Landscape design apps are tools that help homeowners and professional garden architects plan outdoor spaces. Some of them include advanced features such as augmented reality visualization. Others simply help you place plants and create garden layouts. This post is the definitive guide to landscape design software for companies and designers.
What is a landscape design application?
A landscape design app is a type of software that helps landscapers, designers, and homeowners visualize new landscape layouts. They allow you to add new plants, water features, and solid scenes so you can see them all together and create a plan to actually create new designs.
Best free landscape design software for designers and companies
Starting a landscaping business from scratch is not easy. And if you’re running a landscaping or design company, you need the right tools to deliver custom designs to your clients. There are plenty of landscape design apps with various features and capabilities. Some are completely free, and some come with a possible fee. But all the tools listed below are at least free to download. Read on for a complete list of landscape design software options to take your business to the next level.
1. iScape
Compatible with: iOS 12.2 or later, MacOS 11.0 or later
iScape is a landscape design software for Apple products. It is optimized for iPad, but can be downloaded to iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac as well. It is available to both homeowners and professionals. So it is meant to be easy to use. It also provides realistic visualization tools to help you see what each design will look like once completed. Then you can share designs or even collaborate with other users.
The basic version is free for home owners and hobbyists. A premium version is also available for $29.99 per month that includes features like 3D augmented reality designs and motion tools.
2. Planter
Compatible with: Android and iOS devices
Planter specializes in improving the growing conditions of various garden plants. You can create a grid with your own landscape dimensions and add over 50 preloaded plants or create custom extensions. The app includes information about companion plants, frost areas, and spacing. It is ideal for planning vegetable gardens, with fewer features for those interested in flowers and landscaping.
The app is free to download and has in-app purchases. It is designed for consumers. So it is easy to use. But it does not include many of the advanced design features of other programs.
3. Home Landscaping Pro
Compatible with: Windows desktop application, which can be used on a Mac using Parallels Desktop; Companion apps are available for Android and iOS tablets.
PRO Landscape is a computer design program for landscape architects. It includes photo-realistic photography and CAD designs so you can see suggested ideas right on your screen. It’s also licensed software, so you can run it on multiple devices or include multiple users in each project. Companion apps for tablets include tools for submitting estimates and collecting payments on site.
Companion apps can be downloaded for free. But the desktop version is $1,245. It comes with 24/7 support. Free demos are also available.
4. SketchUp
Compatible with: Web-based software
SketchUp is a free 3D modeling program. It’s not just about landscape design. But it is useful for putting things in space. So landscape designers can use it to personify plants, patios, benches, and water features.
It is a web-based program, so it is within the reach of almost anyone. It also includes cloud storage and sharing, making it ideal for those who need to send design ideas to clients. The free version is for small businesses. But there are also paid options, starting at $119 per month.
5. Microsoft Pix Camera
Compatible with: iOS
Microsoft Pix Camera is like a simple photo taking app. But it allows you to take full panoramic photos of the courtyard. It then includes Photosynth technology that you can use to add additional features to photos, giving you a realistic view of what the new design might look like.
It does not include some advanced features of other programs. But it is completely free and allows you to present new designs on an actual image of the yard.
6. Hus
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Amazon
Houzz is an app for mobile home design and remodeling. You can upload photos and then add popular products to see how they might look in space. It is designed for interiors, but also works in garden spaces. It’s also intended for consumers, so it’s easy to use but doesn’t have many advanced design features.
7. LawnStarter
Compatible with: iOS and Android
LawnStarter is a mobile app for both homeowners and landscapers. It’s not really a design app. But you can use it to connect with clients for jobs. It has a reservation feature and lets you set prices and create schedules. Basically, you can use it with the design apps in the list. Simply market your services and make appointments, then use other apps to showcase your designs.
Best paid landscape design app for companies and designers
The above apps are at least free to download, although many of them come with additional costs. The following charges for downloads. But some at least offer free trial periods so you can see what you’ll get before paying. Here are some of the best landscape design tools for those interested in paid products.
8. Garden outline
Compatible with: PC, Mac, iPad, and the web
Garden Planner is software from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Includes the ability to draw garden beds, add plants, and move objects to create perfect layouts. It is adaptable to different gardening styles. So it suits those with large gardens as well as those with small containers or raised beds. However, it is more about plants than about elements of design or perception.
garden planner pricing
You only need a yearly subscription to access this tool. It costs $29 per year if you allow it to renew automatically, $40 per year otherwise, or $70 for a two-year subscription. A 7-day free trial is also available.
