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By Meaghan O'Neill and Kelsey Mulvey
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Behind every gorgeous home tour or commercial project is powerful interior design software to help turn a designer’s vision into a reality. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a 200-person firm or starting your business from scratch, one thing’s for sure: Utilizing the right interior design app or program can deliver top-notch results and streamline your company’s day-to-day operations. Sometimes the best interior design program can bring your ideas to life with easy-to-use drawing tools and great furnishing options. Other times, intuitive software will be paramount for ensuring your clients, contractors, and vendors are on the same page. And since keeping tabs of your administrative tasks is just as important as creating a beautiful space, you’ll also need software to manage proposals, purchase orders, and invoices.
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That said, there are a lot of interior design programs to choose from, so finding the right systems for your needs will require time, patience, and research. After all, 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 where to begin? Read on to discover the top interior design apps and room design 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.
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. However, what makes this interior design software best-in-class is its ability to simply (and securely) share and annotate illustrations across several platforms. An integrated AutoCAD web application with a simplified interface—all without a space-hogging software installation—lets you work on sketches online from almost any computer. (All you need to do is enter your login credentials and you can begin to work on your design projects.)
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, 15-day trial, followed by a monthly fee of $60. Designers who are looking to lower their bottom line can save up to 32% on AutoCAD LT by purchasing an annual membership for $490, or three-year membership for $1,470.
Thanks to SketchUp Pro, design professionals can enjoy the freedom of sketching a project by hand and the convenience of looking at a lifelike rendering. While the interior design software prides itself on its fast, easy 3D modeling—it has an entire “warehouse” of premade 3D furnishings and is compatible with virtual reality platforms like Oculus Rift, Microsoft HoloLens2 as well as Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro—its 2D features are equally impressive. A handful of line, shape, and freehand drawing tools—not to mention visual aids like snappings and dotted guidelines—make it simple to create detailed scaled layouts just as they’re imagined. In addition to its classic desktop interface, SketchUp also offers a web tool, platforms compatible with mobile and iPad viewing, and unlimited cloud storage through its parent company Trimble, so you can easily store, collaborate, and share work. 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 $349, but if you’re on a budget, a free version of the software offers a more lightweight, web-based option.
The latest versions of TurboCAD offer professional software for experienced 2D and 3D CAD users. Available for both Mac and Windows operating systems, TurboCAD bills itself as a leader in CAD software, with photorealistic surface modeling and lighting that allow one to create powerful presentations. Architects who want to take their projects to new heights might enjoy the software’s new gambrel roof properties as well as its updated visualize materials, which now include brick, marble and stone, among others.
The architectural design suite is also powered with mechanical design and modification tools, enabling users to do everything from prototype with 3D printers to draft up furniture designs. (TurboCAD’s new clash detection feature will alert users of design discrepancies like intersecting or overlapping parts.) External database connectivity and file compatibility with AutoCAD means your team can integrate and collaborate at a high level with ease.
Though this room design software has a wide breadth of programs to cater to specific technical offerings ranging from woodworking to landscape design, its setup wizard, context-sensitive help, and flexible user experience will give you the support you need. TurboCAD users will have a permanent license—download it once and it’s yours forever—and an array of pricing options will allow you to select interior design software that fits comfortably within your budget.
If you’re ready to take full artistic control of your renderings, Autodesk’s 3ds Max will allow you to 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 editor allows you to adjust texture, finishes, and color, making your designs look more photorealistic in the process.) The integrated, interactive Arnold renderer enables users to view accurate and detailed previews while they work. When it comes to productivity, automated processes can quickly build complex surfaces like landscapes and cityscapes, so you can spend more time being creative and less time managing minutia. This software costs $235 per month and is only compatible with Windows operating systems.
Looking for interior design software that can seamlessly transition from sketches to construction? Consider Autodesk Revit. Once you’ve completed a conceptual design, Revit will translate your sketch into building information modeling (BIM). That way your project’s MEPs, structural engineers, and construction team can have a roadmap for accomplishing the task at hand. Revit also offers 2D and 3D visualizations and uses scanning tools to import existing or as-built configurations—not to mention evaluate alternative plans through its Generative Design feature. The interior design software’s 2024 update can help you work smarter, too. A new My Insights tab on the dashboard that will aggregate usage data—keeping tabs of your most common commands and keystrokes—and offer advice on how to save time during your workflow. Revit is compatible with Windows only, but can be run on Mac OS using Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion. Currently, Revit is available in a subscription format—starting at $355 per month—but solopreneurs on a budget can pay as they go through the software’s Flex program.
