The best free floor planner software is Floorplanner, an intuitive tool built for interior designers, property managers, and real estate agents. For something free, Floorplanner can do basic floor plan designing, offer an innovative cloud rendering capability, provide an auto-furnish feature, and import/export with ease.
May 23, 2020 See also: 4 Best Free Vector Software for Windows & Mac Updated 2019. FreeCAD is open source free best drafting software which is mainly used to design real life objects of any size. This software has parametric modelling capability which allows you to make changes for 3D design. Easy home design software to plan a new house or remodeling project. 2D/3D interior, exterior, garden and landscape design for your home! Free download. Trace your floor plans, furnish and decorate your home, design your backyard pool and deck. Aug 21, 2018 Not all 3D modeling software is available for every operating system. That’s why we compiled a list of the most popular 3D design programs for Mac users. Read on to discover the top 20! The list of the most used 3D design software for Mac (see below) is based upon our list of the 25 most popular 3D modeling programs. However, we excluded.
When all you want is a general idea of how the floor will look like once the house is complete and furnished, an expensive 3D design software may be excessive for the task. So, it might be best to settle for a floor planner software instead. Unlike high-powered architecture software, this type of tool should help you visualize general spatial ideas, without including the elaborate designs, which usually require the help of a professional designer to decipher.
Luckily, there are lots of floor planning applications that you can use at no cost. To help you narrow down your options, we’ll be discussing the 10 best free floor planner software on the market. In particular, we’ve paid close attention to the real estate and architectural design functionality of these solutions. This way, once you read our analysis, you’ll have the insights to pick a software that can help you develop the best floor design.
What is the Best Free Floor Planner Software?
The real estate market has had several ups and downs in the past few years. What remains consistent is the competitive market made more difficult by the limited number of potential clients. However, the future of real estate seems bright. More than 45% of Millenials are expected to start buying their own properties with 2020 as the peak buying year for the generation.
A number of young adults are already considering investing their money on a real estate property. Currently, the majority of home buyers are Millenials making up about 37 percent of the entire potential buyers. The number is expected to rise rapidly within the next few years.
Because most buyers choose debt financing, they will be more selective before finalizing their decisions to maximize the value of their money. The combination of increasing property market prices and limited financing drives Millenial buyers to scrutinize most, if not all aspects, of a house. This includes the surrounding community, nearby schools, career opportunities in the area and more.
With new types of clients come new purchasing behaviors. Millennials prefer the web as their primary source of information. With most of them spending more than 3 hours a day on their smartphones and more than 30 minutes using a computer, having a strong online presence is essential.
Information Sources Used by Home Buyers
Website
95%Real estate agent
92%Mobile device search
Best Home Design Software For Mac Free
72%Open house
50%Home Design Software For Mac
Yard sign
49%Online videos
36%Print ads (newspaper)
16%Home builder
14%Real estate books/magazines
12%Billboard
4%Television
3%Relocation company
3%Source: Nar Realtor
Designed byHence, you have to publish compelling content to entice picky clients. Aside from photos and other media, floor plans will not only grab the attention of your leads, but it will also provide them with valuable information that can potentially compel them to buy the properties in your listing.
However, creating floor plans are usually done by artists using the best graphic design software. Fortunately, there are free floor planner software that will perfectly suit your needs without the steep learning curve and the hefty price tag. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most popular floor planner platforms. We have also outlined their key features so you can see how each one can help you and your business.
1. Floorplanner
Innovative floor planning application Floorplanner is designed primarily for real estate agents and interior designers. The solution helps users to create floor plans that give prospective homeowners how a remodeled room would look. Whether you want a quick or a detailed 2D/3D floor plan, Floorplanner has the tools to help you achieve your goal.
The application features a simple floor plan editor that works seamlessly on any web browser. This, coupled with the innovative cloud rendering capability, allows you to work on architectural visualization and deliver beautiful diagrams for building or marketing purposes. Additionally, the auto-furnish is the most salient Floorplanner’s feature. The tool enables you to quickly furnish your floor plan with just a few clicks.
FloorPlanner is available on three pricing plans, including Pay as you go, Pro plan, and Business plan. The Pay as you go pricing plan is a basic plan that allows users to create as many projects as they want and download 2D/3D floor plan designs in SD quality, for free. The level provides complete access to all Floorplanner’s features and design libraries. However, for better quality images and multiple floor plans, you have to subscribe to a paid plan.
Key Features of Floorplanner
- Floorplanner has an intuitive editor optimized for easy and fast floor plan creation.
- It comes with an Auto-furnish.
- Also, it makes it easy to import and export designs.
- Furthermore, it provides a space planner and an interactive viewer for easy publishing.
2. SmartDraw
All-in-one drawing tool SmartDraw can serve as a floor plan creator, org chart maker, and flowchart maker software for anyone who needs to create diagrams, from architects and engineers to real estate agents and project managers. It is a robust application that makes it easy to create intricate visuals from the web browser or any device, including Windows, Mac, or tablets. With over 4,500 diagram templates, file sharing, and collaboration features, SmartDraw is one of the most effective tools for creating floor plans.
