If you work as an interior designer, architect, surveyor, decorator or are simply a fan of designing and creating home plans, today there are numerous Apps to design houses from Android, iOS and the webThese tools allow you to take your creativity and architectural or interior design to a new level, creating professional plans, 3D or 2D renderings, and realistic simulations, directly from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. This article compiles and exhaustively analyzes the best apps currently available, detailing features, advantages, and some limitations, so you can find the option that best suits your project, experience level, and technical needs.
What should you consider before choosing a home design app?
- Compatibility with your device (Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, web…)
- Technical requirements: Available RAM, storage, processor speed
- User experience level: There are simple and intuitive tools and other more professional and complex ones.
- Features: Does it support 2D and 3D rendering? Does it have realistic rendering? Does it include a furniture catalog? Can plans be exported to standard formats?
- Price and business model: Is it free, freemium, one-time payment or subscription?
- Support and community: Are there tutorials, webinars, an active community, or technical support?
- Cloud sync for cross-platform access
- export options and compatibility with other professional programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp…
Selecting the perfect app depends largely on these factors and whether you're looking to design an entire home, just the interior, or detailed furniture.
Best apps for designing homes on mobile, tablet, and computer
1. Planner 5D: Create realistic interior design projects and renderings
Planner 5D is one of the most complete and popular tools for home design in both 2D and 3D, noted for its ease of use and its intuitive interfaceYou can create a floor plan from scratch, add walls, rooms, gardens, pools, and easily furnish each room with an extensive catalog of over 6.700 objects and furniture. Its real-time 3D visualization, the ability to export photorealistic renders and advanced features of Augmented Reality (AR) y Virtual Reality (VR) to visualize your project as if you were inside it.
- Available on Android, iOS, Web, Windows and Mac
- Allows you to design offline and sync projects to the cloud
- Artificial Intelligence for automatic object placement and generation of furnished rooms
- Participate in weekly challenges and access an online community of users and design school.
- Free version with limited catalog and some advanced features
Download Planner 5D on Google Play
2. Floor Plan Creator: Precision to create 2D and 3D plans easily
Floor Plan Creator is a free app very popular among individuals and professionals to develop detailed 2D plans and obtain the home layout in 3D. It's ideal for both new homes and renovations. It allows you to work precisely thanks to measuring tools, adjust wall distances, sizes, and surfaces, and add symbols for doors, windows, bathrooms, furniture, and technical installations.
- Allows you to use a mouse or stylus on tablets or mobile phones
- Editable gallery of architectural icons and symbols
- Export plans to PDF, DXF, SVG and make backup copies
- Compatible with Android devices
- Cloud sync available (registration required)
Download Floor Plan Creator on Google Play
3. Magicplan: Camera Room Scanning and Cost Estimation
Magicplan is one of the most versatile apps on the market. It allows you to design not only 2D and 3D plans, but also scan a real room using the device's cameraThis way, you can convert a real space into an editable plan and start decorating. Very useful for renovations and professional work.
- Develop plans from photography
- Includes report generator, notes and suggestions for clients
- Budget estimation and metric computation function
- Trainings and webinars in English
- The free version limits the number of simultaneous projects.
Download Magicplan on Google Play
4. HomeByMe: Photorealistic interior design with a catalog of real brands
HomeByMe is one of the most recommended applications for 3D interior design, both for professionals and individuals. It stands out for its gigantic library of more than 20.000 pieces of furniture and decorative elements of royal brands (Maison du Monde, Ikea, Wayfair, Westwing, etc.). It allows you to create and customize a room, change floors and walls, and see the result in photorealistic 3D, which greatly facilitates decision-making and presentations to clients.
- Share projects with collaborators, clients and others
- Magic Furnish feature to automatically furnish rooms
- Online and offline access
- Collaborate in real time and share collections
- Download high-quality images or virtual tours
Download HomeByMe on Google Play
5. 3D Room Designer: Over 5.000 Templates & Virtual Reality
This app is ideal for those looking for speed and pre-designed options. It lets you start a project from over 5.000 editable templates. You can add furniture, appliances, and other items from its digital store to fully customize each room.
