Discover the Best 10 Interior Design Tools for 2023: Unleash Your Creativity
Whether you’re running a 200-person firm or just starting out as a solopreneur, using the best interior design software will go a long way toward helping you achieve success. Not only can the right program or app make it easier to deliver top-notch results, but it can also streamline your business’s day-to-day operations. (After all, everyone knows that best results happen when designers, clients, and vendors are all on the same page, so it’s only natural to want to bring that same level of organization to your behind-the-scenes work too.) That said, finding the right interior design program isn’t a one-software-fits-all situation. Each piece of interior design software has a certain specialization — be it room design, photo editing, or project management — plus some platforms might be created with larger or smaller firms in mind. So, how do you find the right one to match your business’s needs? Read on to discover the top interior design apps and software that should be on every decorator’s radar. Whether you’re on the hunt for computer-aided design (CAD) tools or a client management app, there’s something here for everyone.
Design software
1. Autodesk AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is one of the most popular interior design programs today, used by decorators, architects, engineers, construction professionals, and more. This reliable software allows professionals to design, draft, and document precise drawings with 2D geometry. A comprehensive suite of editing and annotation tools and an intuitive user interface are what make this a top designer pick. An integrated AutoCAD web application with a simplified interface — and no software installation required — lets you work on sketches online from almost any computer. With the mobile app, users can view, edit, annotate, and create drawings anytime, even offline, on a smartphone or tablet. And, thanks to its share and trace settings, you can circulate a project with the rest of your team or offer feedback without accidentally altering an existing drawing. AutoCAD LT is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, and the most recent version also offers cloud connectivity, an updated measurement functionality, and faster performance time. AutoCAD LT offers a free trial, followed by a monthly fee of $55.
2. SketchUp Pro
With SketchUp Pro’s modeling suite, design professionals will find fast, easy 3D modeling for anything from passive buildings to contemporary furnishings. Create detailed scaled drawings in 2D, then add custom styles and materials that will bring your vision to the screen. This design software is compatible with virtual reality platforms like Microsoft HoloLens, HTC Vive, and Oculus, which means you can quite literally walk your clients through an in-progress project. In addition to its classic desktop interface, SketchUp also offers a web tool and unlimited cloud storage, so you can easily store, collaborate, and share work. The software also enables designers to measure building data and analyze anticipated energy use, daylighting, occupant thermal comfort, and HVAC, so you can accurately determine performance and hit post-occupancy goals. And, once you’ve completed your rendering, SketchUp Pro will generate a report, so all stakeholders can stay in the loop. SketchUp Pro is available for an annual fee of $269, but if you’re on a budget, a free version of the software offers a more lightweight, web-based option.
3. Autodesk 3ds Max
Ready to take full artistic control of your renderings? With Autodesk’s 3ds Max, clients will experience your proposed work in beautiful, high-tech detail. The interior design software delivers superb graphics for 3D animations and models, as well as games and images. Use the tool sets to create high-quality renderings, and perfect every interior and object down to the last detail. (Autodesk’s material, texture, and color editor offers the finishing touch, making your designs look more photorealistic in the process.) The integrated, interactive Arnold renderer allows users to view accurate and detailed previews while they work. When it comes to productivity, automated processes can help streamline deadlines and content production, so you can spend more time being creative and less time managing workflow. This software costs $215 per month and is only compatible with Windows operating systems.
4. Archicad 25
Among the most popular choices in architectural rendering software, Archicad, which is developed by Graphisoft, offers robust tools, an intuitive interface, and a BIM application that allows you to focus on creating beautiful designs instead of keeping up with the tedious logistics. In its most recent version, Archicad 25, users can quickly switch from 2D to 3D models, document zone-specific data, and enjoy the platform’s more precise cost estimations. And, thanks to its Native Survey Point functionality (which supports IFC and BCF file exchange) and compatibility with other platforms such as Revit and Solibri, users can freely collaborate with other key stakeholders. Archicad is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems, plus it’s available for full perpetual, term-based, and educational licenses. (That way, you can find a tier that matches your budget and needs.)
