Home » Exterior » Top 20 exterior design software in 2023: online, free, paid, and for different OS
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Contents
- Intro
- Best home exterior design software and apps in 2023
- Best exterior design rendering software in detail
- 1. Adobe Photoshop
- 2. V-Ray
- 3. Lumion
- 4.Menards Design-It-Center
- 5. Revit
- 6. 3ds Max
- 7. SketchUp
- 8. Cedreo
- 9. Hover
- 10. RoomSketcher
- 11. CertaPro
- 12. Live Home 3D
- 13. Planner 5D
- 14. Virtual Architect
- 15. Provia Visualizer
- 16. DreamPlan
- 17. Alside Visualizer
- 18. GAF Virtual Remodeler
- 19. Dream Designer
- 20. Lumion LiveSync
- Conclusion
Intro
Exterior house design software is the main tool for architects and designers to create an outstanding and attractive exterior. Thanks to any professional exterior home design app, it becomes much easier to achieve photorealism of the image. The result can be striking! But sometimes it may be difficult to choose the right exterior home design software that can help you get the desired result right away. So below you can find the top of the best exterior design software in 2023, that may suit you best. Information is relevant for 2023.
Best home exterior design software and apps in 2023
| Name | Price | Level | OS/ Platform | Free trial/ version | Last version | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdobePhotoshop | $20.99/ month | For professionals and amateurs | Windows, macOS, Android, iPad | Free 7-day trial | 2022 | Overall: 4.7 Capterra – 4.8 GetApp – 4.8 Software Advice – 4.79 G2 – 4.6 |
| V-Ray | From $77.90/ month; $149/ year for the Educational version | For professionals, beginners, and amateurs | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free 30-day trial | 2022 | Overall: 4.7 Capterra – 4.8 GetApp – 4.8 Software Advice – 4.63 G2 – 4.5 |
| Lumion | From €54.08/ month | For professionals | Windows | Free 14-day trial | 2023 | Overall: 4.6 Capterra – 4.7 GetApp – 4.7 Software Advice – 4.69 G2 – 4.5 |
| MenardsDesign-It-Center | Free | For beginners and amateurs | Online/ Web- based, Android, iOS | – | 2023 | Overall: 4.6 Google Play – 4.6 App Store – 4.7 |
| Revit | $8,025/ every 3 years; $2,675/ annually; $335/ monthly | For professionals | Windows | Free 30-day trial | 2023 | Overall: 4.6 Capterra – 4.6 GetApp – 4.6 Software Advice – 4.60 G2 – 4.5 |
| 3ds Max | $5,355/ every 3 years; $1,785/ annually; $225/ monthly | For professionals | Windows | Free 30-day trial | 2023 | Overall: 4.5 Capterra – 4.6 GetApp – 4.6 Software Advice – 4.64 G2 – 4.3 |
| SketchUp | From €109/ year | For professionals and amateurs | Windows, macOS | Free versions for personal use and training | 2022 | Overall: 4.5 Capterra – 4.5 GetApp – 4.5 Software Advice – 4.50 G2 – 4.5 |
| Cedreo | From $119/ project | For professionals and amateurs | Online/ Web- based | Free version | 2022 | Overall: 4.5 Capterra – 4.4 GetApp – 4.4 Software Advice – 4.44 G2 – 4.8 |
| Hover | From $25/ structure based on the facet count of the roof | For beginners and amateurs | Windows, macOS, Android | Free to download from Play and App Store | 2022 | Overall: 4.3 Capterra – 4.4 Play Market – 3.8 App Store – 4.6 |
| Roomsketcher | From $38/level | For beginners and amateurs | Windows, macOS, Android Tablets, iPad | Free subscription | 2022 | Overall: 4.1 Capterra – 4.0 GetApp – 4.0 Software Advice – 3.97 G2 – 4.6 |
| CertaPro | Free | For beginners and amateurs | Online/ Web- based | – | 2019 | Overall: 3.9 Trustpilot – 2.4 Facebook – 4.9 Houzz – 4.3 |
| Live Home 3D | $29.99 Standard for macOS | For professionals, beginners, and amateurs | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPad | Free for Windows and iOS; iPad with paid additional features (from $4.99) | 2023 | Overall: 3.6 Capterra – 3.5 GetApp – 3.5 Software Advice – 3.50 G2 – 4.1 |
| Planner 5D | Free | For professionals and amateurs | Online/ Web- based, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | – | 2023 | Overall: 3.6 Capterra – 3.5 GetApp – 3.7 Software Advice – 3.53 G2 – 3.7 |
| VirtualArchitect | $99.99 | For professionals, beginners, and amateurs | Windows | – | 2021 | Overall: 3.5 Amazon – 2.5 Top Ten Reviews – 4.5 |
| ProviaVisualizer | Free | For beginners and amateurs | Online/ Web- based | – | 2020 | Overall: 3.3 App Store – 3.4 Facebook – 3.8 Houzz – 2.7 |
| DreamPlan | From $35 | For beginners and amateurs | Windows, macOS | Free for non- commercial use | 2022 | Overall: 3.1 Capterra – 3.3 GetApp – 3.3 Top Ten Reviews – 3.0 Amazon – 3.0 |
| AlsideVisualizer | Free | For beginners and amateurs | Online/ Web- based | – | 2021 | – |