9. Uvision 3D Landscape Creator
Compatible with: Windows PC
Unilock’s Uvision 3D Landscape Creator is software intended for landscape professionals. It includes a full library of floors, walls, solid landscapes, and plants that you can move around to create the perfect layouts. Then you can use it to calculate prices and share designs with clients.
Uvision 3D Landscape Creator . Pricing
This program is a one-time purchase of $379.95. Or if you have the 2018 version, it’s only $179.95. A free trial is also available.
10. Garden Designer
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
Garden Designer offers a variety of plants and other design elements all within a drag-and-drop interface. The program offers 2D and 3D visualizations of designs. You can use it for everything from planning a small garden to seeing what a deck or patio space might look like.
Garden designer pricing
The program is a one-time purchase of $38. The cost of purchasing the mobile app is only $3.49.
11. 3D home design outdoor and garden
Compatible with: Mac, iOS and Android
Home Design 3D is a rendering tool for home designers. The company offers an outdoor version that you can use to plan gardens and outdoor spaces such as patios. You can add various products and design elements, then view and share realistic 3D versions of your designs.
3d outdoor home design and garden pricing
There is a freemium version with limited objects available and in-app purchases. Paid versions range from $6.99 to $19.99 and include upgrades such as AR designs and the ability to import and export projects.
12. Gardening Guide and Companion Plants for Landscaping
Compatible with: iOS and Android
From Farms.com, Landscaper’s Companion Plant and Gardening Guide is primarily a reference tool for incorporating the right plants into your landscape designs. It tells you how much light your plants need, along with other factors like watering and weather conditions. It also contains images so you can visualize the different plants in your designs.
Gardening Companion Price
The apps cost $9.99 to download, with additional in-app purchases available.
13. VizTerra
Compatible with: <حدد جميع الأجهزة التي يتوافق معها التطبيق (على سبيل المثال ، Android / Ios) + ما إذا كان التطبيق متاحًا أيضًا كبرنامج كمبيوتر.>
VizTerra offers an easy-to-use design interface that allows you to draw landscape elements in 2D. Then the visualization tool lets you see what it would look like in a 3D environment. There is also an extensive library of products and design elements that you can drag and drop onto your images.
VizTerra pricing
The basic version is $97 per user, per month and includes features for designing decks and other outdoor spaces. There’s also a $149 version for pool designers, and a $197 version for luxury landscape designers.
14. Land design
Compatible with: Windows, Reno 6 and 7, AutoCAD
You can use Land Design to create 2D models, 3D renderings, realistic rendering, and even videos. It uses AutoCAD features and BIM technology to deliver realistic designs that you can proudly present to clients. But some design knowledge is necessary to get the most out of these tools.
Land Design Pricing
Commercial license for land design $795. You can also buy it with Rhino for $1,695. A free trial is available for 90 days.
15. Home Away
Compatible with: Web, Desktop, iOS
Home Outside offers an easy-to-use design planning tool. You can drag and drop design elements and choose new ones from a gallery instead of drawing from scratch. You can also choose photo backgrounds and measure the floor to make sure each item is measured correctly.
home exterior pricing
The iOS app is only $2.99 to download. The company also offers landscape and garden design sessions for $99 each. But these are geared towards homeowners.
Looking for a backyard landscape design app
There are plenty of premium and free landscape design apps available for users with different skill sets. Some of the best options include iScape, PRO Landscape Home, and Home Outside. To find the best design tool for your needs, compare the lists of features to the options available on your devices. You can also consider a free trial or demo to watch in action.
What is the best landscape design app?
The best landscape design app depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a free app for iOS, iScape is probably your best choice. If you need a professional software, land design has more design features. SketchUp is ideal for those who want to create 3D designs that go beyond landscapes. PRO Landscape Home is one of the most versatile tools available on multiple platforms.
What is the best free landscape design app?
iScape is one of the best free landscape design apps out there, but it is only available for iOS. The planter is best for those who just want to know more about gardening. PRO Landscape Home offers a wide range of features and is available on multiple devices and operating systems.
Photo: Depositphotos