Overview of house electrical diagram design with Kozikaza electrical software. Our architects have designed for you a free and complete 2D and 3D home plan design software.It allows you to create your virtual house and integrate directly your electrical diagram. After having designed your house by inserting your walls, doors and windows and having arranged it room by room with the help of our 3D objects catalog, you can proceed to the electrical layout plan.
- 6 Best Free Home Design Software For Windows Sweet Home 3D. Sweet Home 3D is a popular and one of the best home design software for designing a 3D model of a home. Energy3D is primarily developed for designing 3D building models. It can be effectively used for creating home.
- With its expansive feature set, advanced 3D modeling tools and online forums having everything from tutorials to discussions, SketchUp Pro is unquestionably the best home design software out there. SketchUp Pro lets you effortlessly design highly accurate (to a thousandth of an inch) 3D models of homes (and other similar structures), all using simple click-and-release mouse actions.
Use these free 3D modeling software solutions to quickly turn your design ideas into realistic 3D construction models.
Construction professionals are constantly coming up with new ideas for innovative designs, and it’s helpful to have software that can quickly turn these ideas into three-dimensional (3D) representations.
3D modeling software allows construction professionals to transform their designs and blueprints into lifelike models and lets artists clearly visualize the dimensions of their building designs before construction is complete.
There are several 3D modeling software tools available on the market, each with varying capabilities. And if you thought that buying one will cost you a lot of money, think again!
We’ve analyzed over 100 free design software options in Capterra directories and evaluated user reviews to identify the five best free 3D modeling software solutions (listed alphabetically). You can read our complete product selection methodology here.
5 best free 3D modeling construction software
BIMx
Live Home 3D
Onshape
SketchUp
SkyCiv Structural 3D
Note: Some of these software tools are listed as computer-aided design (CAD), but we chose them because they also offer 3D modeling options for intricate and precise designs and are a good option for users who simply want to do basic 3D design without any animation or texture painting.
1. BIMx
BIMx is a project presentation and collaboration software with integrated 2D and 3D navigation for building projects. Its cloud-integrated workflows and intuitive user interface make project management easier for architects and designers working on building information models and architectural documentation.
3D models in BIMx (Source)
BIMx helps users design interactive 3D models of buildings. Builders, clients, and consultants can use these 3D models to give prospects virtual tours of projects before construction is completed.
We analyzed user reviews for BIMx to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The software UI is intuitive. | A steep learning curve to master key commands. |
Virtual tours allow customers to view every dimension of a property even before construction is complete. | The desktop version is less functional than the mobile version. |
How much does BIMx cost? | |
BIMx offers a basic free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid version for additional features. |
2. Live Home 3D
Live Home 3D is an interior and home design software that allows users to create 3D environments that give the actual look and feel of building interiors. It’s mostly used by solo architects and small teams of startup designers working on home interiors.
3D view in Live Home 3D ( Source)
Live Home 3D automatically suggests and generates 3D views of floor plans. Users can either design their own floor plan or import an external image to extract a design and recreate it. In both cases, the software offers users the option of converting their design into a 3D plan.
We analyzed user reviews for Live Home 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found. Apple format usb. Online drafting software.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The software’s UI is easy to use. | Not many terrain options are available. Even demo projects have the same standard terrain. |
Users can choose a wide range of colors and furniture for their models. | The UI could be aesthetically improved, and the walkthrough mode is difficult to control. |
How much does Live Home 3D cost? | |
Live Home 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, Live Home 3D Pro, for a one-time payment of $19.99. |
3. Onshape
Onshape is cloud-based 3D CAD software that offers top-down designs with multipart modeling and in-context editing. It’s useful for designers, engineers, and manufacturers who want the flexibility of working from anywhere on any device.
3D section view in Onshape (Source)
As a SaaS-based tool, Onshape uses online databases to store data, eliminating the need for any physical servers and other IT infrastructure costs.
We analyzed user reviews for Onshape to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A fast learning curve. Anyone with basic CAD knowledge can operate the software with ease. | Since Onshape is cloud-based, it lacks offline caching. Therefore, models have to be constantly reloaded during poor connectivity. |
Users have access to detailed instructional videos to understand primary features. | Since the software operates via browsers, designing large models can be difficult. |
How much does Onshape cost? | |
Onshape’s free version has limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, which costs $125 per user per month and is billed annually ($1,500). |
4. SketchUp
SketchUp is CAD software that allows users to design and edit 3D models of interiors, landscapes, and more. It assists in end-to-end designing, starting from the earliest design stage to the end of construction. It can be used by architects and interior designers for different designing steps, such as initial diagramming, design development, detailing, documentation, and requests for information (RFI).
3D construction model in SketchUp (Source)
SketchUp allows users to include lighting effects, texture paintings, and animations in their design models. It also offers a wide range of symbols and predesigned models that allow designers to achieve desired outputs.
We analyzed user reviews for SketchUp to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The software modules are easy to navigate, even for beginners. | SketchUp cannot be integrated with other design software. |
Besides drawing and sketching options, the software also offers built-in features such as animations, lighting, and texture effects. | Customer support isn’t responsive, and most queries are answered only via online message boards. |
How much does SketchUpcost? | |
The basic version (web only) of SketchUp is free, but users can upgrade to the paid version, SketchUp Shop (web only), for $119 per user, per year or the pro version, SketchUp Pro (both desktop and web), at $299 per user, per year. |
5. SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Structural 3D is cloud-based structural analysis and design software that allows users to model, analyze, and design 3D structures. Due to its structural analysis capabilities, the software is well-suited for civil, mechanical, and structural engineers.
3D structural analysis in SkyCiv Structural 3D (Source)
SkyCiv Structural 3D allows users to analyze structural factors, such as bending, shear, stress, and deflection. Since the software is cloud-based, it requires no installation and works completely online.
