Floor plan/layout software?

[Jeff F]

Maybe I just **** at searching as I can't believe this hasn't been covered multiple times...

Recommendations for (hopefully free) software for floor plan/layout software for both garages and houses? There seem to be a lot of "free" tools out there that have paid tiers with all kinds of features I don't really need like renders and AI silliness. Trying to avoid investing a bunch of time on one platform just to find out it won't do what I need. Would like to be able to scan in existing floor plans, place stuff and move it around, maybe make some measurements.

I use Fusion 360 for "real" CAD stuff, but seems like bringing a bazooka to a knife fight. It would take way more time then necessary. Not the tool for the job.

 

[jblnut]

Sweet Home 3D is the one I use. Pretty basic but works to lay stuff out decently.

SketchUp is another one lots of people use.

 

[pcmeiners]

Maybe I just **** at searching as I can't believe this hasn't been covered multiple times

Yes you **** at searching......
Personally I would higher an architect , they can also produce material lists down to 2x4s which makes it easier for material purchases and allows contractors to bid on work properly instead of guessing what you want, or giving you what they want.

 

[Jeff F]

Yes you **** at searching......
Personally I would higher an architect , they can also produce material lists down to 2x4s which makes it easier for material purchases and allows contractors to bid on work properly instead of guessing what you want, or giving you what they want.

I'm just arranging my stuff in an existing house and garage, and pondering another one.

If there are posts that answer this, feel free to point me to them.

 

[Jeff F]

Sweet Home 3D is the one I use. Pretty basic but works to lay stuff out decently.

SketchUp is another one lots of people use.

Downloaded and installed, stuck here. No way to bypass this? Free trial requires signing up for a subscription at the same time.

 

[pcmeiners]

For my first search......Search results for query: garage layout

.......Should give you 18 pages of results

 

[Jeff F]

For my first search......Search results for query: garage layout

.......Should give you 18 pages of results

Great. So where in that 18 pages is the one discussing software, rather than the actual layout of the garage?

 

[mike93lx]

If you already know fusion, I would use that. You can import models of stuff like cars and cabinets, or do really rough shapes.

 

[MongoTA]

I'm using Sweet Home 3D, started with it last week. A 2-car garage plus half bath, mudroom, and a 4-seasons type of living room on the 1st floor, an in-law suite or guest space on the second floor consisting of 1 BR with ensuite 3/4 bath, and a large open space with another 1/2 bath there. An area for a kitchenette if I can get that permited.

I like SW3D and I dislike it. But it is getting the job done. All I'm really doing is getting a decent layout with measurements and tucking furniture in places to see space allowances. The size of the addition is constricted by lot line setbacks, but working through it. In SH3D you can import images and draw over them. I don't know all there is about it, and at times I find it a bit clunky, but that's probably because I don't know all the tricks.

 

[Two Door]

I'm searching for something similar. So far the best ROI on learning effort is with Smartdraw. Nice balance of ease vs function for basic layout and floorplanning. Free trial for several days, then $8/mo.

 

[Jeff F]

I'm using Sweet Home 3D, started with it last week. A 2-car garage plus half bath, mudroom, and a 4-seasons type of living room on the 1st floor, an in-law suite or guest space on the second floor consisting of 1 BR with ensuite 3/4 bath, and a large open space with another 1/2 bath there. An area for a kitchenette if I can get that permited.

I like SW3D and I dislike it. But it is getting the job done. All I'm really doing is getting a decent layout with measurements and tucking furniture in places to see space allowances. The size of the addition is constricted by lot line setbacks, but working through it. In SH3D you can import images and draw over them. I don't know all there is about it, and at times I find it a bit clunky, but that's probably because I don't know all the tricks.

I started fooling with it and the process of laying out the building is really clunky. I have a floor plan to overlay it on that has room sizes. But it seems like there is no way to do some simple functions like make 2 lines collinear, or force 2 walls to be connected at the ends?

 

[ericm]

I used Sketchup to lay out a shop I ended up not building. We moved instead and built a bigger shop. The web version was kind of limited even for me as a newbie to CAD. The good thing is that there are tons of objects in the library that you can import. Rather than trying to draw a two post lift or pickup truck you can import an accurate one. It was useful for positioning things and making sure I had enough room.

