If you're looking for the best interior design software, honestly, that might not be the optimal approach! 3D software costs $100s to $1000s and there's a steep learning curve.
If you only need one-off or sporadic interiors, and you're not already an architect or designer, it's likely going to save you time and money, and lead to a great end product if you outsource your projects to a design company like us.
Check out our interior rendering services page here, or reach out for a quote on 1-877-350-3490.
Don’t want to spend the time learning new software? Give us a call and we’ll get your project sorted ASAP!
Below you'll find some scenarios for when you might choose us versus learning new software.
For those who do want to take the software approach, we cover lots of options for picking the righ ttool and a case study in detail below.
When to Use Architectural Software Tools vs. When to Use Render3DQuick
If you’re still considering whether to try 3D interior design and decorating software or just send your project to a professional, here’s a real-world breakdown. We’ll keep it simple.
| Situation | Top Interior Design Option | Notes and Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You're doing one project | Render3DQuick | Cheaper, faster than learning software and top end product |
| You're an interior design student | Use beginner tools | Planner 5D, Homestyler, SketchUp Free |
| You’re a full-time interior designer | Use pro tools + plugins | 3ds Max, Chief Architect, V-Ray, Enscape |
| You have sporadic projects that need 3d images | Render3DQuick | Cheaper and faster than hiring in-house, gets 1000s of hours of experience at your fingertips |
| You’re testing multiple design ideas | Render3DQuick | Fast revisions, higher image clarity |
| You’ve got a client deadline | Render3DQuick | Consistent results with photorealistic quality in record time due to resources of large team |
Key Takeaways For Your Interior Design Project
Most people waste time and money trying to learn 3D software when they could just hire someone to do it right
Tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, Blender, and Enscape are powerful, but only if you already know what you’re doing
For quick, realistic results on one-off projects, hiring Render3DQuick is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going DIY
If you do want to test software, start with 3d tool versions like Blender, Planner 5D, or Homestyler before paying for anything
The quality of your interior design images depends more on experience and working flow than which software you choose
How to Choose 3D Interior Rendering Software
If you want to learn 3D viz software for your interior design work, it's important to be smart about it. Most tools sound similar, but they work differently depending on your experience level, speed expectations, and how much you're willing to spend. Here’s how to figure out what fits your needs the most.
Look At Your Needs First. Eg. Are You An Amateur or Chief Architect?
Start with what you actually need. That’ll narrow your choices fast.
Are you a beginner or a pro?
Beginner: Go with user-friendly tools that simplify the design process. Try Planner 5D, Homestyler, or SketchUp Free.
Pro: Use full design software with plugins. SketchUp Pro, 3ds Max, Chief Architect, Enscape.
Do you need fast results or realistic quality?
Speed: Tools like Enscape or Lumion are made for real-time processing which streamlines the process.
Realism: Choose engines like V‑Ray or Corona. They give top results but take longer if you're looking for more than a sketch.
What's your budget?
Free or low cost: Blender (open-source 3D), Homestyler, SketchUp Free
Mid-range: Enscape, Chief Architect, V‑Ray Lite
High-end: 3ds Max + V‑Ray/Corona, Revit + Enscape combo for a seamless software stack
Buying the right tool depends on whether you're creating your own interior design project or working for designers and clients. Don’t pay for something built for full-scale architectural operating procedures unless you really need that depth.
Key Features in the Design Tools to Compare: Output Quality, Speed, AI Tools
Once you know what level you’re at, the quality of results you need and how much you want to spend, focus on these features to narrow your choice down further:
Image quality: CPU, GPU, and PBR support
CPU-based: More accurate, slower (Corona, V‑Ray in high-res mode)
GPU-based: Faster, less detailed (Lumion, Enscape)
PBR materials: Make your surfaces look like real-world textures. Most modern software includes this.
Real-time vs. offlineprocessing
Real-time: Instant feedback. Good for walkthroughs. Less detail.
Offline: Takes a lot longer but gives photorealistic visuals.
