Top 20 exterior design software & apps in 2024: online, free, paid, and for different OS

In today’s world, transforming a home and creating a design starts with choosing the right software. Whether you’re a professional designer, architect, or just a homeowner, the best exterior design software can help you turn your idea into reality. Thanks to these tools, you can create floor plans, choose materials and colors for exterior walls, windows, and doors, experiment with landscapes, and much more. Most of these advanced programs allow you to visualize your design in 3D to make sure that the result will exactly match your vision. 

Nowadays, there are a lot of software options on the market of different quality, complexity, and price ranges, among which it can be very difficult to choose the one that perfectly matches your practical needs and requirements. As a professional 3D exterior rendering company, we decided to share our experience and compiled the top 20 solutions worthy of attention in 2024. Our list includes programs focused on different purposes – from a simple selection of siding options to a full range of 3D modeling and realistic visualization capabilities. Here you will find both completely free solutions and professional paid programs that offer a free trial or version. In addition, we have added data on the level of use (for beginners, professionals, and hobbyists), as well as system requirements. Read on. The study was conducted in 2024. 

2024 Best exterior home design software and apps 

Compare the best software for exterior home design by looking at the table below. Here you will find key data about each software solution, which will allow you to make a quick and easy decision in favor of one tool or another. To help you with your choice, we have collected and analyzed user reviews on various platforms and compiled an overall rating for each program.

Below you can find a detailed description of the best exterior house design software. Since the solutions presented here meet different needs, we have divided them into appropriate categories:

• Virtual exterior visualizers and roofing/siding design tools;
• General 3D modeling and exterior rendering software;
• Exterior design and painting programs;
• Specialized home exterior design solutions.

We have also added their key features (price, version, level of use, etc.) and ratings to the description of each of them. So, let’s see which programs for exterior design are the best according to Applet3D and why.

Virtual exterior visualizers and roofing/siding design tools

Menards Design-It-Center

Price: Free 
Best for: Beginners and amateurs
Available on: Web, Android, iOS
Last update/version: 2023

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

App Store

4.7

Google Play

4.6

Menards Design-It-Center is an online roofing and siding visualizer app. Menards Visualizer has a lot of features, like painting the walls, changing the wall material, or putting new shingles on the roof. This exterior visualizer allows users to choose the specific features they want to customize, such as exterior colors, exterior materials, and roof shingles. Menards Design-It-Center also provides an extensive list of specific products and color options.

Menards free siding visualizer will let you upload pictures of your current or prospective house. Once you upload a picture, you can alter the exterior colors, materials, and roof shingles. You can also edit one of their sample photos. Though Menards Design-It-Center has quite a sophisticated interface, it is extremely easy to use and efficient software for the 3D exterior design of a house.  Also, in the Play Store or App Store, you can find and download a professional free exterior visualizer app with many interesting features and capabilities.

Hover

Price: From $25 per job; Free 7-day trial
Best for: Professionals, beginners and amateurs
Available on: Android, iOS
Last update/version: 2022

4.3

Rating by Applet3D

App Store

4.6

Capterra

4.4

Play Market

3.8

This is a new mobile app to change house exteriors. The house visualizer includes everything you need to create a first-class 3D home exterior design. Very simple and clear to use. All you need to do is take images of the house from all sides and upload the photos to the exterior house remodel app, and you will get a ready-made and customizable 3D model. You can then boldly work with it, trying out different materials and colors for walls, roofs, windows, etc. You also get accurate floor plans and the measurements you need to renovate your home.

The exterior home remodel app is also available online, or you can export your model or measurements through various file formats and CAD types. All materials available in the app are genuine from brands such as GAF, Alside, and JamesHardie. Add a stone façade, or a meadow swing, or explore new siding color combinations with this software to change outside of the house. Just take a picture of your house and design it!

Provia Visualizer

Price: Free
Best for: Professionals
Available on: Web
Last update/version: 2020

3.3

Rating by Applet3D

AppStore

3.4

Houzz

2.7

Facebook

3.8

Provia Visualizer is a free home exterior visualizer app with an easy-to-use interface. You can upload your photo or use one of the many photos provided by the free exterior house design software. This DIY home exterior design app will also allow you to save your work, letting make changes over some time and compare other work. 