- Virtual reality visualizations and 3D rendering (premium)
- Sync and store in the cloud for access from any device
- Free app with in-app purchases for extra items and features
Download 3D Room Designer on Google Play
6. Leica DISTO Plan: Precision and professional export to DWG/DXF
Leica DISTO Plan is an app focused on those looking for maximum precision in data collection and technical documentation. Its integration with Leica laser measuring devices is notable, allowing measurements to be automatically imported into plans. You can draw directly with your fingers or a stylus and export the results to professional formats such as DWG and DXF, ideal for further work in AutoCAD or other CAD programs.
- Automatic scaling of plans, editing of doors and windows
- Detailed technical documentation, notes and dimensions
- Advanced export for other programs
Download Leica DISTO Plan on Google Play
7. Smart Home Design | Floor Plan: Complete, but with some limitations
Smart Home Design is an app that allows you to create plans and distributions intuitively from your mobile phone, it stands out for its wide variety of options and good visual interface. However, it is important to know that the free version does not allow saving projects; you need to pay to access all features and save your work. Suitable if you're looking to experiment and appreciate the app purchase.
- Wide variety of drawing functions, furniture and finishes
- Intuitive interface although with a certain learning curve
- Some criticisms about minor flaws in the placement of elements
Smart Home Design on Google Play
8. SketchUp: The professional standard for 3D modeling
SketchUp is the world's most popular 3D architectural design program. It allows you to create everything from basic layouts to modeling complex details for furniture, interiors, and landscaping. Its free (web) version is sufficient for amateurs, while the Pro version adds advanced tools and professional export. It's ideal for those looking for a complete solution for advanced or professional projects.
- Available in web version (free) and desktop version (paid)
- Huge library of user-created 3D models
- Plugins and compatibility with BIM and professional workflows
- You can import and export projects to multiple formats
9. Floorplanner
Floorplanner is an online tool that allows you to create 2D floor plans and view them in 3D without any downloads. It's perfect for both beginners and professionals who want speed and attractive visual results. Its strengths are its ease of use and the speed with which it can convert from floor plan to rendering, especially if you want to visually experiment with different configurations and finishes.
- Design and decorate in both 2D and 3D
- Works completely online
- Large catalog of furniture and materials
- Ideal for working on the plan of a renovation or new construction
10.SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a web application aimed at both individuals and professionals for creating detailed floor plans. It's easy to use, yet capable of generating very complex designs if needed. It includes a wide variety of templates, symbols, and furniture, and allows image import and export to other formats, although the free version is limited to a trial period.
- Quick Start Plan Templates
- Integration with Google Suite, MS Office and collaborative platforms
- More than 34.000 symbols for architecture and design
- Free trial limited to 7 days
11. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner
Roomstyler is an app focused on making it easy and fast to create, furnish, and decorate rooms in 3D. Very intuitive and featuring video tutorials, it allows you to design everything from entire homes to a single room. It offers real-world materials and colors and the option to purchase furniture directly from the app.
- Room design in minutes
- Catalog of royal brands
- Ideal for quick visualizations and realistic decoration
12. 3D Home Design
Home Design 3D stands out for its Simplicity and power for all audiences. It allows you to create and modify 2D and 3D floor plans, adjust wall thickness and height, add doors and windows of any size, and customize finishes. The extensive catalog of furniture, textures, and objects is available, and the photorealistic visualization helps you make design decisions. One of the most downloaded apps and with the largest global community.
- Available on iOS and Android
- Free version allows you to try all features, but not save projects
- Export, import, and share across multiple platforms
- Ideal for both amateurs and professionals
13. Room Box
Room Box allows you to create 2D and 3D floor plans and furnish your designs with real furniture from an international catalog. Perfect for both professionals and inexperienced users, it allows you to share the final result with others visually and easily.
