Best Free Architecture Software

Free and open source architecture software are online tools that offer architects (individuals or companies) platforms where they can design and create high-quality 2D and 3D models for their real-estate projects. These models include houses, shops, offices, apartments, or any other building infrastructure. Free architectural design software tools offer essential features, such as 2D/3D modeling, GPU rendering, multi-OS support, multi-language support, simulation, video editing, and visual effects. Many architects (beginner or professional) nowadays use these free tools to visualize and create captivating real-estate designs, ensuring timely project delivery with optimum outputs. If you are considering leveraging a free architect design tool for your next project, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find a list of the best free architecture software solutions. Our seasoned researchers curate the list based on crucial facets like software popularity in the market, reliability, level of customer support, and essential features offering. Please navigate the list and identify which software best fits your business goals. The list is given below:

Note: Most of the products listed in this Free architecture software category offer free trial versions, though they have restrictions like time limits, fixed number of users, or limited features. For more options and features, compare and evaluate all architecture software to find the best fit for you.

best free Architecture Software
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107 Software

List of Top Architecture Software

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Cedreo

Easy 3D Home Design Software (Interior & Exterior)

   5.0

 (1 Reviews)

Cedreo is a high-quality design software tailored for architects and home builders, specializing in the creation of 3D home models and floor plans. It streamlines the design process, allowing professionals to visualize and communicate their ideas effectively. With a user-friendly interface, Cedreo enables users to generate detailed floor plans, experiment with interior and exterior designs, and p... Read more about Cedreo

Free Trial

NA

Pricing Type

$40.83 Per month

Location

France

Adobe InDesign

Layout design and desktop publishing software

   4.8

 (1 Reviews)

Adobe InDesign stands as a premier desktop publishing software, crafted for designers, publishers, and creatives seeking to bring print and digital content to life. This versatile tool offers a comprehensive platform for layout design, enabling users to create stunning documents, brochures, magazines, and eBooks with precision. InDesign's intuitive interface facilitates seamless integration of tex... Read more about Adobe InDesign

Free Trial

7 Days

Pricing Type

$22.99 Per month

Location

United States

Adobe Photoshop

Photo & Design Software

Adobe Photoshop, a cornerstone in digital imaging, is a premier software for graphic design, photo editing, and artistic expression. Renowned for its unparalleled versatility, Photoshop enables users to manipulate and enhance images with precision. From retouching photographs to creating intricate digital artwork, its extensive toolset caters to professionals and hobbyists alike. The intuitive int... Read more about Adobe Photoshop

Free Trial

7 Days

Pricing Type

$19.99 Per month

Location

United States

AutoCAD

Computer-aided design software to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.

AutoCAD from Autodesk is a computer-aided software used for making detailed drawings and plans. It's like a digital tool that architects and designers use to create visual blueprints. With AutoCAD, you can draw in two dimensions (2D) or three dimensions (3D), making it versatile for different projects. This software helps professionals map out buildings, machines, and various structures before the... Read more about AutoCAD

Free Trial

15 Days

Pricing Type

$250 Per month

Location

United States

Revit

BIM software for architectural design, MEP, structural design and construction.

Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk. It serves as a comprehensive tool for architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design, visualize, and collaborate on building projects. Unlike traditional drafting methods, Autodesk Revit enables users to create intelligent 3D models that incorporate parametric data. This means changes made in one part o... Read more about Revit

Free Trial

30 Days

Pricing Type

$365 Per month

Location

United States

Autodesk 3ds Max

Create massive worlds and high-quality designs

Autodesk 3ds Max is a powerful and versatile 3D modeling and animation software widely used in the fields of architecture, design, and entertainment. It serves as a creative canvas for artists and designers to bring their ideas to life with stunning visuals. Boasting an intuitive interface, 3ds Max enables users to sculpt detailed 3D models, create realistic textures, and animate scenes seamlessly... Read more about Autodesk 3ds Max

Free Trial

30 Days

Pricing Type

$235 Per month

Location

United States

SketchUp

Design delightfully. Collaborate clearly. Build better buildings.

