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Enscape is a real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin for Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks. It plugs directly into your modeling software, giving you an integrated visualization and design workflow. As an intuitive design tool, it r...Read more about Enscape
D5 Render is a real-time ray tracing renderer for architecture, landscape, interior design, engineering and other 3D professionals. The software is fully compatible with SketchUp, 3ds Max, Revit, Archicad, Rhino, C4D and Blender with free live-sync plugins...Read more about D5 Render
Adobe Creative Cloud is a suite of photography, video, design and user experience tools that helps businesses create, source and publish content across devices. It includes desktop and cloud applications such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Rush...Read more about Adobe Creative Cloud
Bluebeam's suite of products emerges as a comprehensive solution tailored for professionals in the construction and design fields. At the heart of its offerings lies Revu, a sophisticated software that provides a range of document management, markup, and c...Read more about Bluebeam Revu
The software offers interior design teams an extensive asset library with numerous design fixtures, including lighting, furniture, and decor pieces. Coohom allows users to design room spaces efficiently using drag-and-drop functions. It has 3D modeling too...Read more about Coohom
AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D design and drafting platform for architects, engineers, construction professionals, field technicians and contractors, which supports 2D drafting, drawing and annotation, 3D modeling and visualization and more. It offers tools for d...Read more about AutoCAD
Revit is a building information modelling (BIM) software that helps constructions companies, structural engineers, architects and mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) service providers manage designing, 3D visualization, analysis and other constructi...Read more about Revit
Lumion is a real-time 3D rendering software tailored for architects, designers, and visualization professionals. With an intuitive workflow and rapid rendering speed, Lumion empowers you to bring architectural designs, interiors, landscapes, and urban plan...Read more about Lumion
Concept3D is a cloud-based mapping platform designed to help businesses in healthcare, education, hospitality and other sectors design 3D maps and virtual tour experiences for clients. With the built-in content management system (CMS), administrators can s...Read more about Concept3D
nTopology is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that provides small to large manufacturing firms with innovative engineering tools. nTopology's implicit modeling engine uses a single equation to define the solid shape of any object. This improves desig...Read more about nTopology
AutoCAD Architecture is architectural design software. It helps users design and draft industry-specific designs. AutoCAD Architecture's features include architectural renovations; wall, door and window design documentation, and room documentation. In addi...Read more about AutoCAD Architecture
Roomle is a cloud-based platform for 3D visualization and product configuration. It includes a Rubens solution that allows businesses to configure goods in 3D and make them available for purchase on different sales channels. It enables users to customize p...Read more about Roomle
AGi32 is a comprehensive photometric calculation tool that helps lighting designers, architects, and electrical engineers assess, predict and quantify the distribution of natural or artificial light across any architectural environment. Users can assess t...Read more about AGi32
Nodalview is the leading all-in-one marketing platform for real estate professionals, empowering them to capture, market, and sell properties with high-quality visuals. Its AI-driven tools and immersive visuals make listings stand out and attract more buye...Read more about Nodalview
colormass is an online 3D management software that provides a centralized platform for companies to manage their 3D assets. This comprehensive approach to 3D imaging and material management is revolutionizing how the furniture industry presents and utilize...Read more about colormass
Shapr3D is a 3D CAD software that allows users to design manufacturing-ready models. The software provides an adaptive user interface suitable for a range of industries, such as automotive, consumer electronics, and fast-moving consumer goods. Shapr3D's in...Read more about Shapr3D
Inertia is a cloud-based construction management solution designed to help enterprises breakdown complex operations and streamline business processes with centralized information and transparent reporting. Inertia offers documentation for inspections and R...Read more about Inertia
Render Plus is a 3D architecture and CAD suite designed for professionals using AutoCAD, Revit and SketchUp applications. It offers various solutions such as IRender nXt, RpTreeMaker, ArielVision and SpaceDesign, which enables users to create 3D drawings, ...Read more about Render Plus Suite
Homestyler is a 3D architecture software that create detailed floor plans and generate 3D renderings to visualize ideas. Users can browse through the platform's inspirational design showcase, sort by room type, and even explore by color, style, theme, and ...Read more about Homestyler
BrioVR is a cloud-based 3D visualization software designed to help individuals and businesses in e-commerce, real estate, advertising, architecture, industrial design, games, education and automotive industries create virtual reality, augmented reality and...Read more about BrioXR
The sophistication of CAD with the simplicity of CPQ systems, LightningCAD was created to be customized for any design and/or configuration company. LightningCAD translates business rules into a platform that enables an intuitive design and helps follow th...Read more about LightningCad
For furniture, home furnishings, appliances, and more, Live Furnish is 3D Made Simple. Without a computer science degree or prior experience with computer graphics, we make it simple for anyone to produce breathtaking photo-realistic 3D renderings on deman...Read more about imagine.io
abstractBIM is a building information modeling (BIM) solution, which enables businesses in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry to convert Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) to gbXML file format for simulation. Using ...Read more about abstractBIM
𝐂𝐄𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 is a powerful software solution revolutionizing the material handling industry. This all-in-one platform empowers businesses to design, configure, and visualize complex material handling systems with ease. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 ...Read more about CET Material Handling
FARO As-Built is a 3D architecture software that helps businesses utilize as-built data to create building designs. The platform enables managers to measure distances, areas, volumes and tie-in points with millimeter-level accuracy. Additionally, FARO As-...Read more about FARO As-Built
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Buyers Guide
This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right 3d architecture software for you and your business.
