and design integration – workflow and user interface
• Comprehensive toolset for 3D modelling.
• Library of different modifiers that makes the modelling process easier for new or intermediate designers.
• Extensible with plugins.

What do you consider when planning an interior design project?

• Budget: budget limit for the project.
• Time: estimated time of completion.
• Design consideration: design theme, material availability etc.
• Building code.

Do I need to have a background in design to use interior design software?

• No, many interior design software programs are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even for those without a background in design.

Can interior design software help me with budgeting and project management?

• Yes, many interior design software programs include cost estimating and project management features to help users plan and budget their projects.

Can interior design software help me select finishes, fixtures and furniture?

• Yes, many interior design software programs include libraries of materials, fixtures, and furniture that users can select and incorporate into their designs.

Can I work on my project on the go?

• Many interior design software have mobile apps, so you can work on your project on the go.

Can I collaborate with others on my project?

• Many interior design software have collaboration features, which allow you to work on a project with others in real-time.

Can I import and export data and files in the format I desire?

• Many interior design software allow you to import and export data and files in different formats, making it easier to share your work with others and import other’s work.

Conclusion

Interior design like any other profession requires tools and software that enable one in project execution. The immense possibilities provided by interior design tools and software enable professionals to communicate effectively to stakeholders, achieve project objectives and thereby creating value.

There are many interior design tools and software options available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and 3ds Max. Each of these programs offers a range of features and tools that can be useful for creating detailed floor plans, 3D models, and visualizations of interior spaces.

It’s important to consider what features are most important to you and to try out a few different options before making a decision. Some factors to consider might include the program’s user interface, the quality of the 3D rendering, the accuracy of the measurements and dimensions, and the availability of libraries of furniture and other objects.

Ultimately, the best interior design tool or software for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. It may be helpful to do some research and read reviews from other users to get a sense of which options are most highly recommended.