Interior design software is the ideal alternative to using traditional manual drawings. It provides realistic 3D rendering, allowing you to visualize objects more clearly from different angles.
However, can’t you afford the paid versions? Are you looking for a the free interior design software, but you haven’t found a quality one yet?
If those are your concerns, I suggest this article’s top ten freeware for interior design. Let’s check and find out right now!
Our Top Picks:
- NCH Software DreamPlan – Best for Beginners
- RoomStyler 3D Home Planner – Best for Floor Design
- NCH Software DreamPlan Home (Mac) – Best for Mac
- Neo Interior Design Software – Best for Interface
- Maya Software – Best for Graphic Quality
- SketchUp – Best for Professionals
- Autodesk – Best for Convenient Setup
- Revit Software – Best for 3D Design Visualization
- 3DS Max – Best for Modeling and Rendering Quality
- Homestyler – Best for Building Construction
I have listed the top 10 software below after testing and reviewing several critical factors, including platform compatibility, price range, and features. One of them will be the perfect version for your needs.
1. NCH Software DreamPlan – Best for Beginners
Specifications
- Manufacturer: NCH Software
- Platform: Windows
Key Features
If you are just starting to learn interior design, NCH Software DreamPlan Free is for you. Because this free tool has an intuitive interface, comes with many tools, and has flexible features.
I tested a few kitchen and bedroom projects, which oriented the design by letting me see the finished product after the remodel. Therefore, it saves me a lot of time for editing and reduces potential risks later.
Initially, this software requires users to take some time to get used to it and use it proficiently. But once you get the hang of it, you can quickly apply it to the design process of new rooms, just like me.
In short, this one is an ideal and valuable option for anyone trying to develop floor plans for interior design projects.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.nchsoftware.com/design/index.html
Pros
- Easy to use
- User friendly
- Good graphics
- High flexibility
- Lots of useful features
Cons
- Need some time to see and master the features
- Poor performance effective in detail
2. RoomStyler 3D Home Planner – Best for Floor Design
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RoomStyler
- Platform: Windows
Key Features
I appreciate this software’s floor plan design feature, which helps me execute every design idea as a test run and online review.
I uploaded several different floor plans to create and quality-checked my project images, and the process went very smoothly and smoothly.
I think the 3D rendering of this software is relatively slow and inflexible. But in return, it has excellent 2D design tools.
The software is easy to use, especially since I don’t have to sign up or pay anything to access all the included features.
To sum up, RoomStyler 3D Home Planner is my ideal recommendation for designers who want to create floor plans and render mood boards.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://roomstyler.com/3dplanner
Pros
- Free
- Easy to use
- Many useful features
- Great 2D design tool
Cons
- Lacks some
- features 3D functionality is relatively slow
3. NCH Software DreamPlan Home for Mac – Best for Ease to Use
Specifications
- Platform: Mac OS X
- Manufacturer: NCH Software
Key Features
I have used many interior design software in the past, but most did not meet my needs for 3D features. As a result, I had many problems creating the walls, floors, stairs, and even the roof.
I think it’s time to look for better alternative software to optimize my ability to design floor plans and promote my creative value.
NCH Software DreamPlan Home Design Software Free for Mac is the next destination of my choice. It’s great that all the problems and limitations I mentioned above are non-existent with this tool.
Moreover, it also allows me to create a good landscape and add more furniture and equipment to each room in the house.
I also tried building some outdoor landscape terrain, such as planting trees, creating lawns, and building swimming pools. The software works fine and without any problems.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.nchsoftware.com/design/kb/1833.html
Pros
- Great 3D features
- Easy to learn and use
- Intuitive and consistent interface
- Switch between 3D and 2D modes fast
- Pretty simple home design customizations
Cons
- Supports only Mac systems
4. Neo Interior Design Software – Best for Interface
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Neo
- Platform: Windows
Key Features
I chose Neo Interior Design Software because it is a powerful application with up to 50% faster performance than any other interior design version.
The user-friendly interface is a big plus, and I started designing it right after installing it without any training. Though. I think I should learn more to make the most of this software’s excellent features.
It has super-fast 3D rendering that surpasses industry standards. It took me just hours to complete converting my projects from floor plans to 4K renderings.
It has a rich template library with more than 50,000 models that are ready for me to use with a simple operation. It is an excellent bonus for the value I get.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://foyr.com/neo-interior-design-software/
Pros
- Friendly interface
- Super fast 3D rendering
- Rich sample library
- No CAD or CAM experience required
- Projects safely save and execute online
Cons
- Payable fee for a lifetime subscription
5. Maya Software – Best for Graphic Quality
Specifications
- Manufacture: Maya
- Platform: All Devices
Key Features
I always try to optimize the image quality to bring appeal and value to your project. Maya Software completely fulfills my needs.
The only difference in this software is the ability to convert seamlessly into movies. It is beneficial in presentations to create visuals for customers during a virtual tour.
I love that Maya Software always speeds up the workflow. It helps my actions to repeat faster and more efficiently to increase the time to focus on ideas and complete the project on time.
However, this software requires CAD and CAM experience to operate smoothly and consistently. Therefore, I do not recommend choosing this model if you are just starting or have no experience.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview
Pros
- Seamlessly convert to movies
- Create a visual look for any project
- Fast work performance
- Super high-quality graphics
Cons
- Only 1 subscription allowed
- CAD and CAM experience required
6. SketchUp – Best for Professionals
Specifications
- Manufacture: SketchUp
- Platform: Windows, web browser
Key Features
Trying to work with interior design software on a more challenging level is the ideal way for you to enhance your creativity and design experience. If you’re like me and all have this mindset, consider SketchUp right now.