In addition to its compelling modeling and graphic components, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is a key component of Revit. Using cloud worksharing and BIM Collaborate Pro, which is available for an additional monthly fee of $120, Revit connects teams for higher-quality collaboration with minimum IT intervention. Not only do multiple stakeholders have easy access to the most updated plans, but you can also resolve clashes and discrepancies quickly while staying compliant with the latest industry standards.
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 27, users can enjoy updated rendering solutions, built-in energy evaluation tools, and an intelligent tracker that can determine your project’s dimensions and values without busting out an old-school calculator. As every designer or architect knows, plans change, and Archicad’s new Design Options solution makes it possible to evaluate and share design alternatives with fellow stakeholders swiftly.
Meanwhile, the Solibri-powered quality assurance lets you focus on the work you enjoy most: creating well-designed spaces. And, thanks to Archicad’s native support, you can export FBX files to augmented reality or virtual reality applications to really make your project shine.
Archicad 27 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.)
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 designs with accurate measurements. After you’ve mastered the nuts and bolts, head over to the Homestyler library, where you can spruce up the rendering with furniture, art, and accessories—all of which use a 1:1 scale. Not only does Homestyler’s library feature over 300,000 pieces, but there are also home decor products from real brands’ catalogs. Once you are done with the finishing touches, Homestyler will produce photorealistic images, virtual tours, and videos for you and your clients to “walk” through. Plus, a coordinating app that’s available on both iOS and Android will allow you to design on the go. While the basic platform is free of charge, users can upgrade to a Pro, Master, or Team account for a monthly fee of $3, $6, and $20, 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.
As an all-in-one, cloud-based design platform, Infurnia allows architects, interior designers, clients, and vendors to collaborate and interact during the design process. Detailed floor plans with 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 designs, 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 pretty straightforward, so you can customize and share projects with ease. A monthly fee of $125 will come with 100 render credits and licenses for two users; however, designers with a growing team can purchase additional licenses for a monthly rate of $50 per person.
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), you can easily shift gears to see your plans come alive in its 3D mode. The desktop version offers advanced drawing tools, elevation views, a materials library with thousands of furnishings and appliances, customized materials, and lighting editors. Geopositioning and daylighting options help determine siting and lighting decisions, and video walk-throughs can be generated and exported as Ultra HD files. At $50 for the Mac or Windows-powered desktop program—and a free home 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.
Adobe’s Substance 3D suite allows designers to create and add precise digital textures and materials to their projects. Substance 3D Painter has a host of smart materials and parametric brushes to turn any surface into a canvas, while Substance 3D Designer allows creatives to plan and manipulate materials down to the last detail. Or, if you prefer to use real-life items as inspiration, Substance 3D Sampler makes it possible to turn items into 3D models, materials, or lights. And, once you’re done mastering your materials, Substance 3D Stager is there to create photorealistic scenes to bring your textures to life. For projects that require detailed references, the 3D texturing suite offered in Substance can’t be beat. (Plus, anyone with an Adobe Creative Cloud will find a lot of synergy between this software and their other go-to platforms.) Compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, the full Adobe Substance 3D Suite costs $50 a month whereas a pared-back alternative with fewer programs can be purchased for $20 per month.
Launched by a team of architects-turned-software developers, Morpholio’s applications include digital tools for sketching, journaling, and presenting creative work. The company divided its popular room design software—which is available for iOS and iPadOS—into three separate entities. Find ample inspiration with Morpholio Board, which connects to your Pinterest, allows you to create custom boards, and provides plenty of palettes and furniture ideas. (Or, if you’d like to take your brainstorming to a tablet, Morpholio’s Journal allows you to sketch freehand and annotate your best ideas.) Ready to give a project your signature touch? Morpholio Trace offers a streamlined creative experience, complete with a moveable 3D viewer, custom palette maker, instant scaling functionality, and an AR perspective finder. Currently, Morpholio’s Board, Trace, and Journal platforms are all free to download at Apple’s App Store, with in-app upgrades for an additional fee.
