10+ Interior Design Software Commonly Used by Professional Firms

The modern interior studio no longer survives on a single drafting app; it juggles modelling, documentation, mood-board and real-time rendering tasks each day. Choosing software for interior design therefore means curating a stack that speaks BIM, delights clients and lets teams iterate quickly without licence bloat.

This guide weighs strengths, limits and Australian pricing so principals can match tools to workflow, not headlines.

Which Software is Most Used in Interior Design?

The most used software in interior design that appears across firm sizes and project types are AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and the Adobe suite. Those tools support a mix of precision drafting, flexible modelling, and client-facing visuals. What we’ve seen is that teams choose based on workflow fit, not software category.

Simply put, the software that dominates interior workflows in 2025 connects drafting, modelling, and visualisation without friction. This is why the interior design software list below outlines pros, cons, and pricing to help you make fairly decisions. If you’re running multi-seat setups, alignment across platforms matters as much as features.

But please note, the software pricing listed below reflects typical monthly rates as of July 2025. Actual costs depend on subscription duration, currency, and licensing route. Alternatively, you can speak with the Interscale software licensing team for help with bundled licensing or instalment-based billing plans.

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD remains a staple for 2D drafting and technical documentation. Many professional interior designer teams use it to maintain precise control over plan sets and detailing. Firms leaning on precision drafting often link to the broader CAD software for architect resources to keep teams aligned.

Pros of AutoCAD

• Industry-standard for technical drawings
• High compatibility with architectural consultants
• Customisable layer and block management
• Extensive libraries of blocks and symbols for fixtures and furniture.
• Robust 2D drafting capabilities remain highly efficient.
• Great precision and dimensioning tools

Cons of AutoCAD

• Not built for rendering or presentations
• Learning curve for new designers
• Limited 3D modeling capabilities

Pricing of AutoCAD

As of July 2025, AutoCAD pricing is:

• A$3,195 for an annual subscription
• A$395 for a monthly subscription
• A$460/100 tokens (minimum) for Autodesk Flex scheme

2. SketchUp

SketchUp is one of free interior design software that is known for its simplicity and speed in creating 3D models. Interior designers often use it to generate conceptual layouts, furniture placements, and walkthroughs. Its plugin ecosystem adds flexibility for rendering and documentation.

Pros of SketchUp

• Fast learning curve, ideal for junior staff
• Large 3D Warehouse library speeds up modelling
• Extensive plugin marketplace
• Great for client-facing visuals and massing studies
• Runs on modest hardware, which ideal for pop-up teams
• Free version available for personal use

Cons of SketchUp

• Native rendering is basic; needs V-Ray or Enscape
• Geometry can balloon file size on large interiors
• Limited parametric data versus BIM tools

Pricing of SketchUp

SketchUp pricing as of July 2025 is:

• SketchUp Go: A$16.37 per month per user, billed annually
• SketchUp Pro: $50.65 per month per user, billed annually
• SketchUp Studio: $103.96 per month per user, billed annually

3. Revit

Revit supports BIM-based workflows for more complex interior design projects. It helps align interior plans with architectural and MEP elements, ideal for firms working on commercial or residential developments. As understanding BIM in architecture is now table stakes, many studios view it as the bridge between design intent and construction certifiers.

Pros of Revit

• Integrated 2D/3D + BIM capabilities
• Ideal for large-scale or multi-disciplinary projects
• Parametric design and scheduling
• Full BIM with parametric families
• Cloud worksharing for dispersed teams

Cons of Revit

• Demands powerful GPUs and disciplined file management
• UI overwhelms pure decorators
• High annual overhead for micro-studios

Pricing of Revit

Here are the Revit pricing and plans as of July 2025:

• Annual: A$4,585
• Monthly: A$575
• Flex: A$460/100 tokens.

4. 3ds Max

3ds Max is used for high-end visualisation and rendering in interior projects. Paired with V-Ray or Arnold, it produces cinematic-quality imagery. It’s often the go-to for photorealistic outputs in commercial design studios.

