21 Best 3D Architecture Software: With Tested Results
3D architecture software is very useful to make the model of houses. This guide will help beginners who start architecture designs. Software is based on CAD technology and combined with high accuracy and low poly works.
Here is all software that we can use for drawing, design, modeling, rendering, and animating also. Some are specified for the designs. So better check what is the best for your necessity.
Why Does 3D Modeling Software Use in Architecture?
3D modeling software is used in architecture for creating digital models of the existing and then apply real environmental conditions and observe the effectiveness.
In architecture, people observe the beauty of the model. Beyond that nowadays software can apply real loads into it and analyze it. And also you can set up the sunrise according to the coordination of your project and apply real sunlight to the model.
Let’s talk about software related to the modeling process.
The usage of 3D modeling in architecture is very vast. There are many reasons why people use 3D modeling software in architecture.
- Visualizing the output
- Estimating the material quantity
- Planning the whole process
- Finding the critical path (related to engineering)
- Study the environmental effectiveness
- Observe the beauty
- Apply the real condition to the model.
What is the Best 3D Modeling Software for Architecture?
Start as a beginner with 2D and then expand your knowledge into 3D. You can start with AutoCAD 2D and then move to another software like Google Sketchup. According to the purpose, we can divide 3 main types of software.
- Drawing
- Modeling and Analysis
- Rendering
- Drawing
This is a plan for what you are going to construct. Their views and sections will guide you to how it should be after construction. We use Autocad for this. It is great software for this. It has developed over the years and now it consists of new features for the user. Under the real condition scale, we can draw our plans here.
- Modeling and analysis
After the drawing part is over we can make a model of the plan. There is software that we can use for this with high accuracy. Modeling is creating a model of the prototype. So we can take an idea of how it will be after the construction.And nowadays softwares consists of analysis part too. It is a great thing to the designers. Using this software we can estimate the quantity of the material.
- Rendering software
Rendering software is a really interesting thing. After all, you have done you can visualize how should be the final output. Hence this is a very important software. We have to consider all 3 categories when we consider the architecture in 3D modeling.
How to Select an Architectural 3D Modeling Software?
Now you had better think about what you need to do? Where you should start? As for me, I should start it with the beginning. To be professional designers, we should have a better understanding of all. So we must start it with drawing software. When you are working here, You will get drawings. And you should know how that should handle. Hence drawing is better to start here.
Before you draw you will need a reference image in 3D modeling. You should know to use it.
Hardware Requirements for 3D Architecture software
Most people use computers these days. So anyone can install drawing software like AutoCAD simply. As well as 3D modeling software like Revit no needs many system requirements for the old versions. But new versions need good system requirements.
Beyond that, if you hope for rendering you will need high system requirements. The reason is most rendering software needs high system requirements.
21 Best 3D Architecture Software
01. AutoCAD for architectural drawing
| Annual Fee | 1690$ |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Autocad 2021 |
AutoCAD Is a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software. It consists of both 2D and 3D versions in 1.
AutoCAD includes industry-specific features and intelligent objects for architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical design, and more.
This is a paid drawing software. You can download a student version here. We can consider it as the main drawing software for architecture nowadays.
We can input commands there and it is very user-friendly now. As well as it is really highly corrected software. There are both 2D and 3D drawings there. Is Autocad good for 3D modeling? It is really good for Drawing 2D. As well as it can be used as a beginner of 3D modeling.
As an architect, you can sketch your design with real dimensions here.
Pros and Cons of the AutoCAD
Pros
Cons
- Saves a lot of time
- User-friendly.
- You can work in 3D space.
- It is useful in many industries and branches.
- The program allows users to convert their work.
- It consists of specific drafting tools
- AutoCAD software offers professional designs.
- Artists are able to check the design and determine if it’s within the specification.
- It has accurate measures and details
- Expensive start-up costs
- Fully grasping the use of this software takes time.
- The software needs a strong computer processing power
- The courses involving its training are expensive.
- AutoCAD cannot freely edit lines and locations
- There are limited file formats.
- Limit the number of possible colors.
- Not really suitable for 3D.
- The program is too exact
02. SketchUp
| Annual Fee | Personal Free/ Shop 119$/ Pro 299$ |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Sketchup 2021 |
Sketchup 2D
Google Sketchup is designed to create 3D models. While creating 3D modeling it allows 2D floor plan too. This is not a vast use. But you can use it for both 2D and 3D.
How to switch the 2D view of Google’s SketchUp?
