SPACE DESIGN

Space design software: Designing tomorrow’s interiors today

Bring creative visions to life with the power of space design software. Visualize, iterate, and collaborate more effectively to deliver breathtaking projects with ease.


Image courtesy of Osama Aly

A cafe floor plan takes shape in space design software.
A cafe floor plan takes shape. Image courtesy of Liza Kuhn Interiors.

What is space design software?

Space design software, also called interior design software, is a category of computer programs used by architects, interior designers, and homeowners to plan and visualize interior spaces. 

Who uses space design and room layout software?

Architects, interior designers, and homeowners often use space design software to achieve their goals.

Architects

Architects can use space design software to plan and visualize entire buildings, as well as extensions or modifications to specific features in an existing structure.

Interior designers

Interior designers frequently use space design and room layout software to plan out commercial and residential spaces for their clients.

Homeowners

Homeowners can use space design and room layout software to redesign and craft living spaces to achieve aesthetic and functional outcomes.

An over-the-shoulder view shows a person using Autodesk space design software on a laptop.
An architect designs an office space using Autodesk software.

How 3D space design software brings dream projects to life

Space visualization is vital when starting a project, because it offers a clear and tangible representation of design ideas, ensuring effective communication and design validation. Investing in space design at the start of a project allows designers and clients to experiment with color schemes, layouts, and materials, all while providing a reference point for contractors and construction teams. Providing a visual space design roadmap for the project helps stakeholders make informed decisions and contributes to the overall success of the endeavor.

Room layout software simplifies the creation of floor plans and blueprints by offering tools for more accurate measurements, drag-and-drop placement of architectural elements, and the incorporation of furniture and fixtures.

Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit space design software tools are pivotal in the creation of 2D and 3D floor plans, with AutoCAD serving as a versatile general drawing tool and Revit as a specialized design and documentation application. These space design tools enable real-time sharing and editing of floor plans in the cloud, enhancing accessibility and enabling up-to-date drafts. Digital blueprints, created with architectural software such as AutoCAD Architecture toolset, help streamline the blueprint-drawing process, replacing bulky, costly, and hard-to-update paper blueprints.

Using 3D space design software in remodeling, construction, and interior design plans provides numerous benefits. It offers realistic visualization, which helps clients and stakeholders understand and visualize the project more easily, communicate more clearly, and make better-informed decisions. Design validation becomes easier as different ideas can be tested—which, in turn, reduces errors, saving time and money. Early problem identification and improved project planning with space design result in smoother construction processes. 3D models are also effective marketing tools, enhancing client engagement, aiding cost estimation, and supporting sustainability considerations, ultimately contributing to the success and satisfaction of design projects.

Benefits of space design software

Space planning software offers many benefits for architects, interior designers, homeowners, and anyone involved in planning and designing interior spaces.

Visualization

Space design software helps users create more accurate visual representations of interior spaces, making it easier to see and understand design concepts and layouts.

Accuracy

Users can input more precise measurements, ensuring that floor plans and designs are scaled more accurately and comply with building codes and regulations.

 

Efficiency

With room layout software, designers can quickly experiment with layouts, furniture arrangements, and design elements, saving time compared to traditional paper-based design methods.

Cost control

Some 3D room design software includes cost-estimation features, helping users assess project costs based on design choices and materials.

 

Client engagement

Presenting 3D models and renderings to clients can help them better understand and engage with a design, leading to higher satisfaction.

Project planning

Detailed floor plans and blueprints serve as a foundation for project planning and coordination with construction teams, reducing errors during construction.

A rendering of a modern living room interior shows interior space planning with stairs and large windows.
Architectural design by Annie-Claude Sauve. 3D modeling by Hans-Frederick Brown.

Design with ease, thanks to Autodesk’s room layout software

Autodesk software like AutoCAD offers a wide range of features for space design that are intuitive and easy to use. You can represent a floor plan drawing in 2D and 3D to illustrate the relationship between rooms, furniture, windows, and more. Room planner software such as AutoCAD gives you access to specialized toolsets for space design, and Smart Blocks allow you to speed up the process by automatically placing features based on previous placements you have made. Cloud rendering, meanwhile, allows you to render 3D room designs remotely without relying on the processing power of your own computer.