SmartDraw provides a free and easy-to-use online editor. Also, with the quickstart templates and the intelligent, automatic formatting, it’s a breeze to create stunning layouts. Furthermore, SmartDraw’s floor creator boasts 34,000+ architectural design symbols and CAD-like drawing capabilities that help you create floor plans in minutes.
Key Features of SmartDraw
- SmartDraw provides 4,500+ templates and 34,000+ architectural symbols.
- It streamlines designing with its intelligent formatting.
- The platform has an easy-to-use online editor that is accessible anywhere, anytime.
- It’s easy to print diagrams to scale.
- Lastly, it integrates seamlessly with Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive.
3. RoomSketcher
Cloud-based software RoomSketcher (formerly known as Home Designer by RoomSketcher) is an easy-to-use-architectural design tool for architects, real estate agents, and interior designers. It is an innovative solution that enables users to create stunning floor plans, office projects, and real estate property designs and visualize them in panoramic, 3D views. One thing you will like about RoomSketcher is that all the floor plans designed on this platform are easy to edit. You just click-and-drag to resize, move, add items, and customize the home design with different colors and textures.
Another great thing is that RoomSketcher provides interactive 3D walkthroughs. Regardless of your skill level, the walkthroughs can be of great help, especially when you want to create detailed floor plans with intricate perspectives and depth. The most exciting part is that, if you don’t have time to create your floor plan, you can request the vendor to create one for you.
Key Features of RoomSketcher
- RoomSketcher makes it easy to create 2D, 3D, and even Live 3D floor plans.
- It provides tools to create stunning 3D photos.
- Moreover, it makes it easy to view your home designs and real estate projects in panoramic 360-degree views.
4. SketchUp
3D design software SketchUp is built by Trimble to streamline 3D designing on the web. The solution provides a comprehensive suite of robust drafting and modeling features. Meaning, it can be used for interior, architectural, landscape, film, and civil engineering designs. SketchUp is easy to use, and it can be utilized by builders, designers, architects, and engineers at any phase of the design process.
What makes SketchUp unique is its basic version, which, despite being available for free, offers all the essential tools you need to create 3D models quickly. Moreover, SketchUp Free is a web-based application that comes with a core 3D modeler that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. Even better, SketchUp Free allows you to visualize your ideas on paper, and turn them into real projects with unprecedented expediency.
The solution combines 10GB cloud storage, 3D models library, mobile viewing, and the powerful 3D modeler to facilitate floor plan creation. Factor its interoperability in, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you can collaborate, store, access, and illustrate 3D models anywhere, anytime.
Key Features of SketchUp Free
- SketchUp Free supports different import and export file formats.
- It has a robust 3D modeler.
- In addition, it offers a 10GB cloud storage space.
- It also provides numerous user-generated 3D models.
- Lastly, it supports 3D model viewing on mobile phones.
5. Civil 3D
Another product on our list is AutoDesk Civil 3D. This powerful, on-premise civil infrastructure design software is built for construction companies, architects, and civil engineers. The application is primarily designed to support Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, it comes with innovative features that enhance workflow efficiencies and collaboration, from infrastructure design to production phase. Besides, the solution provides a suite of integrated features that enable architects to improve construction and design documentation.
What you’ll notice from the first impression is that Civil 3D has a compelling suite of civil engineering tools, and its quite capable when used to support intricate civil infrastructure projects like roads, rails, lang development, and airport structures. However, upon in-depth scrutiny, you will realize that the solution offers some lightweight technical features to support the creation of floors and 3D house plans.
The only quibble is that as powerful as it is, Civil 3D is not capable of creating detailed floor plans, and it may not be the best solution for enterprise design companies. Additionally, Autodesk Civil 3D provides a 3year free version for students. If you are a professional architect or house designer, you have to subscribe to a paid plan to get access to advanced features.
Key Features of Civil 3D
- Civil 3D has a traverse editor
- It comes with a corridor overlap resolution tool.
- Furthermore, it supports plan sheet generation.
- It also features property labeling tools.
- It has dynamic offset profiles
6. Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design software built to help architects and interior designers create house plans and arrange furniture more effectively. With the solution, you can draw your plan and fiddle with aspects such as the size and thickness of the walls, the color & texture of the floor/ceiling, and even the location & orientation of the furniture. That’s not all. Sweet Home 3D allows you to easily annotate the plan, control the sunlight effect, and customize lights to create photorealistic images.
Unlike other programs on our list, Sweet Home 3D is open-source software. This means the vendor gives you access to the software’s source code, and you can modify it to suit the way you work. Moreover, you can extend Sweet Home 3D functionality using plugins. The best part is that the solution if free, whether you are using it for commercial or personal use. Lastly, it runs smoothly on Mac, Solaris, Windows, and Linux devices, and its online version works seamlessly on any browser.
Key Features of Sweet Home 3D
- Sweet Home 3D makes it easy to draw sloping, rounds, or straight walls.
