14 Best Landscape Design Software
Want to create gorgeous landscape design projects without any hassle? If you have no idea which landscape design software to pick, this article will come in handy. Here I have reviewed both free and paid software for you to make the right choice.
1. SketchUp
FixThePhoto Editors’ Choice
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (4.5/5)
Windows / Mac
Pros+
- 3D modeling features
- Intuitive interface
- Compatible with numerous web browsers and OS
- Free but still has a lot of useful tools and functions
Cons-
- Can’t be used offline
SketchUp Free is a web-based landscaping design software free. Due to the intuitive interface and useful tools, this program is extremely helpful for beginners.
You can customize your workflow by adding various icons and toolbars to the navigation. Style, measurement and layer toolbars allow you to quickly switch between functions which will make your work easier and faster.
SketchUp Free also possesses some functions of the free architectural design software and lets you draw and create 3D models right in the browser. It is possible to share files using the CAD project management tool.
Also, this online landscape design tool includes such features as color and text editing as well as useful drawing tools. The program will be a perfect variant for those who need to transform initial models into remarkably detailed design projects.
- Learn more about the best free drawing software.
2. Kerkythea
Powerful software for garden designs
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (4.5/5)
Windows / Mac /Linux
Pros+
- Open-source software with free updates
- An extensive library of materials
- Object rendering feature
- Excellent animation
- 3D modeling
Cons-
- Doesn’t feature CAD designs
- Doesn’t work with AutoCAD files
- No Freehand Drawing feature
Kerkythea features appealing and accurate materials, so it will be easy for you to efficiently complete a landscape design project.
Kerkythea includes all the necessary tools to make your workflow as effective as possible. Apart from such functions as a material editor, render settings and real-time viewer, the software features “Getting Started Guide”. Just follow the “Getting Started Guide” and “Material Editor Guide” to learn how to create realistic and professional designs.
With Kerkythea, you can produce top-notch projects without great efforts since it has a single interface for rendering. Despite being free, the software doesn’t have any limitations in creating professional landscape designs.
- Discover more about free graphic design software.
3. PRO Landscape Home
Mobile app for creating realistic landscape designs
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (4.5/5)
iOS / Android
Pros+
- 3D rendering options
- Easy-to-use CAD designs
- High-quality picture imaging
- Features Lighting Design
Cons-
- Only for mobile devices
PRO Landscape Home is a “lite” version of PRO Landscape developed for mobile platforms. Just import the photo of your house and the app will help you create appealing landscape and garden designs. Apart from uploading the image of your house, you can choose any existing photo in the library to your taste.
Once you select a picture, you can enhance it by adding plants, flowers, bushes and other landscape items. PRO Landscape Home features an array of tools, such as 3D rendering, high-quality images and animation.
Also, you can choose from an extensive number of objects and materials. When you complete the project, you can share it on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites.
It is possible to save your projects for future use. Moreover, you can add the original image to show a “before/after” design.
Another great function of this 3D landscape design app is “Find a Professional”. It will help you implement your design ideas by approaching the experts in this area. If you prefer to do everything yourself, you can contact a local garden center to get some recommendations on what materials to choose.
4. Lands Design
Free software for creating awesome landscape designs
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (4/5)
Windows
Pros+
- Includes CAD designs
- 3D modeling
- Works with AutoCAD files
- Object rendering feature
- Blueprint view mode
Cons-
- Doesn’t offer any free updates
- Lack of object image library
Lands Design is a perfect solution for those who want to create 2D and 3D presentations. The software allows you to create different virtual tours and apply various effects to present awesome projects and impress your clients.
Another distinctive feature of this program is that you can search and insert plant species, each one with its own specifications and characteristics. Thus, you can easily figure out which plants can grow on the specific territory and make your presentation even more realistic.
Besides, the program has a large library of various trees. If you want to get a more natural-looking effect, you can place 3D trees with shadows. The library is fully customizable, so you can adjust all the necessary parameters as you want.