A rendering of a modern living room interior shows multiple seating options.
Space design software lets you visualize your design choices.

Steps in the space design process

With room planner software you can achieve a lot in a small amount of time. But what are the steps involved in space design?

  1. Determine the room size: The first step is to review and record accurate measurements into the room layout software, whether this is an existing space or one representative of a concept. This will be used as the starting point to add details and design the space in the subsequent steps.
  2. Add windows, doors and walls: Next comes adding the basic details of the room to the layout. That entails specifying where the doors and windows are, as well as which parts are solid wall.
  3. Add furnishings: This step will vary depending on the space you’re designing and may range from items such as sofas and bookcases for home space design to statues, desks, and escalators for public or corporate buildings.
  4. Pick colors and textures: While for some purposes you may only use the basic elements of room design software, such as placing items, in others you can populate the space design with specific colors and textures for walls and furnishing.
  5. Visualize the results: Once you’re done, you can step back and take a look at your space design in 2D or 3D to determine if any changes need to be made or send it to other stakeholders for their input or approval.

Autodesk software for space design

2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations, and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile, and seven specialized toolsets.


Best-in-class tool for 2D CAD drafting, drawing, and documentation. Subscription includes AutoCAD LT on desktop, web, and mobile.


Plan, design, construct, and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modeling.


An office space with multiple tables and chairs and a large window in Singapore was created using space design software.
Thoughtful space design leads to harmonious built spaces.

Save time with Autodesk room layout software

With the Architectural toolset in AutoCAD space design software you can access thousands of components including furniture and fixtures, along with predefined materials. Use features powered by Autodesk AI like Smart Blocks and Markup Assist to quickly incorporate design updates.

Customers using Autodesk space design software

An exterior shot shows the windows, siding, and deck of a lakeside cabin.

RB DESIGN

Taking on new design opportunities

A small interior designer firm in Ontario has expanded to take on major renovations and more complex projects with the help of AutoCAD space design software.

Image courtesy of RB Design

A redesigned kitchen includes a mirror behind the range, light marble counters, and hardwood floors.

STUDIO GLDN

Creating incredible spaces

This independent design firm in Santa Cruz relies on AutoCAD to deliver personalized building and interior design projects from start to finish.

Image courtesy of Studio GLDN

An image shows the sink, counter, and cabinets in a modern white kitchen.

RED BEAN INTERIOR DESIGN

From hand-drawn sketches to digital plans

A Canadian interior design firm uses AutoCAD LT to take a new approach to kitchen renovation and space design.

Image courtesy of Kelly Tomlinson Photography

Space design software resources

See how Chansaerae Designs uses AutoCAD 3D space design software to draw floor plans, arrange furniture, and overcome plumbing and electrical issues.

Learn how Alika Design uses AutoCAD to speak a common visual language with both contractors and clients.

See how generative design was used to design the AU Las Vegas 2017 exhibit hall layout.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about space design software

Is there a program to design a room?

Several space design software programs are available for room design and interior space planning, catering to various skill levels and needs. AutoCADAutoCAD LTAutodesk Revit, and Autodesk 3ds Max can each be used for room design.

Can you use Autodesk software to design a space?

Autodesk offers a range of room layout software solutions for designing interior spaces and architectural plans. AutoCAD LT is a versatile CAD software widely used for creating detailed 2D floor plans and architectural drawings. AutoCAD and the Architecture toolset are specifically tailored for 2D and 3D architectural design, helping streamline the drawing and design processes. Autodesk Revit, a specialized building information modeling (BIM) software, allows professionals to create 3D models and comprehensive construction documentation. Autodesk 3ds Max is suitable for creating detailed 3D visualizations of interior spaces. These space design software options cater to many users, from professionals to DIY enthusiasts.

Can I make a floor plan online?

You can create floor plans online using a variety of web-based tools and room planner software platforms. These online options offer user-friendly interfaces and features for designing floor plans, ranging from simple 2D layouts to more sophisticated 3D designs. Autodesk offers AutoCAD Web as a web-based floor design tool.