5. Easyhome Homestyler
If all you need is a streamlined tool to give shape to the plans circulating in your head, Homestyler may be the best room design software for you. With this program, you can easily build floor plans in 2D and 3D with accurate measurements. Once you’ve mastered the nuts and bolts, head over to the Homestyler library, where you can pepper the rendering with thousands of real products, including paint, flooring, furnishings, art, and more. The items you chose will be placed in your design using a 1:1 scale. Homestyler will also create a photo-realistic panorama visualization for you and your clients to walk through. Plus, a coordinating app (available on iOS and Android) lets you design on the go. While the basic platform is free of charge, users can upgrade to a pro or master account for a monthly fee from $5 and $10 dollars, respectively. If you’re just starting your interior design business and are on a budget — or simply want an easy-to-learn tool that gets the job done — this could be the application for you.
6. Infurnia
As a cloud-native design platform, Infurnia allows architects, interior designers, clients, and vendors to collaborate and interact during the design process. Detailed floor plans with multilayered walls, advanced tiling and roofing, false ceiling, and customizable cabinet tools are available to help you outline your projects in detail. Plus, plans created in 2D can be instantly converted to accurate 3D depictions, while drafting tools can be used to add doors, windows, and beams to match your client’s site. Decorate with furniture from Infurnia’s partners’ catalog, or create your own library of materials, wallpapers, hardware, appliances, furnishings, and more. While Infurnia’s software is less robust than some other options, this software is easy to learn, so you can customize and share with ease. The Professional membership is free, but its Business and Enterprise tiers cost $50 each month per designer.
7. Live Home 3D Pro
With Live Home 3D Pro, you can efficiently create precise layouts and furnish rooms — or an entire building. Once 2D plans are drafted (import and trace blueprints or draw from scratch), the software automatically translates your plan into 3D. You can also look at your 2D and 3D models side by side, courtesy of the platform’s new split mode. The desktop version (for Mac or Windows) offers advanced drawing tools, elevation views, a materials library with thousands of furnishings and appliances, and customized materials and lighting editors. Geopositioning and daylighting options help determine siting and lighting decisions, and video walk-throughs — which can be recorded day or night — can be generated and exported as Ultra HD files. Plus, plans and videos can be saved and shared in multiple file formats. At $50 for the Mac or Windows-powered desktop program — and a free interior design app with optional, in-app purchases — industry professionals on a budget will enjoy this introduction to interior design software that can handle some additional complexity.
8. Spoak
Cofounded in 2018 by Hilah Stahl, who struggled to find the proper tools to decorate her first New York City apartment, Spoak is an online destination that is loved by DIY enthusiasts, budding interior designers, and students. With its signature Project Editor and rendering tool called Viz, Spoak offers one place to create mood boards and mock-ups. However, Spoak’s room design software is only one of its offerings. Young designers can learn from Spoak’s classes and resources, which teaches the basics about furniture, patterns, and design styles. Professionals who are ready to go out on their own can build a design profile, join industry events, and even apply for paying gigs. Currently, Spoak offers three platform tiers — DIY, Growth, and Designer — all of which have a monthly fee of $25 or less.
9. Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is a free architectural design software that helps users create a 2D plan of a house, with a 3D preview, and decorate exterior and interior views, including the ability to place furniture and home appliances. In Sweet Home 3D, furniture can be imported and arranged to create a virtual environment.
10. ClickUp
ClickUp was built to support any industry, but for interior designers, this software can really rock. Design-specific templates are geared specifically for the biz, and the program’s time-tracking tools integrate with multiple other apps. Most notably, ClickUp’s comprehensive project management software can help you organize everything at a super-high level, from workflow and business goals to time management and task lists. Collaborate across a broad range of teams using the outstanding tools for process, task, and time management, get on top of finances, and create detailed reports. Plus, integrations with Google, Slack, GitHub, Outlook, and more bring all your digital tools under one umbrella. If you want to get serious about maximizing productivity, this program offers an endlessly customizable way to take total control. ClickUp offers a Free Forever plan; however, users can always upgrade and unlock more features for a fee.