Cofounded in 2018 by Hilah Stahl, who struggled to find the proper interior design 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 alike. With its signature Project Editor and rendering tool called Viz, Spoak offers one place to create mood boards and mock-ups. However, Spoak has more to offer than its room design software. Young designers can learn from Spoak’s classes and resources, which teaches the basics about design styles, patterns, and industry jargon. Professionals who are ready to go out on their own can build a design profile, join industry events, and gain access to over 50 trade discounts. (Plus, once you’ve scored a dream design gig, you can use the software to submit invoices, set a budget, and track spending.) Currently, Spoak offers four platform tiers—Play, Plus, Pro, and Premium—which range in a monthly fee of $10, $20, $35, and $100, respectively.
Whether you are a novice who is just dipping their toe into the world of interior design or a homeowner who wants to be very hands-on in their upcoming remodel, Planner 5D is an easy, intuitive way for amateurs to create their dream home. Compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems—not to mention iOS and Android through its corresponding app—the Planner 5D interface is so simple that the company claims you can use it without any tutorials or instructions. The room design software allows you to create floor plans and layouts in 2D, but you can switch to a 3D view to edit your space from every angle. Make the space unique by editing the colors, patterns, and materials as well as furnishing it with the platform’s 5,000-plus item catalog. After you’ve added all the bells and whistles, you can tinker with the 3D rendering’s lighting and shadows to make your project sing. Budding designers can use Planner 5D’s Basic tier for free, while a Pro version that features 360-degree panorama views and 4K renderings is available for a fee.
Whether you snap hundreds of photos a day to file away for inspiration or need to edit professional photographs of your design work, most interior design firms will benefit from the use of Adobe Photoshop. One of the oldest and arguably the most prominent photo software on the market is also recognized as the industry leader for enhancing and organizing photos. With Photoshop, you can adjust clarity, color, and tone, manipulate effects, or add graphics to your imagery. If you’ve got great pictures and want to take them to the next level, Photoshop is a must-have. As part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud of services, it is available as a subscription service at varying price points.
For an easy-to-use photography software that doesn’t have Photoshop’s abundance of features, try Adobe Express. Available in both web and app formats, this platform can take on basic tasks like cropping or removing a photo’s background. Social-media savvy designers will also find a lot to love about the software’s templates, which can lay the foundation for an aesthetically-pleasing Instagram story. Or, if you want to make something that doesn’t exist just yet, use Adobe’s AI feature to turn your words into striking images as well as add or remove elements with a simple prompt. Adobe Express does have a free version with limited capabilities, or you can subscribe to a Premium or Teams membership for $10 and $6.49 per person each month.
If you’re obsessed with color (and who isn’t?) and use photography to jog your memory or get inspired, Adobe Capture can unlock a new world from your mobile device. This powerful app transforms images into color themes, patterns, materials, and vector-based shapes. Carry those assets into other Adobe desktop and mobile apps—such as Photoshop and Illustrator—to use them across a multitude of creative endeavors and platforms. Part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, Capture will allow you to edit color themes in order to make customizable palettes, generate realistic PBR materials and textures, create geometric patterns, and replicate shapes or fonts. The app also offers custom brushes that can be used in other applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fresco. Though Capture is created with several industries in mind, it’s one of the best interior design apps because it can help you find inspiration, connect with clients, and work on projects in a whole new way.
Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, a free Creative Cloud membership will grant you two gigabytes of storage; however, you can always upgrade to a paid subscription should you need more space for your design inspiration.
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Designing a large-scale project is by no means an easy feat, but Materio is here to help. Specifically made for professional interior designers who consistently work on projects of 3,000 square feet or more, the cloud-based platform can simplify big undertakings with automated workflows and interactive floor plans. Though it can be easy for critical information to get lost in translation, Materio keeps specs, selections, and costs organized so everything has its place. (The software tracks project changes throughout the day and sends regular debriefs to all key stakeholders.)