- Create a new SketchUp file
- Choosing File→New. (Depend on the template)
3. New SketchUp file, you may already be in a 2D view. … - Choose Camera→Standard→Top.
- Choose Camera→Parallel Projection
Sketchup 3D
This is a very interesting 3D software. Which has been designed for building modeling. It is a very easy as well as a high demanding job for freelancers. Just you need to practice it with their videos.
And it consists of a warehouse. There are thousands of pre-prepared models that we can use for our projects. So it is really easy to work with that. And also Architecture animation can be done easily.
Pros and Cons of the Sketchup
Pros
Cons
- Saves a lot of time
- User-friendly.
- You can work in 3D space.
- It is useful in many industries and branches.
- The program allows users to convert their work.
- It consists of specific drafting tools
- AutoCAD software offers professional designs.
- Artists are able to check the design and determine if it’s within the specification.
- It has accurate measures and details
- Can not add specified details and dimensions.
- Detailing becomes difficult as the complexity of the project increases.
- Additional views within the modeling window.
04.Grouping views.
05.Collaborative/simultaneous modeling.
06.It has limited file type compatibility.
07.It does not have the tools for complex geometry
03. Draft it
| Fee | Draft it Free/ Draft It Plus 30$ |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Draft it |
Draft It is a low-cost, High grade, CAD Software. It is a powerful 2D CAD system with four different versions. All of these allow you to create, save and print your own drawings,
Whether you are an occasional user at home or you need CAD software in the workplace there is a Draft it version for you.
This software is not much use according to their social media engagement. So better to try.
Pros and Cons of Draft it
Pros
Cons
01. Small size of the software
02. Anyone can easily use
03. Can be used for simple usage
04. Simple interface
01. Not suitable for large projects
02. User interface is not developed one
03. Not much developed one.
04. SmartDraw
| Fee | Cloud 5.95$/Month / Offline 297$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Smart Draw 2021 |
SmartDraw is a common diagram tool used to make flowcharts, organization charts, mind maps, project charts, and other business visuals. It includes a floor plan section separately So Architectural users can try it. SmartDraw has two versions: an online edition and a downloadable edition for Windows desktop.
The interface is very good for the architectural floor plan. It can design attractive plans for the user. But unfortunately, it does not support for .dwg fils type.
Pros and Cons of SmartDraw
Pros
Cons
01. Attractive output
02. Small size space for installation
03. Support both online as well offline
04. Easy to use
01. Limited file type supporting
02. Cost is high
03. No 3D view
05. Civil 3D for landscape architecture
| Fee | 2315$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Civil 3D 2021 |
Civil 3D is a proud product of Autodesk. They have improvised BIM software many more. Civil 3D is an infrastructure design and documentation software. You can design anything according to real site conditions with 100% accuracy. It is for Road and highway design as well as building design and Railway design too. So it has a large area to be covered. Training and practicing this takes much time, So it is a great start for the freelancers to involve in this. For students, they can get student versions free.
It can work with ArcGIS as well as real data value like total station data can be directly imported to this. Hence great architectural experience can be gained by using this.
Pros and Cons for the Civil 3D
Pros
Cons
- Autodesk Softwares are connected. Hence easy to transfer files
- Good interface
- Analysis is included.
06. Floor Planner
- High price
- High capacity for the installation
- No automatic file saving
| Fee | Plus 5$/Month Pro 29$/Month |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Civil 3D 2021 |
The floor planner is beyond the limit of the 2D floor plan. It is a cloud-based system. And this is a free starting level entry. There are credits similar to the currency. If you need to update the software you need to buy some credits and then you can update it. As well as there are many good learning videos. So users can face any condition.
Just sign up and start your first object it can be output as 960 x 540 px with 150000 models to access. His kind of 3D architectural floor plans are highly in demand on freelancing sites like fiverr.com. Just try..!
Pros and Cons of the Floor planner
Pros
Cons
01. It allows you to literally make any kind of plan you desire. It gives detailed info about wall measurements and such.
02. Helps a lot in making a material list.
03. New projects take some time but they come out good.
01. Without specific dimensions of furniture, planning setups can be difficult.
02.Sizes of furniture can be adjusted.
03. At times it was hard to move walls.
07. Room sketcher
| Fee | VIP 49$/Year Pro 99$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Room sketcher 2021 |
RoomSketcher provides you an online floor plan and home designing with amazing output. It lets to create your floor plan with the furniture as well as decorations that you need. The final output is very professional for the user. The interface is very easy for the user. There is a refilled credit system for your charges. Each task will be credited and it will reduce your total credits
After you sign up you can access many features by spending a cent. Upgrade for more powerful features.