- It allows you to insert windows and doors with ease.
- You can add and rearrange the furniture.
- Furthermore, it comes with a compass rose to aid plan annotation.
- It is accessible in 27 languages.
7. AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD Architecture is yet another software on our list that is designed by Autodesk. This is a unique version of AutoCAD software that is stripped-down to suit the way architects work. It is an industry-specific solution exclusively designed to streamline and accelerate architectural design and drafting.
With over 8,000 architecture, engineering, and construction objects, AutoCAD Architecture enables architects and designers to create stunning designs without a struggle. When used to design floor plans, AutoCAD Architecture delivers realistic, 3D floor plans. However, like other Autodesk products, this solution provides a student version that is free for 3 years.
Key Features of AutoCAD Architecture
- AutoCAD Architecture supports architectural renovation.
- This has a Roombook feature for useful room documentation.
- Moreover, it provides powerful keynoting and detail components.
- It also makes it easy to define walls, windows, and doors.
8. Roomle
Are you looking to create interactive floor designs, but don’t want to spend on the task? Here is the kicker, Roomle can help you achieve that and even enable you to share your designs with prospective clients.
Roomle is an innovative 3D configurator primarily designed to help furniture designers to create beautiful product displays. However, Roomle comes with a floor planner with excellent floor plan designing capability. You can also use the floor planner online or on your iOS devices to create stunning floor plans and share them with ease. The ability to share floor plans can be an indispensable feature to real estate agents and project managers.
One thing you’ll like is Roomle’s Virtual Reality (VR) Functionality. The VR feature utilizes innovative technology to deliver interactive, virtual walkthroughs. Moreover, the walkthroughs inspire creativity and simplify floor plan creation.
Key Features of Roomle
- Roomle has a VR functionality for virtual walkthroughs.
- This application lets you share designs with family, teams, and prospective clients.
- It easy to white-label your design before sharing them online.
- Lastly, it allows you to embed design into your website.
9. AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is a reliable 2 dimension (2D) drawing and documentation CAD software built by Autodesk. Architects, designers, and engineers trust this platform for all sorts of projects. Looking at this solution from an expert perspective, you’ll notice that it is a stripped-down version of AutoCAD. That aspect aside, AutoCAD LT is still a capable solution so you can easily use it to create detailed floor plans and other technical diagrams
The application features a simple, intuitive interface, and a suite of advanced annotation, design, and editing tools. This makes it one of the best tools for creating detailed technical drawings and documentation. Besides, AutoCAD LT relies on the innovative TrustedDWG technology to facilitate the storage and sharing of drawings. The best part is that with AutoCAD LT, you can create, edit, and view drawings on any device -web, desktop, or mobile. However, like Civil 3D, AutoCAD LT is free for three years for students.
Key Features of AutoCAD LT
- AutoCAD LT provides powerful 2D, annotation, and documentation tools.
- The platform works seamlessly with the AutoCAD suite of solutions.
- Moreover, it supports web and mobile use.
- It offers advanced features such as enhanced DWG compare, purge redesign, and block palette.
10. PlanningWiz Floor Planner
PlanningWhiz Floor Planner is a 2D/3D floor planning software for interior designers, real estate agents, property developers, and furniture retailers. It is an easy-to-use floor planning tool that enables users to convey floor plan concepts to customers. The solution is available on both free and paid versions. Its limited free plan allows you to create five 2D/3D projects and, depending on the type of project; you may not print or even export the plans.
Even though the tool boasts a set of lightweight design tools, it still creates high-quality floor plans and is the best for planning outdoor spaces. One highlight is that PlanningWhiz Floor Planner allows you to embed your logo into finished projects. Moreover, adding your identity to finished plans can influence brand credibility and boost property marketing strategies.
Additionally, property developers can use the tools to create presentations that give property buyers an accurate and realistic view of the proposed property. Furthermore, the tool provides an edition tailored to help fitness trainers show potential buyers how to arrange gym equipment. Lastly, PlanningWhiz Floor Planner enables landscape designers to create the perfect layouts for parks, recreational facilities, and playgrounds.
Key Features of PlanningWhiz Floor Planner
- It provides industry-specific drafting and designing tools.
- The platform supports outdoor and indoor space planning
- It can produce both 2D and 3D designs.
- It features a WYSIWYG editor.
Which is the Best Free Floor Planner Software for You?
There is no clear-cut answer to this. After all, each company has a different set of needs. Hopefully, with our analysis of the 10 best free floor planner software, you were able to get the data you need to make an informed decision. We’ve even gone a step further by listing the key features of these solutions.
If you are still undecided about which free floor planning tool to pick, we recommend trying out Floorplanner. This platform is easy to use and has a free version that gives you access to all its floor planning features. Plus, it comes with advanced features like the auto-furnish tool and the cloud rendering capability that lets you create stunning, photorealistic images and share them online with ease.
In case you feel that this still isn’t the right fit for you, perhaps you might be interested in checking out architecture software instead. To help you get started, feel free to check out our list of top architecture solutions for beginners.