If you’ve been trying to draw floor plans with CAD software, as an interior designer or student, you’ve likely come across so many different names in the industry like AutoCAD, Chief Architect, Vectorworks, Revit, ArchiCAD and the numerous non industry standard software like Design Files, Foyr Neo and Room Sketcher.
There are so many programs out there it’s hard to know which one is the best to put your effort into learning. This is why I wanted to share the easiest Drawing software for interior designers out there today.
Its called SketchUp for Web and it is also industry standard (which means that if you work with architects, engineers or technicians they will also be able to share files with you!) Not only is it used by professional architects, interior designers and engineers around the world, it’s also absolutely free to use! Many people get confused about this, but yes, SketchUp does have a free version that you can use to learn SketchUp and in my opinion, it’s better than the paid PRO version!
I’ve now taught hundreds of interior designers, architects and students how to use SketchUp and for me, it’s consistently been the best software that I teach to beginners as well as seasoned designers. SketchUp for Web is simple, accessible and ideal for anyone who wants to understand SketchUp for interiors without the overwhelm of complex professional software like REVIT or Chief Architect which is unnecessary for most working designers.
But why do I love SketchUp For Web so much and why is it the easiest drawing software for interior designers:
Access From Browser
The first thing I love about SketchUp For Web is that you don’t need a fast computer or graphics card as there is nothing to download. You simply create a Trimble account and start modelling from a web browser within seconds. Also, unlike the SketchUp PRO, it has the same interface no matter whether you’re on a Mac or PC, making it simple to navigate, especially when you’re just starting out.
Simple Interface
SketchUp for Web removes all the unnecessary tools you don’t need when learning, helping you stay focused on what really matters (like drawing and modelling!) If your goal is to learn SketchUp for interior design, this is the quickest and most effective way to do it.
One of the biggest challenges with the Pro version (and most CAD software) is that it can feel cluttered and confusing, but in SketchUp for Web everything is perfectly organised: drawing tools on the left, settings on the right and the layout stays consistent across every computer.
Unlike the Pro version, menus can’t get lost making it much easier to focus on designing interiors in 3D or 2D instead of getting frustrated by technical details that slow you down when learning SketchUp for interiors.
IntoDesign Membership
Everything you need to reach your goals as an interior designer in one place, with systems, tools, training, community and mentorship.
Furniture Library
The built-in 3D Warehouse gives you access to thousands of ready-to-use models that you can use for free and instantly! Not only that, you’re able to edit them or you can easily draw your own. This is almost impossible in many other software for interior designers. I love that you can find sofas, lighting, décor and even fully designed kitchens and houses that you can download into your model and start using straight away.
Interior Design Workflow
SketchUp For Web is also flexible in that you can use it across all the phases of an interior design project, making it one of the most versatile and accessible tools for designers at all levels. From early concept design and space planning to elevations, detailed 3D modelling and even rendering, it supports every step of our design process.
You can quickly explore layout options, experiment with materials and furniture and visualise how a space will look and feel before anything is built. You’re also not limited to working on residential projects like you are with other design software furniture libraries!
SketchUp For Web Course For Beginners
If you would like to see how easy it is to learn SketchUp in 2D and 3D why not try our SketchUp For Beginners Course specifically created for interior designers at all levels. I’ve broken each step down into bite size pieces (like how to draw a line) and focussed on teaching manoeuvring techniques before you start modelling to help you understand how to zoom in and out naturally and of course how I use SketchUp in my own interior architecture studio for all scales of projects. It’s the easiest drawing software for interior designers.
Why not try it? Most of members learn how to draw in 2D and 3D within a week or two! You’ll also be able to ask questions and get support, share your models with the community and access other courses designed specifically for interior designers too!
Jo Chrobak