Last Updated on January 27, 2025Software Applications for 3D Architecture
For architects, engineers, and construction firms at large, manual two-dimensional designs are time-consuming and error-prone. Even after multiple iterations, 2D drawings may fail to communicate the final project concept. With 3D architecture software, however, architects and engineers can provide virtual tours, giving stakeholders the full experience of a proposed project.
3D architecture software includes features such as 3D modeling, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and animations so users can design virtual tours and visualize structures. These tools allow multiple designers and architects to collaborate and co-edit designs via virtual 3D models.
In this buyers guide, we'll explore 3D architecture software as well as its features and benefits.
Here’s what we'll cover:
What is 3D architecture software?
3D architecture software is used by architects, construction professionals, and engineers to design virtual tours and create three-dimensional models. It uses 3D modeling and CAD tools to create a visualized concept of proposed structures.
3D architecture software uses building information modeling (BIM) to help architects analyze the entire construction process, including planning, operation, design, and maintenance. These tools also allow users to check errors in models, identify potential issues, and make changes. 3D architecture software facilitates animation, data import/export, image editing, and drafting.
An example of a 3D architecture software dashboard in AutoCAD (Source)
Common features of 3D architecture software
3D modeling | Create a three-dimensional model of a structure to provide a realistic and accurate view of the project. Check errors in the architectural design process, provide virtual tours for clients, and more. |
Collaboration tools | Teams can collaborate and co-edit a 3D infrastructure model. |
Animation | Build 3D animations for landscapes and interiors to visualize ideas and provide an interactive experience. |
Building information modeling (BIM) | Evaluate physical as well as functional characteristics of a construction project by integrating every detail about the project's strategy, design, operation, and maintenance. |
CAD software | Develop, modify, and optimize 3D architectural designs. Calculate the impact of any change on the overall design. |
Component library | Select required presentation elements such as text, images, videos, and animations from a component library to create immersive presentations. |
Landscape design | Refine your 3D model by adding landscape elements such as trees, plants, and people. |
Data import/export | Import and export data files, diagrams, and 3D models. |
File management | Store and track all project-related files in a single database that only authorized stakeholders can access. |
What type of buyer are you?
Most 3D architecture software buyers belong to one of the following categories:
Large enterprises (500+ employees): Buyers in this segment include large businesses with separate teams of architecture design engineers and professionals. These professionals are involved in complex or multi-dimensional projects with multiple stakeholders. Buyers in this category should look for 3D visualization software with advanced features such as BIM, 3D rendering, 3D printing, project management, data import/export, and file management capabilities. These buyers should also pay special attention to whether the 3D architecture tools they're considering integrate with their existing software such as construction management and BIM tools.
Small and midsize enterprises (up to 500 employees): Buyers in this segment include small and midsize businesses with smaller teams and limited budgets. Often, these buyers provide construction design services as well as consulting throughout the project lifecycle. This means they need 3D architect software with collaboration tools, file management, and data import/export capabilities. These buyers should look for a basic 3D architecture tool that is effective yet cost-efficient.
Benefits of 3D architecture software
Realistic visualization: 3D architecture software uses animation and landscape design to help clients visualize project designs. Designers can create a virtual tour of architectural projects that include minute details such as textures, light, and outside views.
Streamline corrections and re-modeling: Users can re-model components separately without disturbing the overall design. Using the components library, editing and rectifying issues is much easier and more economical than manual 2D drafting.
Reduce costs and mitigate risk: You can easily rotate and view a 3D design from all sides, making it easier to analyze and identify potential issues. This helps save time and money by eliminating any stress points in the design.
Integrate multi-disciplinary data: BIM features integrate structured, multi-disciplinary data related to the strategy, design, and maintenance lifecycles into 3D models.
Key considerations for 3D architecture software:
Here are a few factors to consider while selecting 3D architecture software:
Business requirements: Evaluate your business requirements and your expectations for 3D architecture software to determine whether a basic tool would work or if you need a software package with advanced features such as 3D rendering, BIM, 3D printing, and drafting.
System compatibility: Ensure that the software you choose integrates with your existing tools and systems. You'll also want a tool that supports multiple file formats such as STEP, IGES, VDA, IDF, .OBJ, and .STL.
Features: Understand the core and unique features of specific 3D architecture software products before making your choice. The tool you choose should not only help you conceptualize ideas but also facilitate photorealistic rendering and presenting models.
Management cost: It is important to test and upgrade your software throughout its lifecycle. However, adding elements and features to your 3D architecture software can incur extra costs. Be sure to consider long-term management costs when initially investing in a tool.
Note: The application selected in this guide is an example to show a feature in context and is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation. It has been taken from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.