| GAF VirtualRemodeler | Free | For professionals and amateurs | Online/ Web- based | – | 2020 | – |
| DreamDesigner | Free | For beginners and amateurs | Online/ Web- based | – | 2020 | – |
| LumionLiveSync | Free | For professionals and amateurs | Windows | – | 2020 | – |
Best exterior design rendering software in detail
1. Adobe Photoshop
Price: $20.99 per month; Free 7-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Android, iPad
Last version: 2022
4.7
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.8
Software Advice
4.79
GetApp
4.8
G2
4.6
Of course, everyone knows about Photoshop. It’s no surprise that this program has one of the highest ratings on our list and is very popular among users. In exterior 3D rendering, Photoshop is сommonly used for post-production. It helps to create photorealistic images. Thanks to many features, the Photoshop house exterior app becomes a great addition to rendering programs.
You can add textures, lighting effects, people, and anything else need for your image with this house exterior design software. Photoshop house exterior app is regularly updated with new features to make things easier and save time.
Our specialists prefer Photoshop as a post-production software when working on their 3D renders. Correcting small mistakes and making the final image incredibly photorealistic, they create real masterpieces with the help of Photoshop. That’s why we always guarantee first-class results when working with our clients. High-quality 3D rendering services are the key to your success.
2. V-Ray
Price: From $77.90 per month; $149 per year for the Educational version; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
4.7
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.8
Software Advice
4.63
GetApp
4.8
G2
4.5
It is impossible to imagine the creation of exterior renders in such robust programs as 3ds Max, SketchUp, Revit without the V-Ray engine. V-Ray is one of the best plugins for 3ds Max and a powerful exterior visualizer. You can get the most realistic exteriors thanks to flexible settings in the exterior house design app. This home exterior design software has been constantly improving over the years. It used to be more difficult to tweak the parameters for scene preparation. Now, it is easier and more capable of producing better quality renders in a shorter time frame.
V-Ray is one that the exterior house designer will choose. The software for exterior design has a library of realistic materials, which is constantly updated. You can also create your unique materials and textures in this home exterior visualizer app. The exterior home design app allows you to experiment with graphics. To fix the surface, you just need to drag it with the mouse onto the object. It works both in CPU and GPU. The home exterior software is suitable for projects of the virtual exterior design of any complexity.
3. Lumion
Price: From €54.08 per month; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2023
4.6
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.7
Software Advice
4.69
GetApp
4.7
G2
4.5
Lumion is a 3D home exterior design tool made especially for architects and designers. Lumion offers to design outside of the house and build projects in a real-world context with comprehensive tools and effects. With a house exterior visualizer, you can use over 5600 objects, including a variety of landscaping items, cars, people, exterior items, and more.
This house rendering software is very simple, with a minimal number of buttons, settings, and relatively fast rendering. There are truths and disadvantages in terms of setting materials, quality of vegetation, and incorrect light. This home rendering software has some additional features such as audio import for 2D backgrounds, real-time flight, and workflow. Lumion is now available as a 1-Year and a 3-Year subscription and has a Pro version. You can find Lumion in our list of the Best 3D rendering software.
4. Menards Design-It-Center
Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based, Android, iOS
Last version: 2023
4.6
Rating by Applet3D
App Store
4.7
Google Play
4.6
Menards Design-It-Center is a rendering software for exterior and interior design. Menards visualizer software has a lot of features, like painting the walls, changing the wall material, or putting new shingles on the roof. In the free exterior home design app, the user chooses the specific feature they want to customize, such as exterior colors, exterior materials, and roof shingles. The home design visualizer also provides an extensive list of specific products and color options.
