Top CAD programs for Interior Designers: reviewUndoubtedly  CAD software has become today an essential part of Interior Design business. If several decades ago it was impossible to imagine Interior Designer who cannot draw, today it becomes reality: more and more Interior Design students do all renderings by means of CAD software. We can discuss long hours the downside of this phenomenon and the benefits of ability to produce hand drawn renderings, however this is not the subject of this article.

If you look at job vacancies, you will see that even to get an Internship in the company Interior Design student is expected to have perfect CAD skills. We can like it or not but CAD is a must thing to learn nowadays to stay competitive on the market. However, many of professionals are actually stuck with the choice of software as there are so many available. This article is aimed to review all popular programs used today in order to help you to make the right choice. It is based on several opinions of real interior designers and architects and covers main pros and cons of each program.

Some programs are more sophisticated and will require to attend special courses or hire a tutor to understand the principles of it. Another programs are quite easy and you can actually learn them by yourself. There are a lot of books and online courses available, for example lynda.com, where you will need to pay a monthly fee to get access to tutorials and then study them at your own pace.Archicad

3D model in ArchiCad, image source

As the name suggests this software was created mainly for architects, thus mainly focuses on their needs. It is perfect for creating architectural plans, elevations and sections.

Pros

2) Quick and simple to use, straightforward, no hidden settings

3) Great for creating technical drawings

4) Includes PDF maker

5) Allows to see changes made in 2D format to instantly see in 3D model

6) New Morph tool of the latest version (ArchiCad 16) allows to create complex geometrical forms

7) Large library of BIM components (Interior Design objects)

8) Choice of MAC or Windows

Cons

1) Expensive

2) Arhicad 16 is quite difficult to learn for new users

3) Limited possibilities for creating non standard objects with complex geometry (this was improved in the latest version by introducing Morph tool)

4) Lack of single key commands

AutoCAD

AutoCad drawing, image source

This is one of the most popular CAD software that interior designers use. It is available both in Windows and Mac versions and you can download a free trial from the Autodesk website. Although Autocad gives a lot of opportunities to a user, it is not an easy program to learn. You don’t need to be a techno guru, but you will need a lot of patience and determination, but as award you will be able to produce very realistic renderings.

Pros

1) One of the main pros of this software is its popularity – it is used in many architectural and design companies

2) Allows to create detailed and sophisticated drawings

3) Ease of use for 3D visualization and animation

Cons

1) Expensive

2) Complicated for a new user and difficult to learn

3) Models created in Autocad are not possible to read in other programs

Autodesk Revit 

Drawing created in Revit, image source

This is a special program created for architects allowing to design a building and its components in 3D.

Pros

1) Provides better understanding of architectural structure of the building

2) Allows to quickly create  plans, elevations and sections

Cons

1) In order to make great drawings one needs to study thoroughly the program which requires lots of time and desire to “dig”

2) Expensive as all other Autodesk programs. Perhaps is more suitable and workable in terms of self-repayment for large architectural bureaus rather than small Interior Design businesses

Autodesk 3Ds Max

3Ds Max drawing, image source

This software allows creating 3D models, animations and images. It is frequently used by architectural and Interior Design studios for rendering, simulation and visualization purposes.

Pros

1) High standard of 2D and 3D data exchange

2) Easy to learn

3) Large variety of available tools and plugins

4) A lot of helpful information in the Internet – tutorials, courses, conferences and books

Cons

1) Quite slow

2) Poor compatibility with other modeling software

3) A lot of available functions makes it difficult to thoroughly learn this program

Chief Architect

Chief architect rendering, image source

This software was specifically designed for the home building industry. Its simplicity allows to use 3D design tool by novice computer users or by those who find other CAD software too complicated.

Pros

1) Simple to use and easy to learn

2) Allows to create schematic drawing within minutes

Cons

1) Very basic, doesn’t allot to create very complex objects

TurboCAD 

This software originally developed in South Africa exists today in two versions – for Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating system. It can be used both for 2D and 3D design. The Basic version contains limited architectural tools, while Platinum version contains all the set (more than 600 tools).

Image source

Pros

1) Many tailor-made packages of this software can satisfy the needs of almost every user. For less demanding users there is TurboCAD deluxe, for advanced Turbo Platinum Pro, for those who need only 2D rendering there is TurboCAD Designer.

2) Good value for money (even the most advanced version is still cheaper than  Autdesk products).

3) Easy to install and accompanying manual is clearly explained. There is also very informative Getting Started guide for the beginners and supportive online tutorials.

4) Great for 2D and especially for 3D renderings.

5) Ability to create sections and elevations for any 3D object.

6) A number of very useful features for 3D rendering such as Extrude Face tool, Drag on Facet (for applying multiple finishes to the same surface), Helix tool (to draw 3D spirals), 2D Bisector tool and many others.

7) Exchange data very well.

Cons

1) Not the easiest program to learn.

2) Lack of shortcut commands.

3) There is no help option really available within the software itself.

SketchUp

Google sketchup 3D rendering, image source

This is 3D modelling program acquired by Google.

Pros

1) Easy to learn and use

2) Big online library (called 3D Warehouse) of models (doors, windows, furniture, etc.). It allows designers to download and share free models.

3) Allows access to 3-rd party “plug-in” programs with additional possibilities (e.g. near photo realistic renderings).

4) You can import photos of the things which clients already own and set them within the space

5) Available free limited version

Cons

1) Difficulties with 3D visualisation especially with complex models

2) Difficulties with modelling complex surfaces especially with curved, “organic” forms. Detailing of such objects makes them “heavy”

3) Absence of controlled point lights which is essential for Interior Design projects

4) Rendering in SketchUp is very basic, however it can be attractive as it imitates the hand drawings. For making photo-realistic renderings the program can be compatible with special programs -  “Render” plug-ins.

Vectorworks

Floor plan created in Vectorworks, image source

Unlike other CAD products which can be used for architecture and engineering, Vectorworks was specifically designed for Interior Design needs.

Pros

1) Successfully integrates 2D and 3D design

2) Very useful  worksheets feature – allows to create schedules, material lists, cost sheets, etc.

3) Great tool for creating floor plans (2D drafting) .

4) Cost-effective

5) Supports a lot of formats (PDF, SketchUp, 3Ds, etc.)

6) Latest version includes some of the SketchUp functions, such as push/pull

7) Good lighting and texture effects.

Cons

1) Base price doesn’t include high-quality 3D-render

Each of the reviewed programs is great and gives user a lot of opportunities. If you still don’t know which program to choose, remember that CAD skills are important but not everything in Interior Design.  It is just a tool which helps you to visualize your ideas. So make yourself a coffee, decide which one is  better for you and start learning!

Can you state any other pros and cons of these programs? Which software do you use? Do you like it?

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