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Floor plan software

Great design in architecture starts with a floor plan. Autodesk provides leading floor plan software for innovative projects.

Rendered floor plans like this help architects, engineers, and builders show spatial relationships and plan projects.

What is floor plan software?

Floor plan software can help create a technical drawing of a room, residence, or commercial building, such as an office or restaurant. The floor plan drawing, which can be represented in 2D or 3D, showcases the spatial relationship between rooms, spaces, and elements such as windows, doors, and furniture. Floor plans are critical for any architectural project. Architects, engineers, and builders use floor plan software to create plans for their upcoming projects.

This rendered visualization of an office building can give experts a look ahead at the project.

What is a floor plan used for?

A floor plan provides a preview of an architectural project. It shows how the space is divided and indicates the dimensions and measurements of the various elements such as window and doors. Those involved with the project will be able to suggest changes and move to the next stages, such as electrical, plumbing, structural, landscaping, and others.

This rendered floor plan shows details of a server room project. Image courtesy of DLB Associates.

What is the difference between blueprints and floor plans?

Blueprints are detailed drawings referenced to build something. They can include many types of drawings and diagrams such as floor plans, elevations, and details. A floor plan shows a bird’s-eye view of the interior of structure including the location of walls, fixtures, and furniture.

Types of floor plans

There are various types of floor plans to be used for different purposes.

3D floor plan

3D floor plan

A 3D floor plan is a view of an architectural space in three dimensions. By viewing a 3D floor plan one can get a better understanding of the size, layout, and proportions of a space.

Technical floor plan

Technical floor plan

Technical floor plans offer specific details and measurements showing the relationships between rooms and other spaces in an architectural or building engineering project. These floor plans are drawn to scale and typically show only one level of a structure per drawing.

Humanized floor plan

Humanized floor plan

More realistic than other types of plans, humanized floor plans are best suited for presentation settings. In architecture and building engineering use cases, these floor plans show how an environment will look once the space is complete, including furniture, sinks, and other objects.

Benefits of floor plan software

Learn about some of the top benefits of floor plan software from Autodesk.

3D visualization and rendering

Floor plan software is used to create two-dimensional representations of space and design ideas.  In addition, floor plan software can go beyond two-dimensional representation, providing users with a lifelike perspective in three-dimensions that vividly depicts the attributes of a design scheme. Designers and stakeholders can use floor plans to explore the interplay of elements and gaining insight into the visual impact of their decisions.

Floor plan customization

Floor plan software improves precision in design by allowing users to swiftly see and assess various design options, fostering a more dynamic and iterative design process. You can use software such as AutoCAD and Revit to create, track changes, and turn floorplans to entire document sets when changes are made to the design. Digital floor plan software simplifies the process of embedding project requirements, such as wall types, ceiling heights, and floor area ratios (FAR) into design schemes. 

Collaboration on floor plan design

Floor plan design software elevates collaboration by streamlining review and markup processes, enabling real-time feedback and reducing miscommunication. Creating digital floor plans also enhances coordination between MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) and structural engineers by facilitating early identification of clashes and conflicts, leading to more cost-effective project execution.

Floor plan software features

Discover top floor plan software tools and features available with Autodesk software.

2D drafting

2D drafting

AutoCAD helps designers, architects, and engineers efficiently create detailed and accurate two-dimensional representations. Use it to bring concepts to life precisely, ensuring every line, shape, and dimension seamlessly aligns. From architectural drafts to technical schematics, AutoCAD’s suite of features caters to many industries. AutoCAD software is also a leading platform in 3D modeling, renowned for its versatility and ability to transition seamlessly between 2D and 3D design.

3D modeling

3D modeling

Autodesk Revit is a highly effective tool for creating floor plans and modeling them in 3D to produce complete document sets, with plans, sections, and isometric views. Parametric modeling ensures consistency in floor plans with related design documentation and facilitates real-time updates across associated 3D models. Revit supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities that enhance accuracy and support data-rich visualizations, aiding informed decision-making by design and project teams.

Integrate CAD and BIM data

Integrate CAD and BIM data

Autodesk BIM software  provides a unified ecosystem where professionals can collaborate on projects, ensuring consistency and coherence throughout the design and construction phases. Autodesk offers purpose-built tools for architects, engineers, contractors, and a wide array of design and construction disciplines, with interoperability across the suite that smooths the transfer of design data to enhance collaboration, minimize errors and rework, and increase margins on the billable hour. 

Mobile floor plan tools

Mobile floor plan tools

Autodesk mobile applications give design professionals greater flexibility as they can take their floor plan designs directly to worksites. Designers and architects can access, review, and edit floor plans from mobile devices, fostering a dynamic and agile workflow. The new AutoCAD mobile app streamlines communication between the field and the office, maintaining continuity in floor plan designs and fostering efficiency and adaptability.

Autodesk floor plan software

AutoCAD
2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations, and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile, and seven specialized toolsets.
AutoCAD LT
Best-in-class tool for 2D CAD drafting, drawing, and documentation. Subscription includes AutoCAD LT on desktop, web, and mobile.
Revit
Plan, design, construct, and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modeling.
Revit LT
Simplified 3D BIM tool for producing 3D architectural designs and documentation

Examples of floor plan software

Understand how Autodesk tools and software will bring efficiency to every step of floor planning and design.

