Best Home Plan Design Software For Mac

Easy home design software to plan a new house or remodeling project. 2D/3D interior, exterior, garden and landscape design for your home! Free download. Trace your floor plans, furnish and decorate your home, design your backyard pool and deck. Jan 09, 2018  Premium Sweet Home 3D. Premium Sweet Home 3D is an easy to learn home 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. Home Designer Landscaping Software by Chief Architect (Paid) Chief Architect is one of the leading developers and publishers of 3D Architectural home design, and have also developed a software for landscape design that is just as up to par. This is often used by architects, interior designers, landscape designer and home designers, even DIYers. Affordable Mac Floor Plan Software. 1 single floor plan program integrates various solutions for interior design, home, garden and landscape design. It is quite easy to use with drag-n-drop simplicity. With it, you can design your sweet home very, very fast.

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If you’re looking for CAD software for Mac, you’re not without options. We’ve found some standout Mac and cloud-based CAD platforms for you.

You’re likely to hit a wall if you’re searching for computer-aided design (CAD) software designed for Mac. There are plenty of CAD software options for Windows—you’ll see many of them in our list of the top AutoCAD alternatives—but only a handful offer support for Mac.

Dec 09, 2018  4. Home Design 3D. If you are looking to redesign or remodel your house then Home Design 3D is for you. This is all in addition to being able to create 2D and 3D floor plans from scratch. One of the best things is, you can adjust the thickness of the walls while creating your 3D plans.

And, if you think you’ll bypass the issue by using a cloud-based CAD tool, you’ll quickly find that CAD vendors haven’t embraced the cloud as much as other types of software vendors have, so the offerings are still largely on-premise. According to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for IT Evolution (full content available to Gartner clients), cloud-native CAD applications still have five to 10 years before they reach mainstream adoption.

But fear not, Mac users. We’ve done some digging and have put together this list of the top-rated CAD software for Mac. Best free envelope printing software. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of this article.

5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)

Jump to:


  • CorelCAD

  • FreeCAD

  • Fusion 360

  • LibreCAD

  • Onshape

1. CorelCAD

CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.

3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don’t have to spend a lot of time learning it.
  • Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.

What users think could be improved:

  • Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
  • Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.

Who can use CorelCAD

CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.

2. FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

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It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.

3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it’s free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
  • Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.

What users think could be improved:

  • Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
  • Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.

Who can use FreeCAD

FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It’s also good for users who don’t have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.

FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.

3. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.

Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Fusion 360 they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Comprehensive design features: User mention that the tool offers all the functionalities necessary for 2D and 3D designing.
  • Availability of training resources: Users like the fact that the tool comes with ample documentation and tutorials.

What users think could be improved:

  • System crashes: Users mention that the tool tends to crash, especially when designing and rendering large files.
  • Steep learning curve: Users mention that it can take a lot of time to learn the advanced functionalities of the tool.

Who can use Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is part of the Autodesk ecosystem designed for the AEC industry. This makes the tool suitable for construction businesses that are already using, or intend to use, other Autodesk solutions. Using a software vendor that offers multiple solutions will especially benefit larger businesses that invariably need software that can scale with their growing requirements.

4. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open source CAD tool that supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool comes with 2D drawing features such as a snap tool, dimensioning, and annotations. It also supports multiple file imports and exports.

2D drawing in LibreCAD (Source)

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Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of LibreCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Ease of use: Users mention that the tool offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
  • Lots of tutorials: Users like the fact that there are ample video tutorials that help them get started with the tool.

What users think could be improved:

  • Software speed: Users mention that the software tends to lag, especially when trying to print designs.
  • Add support for 3D design: Users would like to see functionalities for creating 3D designs.

Who can use LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an exclusively 2D CAD tool for drawing and designing blueprints of buildings, layouts of parks, and the like. As a free tool, the solution can be used by small and midsize businesses across different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and construction.

5. Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that comes with features such as document management with version control, collaborative design creation/editing capabilities, and reporting dashboards to understand project status.

