Here’s a list of the top 5 interior design software tools employers expect their interior designers to be well versed with.

1. SketchUpFormerly known as Google SketchUp while it was under the ownership of Google from 2006 to 2012, this popular 3D modeling computer program is one of the most basic interior design software tool to begin with. Known for its easy to learn and use interface, SketchUp is available in two versions, SketchUp Make (freeware version) and SketchUp Pro (paid version). SketchUp comes with an online open source library of free model assemblies called 3D Warehouse and supports third party plugins to improve the functionality of the software. However, considering its basic nature, interior designers often face difficulty in modeling complex surfaces and visualizing complex 3D models using SketchUp.

2. Autodesk 3Ds Max

Moving on with interior design software tools that are simple in functionality and easy to learn, 3Ds Max from Autodesk is another popular one under the category. Used by interior design students as well as professional interior designers, Autodesk 3Ds Max provides excellent tools for rendering, simulating and visualizing interiors. Though the software is pretty easy to begin with and getting used to, it includes a ton of functionalities and also offers a flexible plugin architecture to support many third party applications. Study material and tutorial videos are abundantly available on the internet making 3Dx Max more easy to learn.

3. Autodesk AutoCadMoving up the complexity ladder, Autodesk AutoCad is one of the most essential but difficult software tools used in interior design. Regardless of its complexity, AutoCad is a very popular software that is used in almost all architectural and interior design firms, making it a must learn software tool for interior designers. Known for its hyper realistic details and high productivity tools, AutoCad was once Autodesk’s most popular product. Adding, AutoCad offers excellent tools for 3D animation and visualization of interiors to realize hyper realistic and detailed visions of the proposed design plan.

4. Autodesk Revit
Another Autodesk product, Autodesk Revit unlike the above mentioned is exclusively for architects and interior designers. Highly technical in nature, Autodesk Revit is a building design and construction software that enables professionals to digitally construct buildings and models with a consistent and coordinated model-based approach. Specifically built for Building Information Modeling (BIM), Revit allows to create plans, elevations and sections in a quick manner. To be a successful interior designer, creativity alone won’t suffice; but you have to master over highly technical software tools like Revit as well.

5. Infurnia
Infurnia is the most in-depth and feature-rich online interior design software available in the market right now. It’s the world’s first cloud-based interior design software built specifically for professional designers. With Infurnia, designers can create detailed multi-story floor plans in both 2d and 3d. The designing is done mainly in 3D with customization options available for all kinds of furniture. Designers can create detailed kitchen design by customizing cabinets’ size, finish, etc.

With its catalog management features, Infurnia also provides designers with an easy-to-use and systematic way of uploading their own furniture models, hardware models, finishes, etc. Infurnia provides different kinds of rendering like 3D image renders, panoramic renders, and VR renders.