Do you want AI features?
Some tools now support AI tools for light balance, object suggestions, and even layout ideas.
D5 and Coohom are leading in this space.
Blender and SketchUp don’t include AI by default.
Fitting Into Your Design process: CAD Integration, Plugins, Output Formats, etc.
It's important to check if the 3D design software you use will plays nice with the rest of your tools.
CAD and BIM support
If you’re using Revit, AutoCAD, or ArchiCAD, you’ll need software that supports BIM processes. That means Enscape or Lumion, the others won't integrate properly.
Chief Architect also handles this well.
Is there a Plugin ecosystem?
Plugins can really help speed up your work flow.
SketchUp shines here. You can add V‑Ray, Enscape, Podium, and dozens of others.
3ds Max also supports many modeling tools and techniques.
Output formats
Output formats may or may not be important depending on your use case.
Make sure you can export to FBX, OBJ, or glTF if you’re planning to import your 3D model elsewhere.
Immersive 3d VR walkthroughs? You’ll want 360 images or immersive file exports.
Our Expert, Realistic 3D Home Design Tool Picks for Different Interior Space Planning Use Cases
We have thousands and thousands of experience in using archviz software across our 40+ strong team. So we're in a good position of experience to make some suggestions for different use cases.
Not all 3D software is built for the same kind of work. What’s ideal for a freelance interior designer is very different from what a homeowner needs (or doesn't as the case may be, see section above about why you should hire us instead). If you’re still committed to using interior design software yourself, here’s a table to help you match the right tool to your situation.
| Use Case | Recommended Tools | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Top overall / free 3d tool | SketchUp + V‑Ray or Enscape, Blender | Easy to start with, huge object libraries, solid 3D image quality |
| Professional grade | Autodesk 3ds Max + Corona or V‑Ray, Revit | Detailed lighting, smooth animation, BIM features for architectural workflows. Strong rendering capabilities |
| Real-time visualization | Enscape, Lumion | Instant feedback, VR-ready, good with CAD files and walkthroughs |
| Budget-friendly | Floorplanner, Homestyler, Planner 5D | Simple design tools, accessible pricing, great for quick 3d floor plans |
| AI-assisted rendering | Adobe Substance 3D, Coohom, MyArchitectAI | Speedy results, automated layout suggestions, clean visual output |
An In-Depth Look At Different Interior Rendering Options
Still thinking about doing your own interior modeling? Here's an detailed look at what you need to know about these tools.
SketchUp + V‑Ray / Enscape
Pros: Friendly interface, huge asset library, flexible plugin ecosystem
Cons: Needs plugins for good rendering quality, export options can be messy
Pricing: SketchUp Pro around $300/year, V‑Ray and Enscape plugins extra
Use cases: Great for 3D home design, fast drafts, client concept views
Learning: Massive support forums, official tutorials, community YouTube content
If you're working on a personal interior design project and want a visual fast, this combo is a solid start.
Blender (EEVEE & Cycles X)
Pros: Full-featured, powerful 3D modeling and rendering, open-source
Cons: Steep learning curve, not built specifically for interior design
Pricing: Free
Use cases: Custom workflows, animation, experimental design
Learning: Strong online community, but not beginner-friendly
EEVEE is fast (real-time). Cycles X gives higher photorealistic output. Pick based on your time and patience.
3ds Max + Corona / V‑Ray
Pros: High-end rendering engine options, top-tier realism, tons of plugins
Cons: Complex interface, heavy system requirements
Pricing: ~$1,500/year for full suite with renderers
Use cases: Commercial work, high-budget projects, client-ready output
Learning: Perfect with formal training or prior architectural modeling experience
This is what professional professional interior designers use when the visuals need to sell the job.
Revit
Pros: Full BIM workflow, CAD-level precision, excellent documentation tools
Cons: Rendering is basic without plugins (Enscape helps)
Pricing: ~$3,000/year (enterprise tool)
Use cases: Architects working in teams, large-scale interiors
Learning: Requires CAD or BIM background
More about structure than visuals but great if you’re doing precise space planning or working on client blueprints.