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Importing documents in Onshape (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Onshape they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Document version control: Users like the document management features of the tool, such as version history.
  • Intuitive interface: Users mention that the tool comes with an intuitive interface for easy image editing.

What users think could be improved:

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  • Performance issues: Some users mention that the tool does not function well on non-Chrome browsers and has file loading issues.
  • Lack of features: Users mention that the tool should improve certain features such as 2D drawing and 3D surfacing.

Who can use Onshape

As a fully-cloud based tool, Onshape is ideal for businesses that need to manage design documents collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. The tool’s collaboration functionalities include document sharing, document editing, comments, and file downloads in multiple CAD formats, such as Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.

Next steps

This report offers a mix of Mac CAD solutions—from free tools that can help you with basic 2D drawing to advanced solutions offering extensive 3D modeling functionalities.

If these tools don’t meet your needs, expand your search and check out more options. To help you, we’ve created a CAD software comparison page where you can explore products using different filters, such as features offered and pricing options.

If you’re looking to understand the CAD software market better, we also recommend that you read the articles listed below:

Methodology

To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:

  • Products had to be compatible with Mac and offer core CAD software capabilities, such as:
    • 2D drawing or 3D modeling features
    • Collaborative editing of drawings
  • Products needed a minimum of 20 user reviews on Capterra (published in the last two years).
  • Products had to have a high overall rating (an average of at least 4 out of 5 on Capterra).

Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.

Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.

Creating floor plans or decorating a house is not a simple job. In fact, unless you spend a hefty amount or have some clear knowledge of what you are doing, creating a house plan is going to be a big deal. Even if you are a professional, you need to spend several hours drawing and re-drawing. Lucky for you, you have a smartphone that can do almost anything thanks to the growing app ecosystem. So, here are some of the best house plan drawing apps. Of course, the apps or the plans created using these apps are not an alternative for an actual architecture. However, these apps can surely be helpful in getting you started and sorted.

Read: Best Meal Planning Apps To Stay Fit And Save Money

This can help you save battery power, especially if you don’t actually use those new Windows 10 apps. Scroll down further and you’ll see a list of applications. This is the most useful part of the list, as it lists your desktop applications as well as universal apps. It’ll display a list of the apps have have used battery. See which apps use battery mac book Feb 26, 2020  If the battery life of your portable Mac is shorter than usual, you can use the Avg Energy Impact column to find apps that have been using the most energy recently. Quit those apps if you don't need them, or contact the developer of the app if you notice that the app's energy use remains high even when the app doesn't appear to be doing anything. Your Mac tracks the “energy impact” of each running application in a few places. Like on an iPhone or iPad, you can see exactly which apps are using the most power, and adjust your usage accordingly so you don’t run out of juice. Applications aren’t the only thing draining battery power, of course.

Best Floor Plan Apps

1. Floor Plan Creator

If you are looking to create precise and accurate floor plans, then Floor Plan Creator app is for you. The app is filled with almost every feature you’ll ever need to create detailed floor plans. You can create multiple floor rooms in 3D style and get automatic calculations for perimeters, rooms, walls, etc. Add to that, if you already have supported laser meters, you can use them in combination with the app for more accurate measurements. Once you complete the floor plan, the app gives you a 3D tour of the full plan.

Price: The base app is free and has ads. To remove ads and export your plans or sync them with Cloud, you need to upgrade to one of their paid plans via in-app purchases. The basic plan costs around $5 and the Pro plan costs around $10.

Download for Android.

2. Grapholite Floor Plans

Design

Grapholite Floor Plans is a very minimal, user-friendly, and feature-rich application to create floor plans on the go. Unlike Floor Plan Creator which allows you to create 3D plans, Grapholite Floor Plans lets you create a floor plan in a more traditional way, like an actual architectural plan on a paper. One of the best features of the Grapholite Floor Plans is that it allows you to arrange space using virtual office tables and other furniture elements. This allows you to have a good idea on how you can effectively utilize the floor space and whether you need to make any changes to the existing floor plan.