Lands Design is especially useful when it comes to the watering system layout design. You can find irrigation pipes, sprinklers and other watering system objects in the library and add them to your project.
5. DreamPlan Home Design
Powerful design software featuring 2D and 3D modeling
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (4/5)
Windows
Pros+
- 2D and 3D modeling
- Supports AutoCAD files
- Rich object image library
- Realistic rendering
- Features Blueprint mode
Cons-
- Doesn’t include a library of lightning
- No CAD designs
This landscape design software offers 2D and 3D modeling, Blueprint mode and other remarkable functions that are necessary for completing amazing projects.
You can even insert 3D models into your presentation to get a more realistic and unique design. Whether you want to create the floor layout of your house, plan out exterior landscaping ideas or shape/reshape the terrain of your territory, you can easily do it with DreamPlan Home Design.
This free 3D landscape design software has a rich online object library that includes various materials, so you can easily complement your design presentation with any desired item. For example, you can choose plants, patios, textures, furniture, decorations and more.
- View the best computers for graphic design.
6. Terragen
Free landscape design software with AutoCAD files support
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (4/5)
Windows / Mac
Pros+
- AutoCAD files support
- A diverse library of landscape materials
- An extensive number of useful tools
- Realistic animation
Cons-
- Doesn’t offer free future updates
- Doesn’t include a database of plant species
Terragen is one of the most powerful landscaping programs which is used to create realistic renderings and animations of landscapes. With the help of Terragen, you can produce spectacular outdoor views and complement your project with any element from the diverse object library.
It is possible to adjust shadows and other effects for the scenes with weather, sun, moon, clouds, lakes, terrains, textures. 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.
7. iScape
Free design software for iOS devices
Price: Free
Editors' Rating (3.5/5)
iOS
Pros+
- User-friendly app
- Free to download
- The virtual pen is available
- Can insert objects
- Supports 2D and 3D graphics
Cons-
- Only for iOS devices
- Some useful tools need to be purchased
iScape is a user-oriented application developed specifically for iOS devices. 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. iScape lets you easily combine digital and physical living spaces with 3D or 2D designs.
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 9.0 or later versions. So, to use all the capabilities of iScape, make sure that your iOS is updated.
8. PRO Landscape
Premium software for creating landscape designs
Price: $1495
Editors' Rating (5/5)
Windows / Mac / iPad / Android tablet
Pros+
- Works on both PC and mobile devices
- 3D rendering
- Huge image library
- Night/holiday lighting is available
- Tech support
Cons-
- The pricing is rather confusing
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. Also, you can make the best use of night/holiday lighting features, scaled CAD drawings, 3D rendering and winning professional proposals.
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. It is compatible with Windows/Mac OS computers and Android/iOS mobile devices.
- Check out the best Wacom tablets.
9. VizTerra
A professional software for outdoor design
Price: $95/month (monthly pricing) or $83/month (annual pricing)
Editors' Rating (4/5)
Windows
Pros+
- The ability to import and export AutoCAD files
- Terrain and topography
- Instant dimensions
- Video and photo mode
- Innovative 3D sound effects
Cons-
- Requires a lot of RAM
- Lack of CAD standard features
- Lack of realistic shadows
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.
It is possible to switch between several angles and views, compare before/after pictures and instantly share your projects to demonstrate your extraordinary vision. You can save your photos in JPG or PNG file formats of up to 8K resolution.
- View the best laptops for graphic design.
10. Pool Studio
The best swimming pool design software
Price: $95/month (monthly pricing) $83/month (annual pricing)
Editors' Rating (4/5)
Windows
Pros+
- 2D and 3D graphics
- Video and photo modes
- High resolution of graphics
- A diverse library of elements and tools
Cons-
- Specializes only in pool designs
- Lack of realistic shadows
- Can’t import SketchUp and FBX objects
Pool Studio is an ideal solution for those who want to draw in 2D as well as modify extraordinary 3D swimming pool presentations.