Pros of 3ds Max

• Poly modelling plus UV tools for textiles
• Seamless V-Ray and Enscape pipelines
• Animation paths for fly-through pitches
• Supports complex materials and lighting setups
• Integrates with AutoCAD and Revit

Cons of 3ds Max

• Steep learning curve
• Requires a high-performance GPU
• Pure visualisation; no BIM metadata

Pricing of 3ds Max

If your firm is already deep in Autodesk architecture licences, you can get 3ds Max at cheaper pricing via Autodesk AEC Collection. But as a single license, here the Autodesk 3ds Max pricing plan as of June 2025:

• Annual: A$3,065
• Monthly: A$390
• Flex: A$460/100 tokens (minimum).

5. Planner 5D

Planner 5D is a beginner-friendly home interior design software used mostly by freelancers or small-scale projects. It supports drag-and-drop design in 2D and 3D views, suitable for quick mockups or client walkthroughs. Its free tier covers one project, while paid editions lift rendering limits.

Pros of Planner 5D

• Intuitive for beginners
• Works on mobile and desktop
• Decent furniture and texture library
• Browser-based; no install friction
• Exports panoramas for headset demos
• Built-in AI room-builder accelerates concepts

Cons of Planner 5D

• Lacks CAD-level precision
• Not suitable for detailed documentation
• Limited licensing options for firms

Pricing of Planner 5D

Pricing of Planner 5D as of July 2025 is:

• Free
• Premium: A$7.60 per month with an annual commitment
• Professional: $50.77 per month with an annual commitment
• Enterprise: Quote-based

6. Homestyler

Homestyler is a web-based 3D interior design software that simplifies layout and furnishing tasks. It’s used mainly for quick client visuals or non-technical projects. The drag-and-drop interface suits decorators and stylists more than architects.  Its low-entry price appeals to boutique studios testing styles before moving into heavier CAD.

Pros of Homestyler

• Web tool with mobile companion
• Community galleries inspire mood boards
• AI Designer auto-furnishes rooms
• Includes preloaded catalog items

Cons of Homestyler

• Not built for technical design
• Performance depends on internet speed
• Basic customization options

Pricing of Homestyler

Homestyler pricing as of July 2025 is:

• Basic: Free
• Individual: Start from A$7.46 per month
• Team: Starts from A$29.85 per seat per month
• Enterprise: Quotation-based

7. Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop helps refine visuals and presentation boards. Many professional interior designers use it for mood boards, post-processing renders, and editing material swatches. It also supports color correction and graphic overlays.

Pros of Photoshop

• Excellent image editing tools
• Industry-standard for visual presentation
• Works well with scanned plans and sketches
• Firefly generative fill speeds concept trials

Cons of Photoshop

• Steep for beginners
• Not a design tool by itself
• Limited layout features

Pricing of Photoshop

As of July 2025, Adobe Photoshop is:

• Photoshop (Photoshop on desktop, web and mobile, plus Adobe Express Premium plan): A$35.99 per month
• Photography (Photoshop on desktop, web and mobile, plus Lightroom): A$30.99 per month.
• Creative Cloud All Apps: A$48.49 per month

8. Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is used for client-ready presentations, design portfolios, and project reports. It enables structured layouts and typography, making it perfect for proposal documents and finish schedules. For us, InDesign is bridging graphic design and technical deliverables.

Pros of InDesign

• Clean, professional layout tools
• Supports templates and brand guides
• Great for multi-page documents
• Data merge feeds live SKU tables

Cons of InDesign

• Not for modeling or technical work
• Requires design sensibility
• Somewhat siloed from CAD/BIM tools

Pricing of InDesign

As of July 2025, the price of Adobe Illustrator is set at A$35.99 per month as a standalone or via Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps (A$48.49/month).

9. Chief Architect

Chief Architect blends 2D drafting and 3D modeling in one tool. It’s tailored for residential and light commercial interiors. Designers use it for construction documents, electrical layouts, and cabinetry detailing.

