Landscape Design Software: Definition, Types, Purpose, Benefits & More!

The landscape design software is a special tool for professional architects to virtually create stunning landscape designs before the actual development. With the software, complete outdoor as well as interior structures can be designed as per the client’s requirements. 

Once the structure is finalised, contractors are ready to convert the virtual realities into actual ones through concrete materials. Furthermore, not just professionals, even DIY lovers or regular people can also master and use such software for landscaping and the augmentation of external beauty. 

This article curates the top software programs that designers can use to achieve 100% accuracy. To learn more, continue to read! 

20 Best Landscape Design Software Available in the Market!

In this section, we will talk about paid and free landscape design software from various famous companies. If you have been on the hunt to find the best platform to create wonderful landscape views for your outdoor spaces, you have got to be here. Our list includes the following options for you to consider. 

• Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Pro
• 3D DreamPlan Home Design Software
• Chief Architect Home Designer Suite
• Space Designer 3D
• FloorPlan Home & Landscape Deluxe
• Virtual Architect Home & Landscape Platinum Suite 
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Vectorworks Landmark Design Software
• SketchUp
• Lumion
• Houseplan
• Structure Studios VizTerra – 3D Landscape Design Software
• iScape
• MyGarden Planner
• SmartDraw
• DynaSCAPE Design
• RhinoLands Design
• PALANETSIDE SOFTWARE Terragen 4
• PRO Landscape+
• Punch! Home & Landscape

For a detailed explanation of each software, follow along! 

1. Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Pro 

The Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Pro comes with a massive library and wizards to enable users to create what they want to create at a higher speed. The library boasts loads of ready-made elements that can be added to the design on the go. 

Furthermore, this platform is not that affordable, lifelong ownership after a one-time purchase makes it the right choice for many designers. 

Features	Clear interface Massive object library, i.e., plants, objects, concrete structures, etc. Animations available Handy wizards High-definition outcomes
Operating System	Windows
Plan	One-time purchase
Pricing	$279
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Only supported in Windows 10 & 11 Not free Might glitch or lag when handling complex projects

2. 3D DreamPlan Home Design Software

Although it isn’t completely freeware landscaping software, DreamPlan is the best tool for everyone searching for an affordable buy! This is a genuinely practical and very reasonable tool, just priced at $30 for an unlimited commercial license for a user anywhere. 

If you are not sure about the lifetime purchase, go for the monthly subscription plan, which is the most popular according to the company! 

Features	Multi-platform Ease of use Complete interior & exterior design facility Mega inventory
Operating System	Windows, macOS
Plan	Subscription, Lifetime Access (Perpetual License)
Pricing	$30 (subject to fluctuation)
Free Trial	Available for non-commercial use
Potential Cons	Occasional navigation difficulty around a build Outdated interface

3. Chief Architect Home Designer Suite 

The next name is Chief Architect Home Designer Suite, also part of the landscape design software free list. This suite equips users with the right tools and features to design the most advanced interior and exterior structures with modern aesthetics. Users can access the platform with either periodical subscriptions or lifetime purchases.  

Features	Multi-platform Unlimited possibilities No steep learning curve Easy to adapt and use to the fullest
Operating System	Windows, macOS
Plan	Subscription-based access (annual and monthly both available)
Pricing	Annual Bill: $166.25 Monthly: $229
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Paid additional items Might pose learning challenges for some users at first

4. Space Designer 3D

Space Designer 3D holds the fourth position in the list of landscape design software. This is a great tool for everyone who has just started in the field of landscape design as a beginner. 

Its interface is highly user-friendly with easy-to-understand features and a responsive layout! If you love to work online, this platform is for you, as it leverages the SaaS delivery model, providing access over the internet utilising the cloud technology. 

Features	High-end UI experience Fully customisable elements Easy to understand and learn
Operating System	Mac & Windows
Plan	Subscription
Pricing	Starter: $0 Premium: $25/month Ultimate: $45/month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Limited access under the free plan

5. FloorPlan Home & Landscape Deluxe 

If you are an established professional seeking sophisticated and modern landscaping design software, FloorPlan Home & Landscape Deluxe is the solution you need. 

The platform is a perfectionist at its core, allowing every user to handle each project in a detailed manner for ultimate success. This is a complete suite for the basic to advanced landscape design requirements. 