SketchUp is a wonderful architectural design software for making buildings and spaces. It helps architects create 3D models easily. You can draw lines and shapes, then push or pull them to form 3D structures. It's like digital building blocks. People use it to plan homes, offices, and more. SketchUp is good for beginners. You don't need to be an expert to use it. The program has tools for roofs, d... Read more about SketchUp

Free Trial

7 Days

Pricing Type

$119 Per year

Location

United States

Blender

Free and Open 3D Creation Software

Blender is a robust open-source 3D creation suite that empowers artists, designers, and animators to bring their imaginative concepts to life. This versatile software supports a wide range of operations, including 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, animation, rendering, and more. Known for its flexibility and advanced feature set, Blender caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals. The to... Read more about Blender

Free Trial

NA

Pricing Type

Free

Location

Netherlands

CorelCAD is a versatile architectural CAD software designed to streamline the design and drafting processes for architects and engineers. This platform offers comprehensive tools for creating detailed architectural drawings and managing project documentation. CorelCAD enhances productivity and collaboration, enabling users to design complex building projects efficiently. Its user-friendly interfac... Read more about CorelCAD

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$707.18 Per one-time

Location

United States

CATIA

Shape the World We Live In

CATIA is a powerful software suite widely used in engineering and design. Developed by Dassault Systèmes, CATIA facilitates the creation, modification, and analysis of complex 3D models across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. With an intuitive interface, CATIA enables users to design intricate components, simulate their behavior, and optimize performance. It... Read more about CATIA

Free Trial

30 Days

Pricing Type

$7,560 Per year

Location

France

Cinema 4D

3D computer animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software

Cinema 4D, developed by Maxon, stands as a dynamic 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software. The tool is favored by graphic designers, motion graphics artists, and visual effects professionals. Known for its intuitive interface and robust features, Cinema 4D facilitates the creation of stunning visual content. Its versatile toolset covers everything from modeling and texturing to advanced an... Read more about Cinema 4D

Free Trial

14 Days

Pricing Type

$6811 .53 Per month

Location

Germany

Sweet Home 3D is an intuitive architecture software that empowers users to design and visualize home interiors effortlessly. With its user-friendly interface, Sweet Home 3D allows individuals to create floor plans and arrange furniture in a 2D view while providing a realistic 3D visualization of their designs. Users can customize dimensions, colors, and textures to bring their vision to life. The ... Read more about Sweet Home 3D

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

Contact Vendor

Location

France

SmartDraw

SmartDraw combines diagramming, whiteboarding and data into one enterprise-friendly solution

SmartDraw is a dynamic diagramming software designed to simplify complex visual communication. It stands out as a versatile tool for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, floor plans, and more. With an intuitive interface, users can effortlessly craft professional-looking visuals without the need for extensive design skills. SmartDraw's extensive template library and automation features expe... Read more about SmartDraw

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$9.95 Per month

Location

United States

Tekla Structures is an advanced construction management software solution designed to optimize the planning and execution of construction projects. This platform provides essential tools for 3D modeling, project visualization, and collaboration among project stakeholders. With its user-friendly interface, Tekla Structures enhances project efficiency, allowing teams to visualize designs, manage mat... Read more about Tekla Structures

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

Contact Vendor

Location

United States

FreeCAD

The open source 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD is a dynamic open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler, offering a free alternative for design enthusiasts and professionals. Designed for versatility, FreeCAD supports a wide array of applications, including product design, mechanical engineering, and architecture. Its parametric modeling approach allows users to create designs that are easily adjustable, fostering an iterative and efficient ... Read more about FreeCAD

Free Trial

NA

Pricing Type

Free

Location

Belgium

Planner 5D

An advanced and easy-to-use 2D/3D home design tool.

Planner 5D is an intuitive and user-friendly online design application that empowers individuals to create detailed interior and exterior plans with ease. Catering to homeowners, interior designers, and architecture enthusiasts, Planner 5D offers a platform for visualizing and experimenting with home designs in both 2D and 3D formats. With a simple drag-and-drop interface, users can explore variou... Read more about Planner 5D

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$4.99 Per month

Location

Lithuania

Archicad

BIM by architects for architects.