Provia Visualizer provides in-depth design and 100% personalization. Using this home visualizer, you can customize windows, roofs, front doors, shutters, trim color, vents, and siding/exterior color and material. The only con is that you need to download high-quality images.

Alside Visualizer

Price: Free
Best for: Beginners and amateurs
Available on: Web
Last update/version: 2021

Another useful house siding app with a clear interface that allows you to customize exterior colors, tiles, etc. You can use this siding visualizer for free.

With Alside, you can easily render every aspect of your home’s exterior. Created projects can be saved and restored later for reference. After the project is completed, users can create a report and view their project from different angles. You can either upload your finished image and start creating various designs or choose from those that are already in the siding app. 

GAF Virtual Remodeler

Price: Free
Best for: Professionals and amateurs
Available on: Web
Last update/version: 2020

Among apps to change house exterior GAF is something unique. With GAF you can design outside of the house online for free. The manufacturer is the GAF company, which focuses on the cover of houses, so you can only work with its products in the software. However, you can also visualize exterior walls and trim, and make virtual siding on the house. In the home remodel visualizer, you can decide both the material and color of the roof, as well as the materials for the walls or the colors of the exterior paint.

This free exterior house design tool is quite easy to use. Immediately, to get started, you are prompted to upload your image or use the suggested ones. An excellent plus of the exterior remodel app is the function of offering additional matches. A great choice if you want to update the look of your home. Also, a great exterior house design app for Android. 

3D modeling and exterior rendering software

Lumion

Price: From $62.42 per month; Free for students, lecturers, and academic programs; Free 14-day  trial
Best for: Professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Available on: Windows
Last update/version: 2024

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.7

Software Advice

4.69

GetApp

4.7

G2

4.5

Lumion is a 3D home exterior design tool suitable for both advanced users and hobbyists. Lumion offers to design outside of the house and build projects in a real-world context with comprehensive tools and effects. With a house exterior visualizer, you can use over 5600 objects, including a variety of landscaping items, cars, people, exterior items, and more.  

This exterior design program is very simple, with a minimal number of buttons, settings, and relatively fast rendering. There are pros and cons in terms of setting materials, quality of vegetation, and incorrect light. This house exterior design software has some additional features such as audio import for 2D backgrounds, real-time flight, and workflow. Lumion is now available as a 1-year and a 3-year subscription and has a Pro version. You can find Lumion in our list of the Best 3D rendering software.

3ds Max

Price: $235 per month; $1,875 per year; $5,625 per 3 years; Free 30-day trial; Free one-year educational access
Best for: Professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Available on: Windows
Last update/version: 2024

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

Software Advice

4.64

GetApp

4.6

G2

4.3

As completely universal software, 3ds Max is a great choice for designers and architects. This program is focused on the creation of 3D objects, special effects, and architectural visualization.

3ds Max toolkit contains everything you need for exterior design and rendering: there is a library of ready-made models, materials, lighting effects, textures, and much more. Using this 3D house exterior design software, you can begin with the construction of the layout. With the help of virtual cameras, it is convenient to choose favorable angles from which you will demonstrate the finished project.

When working with that 3D home exterior design software, you can model objects manually, or use ready-made models. The rendering process is carried out through external renders (V-Ray, Corona, Mental Ray, etc.). Each engine has its own system of settings. You can select the one that is convenient for you. This house exterior rendering tool has a user-friendly interface, so it is easy to learn. 

SketchUp

Price: From $119 per year; $55  per year for students; Free version; Free 7-day trial
Best for: Professionals, beginners and amateurs
Available on: Windows, macOS
Last update/version: 2023

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Software Advice

4.50

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.5

Among exterior design programs, SketchUp is the most popular one. SketchUp combines the fun of freehand drawing with the convenience of smart software. The work in this exterior home design software can be carried out both in 2D and 3D. SketchUp offers many professional extensions that you can customize for yourself, including the parameters of the elements, their cost, and information about suppliers. This service exists both in the format of free exterior design software and in a paid PRO version.

