Ever wondered what are the best interior design softwares? Your search ends here. In today’s digital age, when you start working as a professional interior designer, no one asks you for manual sheet plans as a portfolio. Now-a-days, plans and elevations hand made sheets and renderings are taught only in first year of the course to make students understand concepts of design. The projects are mainly done on CAD softwares in today’s hi-tech world.

Working is much easier and faster through CAD rather than traditional method of rendering and sketching. Your design value in the market will grow when you produce designs fast and more realistic for your clients.

Here are 15 CAD software that will help you enhance your interior design skills and will be expected by your employer that you are well versed with.

1. Autodesk AutoCAD

AutoCAD is probably one of the most used software by designer all over the world. You can make basic to complicated- all the designs in this software. Its usually used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals rely on to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. This software is accessible online and from mobile phones too. You have to learn this software before using it. It is quite expensive as all Autodesk softwares are, yet seeing its popularity you can guess its very reliable and with huge range of features to work with. I strongly recommend this software to any new designer starting in the industry.

2. Autodesk 3DSMax

3DSMax is 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization. This software is also powered by Autodesk. This software produces quite realistic designs but the rendering time is bit slow. you have to learn this software’s commands before you start using it. like any other Autodesk software this one is also a bit expensive. I recommend using it on windows with more than 8 GB RAM.

3. Google SketchUp PRO

SketchUp is a 3D interior design modeler. Its quite user-friendly compared to other software available in the market. It produces good quality of renderings. You don’t need too many commands and tools to make 3D designs. You have to learn this software’s commands before you start using it. SketchUp offers both free and paid versions, which differ in their available features.

4. Live Home 3D PRO

Live Home 3D is multi-platform home design software that helps anyone create detailed floor plans and 3D renderings. Its easy to use and use- friendly. You can design in both 2D and 3D, and the creation of high-resolution interior and exterior renderings, there are also options like video walkthrough and 360-degree panoramic images. This software comes with a library of 3D models: doors, windows, tables, chairs, kitchens, etc. The library of materials also has a lot of color templates for walls, floors and ceilings, as well as patterns of stones, bricks, wood, etc. The software offers both free and paid versions, which differ in their available features.

5. Autodesk Revit

Revit is one more of the Autodesk software for realistic 3D concept visualization. this software is widely used by interior designers, structural engineers, and architects. You can create high resolution complex 3D and gives you accurate and precise visual designs on Revit. This software can also be used for management and analysis.

6. Adobe Substance

Substance is useful for object texturing and material authoring for your 3D projects. With Substance Source, Adobe’s high-end 3D materials library, you can browse hundreds of high-quality PBR (physical-based rendering) materials, such as textiles, tiles, flooring, woods, stone, and more. you can download hundreds of high-quality, fully-customizable 3D materials.

7. ConceptDraw Diagram v13

ConceptDraw is a diagramming software which you can use to create complex floor plans. This software does not include 3D designing. This software is well suited as building plan software. It’s a complete software which can help a Pro designer for managements and presentations too. Software’s features include- 2D Drawing, Bills of material, Document Management, Drafting, Presentation Tools, Project Management.

8. Graphisoft ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD helps you create high-end 3D visualizations while working on your Building Information Modeling (BIM) project, enabling informed design decisions and compelling client presentations and management. Recommended for architects, interior designers, urban planners and landscaping professionals to easily produce high-quality renderings, panoramas, and standard or 360° virtual reality (VR). ArchiCAD is one of the top choices in interior design and architecture software.

9. Cedreo

Cedreo is 2D and instant 3D visualization software. This software is useful for anyone who deals in real estate, home planning, home decorating or interior design. you can select wall openings from an extensive library. there are some additional feature like you can add roofing automatically. you can also import & customize existing floor plans to save time. this software is very user-friendly and not at all time consuming. Recommended for people who want fast 3D concepts visualization.

10. Autodesk Maya

Maya is the last software by Autodesk on the list. The main features are 3D animation, motion graphics, simulation, rendering and VFX. This software is quite complex and used in larger companies by experienced professionals for hi-tech house and real estate properties tour. The software to be used in high performing systems as it need ample storage space.

11. TurboCAD

TurboCAD is a professional software for experienced 2D and 3D CAD users. This software can be used by professional architects and interior designer. this software’s features include parametric architectural objects, sections, and elevations, with increased functionality to both the architectural and mechanical acpect. you can consider TurboCAD as best alternative to softwares like AutoCAD and 3DS Max. TurboCAD can produce photorealistic surface modeling and lighting that allows you to create powerful presentations, and those designing with sheet metal or wood may particularly enjoy these materials-specific tools. it supports file-sharing options i.e. with other softwares (import export) so that you can work on an easier level.

12. Planner 5D

Planner 5D is a free software which can be perfect for beginner designers. You can easily create 2D and 3D views of your projects on your computer or tablet. You can design floor plans, select furniture and view your project from various angles and elevation levels. You can also arrange, edit and apply custom surfaces and materials available in the software’s library. It has 4000+ Items Catalog in the user generated library. It also has a very Easy User Interface. Go for it.

13. Foyr Neo

Neo is an dedicated interior design software that helps you create 2D and 3D drawings. quick renderings. this software has a user-friendly interface. you can create quite realistic 3D renderings in much lesser time compared to some other softwares. A Neo subscription comes with a catalog of 50,000+ pre-3D modeled products. Drag and drop these customizable items directly into your drawing, or add them in your shortlist.

14. RoomSketcher

RoomSketcher is a software to create floor plans. This software is easy-to-use floor plan software. Draw a floor plan in minutes or order floor plans from our expert illustrators. Make 2D and 3D Floor Plans that are perfect for real estate and home design. For anyone who deals in real estate, home planning, home decorating or interior design.

15. Blender

Blender is the last but not the lease software on the list. This software is for 3D model, graphics, and interior design. This software includes features useful in video editing, sculpting, realistic animation and rendering. It also lets users experiment with different styles, such as traditional and modern architecture. This software is also used to create 3D games, animations, and applications. This software is completely free, However, there are also paid options available. If users want access to Blender Cloud, a collection of online training, inspirations, textures, etc. they have to pay for it which is not very expensive comparatively.

Hope you all found this informative and useful. If you think any other software should be on the list, please comment below with suggestions.

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