The Best Floor Plan Software

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Floor Plan Software and hope the blog can help you.

For those who have an idea for a new space, there’s a software program to help bring it to life. These are the top picks for the best floor plan software.

Whether it’s for a professional project or a personal build, designing the floor plan of a home or building is exciting. Putting walls, windows, doors, and other features exactly where they’d work best (or where the client wants them) can be a lot of fun. And there are software programs that can speed the process along and help everyone involved visualize the project.

The following are some of the best floor plan software programs available. These powerful design and drafting tools can be the first step in taking an idea from a dream to a completed project.

BEST OVERALL: SketchUp
RUNNER-UP: Floorplanner
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: RoomSketcher
BEST FOR TEAMS: Homestyler
BEST SOFTWARE INTEGRATION: SmartDraw
BEST MOBILE EXPERIENCE: magicplan
BEST BEGINNER SOFTWARE: Planner 5D
BEST ADVANCED SOFTWARE: Chief Architect
ALSO CONSIDER: HomeByMe

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Floor Plan Software Options

Floor plan software programs all serve the same general purpose. Still, they may differ slightly in their uses or applications. The following are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for one of the best home design software programs. Knowing what to look for may help users choose the right software the first time rather than getting frustrated and bouncing from program to program.

Cost and Trial Period

Floor plan software costs vary wildly between development companies, and it’s important to ensure the cost or fees fit into a budget. Some programs offer “freemium” options, which implies that they have a bare-bones version for free, but users can upgrade and purchase the more premium options. Others may offer free trials, after which they’ll bill the customer or close access.

But beyond these free programs, most software programs come with a monthly fee or an up-front purchase price. These can range from a monthly charge of $4 to $200 to an annual premium subscription costing between $100 and $3,000.

For most DIYers, a program with a relatively low monthly cost or a low annual subscription will typically be fine. However, for folks who handle several designs each year, it may be necessary to subscribe to a higher tier.

System Requirements and Mobile App Availability

Many floor plan software programs use high-speed rendering to bring their designs to life. For this reason, it’s important for users to ensure that their computing hardware can handle the project. This means processor speed, RAM, and storage requirements, even if the program is browser-based.

That said, several of the best floor plan software programs have mobile floor plan apps available that allow users to create designs from their phones or tablets. In fact, tablet floor plan design is wildly popular thanks to intuitive touch-screen controls.

Visualizing Options

A top-down view of a floor plan is often the most helpful when actually designing layouts. However, it’s impossible to truly grasp the look and feel of the floor plan without advanced visualization options such as 3D renderings.

Turning a floor plan into a 3D rendering allows designers or clients to do a virtual walk-through. They can get a feel for important features such as functional walking areas, window and door placement, and even color palettes. If something doesn’t work, they can spot and fix it in the early design phase of the project, not after the structure is built.

Collaboration Possibilities

Design should be a collaborative process. Even DIY designers and builders should be able to bounce ideas off each other as they embark on a project together. Also, professional designers, engineers, and builders should be able to look at the same program file when problem-solving or determining layouts.

Many of the best floor planning software programs allow users to create multiple logins and grant access to other folks. Other programs may allow users to create invitations or share drawings they’ve created with multiple people via email or messaging. Some programs will even keep notes and allow involved parties to mark up drafts to point out specific features or changes, allowing everyone to see actual issues or comments in real time.

Integration With Other Software

Many floor plan–maker software applications allow users to integrate them with other programs, such as computer-aided design or project management software. This can greatly help construction companies and design-build contractors. It can also help DIY builders track their progress and costs while having the plan to reference—something that can be difficult to manage for those without professional experience.

It’s important to note that many floor planners don’t integrate at their “freemium,” trial, or basic levels. Users may have to upgrade to premium subscriptions for these advanced features.

Our Top Picks

The following are some of the top picks in the industry for floor plan software, each of which earned an award for its strengths. It’s still wise to compare the different programs using the considerations above before making a decision.

