Free 3D home design tool
Envisioneer Express is a multimedia application from Cadsoft. It is a free graphic design program that allows users to create plans for any residential structure in minutes. The app is perfect for doing small interior design projects or checking how your furniture will look if you are redecorating your home.
Note, however, that Envisioneer Express is nothing like the 3D CAD tools that you may have seen so far, such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD. This app is more for people with little or no designing skills. It is more like a game than a design app.
3D interior design for beginners
There are a number of tools that enable 3D architectural modeling, and Envisioneer Express is just one of them. However, what makes the app different from other similar programs is that it is aimed at beginners. Despite the basic look of its window, it is highly intuitive. With this, you can create your plans step by step, forming the basis of your designs.
To start, all you have to do is design the basic structure. Then, set the room divisions and add the windows and doors. Once you are done with the frame of your dream home, you can start decorating each room by adding items to it. The app supports the dragging and dropping mechanism, so you can drag and drop items from the program bar to add them to your design.
Envisioneer Express comes with a large library of preset objects at your disposal. Whether you want to arrange electronic equipment, roofs, stairs, walls, furniture, doors, and windows, there is a lot that you can use. There is even a huge list of exterior elements, such as gates, paths, sidewalks, and driveways. Even better, you can edit them to suit your preference.
More like a Sims game
What makes Envisioneer Express easy to use even for beginners is the fact that it removes all the bells and whistles that other apps have. It does not make it ineffective, though. In fact, not having all the functionality makes it a blessing for those who are not familiar with the entire range of design tools. Moreover, it makes it easier for users to finish simpler tasks. However, it does make it inferior.
As mentioned, the app feels more like a game than a real CAD design tool. In fact, if you are into simulation games, you will feel as if you are playing a game instead of designing. Additionally, you will find that the 3D models are hard to navigate. Its rendering is perfect and helps a lot when visualizing the finished project, but navigating it can be a real mess. Finally, the configuration is fairly complex, requiring you to spend more time understanding its parameters.
Not for professionals
Overall, Envisioneer Express is a great app to have if you are thinking of designing your dream home. It is easy to use, allowing you to create a plan even if you are not familiar with CAD tools. It does not have advanced features, though, and it is more like an entry-level product. It is recommended for wanna-be designers. However, if you are a professional, you might find it lacking.