- Global catalog of furniture and decorative objects
- Share images generated from your project
14. Bruguer Visualizer
Specializes in visualizing paint colors on real walls using your phone's camera. Very useful for experimenting with interior design before choosing the final color.
- Transform colors in real time in any room
- Function for comparing different colors simultaneously
15. Leroy Merlin kitchen planner
Perfect for those who want to design their kitchen with the complete Leroy Merlin product catalog. It allows you to experiment with combinations of layout, furniture, finishes, flooring, and colors, adjusting each element until you achieve the desired result. The experience is simple, intuitive, and designed for everyone.
- Wide catalogue of official furniture and finishes
- Export and share your ideal kitchen
16. IKEA Place and Sofa Planner
IKEA apps allow you to view modular furniture and sofas in your own home using augmented reality. The sofa planner helps you configure the exact model (dimensions, number of seats, modules, upholstery, and colors) so you can see how it would look in your living room before purchasing. A must-have for fans of the Scandinavian brand.
- 3D models of all configurable sofas
- Visualization with augmented reality in your home
- Facilitates direct purchase from the app
What do these apps offer compared to traditional design programs?
Compared to the classic AutoCAD, Revit, Allplan, ArchiCAD or Chief Architect, these applications focus on the Ease of use, immediacy and realistic visualizationThey allow any user, without advanced technical knowledge, to freely experiment and view different layouts, styles, and decorations in a matter of minutes.
Additionally, most offer integration with real-world catalogs, file export for printing or sharing, and learning resources such as video tutorials or communities, making them highly accessible. For home projects, renovations, home staging, or quick simulations, they are more practical and flexible.
Other professional and desktop options
- CedreoSpecializing in simple plans and quick presentations. Automate roofs and outdoor spaces with over 7.000 elements and realistic renderings. Aimed at builders and designers.
- Live Home 3D: Widely used on Mac and Windows. It allows you to create 3D plans and renders, edit terrain, and simulate spaces with augmented reality. Large catalog and limited free options.
- Chief ArchitectPowerful professional CAD software, ideal for architects and studios. It supports 2D and 3D work, generates bills of materials, and is highly cost-effective.
- Sweet Home 3DFree, easy to use, supports 2D and 3D plans, and includes add-ons and exports to various formats. For simple structures and home renovations.
- Lands Design: Focused on landscaping and exterior design, it integrates BIM modeling, plant databases, and tools for planning gardens and terraces.
- Space Designer 3D: Online tool with annotation options and BIM functions. Tailor-made to suit user needs, export to Revit and AutoCAD, and include a client portal for teams.
Frequently asked questions about home design apps and programs
- What is the best app for designing houses?
- It depends on your needs, experience, and the type of project. For simple visualization and decoration, HomeByMe or Planner 5D are ideal. If you're looking for technical precision and professional exports, Floor Plan Creator, Magicplan, or SketchUp are more suitable.
- Can outdoor and landscaping projects be done?
- Yes. Planner 5D, HomeByMe, SketchUp, and Lands Design include options for gardens, decks, and landscaping.
- Is it possible to export projects to work in AutoCAD?
- Many apps allow you to export plans to PDF, DWG, DXF, or SVG. For maximum compatibility, Floor Plan Creator, Leica DISTO Plan, and SketchUp offer the best options.
- Are there any really free apps?
- Most offer limited free or trial versions. HomeByMe, Planner 5D, Sweet Home 3D, and Roomstyler allow you to work with basic resources for free. Advanced features or project saving often require a fee.
- Do you allow collaboration with other professionals?
- Some apps like HomeByMe, Planner 5D, or Magicplan are geared toward online collaboration and shared work with other users or clients.
Technology and cloud connectivity have revolutionized design and architecture. It's now possible to create, experience, and visualize your ideal home from the palm of your hand, with tools designed for both professionals as if to individualsWhatever your goal, from creating a quick plan to presenting a photorealistic project, these apps are the perfect partner to bring your ideas to life.