Lumion
Pros: Fast rendering, live sync with CAD files, visual FX and animation built-in
Cons: Limited control over materials, GPU-intensive
Pricing: ~$1,800/year
Use cases: Real-time interior walkthroughs, quick revisions
Learning: Easy to start, but still needs practice to make things look real
Popular with architects who need to show progress fast. Strong visual impact in a short time.
Enscape
Pros: Fast, responsive, works well with SketchUp/Revit/Archicad
Cons: Rendering quality is “good enough,” but not ultra-detailed
Pricing: ~$58/month
Use cases: Real-time views, VR demos, interior design presentations
Learning: Simple interface, easy for beginners and pros alike
Great if you want to walk through your space before it’s built.
Substance 3D
Pros: Advanced texturing, AI-assisted material workflows
Cons: Not a full design suite—only does materials
Pricing: ~$20–$50/month depending on plan
Use cases: Material pipelines, photo-accurate surfaces
Learning: Requires some understanding of rendering software and asset workflows
Perfect when paired with other tools. Useful for visualizing fabrics, finishes, and high-detail surfaces.
Coohom
Pros: Browser-based, fast rendering, AI layout suggestions
Cons: Limited to its own ecosystem, not suited for complex customization
Pricing: Freemium model with premium upgrades
Use cases: Quick online interior visualizations, especially for ecommerce or small spaces
Learning: Very easy to use, no install required
Coohom is rising fast, especially with furniture sellers and DIY designers who want something clean and visual.
Elevate Your Research: Comparing Software Options at a Glance
| Software | UI Complexity | Output Quality | Render Speed | Pricing Model | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SketchUp + V‑Ray | Moderate | High (with plugin) | Medium | Paid license + plugin | Medium (many tutorials) |
| Blender | High | Very high (Cycles X) | Slow to medium | Free (open-source 3D) | Steep |
| 3ds Max + V‑Ray/Corona | Very high | Best-in-class | Slow | Expensive subscription | Very steep |
| Chief Architect | Moderate | High (technical) | Medium | Paid | Medium |
| Revit + Enscape | High | Medium to high | Fast (real-time) | Expensive subscription | High (BIM background) |
| Lumion | Low | Medium to high | Very fast | Paid, one-time or sub | Easy |
| Enscape | Low | Medium | Very fast | Monthly subscription | Easy |
| Floorplanner | Very low | Basic | Instant | Freemium | Very easy |
| Homestyler | Very low | Basic to medium | Fast | Freemium | Very easy |
| Planner 5D | Very low | Basic to medium | Fast | Freemium | Very easy |
| Coohom | Low | Medium | Fast (cloud-based) | Freemium | Very easy |
| Adobe Substance 3D | Moderate | High (materials only) | N/A (used with other) | Subscription | Medium to steep |
Case Study: SketchUp + Enscape + Substance = Client-Ready in 8 Days
Here’s what an actual workflow looks like when a client comes to us wanting fast, clean 3D rendering for an interior design project. They don’t want to get into the software. They just want something real to show a client or use for decision-making.
The Brief
Client: Boutique design studio
Project: Renovation of a two-bedroom apartment
Goal: Show 3 layout options in realistic 3D for client approval
Deadline: 8 business days
Software stack: SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Substance 3D
Step 1: Using 3d Tools For Floor Plan & Modeling in SketchUp
Takes your design concepts, then start with a floor plan and a few notes about preferred layout and lighting. In SketchUp, build the core 3D model using clean geometry and asset libraries the client could recognize.
Rooms built to scale
Furniture, window, and door assets added
Basic material placeholders set up for later refinement
SketchUp works well here because it’s fast to edit and easy to iterate on during the early design process.
Step 2: Real-Time Visualization in Enscape
Once the model is set, sync to Enscape for live real-time rendering.
