Design your Next Home or Remodel Easily in 3D. Download DreamPlan Free on PC or Mac. Design a 3D plan of your home and garden. 2D/3D interior, exterior, garden and landscape design for your home. Best Free 3D Software 2021: Criteria. Here are some of the criteria we used to evaluate the best free 3D modeling software tools for 2021: Ease of use: free software tools are often used by beginners so this is important. Depth of 3D software: being easy to use because there isn’t much you can do with the software doesn’t count as a plus. Download 3D building software for pc for free. Photo & Graphics tools downloads - DreamPlan Home Design Software by NCH Software and many more programs are available for instant and free download. Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline.
Sweet Home 3D is a free construction drawing software for interior design letting users view ready-made 2D floor plans in 3D for context and presentation. It is also the best interior design app that is perfectly suitable for designing interiors and creating home or office plans. Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps you draw the plan of your house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D. Version 6.5 of Sweet Home 3D with many bug fixes and native support for Apple Silicon. You can also get free home design software but if you’re planning a large-scale project, we’d recommend our top pick, Virtual Architect, as this software contains a huge selection of household objects, fittings, and virtual materials.
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.
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
3d Home Building Software Free
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:
|
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.
Home Design Software is the easiest and quickest option for designing 3D house model compared to complex Autodesk CAD and 3D Modeling Software. Here we list the best free and premium home design software in 2021.
Most of these 3D home design software provides all of the essential features and also advanced options and sample plans. With these home design tool, you can visualize the exterior design, landscape, interiors, kitchen, bath, or room addition with custom cabinets, lighting, furniture, and other appliances.
There are several types of 3D design software available to draw basic 3D design models. In this article, we’ve collected only software created for 3d home design purpose. Let’s take a look at 3D house design software to create your dream home model today.
Best Home Design Software for Windows and Mac
Home Designer Suite
Home Designer Suite 2020 is the best house design software and it offers sophisticated CAD tools so you can design like professional. There are lots of video tutorial available on Chief Architect website which helps learning process much easier.
This 3D home design software also best for cost estimator or quantity surveyor. With this program, you can create a spreadsheet with totals for supplies you need to build. Home Designer Suite is the best interior design software with home builder wizards.
Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is easy to learn interior design software that helps you draw the plan of your house in 2D, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.
Premium Sweet Home 3D
Premium Sweet Home 3D is an easy to learn design software with professional features. This is the best software for beginners with no design skills or without other 3D design experience. The Sweet Home 3D is much cheaper than other applications because it costs $14.99.
It is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP (suitable for 32 and 64 bits); and MAC OS X. This 3D House used as interior design software because exterior design tools are extremely limited.
DreamPlan
DreamPlan is a free home design software for windows. It’s also available for other operating systems such as Mac and Android, but you need to pay. DreamPlan contains narrow features compared to Sweet Home 3D. However, It is free to download home design 3d tool for Windows PC users so If you are beginner or DIY home design enthusiast, this 2D, and 3D house design fits your needs.
RoomSketcher
RoomSketcher is a free house design software and online tool comes with amazing professional features. This free design program helps you create 2D and 3D floor plans on a tablet, PC or Mac. you can easily generate stunning 3D Photos. RoomSketcher 3D Floor Plans provide you with a stunning overview of your floor plan layout in 3D. If you looking only free room design software or floor plan designer free version, this is absolutely best for you.
3d Room Designer Software Free
TurboFloorPlan Home and Landscape Pro
TurboFloorPlan Home and Landscape Pro easy to use professional home and landscape design software for Windows Desktops. It provides a list of materials and cost estimates tool for your house design projects.
This home plan software assists you to plan of your dream home from the foundation, walls, windows, doors, custom roof types to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing layouts.
Home Designer Pro 2018
Home Designer Pro 2018 is another 3d house plan designing software from Chief Architect. This Chief Architect’s home design tool has more advanced features compared to Home Designer Suite 2018 and also it’s the higher price than Home Designer Suite. It costs $495.95.
It includes amazing features not only for interior design but also exterior tools for home design, remodeling, decks, and landscaping design. Home Designer Pro 2018 has cost estimation tool which lets you calculate material quantity easily.
Virtual Architect
Virtual Architect Ultimate is home designing software with landscaping and decks features. This house design application contains powerful designer tools and helpful tutorial to create a professional-quality home interior and exteriors.
Punch Home & Landscape Design
Punch Home & Landscape Design is another home builder software with easy to plan and create a dream home using intuitive design tools for the 2D to 3D visuals. There are perfect sets of design tools available to enhance your landscaping and outdoor living spaces. You can easily design gardens, patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, water features, fences, and other beautiful exterior spaces with simple to use landscape design software.
Punch Interior Design
If you are only looking interior design software with libraries of materials and furnishings, Punch Interior Design right one for you. Punch Interior Design software available for both Mac and PC. It has a lot of interior design features, kitchen furniture and cabinets, bath 3d models, and more.
Total 3D Landscape & Deck Premium
Total 3D Landscape & Deck Premium comes with over a thousand sample home plans. Step-by-step Guides and Video Tutorials walk you through each step, and the simple interface makes navigating through design options easy.
3d Room Drawing Software Free
MyVirtualHome
MyVirtualHome is a free house design software that provides a useful collection of tools for designing a 3D house. Free Download
SketchUp Make 2017
SketchUp is free design tools to create all kinds of 3D images and designs, from woodworking blueprints to urban planning designs. Free Download
Instant Architect
Instant Architect is the basic house builder and remodel software. It’s the perfect solution for quickly planning your next remodeling, redecorating, or weekend home improvement project.
Total 3D Home Design Deluxe 11
Total 3D Home Design Deluxe 11 house design software has an extensive library of objects and sample plans. Previous design skills are not needed. Whether you are remodeling your house, decorating a room, or designing your dream home, the tools and inspiration you need are included.