Best Overall

SketchUp

Cost: Free; $119, $299, or $699 annually
Trial period: 30 days
System requirements: Windows 10, 11; macOS 10.15 and higher
Mobile app availability: Yes (iPad only)

Pros

Fully customizable work space
Unlimited cloud storage with all subscription plans
Live instructors available for support
iPad and desktop software available with all subscription plans
Free browser-compatible software
Generous free 30-day trial

Cons

No templates or premade object renderings included
1-year minimum commitment

Why It Made the Cut: Between its flexible cost tiers, ease of use, and a bevy of benefits, SketchUp takes our top spot for floor plan software. Beginners and experts alike looking for a well-rounded program with plenty of features will want to consider SketchUp. This program allows users to create 2D and 3D floor plans with completely customizable designs. It’s available in a tiered pricing structure, with a free browser-based option and yearly fees of $119, $299, and $699 based on features. (The yearly fees mean the user will be committed to the software for a year.) Users can also test drive the software for a 30-day trial period. SketchUp provides a fully customizable work space that starts from scratch. While there aren’t any templates or premade objects to use, this does allow the user to stretch their imagination and hone their design skills. If they’re struggling to do so, SketchUp has live instructors available for support. Each subscription also allows users to access SketchUp on an iPad for even more creative flexibility. All subscriptions come with unlimited cloud storage as well.

Runner-Up

Floorplanner

Cost: Free; $5 or $29 monthly for individual users
Trial period: N/A
System requirements: Web-based
Mobile app availability: Yes

Pros

Free and relatively affordably priced plans available
Compatibility with all web browsers
Over 150,000 3D furniture and decor renderings included

Cons

Relatively limited design possibilities with free plan

Why It Made the Cut: With its low cost, universal web-browser compatibility, and library of decor items to choose from, Floorplanner is certainly worth considering. Cost-effective floor planning is the name of the game with Floorplanner. This software service costs between $5 and $29 each month for individual users, allowing folks to design their dream spaces without a considerable investment. There is even a free version that users can work with, albeit with limited design possibilities attached. Floorplanner is compatible with all web browsers, which allows users the flexibility to use it on different platforms. Also, there is a library of over 150,000 3D furniture and decor renderings that Floorplanner users can design with, providing interior-design aspects that some programs don’t offer.

Best Bang for the Buck

RoomSketcher

Cost: Free; $49 or $99 annually
Trial period: N/A
System requirements: Not specified
Mobile app availability: Yes

Pros

Relatively affordable cost
Next-day professional floor plan creation available
Uploads of existing blueprints facilitated

Cons

1-year minimum commitment

Why It Made the Cut: DIYers and designers can benefit from RoomSketcher’s plan-upload feature and next-day floor plan creation for a very low price. When it comes to professional designs on a budget, RoomSketcher may be the top option. For between $4 and $8.25 each month (billed annually with a 1-year commitment), RoomSketcher users have a slew of features they can use when creating floor plans. One notable feature: If users already have physical or digital plans, they can upload them into the program and draw over them, which provides a helpful template for notes and changes. RoomSketcher offers next-day floor plan creation. Professional designers and draftspeople will create a custom, pro-level floor plan based on the specs provided, and customers will receive it by the next day. This standout feature is excellent for those who need a plan returned quickly but didn’t have the time or skills to produce it.

Best for Teams

Homestyler

Cost: Free; $4.90, $9.90, or $19.60 monthly
Trial period: 7 days for team license
System requirements: Not specified
Mobile app availability: Yes

Pros

Shared virtual design space
Shared team library
Streamlined team-member management features

Cons

Free trial only available for teams

Why It Made the Cut: Homestyler provides a platform for collaboration, as multiple users can access and work on the software simultaneously. Design work should be collaborative, and Homestyler delivers features that facilitate teamwork. With this floor plan software, multiple users can access the program and work on the same project at once. This can help remove communication barriers, speed a process along, and result in a better design overall. Homestyler has several subscription tiers, including free, $4.90, $9.90, or $19.60 per month. The higher tiers can accommodate larger teams. There is a 7-day trial period, but it’s only for teams and not individual users. Teams will benefit from a shared library, and administrators will enjoy streamlined management features to tailor access and features.