There are many features
- Draw floor plans that you need
- Order floor plan – Upload your blueprint and order soon
- Creating a Professional floor plan with the real dimension
- Create the 3d floor plans with high-quality images.
- Out as 3D photos
- Panorama views
- Live 3D floor plans
Pros
Cons
- Overall this is good for a 3D floor plan
- Can take an idea with the size of the room with furniture
08. Roomle
- You can edit wall color as you need. One wall with one color.
- The print does not show measurements
| Fee | Level 1 185$/Year Level 2 370$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Roomle 2021 |
If you need to bring your floorplan to live in you can use Roomle. Because it lets users add models and then add the furniture and material to the model. Especially this is designed for E-commerce and models can be embedded to any site. So this is very important.
AR and analytics are provided. This can be used in multi-devices as well as ios and android too.
Pros
Cons
- Easy to use
- AR and user friendly
- Custom packages can be applied
- Based on E commerce
- Flexibility, Joy of use
- Highly cost
- Long loading time
- High hardware need
09. ArchiCad for design houses
| Fee | 3971$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Archicad 2021 |
Modern 3D modeling software included many user-friendly facilities. Imagine when you need to create a wall you may use an extrude tool. But there is some software that you need to enter the width and height of the wall. And then draw in your path.
Automatically it will draw a wall. Here it is very easy for the user. No need to work hard work smart. Archicad is a very good 3D modeling software for architecture. It is used highly in the field. It is with a user-friendly interface as well as one-click document publishing, rendering, and analysis is included.
Considering social media engagement it is more. There are many learning videos and those are done by professionals. As an architect, you had better try this.
Pros and Cons of the ArchiCad
Pros
Cons
- Pros Alternative to AutoCAD
- Better to architecture Not for engineers.
- Good for developing architecture projects.
- BIM features are very useful to the designers.
- Much expensive
- Large files tend to slow down
- Compatibility of the old software
- Low-quality rendering
10. Maya
| Fee | 1620$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Maya 2021 |
Maya is a 3D computer animation, Modeling, Rendering, and simulation software. It is a great software for modeling and sculpting and is widely used in architectural projects for rendering purposes. More than building modeling it is good to use sculpting software. I suggest it can be used for the interior designs that clients expect a stunning output. And it takes much time to create a model using this.
This is not like Revit, ArchiCad, or above software. There are no many proper dimension features. Just you need to make them difficult. As well as it supports many file types. So users can import many file types into this. Autodesk provides the best user experience.
Pros and Cons for the Maya
Pros
Cons
- Creates good renders.
- Organic forms.
- Rendering engine.
- It’s easy to use.
11. Revit Architecture
- High price
- Need practise to use this.
- Very confusing to find options.
- Complex software.
| Fee | 2425$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Revit 2021 |
Revit is another BIM software for architectures and engineers. This is a design, Modeling, Rendering, and analysis program. It is renewed every year. Autodesk is the main company and it is widely used in the architectural industry.
You can create 3D models as well as you can analyze it in real situations. There is a powerful render engine that will bring your models to reality. It can reduce coordination tasks. That means it allowed constructor and client data exchanges. So architecture design can be directly sent to the constructor. Normally this is a bit complicated software. So if you practice it correctly you can have real experience in both civil engineering as well as 3D architecture.
Especially you can design in 3D and then you can have drawing output of the result. So this is a great opportunity. And also Autocad is mostly supported this. And also there are many 3D architectural models are available in the library section
Pro and Cons of Revit Architecture.
Pros
Cons
- Easy to make model
- Can be export many file types
- User friendly
- Included real scaled library
- Include both 2D and 3D
- High system requirements
- Less support with non-Autodesk software
- Making a roof is a bit difficult
- Rendering is low quality and it takes much time
- High price
12. Chief architect
| Fee | 2695$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Chief Architect 2021 |
Chief Architect software brings home design projects to life. It is a simply used software. There are views that will make it easy for the user. And also well-detailed roof design options are available here. The interface is not user-friendly.
This is an Automated building tool for home design, interior design, and kitchen & bath design make it easy to create construction drawings, elevations, CAD details, and 3D models. You can do both interior and an exterior design by using this.
And also you can have a 2D drawing output As DWG or DXF with exporting effect. it supports the 360 panorama views too.
Pros
Cons
- User friendly
- Do designs with well detailed.
- Chief architect provide more versatile tools to visualize building plans
- It is quite easy to use too
01.Needs to improve rendering facility with the realistic manner
02.It is hard to create curved sections
03.it doesn’t reflect orbs on the drawing.