Materio knows that sticking to a budget is crucial, and its Visual Estimation makes outlining the scope (and costs) of a project a breeze. Even better, scheduling and selection flow directly from the Visual Estimation, so you won’t have to worry about duplicating any line items or losing any big decisions. Materio’s offerings start at $95 per month for a Starter membership, while Pro subscriptions can cost $495 per month.
FileMaker isn’t specifically tailored to the design industry, but it can be an invaluable platform for anyone who wants to create a custom operational database. With an intuitive interface, users can effortlessly design custom apps for their unique business needs—no extensive coding required. With its latest version, you can enjoy more hosting capabilities, updated security, and room to scale your business.
In fact, AD PRO Directory designer Betsy Burnham uses it to generate purchase orders and invoices, house her team’s time cards as well as store and track data on all items for each project. “It’s great because it’s not only super functional and always being updated with new and improved features, but it also looks great,” she says. “Because it’s custom, we have control over which font is used and what our invoices look like. I mean, we’re designers—aesthetics are a priority.”
Though FileMaker might require some trial and error, ample education resources and community assistance will help you turn your operational app into everything you want. Designers can choose between the Essentials tier for a monthly fee of $21 per person or a Standard that will cost members $43 every pay period.
From receiving a client’s seal of approval to staying updated on supply chain delays, monitoring all the home decor for a project can often feel like its very own job. That’s where Programa comes in. Once you pull furniture and accessories with the Web Clipper or add frequently used items to your team’s Product Library, you can share your proposal with your clients, who can easily accept or reject changes from Programa’s dashboard. Keep contractors and clients in the loop by sharing live schedule updates and specifications without the lengthy and superfluous attachments. That said, purchase orders are just one of this platform’s offerings: The interior design software also makes it possible to set deadlines, assign tasks, and request quotes. Programa allows you to add your firm’s logo to give all your software a user-friendly, professional edge. Start with a free, seven-day trial, followed by a monthly fee of $39 per person.
When you’re serious about taking your design business to the next level, you’ll need a solid project-management system to ensure your team is on the same page. That’s what’s so great about Gather, a cloud-based platform that enables teams of all sizes to share inspiration, communicate, and create top-notch deliverables. Gathering inspiration is quick and easy, thanks to a clipper tool that allows you to save items from vendor websites to your secure library. This interior design software features a robust searching and filtering system, so your team will never have to look too far for the assets it requires. Pricing for Gather starts at $165 per month for five team members, and will increase based on your business’s needs.
From seemingly endless inspiration to a treasure trove of ready-to-work professionals, Houzz is a homeowner’s one-stop site for all their renovation needs. Fittingly, Houzz Pro offers that same versatility to interior designers who want to streamline their business. Once you’ve used the software’s mood board feature, designers can build plans in 2D and tour in a realistic 3D view. (You can also create professional, detailed proposals that your clients can approve from the comfort of their couch.) Use a product clipper to add home decor from your favorite online vendors to your tear sheets, purchase orders, and invoices. Speaking of invoices, not only does Houzz Pro make it easy to turn proposals into invoices, but you can also allow clients to pay via credit card or wire transfer so you don’t have to wait for a check to clear. And since this platform is compatible with other services like Quickbooks, Gmail, and Google Calendar, Houzz Pro will fit nicely into your established routine.
If you want to spend more time on creative endeavors and less time managing business operations, this option can help you streamline functions for as little as $85 per month. Though Houzz Pro is a web-powered platform, its accompanying app will help you keep tabs on your upcoming projects on the go.
All interior design projects start with a good idea—and, for AD100 designer Lauren Geremia, Miro. While the software is billed as a visual project manager—bringing detailed projects and processes to a user-friendly interface both individuals and employees can understand—Geremia treats Miro’s Online Whiteboard as a way to organize thoughts and design inspiration.
“The program has been a gateway platform to get me working more efficiently across many projects, and has given me such an elevation on my process that we have been able to dial in our working styles and creative approach for the better,” she explains. “The digital mood board allows us to stay organized and work on a computer, but we’re able to scan physical photos and samples.”