Floor plan software for home design

Floor plan software for home design

Award-winning designer Tim Campbell uses AutoCAD floor plan software for creative design and seamless collaboration on global restoration projects. 

Image courtesy of Tim Campbell
Floor plans and interior design

Floor plans and interior design

AutoCAD floor plan software proved instrumental in transforming Sarah Wilson’s career trajectory from IT to interior design.

Image courtesy of Gina Diaz Photography
Floor plan construction collaboration

Floor plan construction collaboration

San Francisco­–based HoloBuilder uses Autodesk Platform Services to conveniently store floor plans, photos, and other relevant project data in one place.

Image courtesy of HoloBuilder
Floor plan modeling and AI

Floor plan modeling and AI

Using Autodesk Forge, SWAPP gives customers a visually comprehensive look into the floor plan model, informing the decision-making process.

Image courtesy of Swapp

Floor plan software resources

Learn more about floor plan software with these helpful resources from Autodesk.

Tutorial: Create a simple floor plan

Explore a user-friendly approach to creating clear and effective floor plans. Gain the skills to plan a home interior or organize the layout of a commercial space.

Generative design for architectural space planning

Embrace a new era of thinking, making, and producing architecture with generative design. Go from ideas to floor plans with the power of AI.

Blueprint maker

Create floor plans and draw blueprints with a suite of Autodesk tools. Produce detailed, interactive digital representations that bring your visions to life. 

Architecture drawing software

Discover intuitive drawing interfaces, precise measurement tools, and seamless collaboration features that streamline your design process and simplify floor plan creation.

Benefits of the AutoCAD architecture toolset

See how architects and designers have harnessed the power of AutoCAD to enhance their workflows and elevate project outcomes. 

AI in architecture design

Explore the evolving landscape of AI in architecture and the cutting-edge tools that optimize processes for floor plan creation, blueprint design, and more.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about floor plan software

Learn more about floor plan software and tools with these top questions frequently asked by users.

What is a floor plan?

A floor plan is a scaled drawing that shows the layout of a room, home, or commercial building from above. It illustrates the location of walls, doors, windows, rooms, and other features to help visualize how a space is organized. Architects, engineers, designers, and construction professionals use floor plans to communicate design intent, support planning, and guide construction.

What is a floor plan used for?

A floor plan is used to visualize and communicate the layout of a space before construction or renovation begins. It helps define room layouts, dimensions, doors, windows, and other building features, making it easier to plan designs, coordinate projects, estimate materials, and communicate ideas with clients and project teams.

Who is floor plan software designed for?

Floor plan software is designed for architects, interior designers, engineers, construction professionals, real estate professionals, facility managers, and homeowners who need to create, visualize, and share accurate building layouts.

What software do architects use to create floor plans?

AutoCAD and Revit are widely used by architects and other professionals use to create accurate 2D and 3D floor plans. AutoCAD is a general-purpose drawing tool, while Revit is purpose-built for building design and documentation across all phases of a project.

How do I create a floor plan?

To create a floor plan, measure the space and use floor plan software to draw a scaled layout showing walls, doors, windows, and other features. Autodesk AutoCAD provides precise drafting tools, while Revit supports BIM-based design and documentation.

Can floor plan software be used for both residential and commercial buildings?

Yes, floor plan software can be used to create floor plans for both residential and commercial building projects. Autodesk AutoCAD helps create accurate 2D drawings and 3D floor plans for homes, offices, retail spaces, and other buildings. For projects that require Building Information Modeling (BIM) and multidisciplinary coordination, Revit provides model-based design and documentation throughout the building lifecycle.

What's the difference between AutoCAD and Revit for floor plans?

AutoCAD and Revit can both be used to create floor plans, but they serve different purposes. AutoCAD is primarily used for 2D drafting and detailed design work, while Revit is BIM software used to create intelligent 3D building models. Both can create floor plans, but Revit is designed for building-wide coordination and documentation, whereas AutoCAD offers greater flexibility for drafting and drawing tasks.

Can I create BIM-based floor plans with Autodesk software?

Yes. Autodesk Revit lets you create BIM-based floor plans as part of an intelligent building model. Changes made to the model automatically update related floor plans, elevations, sections, and schedules, helping improve accuracy and coordination throughout the design process. For projects that require precise 2D drafting and flexible design workflows, Autodesk AutoCAD is also a powerful solution for creating floor plans.

Can I use Autodesk floor plan software on a mobile device?

Yes. The AutoCAD Web lets you access, review, edit, and share floor plans from almost anywhere. It's well suited for reviewing drawings, making updates, and collaborating on the go, while more complex design and drafting tasks may be better suited to AutoCAD on desktop.

Does Autodesk offer a free trial for floor plan software?

Yes, Autodesk offers free trials for several floor plan software products, including AutoCAD and Revit. A trial lets you explore key features before purchasing a subscription.

How much does Autodesk floor plan software cost?

Pricing depends on the Autodesk product you choose, your subscription length, and your region. Visit the Autodesk product pages for the latest pricing and subscription options for AutoCAD, Revit, and the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection.

Is Autodesk floor plan software free for students?

Yes, eligible students and educators can access Autodesk software, including AutoCAD and Revit, for free through the Autodesk Education plan. Access is available for educational purposes and subject to eligibility requirements.