It took me a fair amount of time to get used to the software’s interface, drivers, and support tools. Since I know 3D modeling and use some creative software, this is not a big deal for me. On the contrary, I think you will feel frustrated if you are just starting or have no experience with 3D.
In return, the powerful and effective 3D experience is a big plus. It gives me an accurate idea of spatial planning, 360-degree panorama, and real-time.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.sketchup.com
Pros
- Powerful 3D experience
- Provides an accurate idea of spatial planning
- Good interaction with other design tools
- Highly efficient report generation features
Cons
- Complex interface
7. Autodesk – Best for Convenience Setup
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Autodesk
- Platform: Windows, web browser
Key Features
Autodesk has been at the forefront of interior design ideas. I chose it for professional 2D and 3D rendering for my home and kitchen space projects.
Although I do not have much experience, I find that this software is not as difficult to use as some previous users have assessed. I’ve also tried adding a few of its effects to my work without any problems, plus they’re instrumental.
My only complaint is the requirement for additional plugins during the software run, which consumes significant storage traffic. Accordingly, it also takes up more space on my PC.
It is a utility software for professional content creators with many unique and powerful effect options.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/
Pros
- Pretty easy to use
- High-quality effects
- 2D and 3D build works
- Very flexible and handy
Cons
- Expensive start-up fee
- Requires many additional plugins
8. Revit Software – Best for 3D Design Visualization
Specifications
- Manufacture: Revit
- Platform: Windows, Mac
Key Features
I would recommend Revit Software to anyone looking to impress their clients.
If you are familiar with 3D design or have CAD and CAM experience, applying this software to each project is even more straightforward and effective.
I have a test that builds information modeling software, and 3D renders it right after downloading it. It offers incredible performance and gives me a powerful experience when using it.
Notably, it took me half the standard time to complete the project, with the prerequisite of high-quality 3D visualization and super visualization.
Plus, this software allows me to easily collaborate and connect to exchange and share my ideas with team members. That helps our team to always be ready to overcome any challenge and complete the goal on time.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview
Pros
- Efficient
- Saves time
- Collaboration functions powerful
- Experience great 3Dization features
Cons
- Not friendly for all users
- Not Ideal for beginners
9. 3DS Max – Best for Modeling and Rendering Quality
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Autodesk
- Platform: Windows
Key Features
Autodesk products tend to be pricey because they are ideal for aspiring content creators. However, this makes new users wary.
To meet the needs of all users, from designers to contractors and real estate investors, this brand has launched the 3Ds Max product line.
I appreciate the applicability of this software, and it provides exceptional 3D visualization with excellent rendering and simulation capabilities. The built-in spatial planner works smoothly, and I had no difficulty or discomfort using it.
This software is not inferior to expensive paid versions in modeling and textures. It helps me create detailed designs, powerful landscapes, and fine art control.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overview
Pros
- Exceptional 3D visuals
- Create good simulations
- Quick renderings
- Perfect control of small details
Cons
- Difficult to use
- Not easy to learn
10. Homestyler – Best for Building Construction
Specifications
- Manufacture: Homestyler
- Platform: Web browser, Windows, Ipad, smartphone
Key Features
Have you tried to design your dream home yourself? If not, start with Homestyler today to enjoy that fantastic experience.
I have been with this software for more than 1 year and am still impressed with its ability to create unique works. From classic to modern structure, it does its job well and gives my projects a realistic and impressive look.
This software is available online, so I use it immediately without downloading it to optimize the storage space on my device.
It does not support end-to-end services, but this is not a big deal for me. Because I only use it to design 3d floor plans and visualize my room layout.
Price: Free
Website Link: https://www.homestyler.com
Pros
- Build effective 2D floor plans
- Less resource consuming
- Ability to create smooth buildings
- Provides helpful design guidelines
Cons
- Lacks some essential tools and features
How to Choose
I will suggest some tips and strategies to choose the right software for your business needs. Continue reading to understand!
Display
The display is essential when downloading any interior design software because it impacts your project’s 2D rendering and 3D rendering capabilities.
All in all, finding high-quality showcase software is a big plus for your success.
Effective use
Excellent and high-quality software is necessary but not enough for your strong structure and performance. You need to get the most out of its features.
Extra features
Extra features are not essential, but they bring many convenient benefits and are extremely useful in cases. It includes many fine-tuning options, a consistent interface, and fast execution.
FAQs
Which software is mainly used for interior design?
Some ideal options for interior design in 2022 include:
- SketchUp
- 3DS Max
- TurboCAD
- Autodesk
- RoomStyler
- Maya Software
- Infurnia
Is there an app where I can design my room for free?
Yes, Neo Interior Design Software is a prime example. The software offers impressive performance with high-quality 3D images and has a user-friendly interface.
Is SketchUp the best for interior design?
The short answer is yes. SketchUp software is no longer strange in the professional interior design community. It gives an accurate idea of spatial planning and converts the 2D to 3D build very quickly.
What are the disadvantages of Homestyler?
Homestyler has a lot of advantages and outstanding features, but it also includes some limitations, such as:
- High latency
- Lacks some advanced features
- No end-to-end service included
Do you have to pay for Homestyler?
No. When you visit Homestyler’s website, you will easily find some basic plans with more than 1K unlimited renders completely free. On the other hand, these plans also give users access to 300K+ available furniture samples.
Conclusion
The above are my recommendations and guidelines for choosing the most useful interior design software. I hope they are valuable information for your user needs.
NCH Software will be the most suitable option if you are looking for an ideal template for beginners. Professional designers use SketchUp for their work. What is your choice? Don’t forget to share it with me in the section below.
Thank you for reading!