 

[RoninB4]

But it seems like there is no way to do some simple functions like make 2 lines collinear, or force 2 walls to be connected at the ends?

-I've never used Sweet Home but have worked with many other CAD programs, both 2D and 3D. Is there not a way to create constraints for lines/points? How about a "Snap To" or "Orthographic" setting? Seems like there would have to be something otherwise making unconnected lines or being unable to designate "Horizontal/Vertical" would make a layout program nearly useless. Look in settings or perhaps a RMB will offer options. I used SW to create my shop layout and didn't consider it that time consuming. Investing the time in a decent CAD model makes future projects easier. Old style is graph paper and paper squares (footprint of objects) cut to scale you can just locate/move with no trouble.

 

[Cruzan80]

Old style is graph paper and paper squares (footprint of objects) cut to scale you can just locate/move with no trouble.

This. And it is coming from someone who teaches Solidworks.

If you just need footprints, you are further ahead just taking a tape measure and then laying out the grid, then put it on the kitchen table, and multiple hands can help with the layout. This is what I did for my home shop.

If you need 3d interactions (height along with footprint), then basic CAD (you mentioned F360) modeling would be the next level. By basic, I mean the couch is an extruded rectangle with two higher rectangles for arms and an even higher back. Throw a couple fillets in if needed. No reason to go more detailed than it has to be.

 

[RoninB4]

If you need 3d interactions (height along with footprint), then basic CAD (you mentioned F360) modeling would be the next level. By basic, I mean the couch is an extruded rectangle with two higher rectangles for arms and an even higher back. Throw a couple fillets in if needed. No reason to go more detailed than it has to be.

^This

-Even the ergonomics of human interaction (room to walk/move) can be tested with basic shapes. Rather than download a mannequin you can represent a person with a simple extruded cylinder (6 foot) and two smaller cylinders to represent arms. I used basic footprint/envelope shapes for a surface grinder, lathe, Bridgeport (mill), jig borer, gantry crane, toolboxes, workbench, motorcycles, car, water filtration system, and more in my shop/garage. Checking the ergonomics made a difference in locating things I didn't want to move more than once.

-Physical layout gave me wire lengths for running electrical and air lines when I needed quantities of materials. As @Cruzan80 pointed out there's no need for more detail than it has to be and while it does take some time to create a model/drawing but the time I used in CAD was easily repaid when it came time to do anything. Any questions I had/have about fitment, available space, or shopping for building materials was answered by reviewing the CAD model. It's only a PITA in the beginning, once you've got the vacant floor plan it all gets much easier.

 

[VietGnome]

I used sketchup free. Took a bit to learn but its worked quite well for both 2D and 3D models.

 

[LeonardY]

Here’s my recommendation.

form•Z Free - AutoDesSys formZ

formZ is a popular, powerful 3d modeling software used to explore, design and deliver extraordinary projects.

autodessys.com

I have been using the Pro version of this program for over 20 years. The free version is very good. It is 3D but it does have options for 2D.

If you look at my garage thread, I show my work. You can get an idea what it is capable of.

 

[bdbecker]

For 2D work, NanoCAD is what I use...

Download nanoCAD Free – Professional 2D/3D CAD Software at No Cost

Download nanoCAD Free, a professional-grade CAD software offering comprehensive 2D and 3D design tools with native DWG support. Ideal for engineers and designers seeking a free, reliable solution for creating and editing technical drawings.

nanocad.com

It runs very similarly to AutoCAD. The free version lacks a few tools, but nothing you'd miss for this type of work.

 

[Jeff F]

If you already know fusion, I would use that. You can import models of stuff like cars and cabinets, or do really rough shapes.

Any suggestions on where to find simple models of cars and such to import?

 

[mike93lx]

Any suggestions on where to find simple models of cars and such to import?

I used to use 3dwarehouse with sketch up but don't know if it's still a thing. I've heard on shape has a good library. Could also look on the various 3d print sites like thingiverse, printables, maker world and yeggi for step files