04.visual graphic issues when moving floor by floor and horizontal curve walling is a bit hard to generate
13. Autodesk 3DS Max
| Fee | 1620$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | 3DS Max 2021 |
If you need to design your model to the last detail so you must use this. This is modeling, animating, sculpting, and rendering software. You can try it with the Autodesk student version. This is with the great user interface. As an architect, you can do any design with ease and more detail able. As well as you can have an animation of your model.
But you are not able to analyze the model. You can get any volume detail or something regarding the model.
Pros
Cons
- Great user interface
- Support to many files
- imported many files
- High quality output
01. Difficult to make 3D
- Overall this is slow process. (due to very detailed)
- High pric
14. Cinema 4D
| Fee | 720$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Cinema 4D 2021 |
This is the same as the previous one. It is included with some plugins that will make easy the process. As I think Cinema 4D is very good for interior projects. where it can provide many details and professional rendering to the user. And also there is no analysis features. but with animations.
So you can have a real 3D visualization effect on the user. As an architect, it is a great opportunity.
Pros
Cons
- Real animations and rendering
- Many file can be imported as well export
- Work with nurbs
04.Easy to work
- Less detailed for the object
- High price
- Support many plugins
15. Cedreo
| Fee | 948$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Cedreo 2021 |
This is specially designed for Designers, remodelers, interior designers, and contractors. You can make complete conceptual designs with interior and exterior 3D renderings to increase sales.
And then create floor plans and 3D renderings to sell all remodeling projects (bathroom, kitchen, addition, basement, etc) Generate photorealistic 3D interior renderings to communicate interior designs faster. So you will have a real idea of what will be your design with actual conditions.
Pros
Cons
01. Outstanding Residential Design Concept Presentation Tool
02. Cedro is a very user-friendly platform with exceptional features.
03. Easy to learn, fast to use. I like the combination of 2D and 3D views and the ease of switching between the two
01.Price is a pretty high monthly subscription
02.that is missing from door styles are basic exterior sliding glass doors
03.The impossibility to download an editable model Dwg, IFC or step of the designs. Some elements are not very flexible for edition
16. Allplan Architecture
| Fee | – |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Allplan 2021 |
All plan is a BIM software. For the architecture that will not much useful. But for the small analysis, you can use this. Regarding the engineering concepts, the software has based hence when you use this you should have the real knowledge about the engineering knowledge.
ALLPLAN has created a comprehensive set of resources that provide an overview of the topic. Together, they answer the typical questions associated with this working method
17. Lumion for Architectural rendering
| Fee | 3657$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Lumion 11 |
If you need to do real animation and 3D rendering you can use Lumion. It has many versions. If you need to work with the latest version you need a high feature of your PC.
This is a rendering software with huge models as well as huge lighting effects. As an architect what do you are
expect? Most probably presenting your idea to the client. This is a real one for that. Easy and professional rendering.
Pros
Cons
01. High-quality rendering
02. Can import many files
01.high price
02.Simple animations provided
03.High system requirements
18. Luxcore Render
| Fee | _ |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Luxcore render |
LuxCoreRender is a physically based and unbiased rendering engine. Based on the state of the art algorithms, LuxCoreRender simulates the flow of light according to physical equations, thus producing realistic images of photographic quality
Pros
Cons
01. Open source unbiased software
02. Can import many files
01.LuxRender used to have exporters for a wider number of 3D applications than LuxCoreRender.
02. Too many options and lack of a solid documentation
19. V-ray for Archi Rendering
| Fee | 470$/Year |
| Download | Free trial |
| Latest version | Vray |
V ray is an outstanding rendering plugin for 3DS Max, Cinema 4D, Blender, and many more 3D modeling software. Architecture needs very high-quality output he should use this.
There is separate material set for this. After you prepare the model you can import to the 3d modeling software like 3DS Max and then install the plugin and start rendering
Pros
Cons
01. High-quality output
02. Easy to use and fast output
01. Need high system requirements
02. Need specific knowledge.
20. Iray
21. Blender
Conclusion of selecting 3D Architecture Software
As an architect there are 3 types of software you should learn
- Drawing
- Modeling
- Rendering
Each of these is base on each task. So for better architecture, you had better learn all. It will be a real opportunity to be a professional architect.
TheCADjournal.com is a 3D modeling and rendering company. It was founded by Bandara with 10 years of experience on 22nd November 2023. TheCADjournal.com provide 3D modeling, rendering, product design, product rendering, BIM, Architechtural design and rendering, package design and rendering service.
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