Menards visualizer will let you upload pictures of your current or prospective house. Once you upload a picture, you can alter the exterior colors, materials, and roof shingles. You can also edit one of their sample photos. Though Menards Design-It-Center has quite a sophisticated interface, it is extremely easy to use and efficient software for the 3D exterior design of a house. Also, in the Play Store or App Store, you can find and download a professional free exterior visualizer app with many interesting features and capabilities.
5. Revit
Price: $8,025 every 3 years; $2,675 annually; $335 monthly; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2023
4.6
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.6
GetApp
4.6
Software Advice
4.60
G2
4.5
Autodesk Revit is one of the best programs for exterior design and renovation planning. The home rendering software was created specifically for the architectural and construction design of buildings, layouts, interiors, and exteriors.
Working with Revit you have not only a simulated scene, but also a detailed drawing of the house. In the process, you can make adjustments that are displayed on 3D objects and in the drawing. This house exterior design app also works well in conjunction with 3ds Max – models are amenable to mutual export.
Revit database can contain information about a project from concept development to construction. Besides, the exterior makeover app has a huge built-in library of ready-made objects. You can easily set the materials. But the house front design app requires a powerful processor. For beginners, it could be difficult to master it, due to the numerous options.
6. 3ds Max
Price: $5,355 every 3 years; $1,785 annually; $225 monthly; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2023
4.5
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.6
Software Advice
4.64
GetApp
4.6
G2
4.3
As completely universal software, 3ds Max is a great choice for designers and architects. The exterior design app focused on the creation of 3D objects, special effects, and architectural visualization.
The toolkit of the home exterior design app contains everything you need for exterior design and rendering: there is a library of ready-made models, materials, lighting effects, textures, and much more. Using this exterior visualizer app, you can begin with the construction of the layout. With the help of virtual cameras in this exterior rendering tool, it is convenient to choose favorable angles from which you will demonstrate the finished project.
When working with that interior and exterior design software, you can model objects manually, or use ready-made models. The rendering process is carried out through external renders (V-Ray, Corona, Mental Ray, etc.). Each engine has its system of settings. You can select the one that is convenient for you. This home visualizer has a user-friendly interface, so it is easy to learn. Definitely, the best app for exterior home design.
7. SketchUp
Price: From €109 per year; Free versions for personal use and training
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022
4.5
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.5
Software Advice
4.50
GetApp
4.5
G2
4.5
Among exterior design programs, SketchUp is the most popular one. SketchUp combines the fun of freehand drawing with the convenience of smart software. The work in this exterior home design program can be carried out both in 2D and 3D. The exterior house visualizer offers many professional extensions that you can customize for yourself, including the parameters of the elements, their cost, and information about suppliers. This service exists both in the format of a free exterior design program and in a paid PRO version.
SketchUp allows to: create special products for personal projects, business projects, educational institutions, and large architectural studios. The home exterior design tool integrates with other Google services, which allows you to calculate lighting based on location. With the service, you can make a layout not only of the houses but also of the local area. In addition, the exterior rendering program provides great opportunities for landscape design, 3D printing, housing planning, woodworking, etc. In this house exterior design software, you can not only work with the exterior but also create individual objects.
8. Cedreo
Price: From $199 per project; Free version
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2022
4.5
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.4
GetApp
4.4
G2
4.8
If you are looking for a free siding visualizer for your house, Cedreo will best meet your needs. Cedreo is a tremendous 3D home design program. The main advantage of the exterior rendering program is that it is rather fast. You can easily create photorealistic 3D interior and exterior renderings. It is the perfect exterior house rendering software free for architects, home builders, home designers, and renovators.
A free offer will allow you to discover Cedreo with one project, limited access to furniture and flooring models, and 20 realistic 3D renders. The user draws a 2D floor plan before the exterior house design software freeware creates an instant 3D rendering. You can furnish the entire project and select specific materials. This free exterior house design app is produced for professional users. Find out about other features of Lumion in our blog post about the Best free rendering software.
9. Hover
Price: From $25 per structure based on the facet count of the roof; Free to download from Google Play and App Store
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Android
Last version: 2022
4.3
Rating by Applet3D
App Store
4.6
Capterra
4.4
Play Market
3.8
This is a new mobile app to change house exteriors. The house visualizer includes everything you need to create a first-class 3D home exterior design. Very simple and clear to use. All you need to do is take images of the house from all sides and upload the photos to the exterior house remodel app, and you will get a ready-made and customizable 3D model. You can then boldly work with it, trying out different materials and colors for walls, roofs, windows, etc. You also get accurate floor plans and the measurements you need to renovate your home.