Walkthroughs created for three layout variations
Light balance tested in natural and artificial conditions
Camera angles exported for static image previews
This part of the workflow lets the client quickly see how each design option feels in motion. No waiting hours for test renders.
Step 3: Texturing in Substance 3D
After the client picks their preferred layout, export the final model for material work.
Wood grains, metal finishes, and fabrics built in Substance
Custom texture maps created for wall paint and kitchen tile
Material realism dialed in for photorealistic renders
This gives us the lifelike look needed to sell the design without over-processing the scene.
Step 4: Final Presentation
The final output can include:
6 still renders (4K resolution)
1 annotated floor layout
1 interactive walkthrough (hosted link)
Hiring someone who already knows how to manage this pipeline saves days of work. If you’re a designer, great. But if not, we can do this for you, quickly and cleanly.
Make Sure to Try Software Before You Buy
If you're set on doing the 3D design work yourself, most of the tools above offer either free trials or free base versions. Test them. See how far you get. Just know the learning curve is real and rendering high-quality visuals takes more than good software.
If you’re already behind on a deadline or you just want something that looks great, skip the learning phase. Send us your files, and we’ll turn your ideas into realistic 3D visualizations that make decisions easier and faster.
Doing everything yourself doesn’t always save time or money. In fact, quite the opposite.
Get in touch via email or give us a call on 1-877-350-3490 and let's talk about your project!
What is the best 3D rendering software for interior design?
SketchUp, Blender, 3ds Max, and Revit are the most frequently recommended 3D rendering software for interior design. SketchUp is preferred for ease of use. Blender offers open-source flexibility. 3ds Max delivers advanced realism with V-Ray or Corona. Revit integrates BIM for architectural workflows.
Source: TechRadar
Which 3D rendering interior design software supports real-time visualization?
Enscape and Lumion support real-time rendering for interior design. Both tools integrate with Revit and SketchUp. They allow instant previews and VR walkthroughs.
Source: Architectural Digest
What interior design rendering software do professionals use?
Professionals use Autodesk 3ds Max, Chief Architect, and SketchUp Pro with V-Ray or Enscape plugins. These tools support photorealistic output and plugin-based workflows. They are used by architectural firms and interior design studios.
Source: FoxRenderFarm
What is the best free interior design rendering software?
Blender and Planner 5D are leading free options for 3D interior rendering. Blender offers powerful GPU rendering with Cycles and EEVEE engines. Planner 5D provides simplified drag-and-drop layout tools.
Source: The Verge
Which 3d rendering software for interior design is best for beginners?
Homestyler and SketchUp Free are considered beginner-friendly. They offer preloaded furniture models and simplified UI. They are suitable for non-professional interior design use.
Source: Paacademy.com
Does AI improve interior design rendering software?
Some sources say AI-assisted tools like Coohom and Adobe Substance 3D improve speed and accuracy. Others say AI features are still secondary to manual workflows. Coohom supports layout automation. Substance 3D enhances texture realism.
Source: Coohom.com
What software do interior designers use for floor planning and 3D visualization?
Chief Architect and Revit are commonly used for floor plans and architectural visualization.
Both support 2D drafting, 3D rendering, and BIM documentation.
Source: Autodesk.com
Is Blender used by interior designers?
Yes. Blender is used for custom 3D modeling and rendering. It supports EEVEE (real-time) and Cycles (ray-traced) engines. It is preferred by freelance designers and studios on a budget.
Source: Wikipedia
Alex Smith
Manager & Co-Owner Render 3D Quick
Article by Alex Smith: a manager and co-owner at Render3DQuick and proudly Canadian! Alex has over 6 years’ experience project managing our large team of 3D rendering professionals. Alex is obsessed with architecture and is a CAD design specialist in his own right and an expert in the field of architectural visualization, 3D rendering, and virtual reality tours.
As the first point of contact when you get in touch with Render3DQuick, Alex loves sharing his knowledge and answering any questions you may have about architectural visualization or the latest technologies and techniques they utilize.
Learn more about Alex and connect with him here.