Best Software Integration

SmartDraw

Cost: $9.95 monthly for individual user
Trial period: 7 days
System requirements: Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista; macOS 10.14 and higher
Mobile app availability: No

Pros

Seamless integration with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Wide assortment of premade floor plan templates available
Ultrapolished renderings thanks to automatic alignment, formatting, and coloring

Cons

No mobile app

Why It Made the Cut: SmartDraw integrates with platforms such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, allowing users to seamlessly include floor plan drawings in documents and presentations. Folks who need to pitch an idea to investors, a bank, or even their spouses may appreciate SmartDraw’s integration capabilities. This program is compatible with platforms such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Users can easily upload drawings and renderings into documents and presentations, helping them land the approval they need for their projects. Users may want to note that there isn’t a mobile app available. SmartDraw has a simple fee schedule, costing $9.95 each month with a 7-day free trial. For that fee, users will receive a wide assortment of premade floor plan templates and polished renderings thanks to features like automatic alignment, formatting, and coloring.

Best Mobile Experience

magicplan

Cost: $42, $125, or $375 monthly
Trial period: No time period specified; maximum 2-plan creation
System requirements: iOS, Android
Mobile app availability: Yes

Pros

User experience optimized for mobile
Convenient built-in reporting and estimating features

Cons

No desktop or browser version

Why It Made the Cut: As a mobile-native app, this platform was built for phones and tablets, allowing users to create exactly what they wish from right in the palms of their hands. Most floor plan software started as a computer program and migrated or adapted for mobile devices. However, magicplan is mobile-only, meaning it was designed to work smoothly on handheld devices, not forced to work to an acceptable level. While this might be an issue for designers at their desktops, the mobile platform makes portable design easy. Magicplan users can sign up for one of three access levels for either $9.99, $29.99, or $89.99 per month, depending on their needs. The system works on both iOS and Android devices, and it features convenient built-in reporting and estimating features. This means that designers and estimators can do their job on-site and provide real-time data to customers for better overall satisfaction.

Best Beginner Software

Planner 5D

Cost: Free; paid versions available
Trial period: 3 days
System requirements: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Mobile app availability: Yes

Pros

Beginner-friendly interface and functions
Photorealistic renderings with Snapshots feature

Cons

Somewhat misleading pricing information
Free trial only available for iOS and macOS versions

Why It Made the Cut: With a library of how-to information and incredibly detailed 3D renderings, Planner 5D can help even amateurs using the software look like experts. Floor plan software can be intimidating, especially to brand-new users. But Planner 5D makes it easy, with a host of online learning posts available to registered users. This library of posts is split up by skill level or experience, so beginners will know just where to start to create beautifully rendered drawings that make them look like pros. Planner 5D is free, but users will have to upgrade to the Pro version to access all of the features. While only iOS and macOS users get a free trial of 3 days, the software is also compatible with Windows and Android.

Best Advanced Software

Chief Architect

Cost: $199 monthly or $1,995 for Premier version
Trial period: No time period specified; limited functionality
System requirements: Windows 10, 11; macOS 11 and higher
Mobile app availability: No

Pros

Advanced capabilities for detailed interior and exterior residential design
Live instructors available for support

Cons

No mobile app
Relatively high cost

Why It Made the Cut: Chief Architect is made for professional designers and architects, with advanced features that entry-level programs simply can’t match. Folks who want something a bit more advanced to work out their designs and ideas will want to check out Chief Architect. This program has options that entry-level or browser-based programs can’t match, such as generating framing overviews, materials lists, and more. There is also an expansive library of 3D items that users can place in rooms for interior design purposes. Chief Architect is expensive, with a baseline residential version for homeowners starting at $199 per month, with multiple upgrades available for additional costs. The Premier version costs $1,995 per year, but it comes with access t

The Best Floor Plan Software