Features	Design phase management with multiple tabs Extensive object library Simple drag and drop functionality 2D/3D, both views available Ease of use User-friendly interface Time efficiency with smart features Eco-friendly design Use of SmartWand technology
Operating System	Windows, macOS
Plan	Lifetime access with one-time purchase (perpetual license)
Pricing	$139.99
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Navigational difficulty in 3D views It might be challenging to select all items in the 3D mode of viewing and designing

6. Virtual Architect Home & Landscape Platinum Suite 12 

Virtual Architect offers the best landscape planning software, namely Professional Home Design, Ultimate Home Design, and Home & Landscape Platinum Suite. The last one is perfect for designing your dream home’s interior and exterior your way, without having to compromise on any crucial aspect! 

This suite comes with handy features and useful tutorials, enabling users to help themselves whenever required.  

Features	High customisation User friendly VR support available 3D Viewing High-definition clarity
Operating System	Windows only
Plan	Perpetual license (lifetime access after one-time purchase)
Pricing	$49.99
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Some users might not like support aid Occasional glitch in 3D navigation

7. Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk AutoCAD landscape design software comes with the most advanced features, allowing users to create even the most sophisticated ideas virtually. 

The platform is not just easy to use, but also highly responsive so that it works alike across all screen types. This tool is best known for its 2D and 3D capabilities for an enhanced user experience and better project design management. 

Features	Precise drafting Automated documentation at every critical stage Large object library Easy collaboration with team members High visualisation Integration ease (high compatibility)
Operating System	Windows and macOS
Plan	Both monthly and annual subscriptions are available
Pricing	$530/year $65/month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Expensive and steep learning curves for some users

8. Vectorworks Landmark Design Software 

Another awesome and professional tool on the list of paid and freeware landscape design software is provided by Vectorworks. This computer program is known to offer cutting-edge features for the most accurate and precise planning before developing a project. 

The user can divide the project into four phases at the time of designing, namely, pre-design, schematic design, design development, and construction documents.  

Features	Site modelling Terrain sculpting Extensive library 2D & 3D documentation available Cloud-supported collaboration Multi-layer planning with 4 facilities, i.e., pre-design, schematic design, design development, and construction documents
Operating System	Windows and macOS
Plan	Subscription — both yearly and monthly
Pricing	$1,530/year $128/month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Costly subscription as compared to rivals Learning curve Not operative in Windows other than 10 and 11

9. SketchUp

Although the free trial is available, SketchUp cannot be categorised as the landscape drafting software free of cost completely. This software is paid and offers more than one subscription plan, as mentioned in the table below. 

With the help of its 3D architectural and landscaping capabilities, users can create high-end plans, later facilitating better construction!  

Features	Elevated UI Intuitive 3D modelling Enhanced visualisation Compatibility with third-party add-ons Seamless collaboration
Operating System	Windows and macOS
Plan	Annual Subscription
Pricing	Go Annual: $10.75 Pro Annual: $33.25 Studio Annual: $68.25 (per month when billed annually)
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Limited features under the Go plan The Studio plan is expensive for some users

10. Lumion

Another cutting-edge software for designing landscapes is Lumion, which is best known for its high-quality visualisations and fast rendering capabilities. Now, your ideas don’t need much time to get converted into realities straight out of your mind! 

It is the most advanced space for architects to build something massive, functional, and durable together, utilising the latest technology. 

Features	Seamless collaboration A great blend of design and visualisation Real-time rendering for high-speed performance Detailed & instant visualisation Effortless 3D modelling Smooth workflow Fast, flexible outputs Compatibility with major CAD & BIM software 360-degree viewing with immersive experiences
Operating System	Windows 10 & 11
Plan	1-year or 3-year subscription
Pricing	$236 approximately for the basic plan
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Not operative on macOS Potentially expensive for some users

11. Houseplan

The Houseplan landscape software comes with an easy-to-follow interface and responsive layout, so that no beginner faces steep learning curves and hampered productivity. 

Additionally, the platform is so self-sufficient that no third-party plugins are required to augment its capacity. And, finally, to make the process ultra convenient, all your designs and maps can be easily exported in the desired formats once you are done. 

