Are you searching for Best Software for Blueprints? Sometimes it can be difficult to select the right software program. I have used a number of applications in the last few years and I know what I want my computer to do, which means that my list is based on capability not price.
Here are the various blueprint tools that are available.
Adobe Illustrator – Our Choice
Integration with other Adobe products
- Works closely with other Adobe products
- Remarkable zoom
- Extensive selection of custom plugins
- Customizable gradients
- None
Verdict: One of the best tools available with Adobe Illustrator is the Create Outline function, which you can use to quickly draw out simple outlines for objects in your artwork. This gives you great flexibility when it comes to creating various types of illustrations, from logo designs to portraits and even illustrations for web pages and websites.
AutoCAD
Free student program
- Managing very accurate elements
- 3D workspace
- Cloud work
- Large projects are supported
- High system requirements
Verdict: With the help of AutoCAD blueprint software, builders and fabricators are now able to design and build structures that are more durable and efficient. This makes for better-quality automobiles and more economical production of these vehicles. It also allows for greater levels of customization and flexibility when designing structures as well as increasing levels of automation.
Solidworks
Friendly UI
- Simulation tools
- CAM design to manufacture
- Sustainability tool
- User-friendly interface
- No free student license
Verdict: Solidworks blueprint software is designed to give you a variety of options in designing even the most complex projects. This program is very useful for digital artists because it gives them the ability to preview their work before paying for the full version.
There is no need to pay for a template when you are able to simply download one that you can use in designing your project.
Autodesk 3ds Max
Living space design visualization
- Multi-facetted modeller
- Amazing plugins
- Substantial feature set
- Only for Windows
Verdict: Autodesk 3ds Max blueprint software allows you to create both 2D designs and 3D. At the same time, the possibilities of rendering three-dimensional objects are not inferior to full-fledged 3D graphics editors. 2D modeling capabilities make Autodesk 3ds Max a powerful 3D modeling software for creating quality drawings.
Edraw Max
13 types of floor plans included
- Real-time previews
- Quick layouts and quick styles
- Lightweight
- Only for Windows OS
Verdict: Edraw Max blueprint software is a cutting-edge program that allows users to easily and conveniently create their own professional-level designs. This program offers everything from the basic toolbox to over fifty different shapes and textures, which mean that it will make the process of creating any design quick and easy.
AutoCAD Architecture
Website: https://www.autodesk.ca/en/products/autocad/included-toolsets/autocad-architecture
Does it have a free trial? Yes
Lowest priced plan: $2,100 / year
AutoCAD Architecture is a purpose-built tool in the AutoCAD suite to help architects and other professionals render realistic objects into their floor plans.
This helps them create more realistic floor plans that can be rendered in 3D to determine the spatial composition of a space.
The tool comes with a standard set of features such as documentation and annotation functionality. It also boasts an extensive object database (doors, walls, windows, furniture, etc.) that allows one to create realistic renders. Moreover, there are different styles and palettes one can use, and it supports the import of Revit grids to aid in modeling.
Why buy?
AutoCAD’s Architecture tool is a suitable investment due to its targeted development for architects to use. It also integrates smoothly with the rest of the AutoCAD suite of tools which is useful for professionals. The only downside to this tool is the hefty price tag, and it’s better value for architects. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives if one’s looking for basic floor plan software.
SmartDraw
Website: https://www.smartdraw.com/
Does it have a free trial? Yes
Lowest priced plan: $119.40 / year for one user.
SmartDraw isn’t top-of-mind when it comes to a floor planning software. As a flow chart tool, however, it can double as a useful and inexpensive way to create easily shareable floor plans.
SmartDraw’s ready-to-use diagram templates can be used to create simple floor plans. It allows the use of architectural design symbols to make the process easy. The tool operates on a simple drag and drop interface and automatically scales room dimensions. Moreover, one can easily export to common software platforms such as Microsoft Word, Visio, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
Why buy?
The perk to SmartDraw lies in it’s a multi-functional tool. It can do both floor planning and various other diagrams, such as flow charts, organizational charts, and process maps. What it lacks is integration capabilities with professional tools such as AutoCAD that makes it limited in its functionality when it comes to professional use.
Sweet Home 3D
Website: http://www.sweethome3d.com/
Does it have a free trial? Yes, there’s a free version available to download with fewer pieces of furniture and textures than the paid version.
Lowest price: $13.99
Sweet Home 3D is the cheapest option in this list and can be downloaded or used in a web browser.
It allows one to develop floor plans and render them in 3D for a more realistic representation. The tool isn’t popular with professionals due to its limited capability, but for a user looking to develop a 2D floor plan quickly, it can be more than enough.
Sweet Home 3D also comes with a searchable library of objects such as various furniture, and the ability to annotate floor plans. It also allows for customization, such as color, texture, size, etc. One can even control lighting to develop photorealistic images and videos of the 3D rendered floor plan.
Why buy?
If integration with tools such as AutoDesk or AutoCAD isn’t important, then Sweet Home 3D is worth considering. The software is inexpensive and features a wide range of houses. The tool does the job very well and is a great budget pick for anyone looking for a floor plan tool without many bells and whistles.