Pool Studio allows you to create swimming pool design presentations in several clicks. The software offers an efficient workflow with easy to understand design stages and powerful tools. This enables you to easily produce amazing and professionally-looking pool constriction plans.
It has never been so easy to create a swimming pool or outdoor living space presentation in realistic 3D detail. In Pool Studio, is possible to explore the design of your tool in any direction and angle, taking 360° screenshots, photos and videos.
- Read more about the main principles of design photography.
11. VIP 3D
Powerful software for designing outdoor and pool spaces
Price: $165/month (monthly pricing) or $1695/year (approximately $141/month on annual basis)
Editors' Rating (4.5/5)
Windows
Pros+
- VR and high-quality 360° photos
- The ability to import SketchUp and FBX objects
- Automatic spec sheets
- Realistic shadows feature is available
Cons-
- The cost is a bit confusing
Even if the program seems a bit overwhelming, just discover all the functions that VIP 3D offers and you will be astonished at what this software is capable of. You can import SketchUp and FBX objects, instantly transform 2D drawings into 3D and view your projects in high resolution. It is even possible to turn the images in 360°.
In addition, you can enhance your projects using automatic spec sheets, realistic shadows, a diverse library of elements with various wood decks, templates, pool and outdoor kitchen objects as well as different trees and plants.
- View the best landscape photographers.
12. Punch! Home & Landscape
Professional software with various templates for landscape designing
Price: $39.99
Editors' Rating (4/5)
Windows / Mac
Pros+
- An extensive number of templates
- 2D/3D views with various viewing options
- Large library of elements
- A lot of useful video tutorials
- Affordable prices
Cons-
- Downloadable software without the ability to use it online
- The interface may seem confusing
To simplify your work, it is possible to switch between multiple views, such as street view, helicopter view and 2D/3D hybrid view.
You can enhance your presentations using an incredibly diverse library of materials and objects. It includes plants, furniture and other landscaping elements. On the left panel, you can see different editing tools, while on the right, there are many useful functions like a 3D/2D view.
Punch features a huge library of materials. For example, you can make a detailed plan of your garden by placing different trees, bushes, flowers and so on. There is also a function that allows you to visualize future plant growth. In addition, you can complement your presentation with such elements as furniture, floors, window coverings, cabinets, deck templates, etc.
13. Realtime Landscaping Plus
Landscape design software with a diverse library of materials
Price: $79.95
Editors' Rating (4.5/5)
Windows
Pros+
- Huge library of landscape materials
- Plant Growth tool
- Brand-name product catalog
- The ability to design landscapes directly on top of a photo
Cons-
- Library of real elements is not so diverse for all territories
- It may take some time to learn the interface
Realtime Landscaping Plus will be your best friend when it comes to creating appealing landscape designs for your living territory. The program allows you to produce awesome 3D presentations using garden design templates as well as various objects that you would probably like to use in real life.
With a variety of preview options, such as bird’s-eye view, the perspective view and walkthrough mode, it will be easy for you to get the desired result. Also, Realtime Landscaping Plus features a landscape planner that allows you to zoom the picture in and out and change the camera angles.
- Read my complete landscape photography guide.
14. Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe
Desktop software for effective landscape design creation
Price: $19.99
Editors' Rating (3.5/5)
Windows
Pros+
- Easy to use
- Reasonable price
- 2D/3D rendering
- A variety of plant images
Cons-
- The graphic has an unrealistic look
- No quick-start tool
- The functionality is rather limited
Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe is one of the most affordable landscaping programs with pretty basic functionality.
This program doesn’t feature a quick-start tool, so you will need to start your project from scratch and use 2D drawings to create your home design. With the help of pre-designed sample plans, you can easily visualize your garden design ideas.
Another great feature of Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe is the ability to import digital photos. You can change them using 2D or 3D renderings.
It is possible to easily add lawn, deck or pool to your presentation using a drag and drop feature. Also, the program lets you place plants, choosing the desired one from the large image library.