Features	Quick modelling Useful 2D & 3D tools available Ease of use Real-time rendering No plugin required VR viewing supported AI image and video Interactive simulation Format compatibility
Operating System	Windows 10
Plan	Perpetual license (one-time purchase)
Pricing	Not publicly available (request the quotation from the website)
Free Trial	1 month
Potential Cons	Low transparency Might feel outdated by visuals

12. Structure Studios VizTerra – 3D Landscape Design Software 

VizTerra, one of the best landscape design software tools, is also part of the discussion here. With its key focus on the 3-dimensional visualisation, the platform helps architects create stunning and immersive designs for breathtaking builds. 

How the tool delivers this much comes all the way down to the highly customisable approach and the availability of a lot of handy tools to aid and speed up the process.  

Features	3D visuals Instant conversion from 2D to 3D with just one click Streamlined design process Extensive & smart library Interactive & immersive outputs Ability to take stunning photos of a build Video creation capacity of a design for sharing Area calculation aid
Operating System	Windows 10 & 11
Plan	Subscription-based access
Pricing	Starting from $97 a month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Expensive Might pose a steep learning curve

13. iScape

iScape is another landscape design software on our list, which is the first choice for professionals looking for mobile-based applications. This design ware can be easily accessed and put to use through any type of functional smartphone. 

With that said, mobile-friendliness increases accessibility of the software, as one can even access it on the go. 

Features	Mobile-friendly design Immersive 2D & 3D modelling Impressive Object Library Augmented reality supported Easy collaboration
Operating System	Android & iOS
Plan	Subscription
Pricing	$29.99 per month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Initial learning difficulty Export limitations Limited to mobile

14. MyGarden Planner

With this landscape planning software freely accessible, you can create your garden’s or other outdoor spaces’ aesthetics your way! The software can be used on both smartphones and desktops, allowing for a higher level of user experience. 

Furthermore, as the free version might pose limitations, Gardena also offers paid services, increasing its capabilities. 

Features	Works across all screen types User-friendly interface Drag-and-drop functionality Best for garden design planning
Operating System	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
Plan	Lifelong access through a one-time purchase
Pricing	$38/lifetime
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Only 2D visualisation Outdated Graphics

15. SmartDraw

While discussing paid & free landscape architecture software, SmartDraw is bound to come up. It offers a free floor plan creation service on the website. However, for full access and professional use, you will have to pay for it. 

This tool is the right choice for everyone, whether homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, or professional workers in the field of landscape design.

Features	Ease of use Best for indoor as well as outdoor designing Fast 3D rendering Large toolkit for professional results Affordable
Operating System	Windows and macOS
Plan	Annual subscription
Pricing	Starting at $9.95 a month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Not SaaS Limited plant components

16. DynaSCAPE Design 

DynaScape landscape design software is ideal for individual freelance designers or workers, as it only caters to small, simple, and medium-scale project modelling. The user can manage landscaping design without much trouble if there are zero-to-low complexities involved. 

As a beginner as well, this is the most suitable space to test and practice your landscaping skills. 

Features	Comprehensive coverage of the design process End-to-end landscape management Extensive plant library Automated labelling Fast rendering for quick landscaping User-friendly and intuitive design Responsive layout Ease of use with initial learning Facilitation of the best CAD environment
Operating System	Windows 10, 11, and 8.1
Plan	Subscription
Pricing	Starting from $158/ month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Steep learning curve High cost Limited customisation Incompatible with Apple products

17. RhinoLands Design 

One of the most standalone & best landscaping software is RhinoLands, which is a comprehensive solution for converting empty land into stunning visuals. This platform offers great capabilities for landscape architecture, green infrastructure, forestry, and urban planning. Consider its major features in the table below. 

Features	2D & 3D presentations available Detailed & dynamic 2D documentation A vast library of components Pre-made templates Search & insert functionality Customisable features Clear & immersive visualisation Improved interoperability
Operating System	Windows 10 & 11
Plan	Subscription or lifelong access
Pricing	Starting from $130 a month $1,790 for perpetual license
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Expensive Might pose initially steep learning curves

18. PALANETSIDE SOFTWARE Terragen 4 

Terragen is also one of the highly functional landscape design software free online, with the availability of the paid version. Utilising its cutting-edge technology, users can create visually stunning external views for all types of properties. 

The software’s drag-and-drop feature makes it easy for architects to build designs and achieve great aesthetics. 

Features	Fast rendering Ease of use Interactive and immersive landscaping High-end simulation Quality animation creation capability
Operating System	Windows, Linux, and macOS
Plan	Subscription
Pricing	Starting from $10 a month and $96 a year
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Expensive yearly subscription

19. PRO Landscape+

Offering 24/7 technical support and the facility of detailed documentation, PRO Landscape+ is a comprehensive, all-in-one landscaping suite. 