We analyzed user reviews for SkyCiv Structural 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A fast learning curve. | Only a limited number of structural analysis methods are available. |
The customer support team is quick to respond. | The software’s mobile app interface for iPhones isn’t intuitive. |
How much does PRODUCT cost? | |
SkyCiv Structural 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid (basic) version at $69 per user, per month or the professional version at $109 per user, per month. |
The final decision: Which free 3D modeling construction software to buy?
Our list of the five best free 3D modeling solutions can get you started with your software search, but the right fit depends on your design needs.
We recommend the following approach to make your ultimate decision:
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![Open Source 3d House Design Software Open Source 3d House Design Software](https://www.file-extensions.org/imgs/app-picture/6842/sweet-home-3d.png)
If you’ve used or are currently using free 3D modeling construction software that works well for you, tell us about it in the comments section below.
Product selection methodology
To be considered for this list, products had to offer a free, stand-alone version of the software and not a trial version wherein users have to purchase the product after the trial period.
A product was classified as 3D modeling construction software if it contained the core 3D modeling and collaboration features and at least one design feature, such as design analysis, design templates, or design export.
We analyzed nearly 150 products from our engineering CAD software, architecture software, and BIM software market categories to identify these free products. To be selected, each product had to have a minimum user rating of 4 out of 5 on Capterra as of January 6, 2020.
Note: Listed pros and cons are derived from features listed on the product website and product user reviews on Gartner Digital Markets domains (Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice). They do not represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Capterra or its affiliates.
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
Sometimes we want to change or redesign our apartment’s interior, or maybe we bought a house and want to decorate it. Some people just want to play, try to design their ideal home and see how it might look.
In these cases, it might be very helpful to have a software tool that can help us create 3D maps of the changes in our home and what we could make better. Here are the best four tools which can help you in that.
1) SketchUp
Google SketchUp is a great tool for 3-D modeling. It is much more intuitive and easier to use than traditional CAD programs, and has been very popular.
In recent years, mainly thanks to the impetus given by Google to this fantastic tool, millions of people, professionals and amateurs, study, design and present their ideas in 3D. Designing with Sketchup is fun and dynamic. There are lots of free and editable objects that are available to use in our own projects and that can save us a tremendous amount of time.
In recent years, mainly thanks to the impetus given by Google to this fantastic tool, millions of people, professionals and amateurs, study, design and present their ideas in 3D. Designing with Sketchup is fun and dynamic. There are lots of free and editable objects that are available to use in our own projects and that can save us a tremendous amount of time.
Whether you’re an architect, game designer, decorator, renovator, or simply want to simulate redecoration of your home with Sketchup, you will enjoy it.
2) SweetHome 3D
SweetHome 3D is an open-source software. It is for people who want to redesign their own homes. Users can arrange furniture in the house and see a 3-D version of how everything looks. There are additional 3D models to use, and one can create pretty realistic images of the house and all its parts.
3) 3D Home Design
3D Home Design has a free version of its powerful software which enables users to create 2D/3D professional plans for indoor and outdoor views. Graphics are pretty realistic and make working with this software very enjoyable.
4) Design Workshop Lite
This 3d model software has a very clean interface so it is easy to use. You can include different materials for the floors, walls and other parts of your home. There is an option to categorize objects, add phases and names. This tool is a good choice if you don’t have much experience because it doesn’t take so much effort.
5) My Virtual Home
This tool looks like a game for building homes. You can select standard room sizes and then add and move the furniture around, changing colours. This tool gives you an option to modify the home’s exterior and garden. You can also take a virtual tour and change the furnishings and color schemes.
6) AutoCAD Architecture
This is software developed by AutoCAD and it is made for architect students and educators. You will need an educational license to use this software. It can be installed on a student’s or educator’s desktop.
7) FreeCAD Arch
You can produce 2D floor plans, structural elements, but you can also use it to create objects that have been created in other workbenches. The BIM workflow is very user friendly.
8) Dynamo
Dynamo is an open source software, and its community contributes to it by making it better. What is useful about this tool is that it automatically generated a lot of different geometries you can work on.
9) TAD: The Architect’s Desktop
With this tool you can preview your design, zoom in anytime, control objects, make screenshots. Very accurate view results.
10) Planner 5D
Both 2D and 3D available, use custom materials and surfaces, snapshot feature available so you can take a capture of your design to look like realistic photo. Modify pattern, colors of the walls, floors.
11) Room Styler
A very simple SD room planner. Drag and drop room shapes, manage lights, furnish your room, decorate the wall and more.
12) Ikea Home Planner
If you like to shop in Ikea, you probably know that you can use their home planner to test different furniture pieces or to see how the new kitchen would fit into your home. Furthermore, you will get a full list of products with the prices.
13) HomeStyler
2D and 3D design, real furniture products with 1:1 , walk-through experience , furniture library. They have online software and mobile apps so you can design your home on the go.
14) SmartDraw Movie maker macbook download free.
This tools works similar to others. Once you finish your design you can export it to PDF, share it with others online or open it in MS Office. There are a lot of templates to choose from to save some time.
15) Home By Me
You can have 3 different projects for free. What is more, you can explore other people’s projects to get some inspiration.
16) Blender
Another open source software for 3D modelling, rigging, redendering, simulation and even video editing and motion tracking.
17) Libre CAD
LibreCAD is a free Open Source CAD application that works on Windows, Apple and Linux. This software has a big community that provides you with support and documentation.
18) OpenSCAD
3d House Design Software Download
And the last but not the least, OpenSCAD tool that makes solid 3D objects, worth a try. It is free to use and you can install it on any operating system.