Garden design software reviews

However, this is a 'plant encyclopaedia' rather than an object library of an equivalent standard to those other packages.

You'll find useful information about the different plants to help you choose, but when added to your landscape design they are flat, blocky and pixelated renditions. The Smart YardBlock tool, for instance, uses drag-and-drop functionality to add entire lawns, decks or pools to your landscape design. Whereas some landscape design tools include an immersive 'walkthrough' function, iScape enables you to simply walk around your garden carrying your device, exploring your design proposal from different vantage points.

A fully searchable library of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants and garden accessories can be found within the app, complete with info and planting tips to help you make the right decisions. Although the basic version of the app is totally free to download and play with, the restricted functionality may make it worth taking out a subscription to iScape Plus if you find it useful enough for your needs. The AR mode is an enjoyable extra, although the app overall is much more limited than the other specialized landscape design software in this guide.

Before making a decision about the right landscape design software for you, you need to consider exactly what you need it for. Here are a few useful questions to ask yourself as a starting point. Are you planning a total redesign of your garden, and if so, are you doing it yourself or hiring a professional? Do you need to be able to work out the costs of each aspect of your plan, in order to meet a budget?

Does the plan you create with this tool just need to help you quickly visualize how your idea might look before you head to the garden center, or are accurate dimensions important?

Do you need to recreate the topography of your garden, for instance, or get the angles of your boundary walls or fences spot-on? And when it comes to planning a planting scheme, do you need a tool that can help you select what to plant and where — based on your local climate, the available sun, soil type, and other factors? And how much choice do you need? All of these factors — and more — will help determine which landscape design software is right for you, so pay attention to their feature-sets carefully.

As our guide above shows, landscape design software can vary enormously in price depending on the capabilities of the tool, the desired realism of the final result, and also whether certain functions are necessary. SketchUp Free or the basic iScape app are completely free of charge, of course. Both enable you to experiment with your landscape design ideas, and see how certain plans could look in situ. But when you get to business end of the design process, these free options may not suit your needs for an actual project.

Both offer tiered subscription options tailored to your needs. However there are also cheaper versions of these packages, with correspondingly fewer features. The best part is that the programs will set out your design in a photorealistic landscape, meaning that you get to see your design in 3D and catch any potential problems in the design stage.

Produced by brands such as Realtime Landscaping, TurboFloorPlan and Total 3D Landscape, most landscape design software is designed to be pretty user-friendly for the average person through interactive tutorials. However, there are also more advanced programs that have been designed with professionals in mind. But before you make up your mind, we suggest that you gain a little more insight into individual tools. Also, make sure that the designer simplifies your job rather than complicating things.

On that note, we recommend using an entry-level app first before moving on to more intricate designing. Friday, January 14, Architecture Lab. Share on Facebook. Is my landscaping design tool compatible with iOS and Android? Can I share my layout? Final Words Related Articles.

Supports 3D drafting, editing, and rendering Allows users to export and import files Users can save their projects and collaborate with other users Includes an extensive 3D Warehouse library. Unable to create curved designs. Software provides photo imaging and 3D rendering Supports CAD and other drafting tools for making illustrations Vast object and plant library available in both free and paid versions Intuitive interface with straightforward features and controls.

Not suitable for detailed designing. User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels Users can choose among multiple surface materials Includes outdoor elements like planters, trees, decor, and lighting App allows you to plan an irrigation system for your garden. Does not include a lot of plant options. Suitable for DIY-ers and entry-level artists and designers Users can share their projects with contractors and builders App generates information on suppliers and retailers Includes common plants usually found outdoors.

Meant for only Apple users. Users can upload images of their property and work on them App calibrates the image file and suggests relevant edits Large objects library including plants, garden furniture, and ornaments Upload projects to the community forum and interact with other users. App is supported by Windows OS only. App is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices 3D modeling enabled interface for realistic mock-ups Users can import models and edit or improvise on them Allows users to customize terrain and add outdoor elements.

Free version only includes basic features. Allows users to include garden paths, patios, and driveways Customize the laying style and pattern of the path or patio App incorporates garden wall, pillars, and edging style App provides instant results rendered in 3D.