SketchUp allows to: create special products for personal projects, business projects, educational institutions, and large architectural studios. This advanced exterior house visualizer integrates with other Google services, which allows you to calculate lighting based on location. With the service, you can make a layout not only of the houses but also of the local area. In addition, the house exterior design software provides great opportunities for landscape design, 3D printing, housing planning, woodworking, etc. In SketchUp, you can not only work with the exterior but also create individual objects.

V-Ray

Price: From $34.32 per month; Free 30-day trial
Best for: Professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last update/version: 2023

4.7

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.8

Software Advice

4.63

GetApp

4.8

G2

4.5

It is impossible to imagine the creation of exterior renders in such robust programs as 3ds Max, SketchUp, and Revit without the V-Ray engine. V-Ray is one of the best plugins for 3ds Max and a powerful exterior visualizer. You can get the most realistic exteriors thanks to the flexible settings in this home exterior design software. V-Ray has been constantly improving over the years. It used to be more difficult to tweak the parameters for scene preparation. Now, it is easier and more capable of producing better quality renders in a shorter time frame.

V-Ray is one that the exterior house designer will choose. The exterior house design tool has a library of realistic materials, which is constantly updated. You can also create your unique materials and textures, as well as experiment with graphics. To fix the surface, you just need to drag it with the mouse onto the object. It works both in CPU and GPU. The 3D exterior home design software is suitable for projects of virtual design of any complexity.

Revit

Price: $365 per month; $2,910 per year; $8,730 per 3 years; Free 30-day trial; Free one-year educational access
Best for: Professional and amateurs
Available on: Windows
Last update/version: 2024

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

GetApp

4.6

Software Advice

4.60

G2

4.5

Autodesk Revit is one of the best programs for exterior design and renovation planning. The program was created specifically for the architectural and construction design of buildings, layouts, interiors, and exteriors.

Working with Revit you have not only a simulated scene but also a detailed drawing of the house. In the process, you can make adjustments that are displayed on 3D objects and in the drawing. This home exterior visualizer also works well in conjunction with 3ds Max – models are amenable to mutual export. 

Revit database can contain information about a project from concept development to construction. Besides, this program allows you to design outside of the house using a huge built-in library of ready-made objects. You can easily set the materials. But consider that Autodesk Revit requires a powerful processor. For beginners, it could be difficult to master the program, due to the numerous options.

Adobe Photoshop

Price: From $20.99 per month; Free 7-day trial
Best for: Professionals and amateurs 
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Last update/version: 2023

4.7

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.8

Software Advice

4.79

GetApp

4.8

G2

4.6

Of course, everyone knows about Photoshop. It’s no surprise that this program has one of the highest ratings on our list and is very popular among users. In exterior 3D design and rendering, Photoshop is сommonly used for post-production. It helps to create photorealistic images. Thanks to many features, the Photoshop house exterior app has become a great addition to rendering programs. 

The program allows you to add textures, lighting effects, people, and anything else needed for your image. Photoshop house exterior app is regularly updated with new features to make things easier and save time.

Our specialists prefer Photoshop as a post-production software when working on their 3D renders. Correcting small mistakes and making the final image incredibly photorealistic, they create real masterpieces with the help of Photoshop. That’s why we always guarantee first-class results when working with our clients. High-quality 3D rendering services are the key to your success.

General exterior design and painting programs

CertaPro

Price: Free 
Best for: Beginners and amateurs
Available on: Web
Last update/version: 2019

If you are looking for a house siding colors simulator, CertaPro’s “My PaintColors” will be an excellent choice for you. After creating your exterior design in terms of color, you can either order the services of a house painting company or do without them. With this software, free exterior home design online is available.

CertaPro’s exterior home design app is rather limited. It only focuses on colors and outer material. The advantage of the program is a wide choice of materials, such as all types of siding, many colors of plaster and wall paint, and all types of brickwork. You can also upload your exterior house design or experiment with ready-made images. Extremely easy-to-use application. Use this siding color combinations visualizer to make the right choice.