The exterior home remodel app is also available online, or you can export your model or measurements through various file formats and CAD types. All materials available in the app are genuine from brands such as GAF, Alside, and JamesHardie. Add a stone façade, or a meadow swing, or explore new siding color combinations with this software to change outside of the house. Just take a picture of your house and design it!
10. RoomSketcher
Price: From $38 per level; Free subscription
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Android Tablets, iPad
Last version: 2022
4.1
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
4.0
Software Advice
3.97
GetApp
4.0
G2
4.6
A program for creating interior design, but also offers some features as an exterior home designer. The program is easy to learn and works with extensive functionality that allows you to draw house exteriors in 2D and 3D plans for the developed projects. Most importantly, the exterior design program works online and there are also applications on Android and the AppStore.
You can either upload your templates or work with those that are already available. Among the components available for 3d home exterior design are cars, swimming pools, barbecue grills, tables, benches, etc. You can resize objects, rotate them, and move them. This online exterior home designer can be easily customized to suit your needs. Among the main advantages, it is worth highlighting: interactive realistic 3D step-by-step guides and plans are drawn to scale.
11. CertaPro
Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2019
3.9
Rating by Applet3D
Trustpilot
2.4
Houzz
4.3
4.9
If you are looking for a house siding colors simulator, CertaPro’s “My PaintColors” will be an excellent choice for you. After creating your exterior design in terms of color, you can either order the services of a house painting company or do without them. With this software, free exterior home design online is available.
The siding visualizer app is rather limited. It only focuses on colors and outer material. The advantage of the exterior home design app free is a wide choice of materials, such as all types of siding, many colors of plaster and wall paint, and all types of brickwork. You can also upload your exterior house design or experiment with ready-made images. Extremely easy-to-use application. Use this siding color combinations visualizer to make the right choice.
Be free in your design ideas. We will help to make it a reality!
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12. Live Home 3D
Price: $29.99 Standard for macOS; Free for Windows and iOS; iPad with paid additional features (from $4.99)
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPad
Last version: 2023
3.6
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
3.5
Software Advice
3.50
GetApp
3.5
G2
4.1
Live Home 3D is an advanced home, interior, and landscape design software. This is primarily an interior design program, but it will also be a good solution for designing the exterior of the house. In addition to a variety of materials, it is possible to move objects, adjust lighting and move around in your 3D world.
The house exterior simulator has a huge number of different functions such as work in 2D and 3D environments; a rich collection of 3D objects; the ability to create detailed plans and drawings; real-time 3D rendering; tools for editing landscapes and exterior; selection of geographic location and time of day to obtain realistic lighting; fast creation of roofs of the required design; export 3D house project. Plus, you can make changes to the 3D house exterior design and share the results with clients, colleagues, friends, and family. With this powerful yet intuitive exterior home visualizer, you can design your house exterior professionally and fast.
13. Planner 5D
Price: Free
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Last version: 2023
3.6
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
3.5
Software Advice
3.53
GetApp
3.7
G2
3.7
You have already seen Planner 5D in our top Interior design rendering software. However, Planner 5D is also suitable for virtual home exterior design. This free exterior home design software offers to edit and view your home design in 2D and 3D. You can use ready-made projects and add your ideas and elements to them. Or start over. Also in the exterior house design tool, you can build a house by the sea or a lake and plan the landscape around the house: a swimming pool, trees and plants, paths and lawns, garden furniture, and choose to light.
The free home exterior design app is available on mobile devices. The main advantage of the house exterior design software free is that you can apply hundreds of textures and colors in various combinations, and resize any element. View created projects in virtual reality mode with Google Cardboard glasses or similar technology.
14. Virtual Architect
Price: $99.99
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2021
3.5
Rating by Applet3D
Top Ten Reviews
4.5
Amazon
2.5
Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design With Landscaping and Decks includes everything you need to create a virtual exterior home design as much as interior and landscape design. You can also use Virtual Architect as a front porch visualizer. The app for exterior home design offers a huge library with thousands of 3D graphics and powerful tools. You can create your plans in both 2D and 3D, as well as import your previous plans.
The interface of the home visualizer app is controlled by a wizard, which allows you to design your home exterior quickly and easily, even for users without experience. Just point and click. Technical support and training videos are also available. If you’re out of ideas, use a lot of design samples as a template. It’s not hard to achieve realistic rendering with this exterior visualizer.