Pros of Chief Architect

• Purpose-built for interiors
• Catalogues local appliance brands
• Auto-generates cut lists and schedules
• Auto-generation of floorplans and elevations
• Good furniture and materials catalog.

Cons of Chief Architect

• Primarily North American standards
• Less open-source flexibility
• Slightly rigid modeling.

Pricing of Chief Architect

Chief Architect pricing as of July 2025 is divided into two types:

• Chief Architect Premier monthly subscription: A$348.81 per month
• Chief Architect Premier annual subscription: A$3,038.78 per year.

10. Cedreo

Cedreo is a cloud-based home design and interior design rendering software focused on speed. It allows quick creation of floor plans and generates photorealistic renders in minutes. Also, Cedreo offers a large catalog of pre-modeled items.

Pros of Cedreo

• Simple interface for quick outputs
• Cloud-based sharing and collaboration
• Large catalog of pre-modeled furniture, materials, and fixtures.
• Good for producing multiple client options quickly.
• Free access for 5 renderings

Cons of Cedreo

• Not CAD-compliant
• Limited drawing precision
• Less robust for technical projects

Pricing of Cedreo

Pricing of Cedreo as of July 2025 is:

• Free access available
• Personal: $59 /project
• Pro: $53.9 per month
• Enterprise: $76 per user per month

11. Morpholio Board

Morpholio Board is an iOS-only app built for concepting and visual boards. Its intuitive interface mimics physical pin-up boards but offers digital flexibility and sharing. It’s ideal for client mood boards, material palettes, and fast design pitches.

Pros of Morpholio Board

• Stylish, modern presentation tool
• Syncs with iPad workflows
• Drag-and-drop for materials and palettes
• Integrates with Morpholio Trace for sketching over images.

Cons of Morpholio Board

• Apple-only ecosystem
• Not suitable for drawing or modeling
• Lacks data-heavy outputs

Pricing of Morpholio Board

Morpholio Board pricing is In-app purchase, which as of July 2025 around:

• Basic: Free
• Board Premium: A$11.99 per year
• Board Pro: A$17.56 per year

12. Blender

Blender is the best interior design software when budgets are thin but visual fidelity must soar. Cycles path-tracing competes with paid engines, and modifiers ease parametric furniture tweaks. It’s often used by advanced visualisation teams looking to customise their pipeline.

Pros of Blender

• Free, open-source; thriving add-ons
• GPU rendering with OptiX and Metal
• Animation tools for staged walkthroughs
• Large support community

Cons of Blender

• Steep learning curve
• Not purpose-built for interiors
• Requires manual setup for libraries

Pricing of Blender

Blender is free so no need for any licensing fees.

13. Enscape

Enscape is a real-time interior design rendering software that integrates with Revit and SketchUp. It’s widely used for walkthroughs and client-facing visuals, allowing fast, photorealistic previews with minimal effort.

Pros of Enscape

• Real-time rendering
• Integrates with CAD/BIM platforms
• Easy export for VR or video
• Instant feedback on design changes; live walkthroughs.
• Relatively easy to learn compared to standalone renderers.

Cons of Enscape

• Needs high-end GPU
• Limited standalone functionality
• Subscription-based licensing

Pricing of Enscape

As of July 2025, this is Enscape pricing:

• Enscape Solo: A$961.70 per user per year
• Enscape Premium: A$1,068.80 per year for a named licensed user
• ArchDesign Collection: A1,175.89 per year for a named licensed user.

How to Choose the Right Interior Design Software for Your Firm?

The main consideration when choosing the best software for interior design depends on your team’s workflow, not just tool popularity. Firms that need speed for client visuals may lean on SketchUp or Enscape. Those delivering full BIM documentation will benefit more from Revit or Chief Architect.

Consider your team’s skill set, licensing model, and visual expectations. If your projects include stakeholder presentations or brand-driven deliverables, tools like InDesign and Photoshop can round out your core CAD tools. Smaller firms may get by with web-based options like Cedreo or Homestyler, while larger studios might invest in multi-seat Autodesk + Adobe combinations.