Floorplanner
Website: https://floorplanner.com/
Does it have a free trial? Yes
Lowest priced plan: Free pay-as-you-go plan, or $299 / year for their Pro version.
Floorplanner is a great tool to generate 2D and 3D floor plans online and share with collaborators easily.
An intuitive drag and drop interface, coupled with an expansive library of furniture images allows one to build out a floor plan quickly. The tool also comes with an ‘auto-furnish’ feature than can populate a floor plan with designated rooms automatically.
The tool can do 360-degree VR walkthroughs, and output photorealistic renders of the space. Think of it as a version of AutoCAD for the masses with a much easier learning curve.
The free version doesn’t allow collaborators and outputs images at a lower resolution; however, all other functions can be accessed. This makes it a great choice if one’s not looking to pay to develop a floor plan.
Why buy?
Built on the cloud makes this tool great for use on multiple platforms. It’s easy to use and has an easy learning curve to utilize all its features. The one-click furnishing feature and ability to generate walkthroughs of the space make it a fantastic tool that even professionals can use for amateurs and professionals alike.
CAD Logic’s Draft it Systems
Website: https://www.cadlogic.com/cad-software-products/draft-it
Does it have a free trial? Yes – 15 days, and there’s a lite feature version available for free.
Lowest priced plan: $25
CAD Logic’s Draft It is a powerhouse of a 2D CAD drawing tool with the ability to develop 3D models. It works end to end and is designed for architects looking to draft, detail, and render 3D models with supporting 2D blueprints.
It has many drawing and editing features with the ability to import existing AutoCAD files and external design components or symbols. The tool itself also boasts a comprehensive object library for use, and the Plus version comes with many pre-installed and regularly updated set of templates that help speed up the floor planning process.
Why buy?
Draft it is a floor planning tool that’s great depending on the use-case. It may not fit everyone’s needs as it’s not the most versatile tool on this list. However, it is much more affordable and has a free version, which is good enough for basic floor planning uses.
RoomSketcher
Website: https://www.roomsketcher.com/
Does it have a free trial? Yes, and comes with a Free option
Lowest priced plan: $49 / year
RoomSketcher is a purpose-built floor plan and home designing tool. It boasts a large furniture and fixture library to tap into when developing designs. The software comes with measurement tools and the ability to make annotations as needed.
The tool can also develop 3D renders and can output 360-degree photos and interactive 3D walkthroughs for presentation purposes. It allows for exporting of its designs and plans to various formats, and one can even add in their business branding on the exports.
Why buy?
RoomSketcher is a great tool for its ease-of-use and jam-packed features. It’s a well-rounded tool that will cater to nearly all conceivable personal use-cases. Moreover, it’s a perfect solution for those needing a tool that can export high-quality renders with business branding to show clients.
Roomle
Website: https://www.roomle.com/en/business/3d_floorplanner
Does it have a free trial? No
Lowest priced plan: Custom Pricing
Roomle’s suite of software covers various digital and 3D rendering use-cases. It’s 2D and 3D floor planner solution is great for delivering extremely high-quality floorplans and supporting 3D renders that are photorealistic in quality. It’s a tool that’s a favorite among real estate agents and interior designers due to this high-quality output compared to other brands.
The software has an extensive 3D product image database a user can draw from when building their interiors and comes with the ability to offer AR and VR walkthroughs. It is supported on both mobile and desktop devices and allows easy sharing and collaboration with others. One can also create custom online portals with their business branding for clients to access and view hosted floor plans, and 3D renders.
Why buy?
When it comes to aesthetically appealing floor plan 2D and 3D designs, coupled with cross-platform use – Roomle’s solution takes the cake. It’s perfect for any ‘sales setting’ such as those employed by real estate agents or designers looking to close the deal.
PlanningWiz Floor Planner
Website: https://planningwiz.com/
Does it have a free trial? Yes
Lowest priced plan: Free with limited features, Custom pricing for industry plans.
PlanningWiz is primarily a floor design services company that helps with developing floor designs using their in-house team.
However, it also offers a floor planning tool to help develop 2D plans. The unique value of PlanningWiz is it has specifically built templates and features for different industries.
It’s a tailored solution to floor plan designers in each industry. This means it has a large database of objects (doors, furniture, walls, etc.) specific to each industry. It can be invaluable if one works in a less common niche. The tool comes with an easy to use drag and drop interface and can import one’s own set of photos or objects.
Why buy?
PlanningWiz is great for rapid design development, and it’s a perfect solution for anyone looking for industry-specific templates. The tool may not be as polished as others in this list, but it’s worth using if one needs blueprints developed unique to a specific industry floor plan.
Looking for something better than floor plan software? Take a look at the floor plan services we provide here at My Site Plan and get your custom quote today!
Conclusion
Blueprint software is a critical tool that exists in the construction industry. Blueprint drawing is one of the most important parts of any successful home construction venture. According to most construction specialists, it is also an integral part of any type of large scale construction project.