That said, if you want to take Miro beyond the inspiration phase, the web-based program’s auto-generated mind maps and diagrams and summarize and streamline a bevy of notes and feedback. With over 300 premade workflow templates and an option to create lively video walkthroughs with Talktrack, Miro makes it easy to onboard new employees and set them up for success. (Miro also integrates with over a hundred other platforms like Zoom, Slack, and Sketch, so it’ll remain a key part of everyone’s daily routine.) Solopreneurs can save with Miro’s Free tier, while designers who are growing their business might want to opt into the Business upgrade for a monthly fee of $16.
Built specifically for professional interior designers, Mydoma Studio is designed to help simplify and streamline their workflows, so they can spend less time doing administrative work and more time doing what they love. From building design boards, to creating 3D renderings, to curating and storing favorite projects, Mydoma Studio can help unleash a designer’s creative muscle; however, its user-friendly workflow process makes this interior design software program a must for many. Through Mydoma Studio you can embed your design packages onto your website so potential clients can easily add one of your services to their carts. Once you’ve snagged a new client, you can automate a discovery call or quickly set up a project template that reflects your workflow. (A central hub makes it possible for you and your client to gain easy access to everything from contracts to project specs.) Mydoma also integrates with QuickBooks, Zapier, Calendly, and Stripe, and can generate customized reports that help you understand your conversions, accounting, and more. Monthly prices vary from $49 for solopreneurs to $99 for a professional team.
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; track and celebrate big business milestones; and create detailed reports. Plus, integrations with Google, Slack, Dropbox, 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.
With over 30 years and several product generations under its belt, Studio Designer is a comprehensive service for all your business needs. The service’s Studio Capture feature gathers items from all your favorite vendors’ websites, so you can easily propose and order them for your clients. (Just a few clicks will collect various images, plus product details and pricing.) From there you can create proposals, invoice all your project’s items, and track your team’s progress with ease. Studio Designer’s dedicated portal offers seamless communication with your clients, while its time billing functionality will make it easy to track your billable hours. And, thanks to its robust accounting system, you can easily accept ACH and credit card payments. Studio Designer’s Essentials tier costs $69 per month, while its popular Enterprise upgrade goes for $79 per month.
Anyone who wants to focus on their business’s overall growth should consider signing up for Design Manager. Similar to other project management platforms, this service is able to do everything from purchasing and tracking orders, to logging every step of your project’s progress, to simplifying your accounting books. However, what sets this interior design software apart from the rest is its industry-specific reports.
Since its founding in 1984, Design Manager has perfected its reporting feature, offering great insights on project status and scheduling, material references, retainer analysis, and more. That way you can have a big-picture look at your firm’s unique trajectory. “The one-on-one support has been immensely valuable to our studio,” adds AD100 designer Julie Hillman. “We are excited to see the upcoming update such as saving invoices into the system so documents are in one place.” Currently, Design Manager charges a monthly fee of $74 per user, so you can add on more members as your team grows.
Though the right room design software can be invaluable to your business, you don’t have to spend a small fortune on an app or program. While several options like SketchUp and Planner 5D have lightweight, pared-back options for free, many platforms cost under $100 per month. Or, if you are looking to save, a few systems like Autodesk AutoCAD LT will offer a generous discount if you purchase an annual or multiyear subscriptions upfront.
While professional interior designers use a breadth of platforms, computer-aided design (or CAD) software continues to be some of the most sought-after programs. “It’s a widely used program for 2D and 3D drawings across architectural and interior design,” Burnham shares. “Many years ago, one of my early team members taught me the basics of CAD and the rest I learned by doing. To this day, I draw my own furniture plans and the exercise is what connects me to each project.” That said, most design businesses don’t operate on CAD software alone. For example, Burnham shares that her firm also uses SketchUp, Photoshop, and a task-based service like Asana.
From touring in-progress projects to attending industry events, a professional interior designer’s day is seldom spent at a desk. Fortunately, it’s possible to design and manage on the go with app versions of popular interior design programs like Autodesk AutoCAD LT, Houzz Pro, and Adobe Express, among others. If your go-to interior design software doesn’t have an app version, don’t worry: Since many programs are cloud and web-based, you can also use your smartphone’s browser to access your platform—anytime, anywhere.
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