Best Free Architectural Design Software Picks in 2024

Top 8 Free Architectural Design Software

PhotoCut

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PhotoCut is one of the best free architectural design software that specializes in 2D and 3D architectural design, it offers a user-friendly interface with abundant tools to edit architectural design. Using the AI architecture generator on PhotoCut, you can sketch and render detailed floor plans experiment with a full variety of materials and textures, and check out what your projects look like in 3D. It also provides lighting simulation features that allow you to analyze the impact of natural and artificial light on your architectural design projects.

PhotoCut is, therefore not only an architectural design tool but also gives an AI image generator that would come in handy to the designer. The AI image generator is specially designed with algorithms and processes that produce some nice and realistic images based on user text inputs. The most fantastic feature here is that the AI image generator is very simple to use and does not, in any way, require technical skills to get things done. Simply input your specifications, and let the AI do the rest of the work for you.

Now, you can imagine simple specifications where interior design concepts could be developed. You don't have to waste time and effort generating multiple design options and exploring all possibilities before finalizing your architectural project with the PhotoCuts AI image generator.

Pros:

• It can be accessed for free.
• Iterative design architecture.
• Integrated effects, color grading compositor.
• Powerful built-in photo editing tools and graphic elements help you customize your architectural design.

SketchUp

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SketchUp is a free architectural design software that can be used to create and edit 2D and 3D architectural projects, interior models, furniture, and landscapes. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tools for creating architectural designs. Users can use the title blocks to draw plans, facades and sections, and building details, and complete them.

SketchUp offers a range of architecture design tools for modeling, texturing, and rendering, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced architects. It isn’t difficult to learn and generates clear 3D pictures. Each object, surface, and material has a unique texture. Its straightforward interface will appeal to architects, designers, builders, and engineers at any stage of architecture design.

Pros:

• It assists you with layer management animations and 3D models.
• Layer management, animations, and 3D models.
• Lighting effects, textures, customizable palettes
• Offers exchange repository

Cons:

• The free version is only offered on web browsers.
• Recognition of uneven shapes and rendering.

Blender

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Blender is a powerful open-source free architectural design software that provides comprehensive 3D modeling and compositing capabilities. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to other software, Blender offers advanced features for architectural design visualization. It allows for precise modeling, realistic rendering, and even animation of architectural design. With its vast array of tools and plugins, Blender empowers architects to create stunning and immersive visualizations.

This flexible tool will work well for both bigger architecture design firms and self-employed professionals and students. It is highly customizable and can be enhanced with a variety of free community-developed extensions.

Pros:

• Free, cross-platform, open-source
• Geometric modeling as per 3D architectural design models
• Animation toolset, simulation, and compositing

Cons:

• Unusual selection system

FreeCAD

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FreeCAD is a free three-dimensional modeling program that has many architectural design functionalities. Since FreeCAD is modular, users can customize it using plugins and workbenches. In BIM tools, the software ensures that architects can provide exact measurements and content with smart three-dimensional models. For architectural design purposes, FreeCAD would be best used on complex structures and simulation of how those individual elements could collaborate to form entire and visualize its work.

FreeCAD is a great tool for professionals and hobbyists, as it can be applied in designing, architecture building, machine building, etc.

Pros:

• Customizable modular architecture.
• Geometry kernel, parametric model.
• It is free and open-source with cross-platform.

Cons:

• Need to open Bluetooth all the time.
• IFC export isn’t fully implemented

SweetHome 3D

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SweetHome 3D is a free architecture software specifically designed for interior design. It is not strong in architectural modeling features compared with other programs but can draw extremely detailed interior spaces. SweetHome 3D can offer a plentiful library of furniture, textures, and objects to be used immediately when drawing up and visualizing interior layout ideas. Moreover, you can even make good quality accurate 3D rendering for a realistic preview.

Users can import a property plan or start drawing a new one, enjoy drawing walls or edit existing ones, and add doors, windows, and furniture. Besides, the free architectural design software enables users to import additional 3D models from other sources and export plans to various widespread formats.

Pros:

• Multilingual, open-source, and expandable via plugins.
• One can be able to print and export PDFs, bitmaps, and videos.
• Update colors, texture, size, and orientation of furniture.

Cons:

• The scope and development of environments are restricted.

AutoCAD

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AutoCAD is a cool architecture software that lots of architects, engineers, and construction workers use. The full version costs money, but there's a free web version called AutoCAD Web App. This version has all the tools you need to make awesome drafts and technical drawings. It's perfect for architects who want professional-grade drafting tools without spending a ton of money.

This free software uses special design elements like windows and doors to make 3D floor plans look realistic and cool.

Pros:

• You can customize the browser and tool palettes.

• You can import Revit grids.

Cons:

• It's only free for students and teachers.

SmartDraw

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SmartDraw is another awesome architecture design software. It's great for making diagrams, floor plans, and schematics quickly and easily. You can connect it to other tools like Trello and Visio to make your workflow smoother. Plus, you can print your drawings in different formats.

SmartDraw has lots of templates and symbols made just for architectural design. It's perfect for creating design plans, electrical layouts, and landscape designs.

Pros:

• Has a powerful architecture design toolset.

• Easy quick start architecture design templates.

• Rich architectural symbol library.

Cons:

• Only works on Windows or in a web browser.

FloorPlanner

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FloorPlanner is a fun free architecture software that lets you make 2D and 3D floor plans. You can even share interactive versions of your plans online. There's a cool "automatic finishing" feature that helps you decorate rooms easily. Your finished floor plans will look super professional and ready to show off.

This software has lots of cool features that make designing quick and easy. The Google Chrome and iPad apps are a nice touch, and the drag-and-drop function is really helpful. You can easily switch between design elements, floors, and viewing options.

Pros:

• 3D, 360°panorama, VR walkthroughs

• Interactive 2D and 3D floor plan

• Furniture image library

Cons:

• The free version only supports one project

Conclusion

If you're into architecture design, these free software options are perfect for you. Try out different features and let your architectural ideas come to life with these cool tools. Have fun designing!

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