Web-based tool not supported on phones or tablets. Design in 2D and transform your plans into 3D Users can make a complete presentation to their clients GIS terrain data enables accurate measurements Import, trace, and scale images for precisely planned layouts. Hefty monthly subscription charges. Allows users to incorporate cross-sections and precise dimensions Experiment with technical illustration, watercolor, or vector techniques Users can customize exterior walls, decks, lighting, etc Take part in digitally immersive walk-throughs and record the event.

Steep learning curve for entry-level users and amateur designers. App has not seen many updates since launch. Free design tool can be used without buying services Allows users to make freehand sketches on a 2D interface Imports images and geo-satellite photos for precise layouts Vast object library featuring lighting, plants, and hardscape.

Basic app; cannot perform any higher functions. Ideal for creating natural outdoor environments on screen Superior animation with excellent image rendering results Users can personalize the terrain and incorporate elevation Add illumination and multiple objects to recreate your landscape. File-related operations can cause some snags in the app.

New beta version of the app is released every 90 days Previous glitches and errors are fixed to streamline user experience Includes an array of plants, trees, outdoor ornaments, and furniture Virtual tours help clients understand their landscape better. Irrigation system feature lacks in practicality. Open-source design software suitable for all skill levels OpenOffice Draw file integrates landscapes photos with 2D effects Scale-enabled app allows users to get accurate measurements Layer tools enable users to reposition elements on the layout.

Does not support 3D modeling. Includes interesting outdoor elements like water bodies, gazebos, etc Preloaded templates can be set to scale with page adjustments Easy to design by using the drag and drop technique Designs can be printed and exported in PDF, PPT, and HTML formats. Does not allow users to import files or models. App is compatible with both Windows and MAC OS Professional standard image rendering for the most life-like designs Render settings, material editor, and real-time viewer on the same interface Website includes user guides which can prove handy while working.

The app has a few bugs which can slow down operations. Please enter your comment! Please enter your name here. You have entered an incorrect email address! Follow Us. Railway stations are the beating heart of urban regeneration Architecture March 10, 0. Videos We Like. May 20, 0. Also, it is possible to add grass, plants, trees, garden furniture and other objects to your presentation.

It is worth noting that Terragen has been used for creating visual effects in more than 30 movies, TV products, game development, etc. However, it requires an advanced laptop for AutoCAD to cope with all the processes smoothly. It is suitable for both experienced users who do the landscape designs professionally or homeowners who want to share their vision of how their house should look like with designers.

It is possible to collaborate with landscape specialists as well as use the application to share your ideas and make them real. Another distinctive feature that makes iScape the best free landscape design software is the Augmented Reality world that allows doing the designs together in real-time. With the help of a sun-slider feature, you can see how shadows will fall over surfaces throughout the day.

This feature lets you place the objects in the right spot. Regardless of the type of landscape design you are going to create, whether these are urban gardens, parks or a backyard, iScape is worth paying attention to. Take into account that this app works with iOS devices of 9. So, to use all the capabilities of iScape, make sure that your iOS is updated. This professional landscape design software includes photo imaging designs that will help you visually implement design ideas, adding plants, hardscapes and other elements to your projects.

PRO Landscape has the largest image library compared to other landscape design software. For instance, you can find photos of plants categorized by climate zone. Also, this software includes hardscapes with walls, pavers and boulders as well as water features, outdoor living spaces and more.

PRO Landscape is so sought-after among users due to its multi-device access. VizTerra is one of the best landscape design software which allows creating the most incredible designs of hardscapes and pool decks, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, etc. It has a smart 3D library as well as powerful tools for design, presentation and construction. Moreover, the developers provide training, support and constant software updates.

Need help deciding what to plant in your vegetable garden? For a minimal subscription fee, this online planner and accompanying mobile app help you plan and manage your garden from the daydreaming stage through the harvest. It also includes a journal where you can record your own comments, notes, and photos.

This web-based planner from a garden products company in the UK helps you draw and plan your landscaping including types of surfaces such as grass or paving, furniture or water features, and fences.

It also gives the approximate mature size of plantings when placed in the grid, so you know what fits where. Country Life.

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