Utilising its revolutionary features, outdoor space designers can create stunning and immersive renderings as per clients’ expectations. 

Features	Photo imaging AI-powered, easy-to-use CAD 1-click proposals Tablet apps 3D rendering Lighting design Multi-purpose capability Extensive library Adaptability
Operating System	Windows 10 and 11 only
Plan	Subscription
Pricing	Starting from $90/month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	No macOS compatibility

20. Punch! Home & Landscape 

Punch!’s landscaping ideas software enables every type of user to create indoor and outdoor designs and visualise the same from several angles, such as a street view, 2D and 3D modelling, helicopter view, etc. 

This unique feature helps analyse the beauty of a structural design from different angles before it is implemented on an actual build. 

Features	Pre-made templates available Extensive customisation with flexible tools Feature videos for marketability Facility to edit designs with ease Massive plant inventory
Operating System	Windows & macOS
Plan	Subscription
Pricing	Starting from $99.99 a month
Free Trial	Available
Potential Cons	Expensive Steep learning curves for some users

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Benefits of Using Landscape Design Software

There are multiple benefits of learning to use landscaping design software free and paid versions, such as mentioned below. To name a few, they are time-saving, affordability, editing ease, greater precision, immersive visuals, detailed 2-D documentation, and better planning.  

• Time Saving: All landscaping software tools allow users to design more in less time as compared to manual sketching and designing, which was prevalent when CAD wasn’t technologically available. 

• Affordability: Compared to traditional ways of designing on paper and achieving perfection by making the same sections of a design over and over again, computer-based landscaping has now streamlined the process, reducing essential costs. 

• Ease of Editing: On the screen, removing, adding and adjusting the major elements for a build becomes a piece of cake. 

• Enhanced Accuracy: With the state-of-the-art technology, the user can achieve a high level of precision in virtual landscaping. 

• 3D & Immersive Visualisation: Outcomes are always highly immersive and responsive due to technologies like 3D viewing, augmented reality, virtual reality, etc. This furthermore considerably aids in marketability. 

• Detailed & Dynamic Documentation: Software for landscape designing also offers a comprehensive documentation facility to make the analysis of a complex build less tiring on the screen, allowing for quick edits and easy subsequent customisability if required.   

Quick rendering, low cost, streamlined editing, enhanced precision, elevated visualisation and immersive outputs—everything—make landscape planning most effective and fruitful for maximum results. 

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How to Choose the Best Landscape Design Software for You?

Choosing the best software for great landscaping is quite a subjective process. Yet, one can benefit from the following tips. It involves specifying needs, considering access types, price comparisons, etc. 

• Define Needs: Make a list of the expectations or qualities you are looking for in a piece of software. It will help you narrow down your options and make a better choice faster. 

• Consider Access Types: Some landscaping design software tools offer subscription-based access over the internet (SaaS) while others work on a one-time purchase for lifelong access. Thus, consider this aspect carefully for an informed decision. 

• Compare Prices: Before you pay for any software online, make sure you have already drawn a thorough comparison among all the major landscape design products available on the market. It will help get the most affordable deal ever. 

• Analyse Professional Status: Some landscaping tools are not for professionals but for DIY lovers or amateur homeowners. Such products aren’t ideal for professional workplaces and well-certified architects who have to work on large, massive and complex builds. Thus, pay attention to this aspect as well.  

• Research Independently: Don’t solely rely on comparison articles on the internet, as they might hold biased opinions. Also, conduct your own research on multiple platforms, such as social media, news platforms, search engines, etc.

• Take Trials: Free trials are a great way to test the usefulness and overall functionality of a piece of software before making a payment. Thus, don’t subscribe to landscaping software with free trials. 

Finally, the last piece of advice to help you find the best platform is that you must always start with a monthly subscription. This is because the learning worth of a tool is only known once used personally. Thus, pay for one month and try it yourself. If you like it, then consider an investment bigger than that.    

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Conclusion

So, there are so many landscape design software programs available out there, on the market for stakeholders to consider and choose from. However, not every solution is for you. 

Finding the right fit would take time, but certainly be worth it. So, don’t rush the process. Analyse each software and compare features, pricing, and usability thoroughly. It will help you reach the platform that delivers and suits your needs best. 

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