Price: The base app is free. However, the free version will not allow you to export created plans. For that, you need to upgrade to the Pro version via in-app purchases.

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Download for Android and iOS.

3. MagicPlan

MagicPlan is one most popular, feature-filled, and award-winning house planning app for Android and iOS. Just like with Grapholite Floor Plans app, you can create floor plans in a traditional way. When needed, you can take a picture of your existing house and create floor plans from it. What’s more, MagicPlan can show the existing dimensions and add floors and walls. Additionally, you can add furniture objects, photos, and annotations to help in creating proper house plans. If you have laser meters, you can use them in combination with the MagicPlan app. Simply put, if you are looking for a professional-grade application to create your house and floor plans then MagicPlan is for.

For Android users, as good as the app is, do keep in mind that you need to have an Android device that has a gyroscope and should be compatible with Android AR Core. If you don’t have either of these two, your device is not supported.

Price: The base app is free. The export feature and some additional objects are locked behind a paywall. To get access to them, you can either purchase one-floor plan at a time for $2.99 or subscribe to their service for $9.99 per month. As a subscribed user, you can export any number of plans you want.

Download for Android. and iOS.

4. Home Design 3D

If you are looking to redesign or remodel your house then Home Design 3D is for you. This is all in addition to being able to create 2D and 3D floor plans from scratch. One of the best things is, you can adjust the thickness of the walls while creating your 3D plans. The app includes hundreds of furniture objects and accessories to design your house. Additionally, you can color the walls, duplicate your favorite items, import pictures, and textures, edit objects, etc. Once you are done with the design plan, you can export it locally or sync them to your favorite cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Price: The base Home Design 3D app is free. However, in the free version, you cannot save or export your plans. For that, you need to upgrade to Classic, Gold, or Gold Plus versions for $0.99, $10, and $20 respectively via in-app purchases. Depending on the version you’ve upgraded to, you will get access to different features. There is a built-in feature comparison chart to help you choose the best plan.

Download for Android and iOS.

5. Planner 5D

Planner 5D is very similar to Home Design 3D in that you’ll be to creating floor plans in both 2D and 3D. I suspect, that the reason why the app developers named the apps as it 5D (2D + 3D). Additionally, you can arrange custom furniture objects and virtually decorate your house for better planning. One of the interesting features of the app is that it supports Chromecast. This enables you to visualize your house plan on a big screen without exporting the designed plan. You can export your creations or sync to cloud services whenever you want.

Price: The base app is free. Some features like exporting, syncing, furniture objects are locked in the free version. You need to perform in-app purchases to unlock those advanced features.

Download for Android and iOS.

6. Kitchen Planner 3D

Kitchen planning is not something to be trifled with. Generally, there will be a lot of things in the kitchen and without proper planning, everything goes south quickly. This is where Kitchen Planner 3D comes into play. This simple app allows you to properly design your kitchen. Obviously, the app comes with a lot of kitchen objects to play and plan with. Once you have the plan or design, you can export them in the format of your choice.

Price: The base version is free and has ads. Some features like the ability to undo and change cabinet doors and handles need to be unlocked via in-app purchases.

Download for Android.

Best Floor Plan Design Software For Mac

7. Houzz Interior Design Ideas

Sometimes, all you need to is come up with some ideas to create interior designs and floor plans. In those situations, Houzz Interior Design Ideas got your back. There are millions of high-resolution photos and plans to design and plan your house as you need. To keep track of things, the app provides proper annotation tools so that you can jot down your ideas. There is also a visual match feature that helps buy the same exact product you see in your favorite photo.

Price: The app is free and has ads.

Download for Android and iOS.

I hope that helps. Comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences about using the above floor plan apps to create floor plans and house decoration plans in Android and iOS.

Best Home Floor Plan Design Software For Mac

Alternatively, RoomSketcher is a good floor planning app for Mac computers and if you are looking for a web tool try SketchUp

Read: Best Event Planning Apps for Android and iOS