15. Provia Visualizer
Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2020
3.3
Rating by Applet3D
AppStore
3.4
Houzz
2.7
3.8
Provia Visualizer is a DIY home exterior design app, with an easy-to-use interface. You can upload your photo or use one of the many photos provided by the free exterior house design software. This home exterior visualizer app free will also allow you to save your work, letting you make changes over some time and compare other work.
Provia Visualizer provides in-depth design and 100% personalization. Using house rendering software, you can customize windows, roofs, front doors, shutters, trim color, vents, and siding/exterior color and material. The only con is that the DIY home exterior design needs high-quality images.
16. DreamPlan
Price: From $35; Free for non-commercial use
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022
3.1
Rating by Applet3D
Capterra
3.3
Top Ten Reviews
3.0
GetApp
3.3
Amazon
3.0
With this free home exterior design and landscaping software for Windows, you can design the outside of a house and realize your dream home plan in minutes. The software is very simple and easy to use. The exterior home design tool provides several options for ready-made projects that you can use, as well as blank templates for creating your designs. Virtual exterior house design is offered by switching different views – 2D, 3D, and Blueprint modes.
The exterior house makeover app offers many customizable components for landscape design – plants, paths, furniture, fencing, and pools. You can also customize colors and textures. In this way, you can add the necessary realism to your image. In the end, you can take a screenshot of the design or directly print it.
17. Alside Visualizer
Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2021
Alside offers its siding materials. A clear interface of the siding visualizer allows you to customize exterior colors, tiles, etc. You can use this siding visualizer for free.
With this house siding app, you can easily render every aspect of your home’s exterior. Created projects can be saved and restored later for reference. After the project is completed, users can create a report and view their project from different angles. You can either upload your finished image and start creating various designs or choose from those that are already in the siding app.
18. GAF Virtual Remodeler
Price: Free
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2020
Among apps to change house exterior GAF is something unique. With GAF you can design outside of the house online for free. The manufacturer is the GAF company, which focuses on the cover of houses, so you can only work with its products in the software. However, you can also visualize exterior walls and trim, and make virtual siding on house. In the home remodel visualizer, you can decide both the material and color of the roof, as well as the materials for the walls or the colors of the exterior paint.
This exterior house design software is free online and is quite easy to use. Immediately, to get started, you are prompted to upload your image or use the suggested ones. An excellent plus of the exterior remodel app is the function of offering additional matches. A great choice if you want to update the look of your home. Also, a great exterior house design app for Android.
19. Dream Designer
Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2020
Dream Designer is a home exterior renderer. It’s excellent for beginners. This home rendering software showcases impressive exterior design diagrams and materials designed by Royal Building Products. It has a wide range of customization options for most front elements such as exterior wall color, materials, windows, tiles, trim, and entrance doors. You can easily create or renovate your living space with this home exterior makeover app.
Dream Designer has no photo size limits, so you can easily upload a good enough image and get started. After you upload an image of your project, the house exterior app will display it and send it by email to get you started designing. Plus, it can be operated on a mobile phone, which raises the bar even higher. If you ask: Is there an app for exterior house renovations? Dream Designer is the answer.
20. Lumion LiveSync
Price: Free
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2020
Lumion LiveSync is a free plugin that creates an online link between Lumion and several of the most popular architecture software, including Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Rhino, Vectorworks, and AutoCAD. This is unique curb appeal design software.
With Lumion LiveSync you can achieve fast, high-quality house exterior rendering. One of the main advantages of the exterior house app is that it instantly provides you with beautiful, highly detailed visualizations of your architectural model uniquely.
Working in real-time, you can see your building while you create it! When you enable the LiveSync plug-in for AutoCAD, you can also sync the camera image between the two programs. This software for virtual house exterior design is very simple, with a minimal number of buttons, settings, and relatively fast rendering.
Conclusion
Is there an app for exterior home design? Definitely, yes. With the right tools, exterior rendering can be part of the design process, an activity that enhances your craft and the result. It is hard to find the perfect exterior software, but it will help show the beauty and personality of your project. It also can make your design experience visible to everyone long before the project is completed. After reading the list above with the best exterior design apps in 2022, you can easily choose the home exterior design software that you like and that suits you best. Whether you have a design idea and are looking for a way to realize it, use our services 3D Exterior rendering services. Our professional project managers and artists will do everything in their power to ensure that you are satisfied with the result.