Archicad is a top-level building information modeling (BIM) software developed by Graphisoft. It facilitates the creation and management of detailed 3D models of buildings, enabling architects and designers to visualize and analyze their projects. The software allows users to design, document, and collaborate on architectural projects from the conceptual phase to construction. Archicad's key featu... Read more about Archicad

Free Trial

30 Days

Pricing Type

$33.33 Per month

Location

Hungary

ArchiSnapper is a specialized construction management software designed to streamline project documentation and enhance site communication for construction professionals. It offers a comprehensive suite of features including daily reporting, punch lists, field inspections, and photo documentation, ensuring that all project details are accurately captured and easily accessible. The intuitive mobile... Read more about ArchiSnapper

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$34 Per user

Location

United States

ARCHICAD Collaborate is an advanced architecture software solution designed to facilitate collaboration and improve productivity in building design and construction projects. It offers a seamless platform for architects, engineers, and designers to work together on a single project, regardless of location, ensuring real-time collaboration. ARCHICAD Collaborate provides powerful BIM (Building Infor... Read more about ARCHICAD Collaborate

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$234.17 Per month

Location

Hungary

V-Ray

3D rendering software

V-Ray is one of the leading rendering software in the world of 3D computer graphics. Developed by Chaos Group, V-Ray is renowned for its ability to produce realistic visualizations with exceptional detail and lighting effects. This versatile tool is utilized across diverse industries, from architecture to entertainment, allowing users to create stunning imagery and animations. Offering a user-frie... Read more about V-Ray

Free Trial

30 Days

Pricing Type

$50 Per month

Location

Germany

ICC Digital Codes Premium is an innovative collaboration software platform designed for professionals in the construction and engineering industries. It provides access to the latest building codes, standards, and regulations, helping construction teams stay compliant with local, state, and national requirements. Through its cloud-based platform, ICC Digital Codes Premium offers a secure, real-tim... Read more about ICC Digital Codes Premium

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

Contact Vendor

Location

United States

Floorplanner

Create 2D & 3D floor plans for free with Floorplanner

Floorplanner is an intuitive online tool designed for effortlessly creating floor plans and interior designs. Perfect for homeowners, real estate professionals, and interior designers, Floorplanner streamlines the process of visualizing and planning living spaces. Its user-friendly interface allows individuals to drag and drop elements, experiment with layouts, and generate accurate 2D and 3D floo... Read more about Floorplanner

Free Trial

NA

Pricing Type

$5 Per month

Location

Netherlands

FARO Sphere XG is a state-of-the-art construction management software designed to streamline and optimize all phases of construction projects, from planning to completion. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for project scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, and real-time progress tracking, ensuring that construction projects are executed efficiently and within budget. With fea... Read more about FARO Sphere XG

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$125 Per user

Location

United States

Chief Architect Premier

Professional Home Design Software

Chief Architect is a software application tailored for residential and light commercial design. Functioning as a 3D architectural design tool, it allows users to create detailed plans, elevations, and 3D models for structures. The software provides a range of intuitive features such as automated building tools, realistic rendering, and virtual walkthroughs. It is commonly used by architects, build... Read more about Chief Architect Premier

Free Trial

14 Days

Pricing Type

$166.25 Per month

Location

United States

Chief Architect is a powerful 3D architecture software designed for residential and light commercial design projects. It provides a comprehensive platform for architects and designers to create detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D models. With its intuitive interface, Chief Architect enables users to easily visualize their designs with advanced rendering capabilities, allowing for realistic wa... Read more about Chief Architect

Free Trial

Available

Pricing Type

$3295 Per one-time

Location

United States

No buyer guide found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key features to prioritize include 2D drafting, 3D modeling, rendering capabilities, and file compatibility (e.g., DWG, STL). If possible, seek tools that also support parametric design or virtual reality integration for enhanced functionality.

Yes, many free options are suitable for professional use, especially for small-scale projects or concept development. However, they may lack advanced features found in premium tools. Assess the software’s capabilities against your project needs.

Free software often has restrictions, such as limited features, lower rendering quality, or fewer export options. Some tools may also watermark exported files or restrict access to updates.

Collaboration features vary. Some free tools offer cloud-based sharing and collaboration, while others may require workarounds like file sharing through external platforms. Check if the software supports multiple users.

Support for free tools is typically limited to community forums, FAQs, or online guides. Paid plans or premium versions usually include more comprehensive support options.

While some free tools are capable of managing complex projects, they might struggle with performance issues or file size limitations compared to paid software. Test the software with sample projects before committing.


Many free tools support popular file formats like DXF, DWG, and OBJ, allowing compatibility with other software. Verify the tool’s export and import capabilities to ensure smooth integration.

Compare tools based on ease of use, available features, compatibility, and community support. Reading reviews and trying demos can also help you make an informed decision.

Some free tools offer offline functionality, but others may require an internet connection, especially for cloud-based features or updates. Check the software's requirements before installation.

Many free tools provide user guides, video tutorials, and community forums for training. Additionally, online platforms like YouTube or specialized forums may offer step-by-step instructions and tips.

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