DreamPlan

Price: $19.99; Free for non-commercial use
Best for: Professionals, beginners and amateurs 
Available on: Windows, macOS
Last update: 2024

3.1

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

3.3

Top Ten Reviews

3.0

GetApp

3.3

Amazon

3.0

With this free home exterior design and landscaping software for Windows and macOS, you can design the outside of a house and realize your dream home plan in minutes. DreamPlan is a very simple and easy-to-use program. The exterior home design tool provides several options for ready-made projects that you can use, as well as blank templates for creating your designs. Virtual exterior house design is offered by switching different views – 2D, 3D, and Blueprint modes.

DreamPlan exterior home design program offers many customizable components for landscape design – plants, paths, furniture, fencing, and pools. You can also customize colors and textures. In this way, you can add the necessary realism to your image. In the end, you can take a screenshot of the design or directly print it.

Dream Designer

Price: Free 
Best for: Beginners and amateurs 
Available on: Web
Last update: 2020

Dream Designer is a free exterior house design app, excellent for beginners. This home exterior design tool showcases impressive exterior design diagrams and materials designed by Royal Building Products. It has a wide range of customization options for most front elements such as exterior wall color, materials, windows, tiles, trim, and entrance doors. You can easily create or renovate your living space with this home exterior makeover app.

Dream Designer has no photo size limits, so you can easily upload a good enough image and get started. After you upload an image of your project, the home exterior design app will display it and send it by email to get you started designing. Plus, it can be operated on a mobile phone, which raises the bar even higher. If you ask: Is there an app for exterior house renovations? Dream Designer is the answer. 

Hoffman Weber House Design Visualizer

Price: Free 
Best for: Beginners and amateurs 
Available on: Web
Last update: Constantly updated with new products

If you need a simple and intuitive tool to experiment with the look of your home, Hoffman Weber House Design Visualizer is the place to go. It’s an online tool for inspiration and home transformation ideas. This house front design app allows you to change the color and texture of the roof, columns, doors, windows, railings, gutters, and other elements. Although you cannot upload your own photo of your home, you can choose a similar one from a large number of available images. Once the project is complete, you can share the results on social media.

Specialized Home Exterior Design Software

Cedreo

Price: From $199 per project; Free version
Best for: Professionals and amateurs
Available on: Web
Last update/version: 2022

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.4

Software Advice

4.44

GetApp

4.4

G2

4.8

Cedreo is a tremendous 3D home design program. Its main advantage is that it is rather fast. You can easily create photorealistic 3D interior and exterior renderings. It is the perfect exterior house rendering software free for architects, home builders, home designers, and renovators.

A free offer will allow you to discover Cedreo with one project, limited access to furniture and flooring models, and 20 realistic 3D renders. The user draws a 2D floor plan after which the program creates an instant 3D rendering. You can furnish the entire project and select specific materials. This exterior house design software freeware is produced for professional users. 

RoomSketcher

Price: From $2 per project per month; Free subscription
Best for: Beginners and amateurs
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Android Tablets
Last update/version: 2023

4.1

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.0

Software Advice

3.97

GetApp

4.0

G2

4.6

Popular app for creating interior design, but also offers some features as an exterior home designer. RoomSketcher is easy to learn and works with extensive functionality that allows you to draw house exteriors in 2D and 3D plans for the developed projects. Most importantly, the exterior design program works online and there are also applications on Android and the AppStore.

Using RoomSketcher, you can either upload your templates or work with those that are already available. Among the components available for 3d home exterior design are cars, swimming pools, barbecue grills, tables, benches, etc. You can resize objects, rotate them, and move them. This exterior design app can be easily customized to suit your needs. Among the main advantages, it is worth highlighting: interactive realistic 3D step-by-step guides and plans are drawn to scale.

Live Home 3D

Price: From 29.99; Limited free version for iOS/iPad, Windows
Best for: Professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Available on: macOS, iOS, iPad, visionOS, Windows
Last update: 2024

3.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

3.5

Software Advice

3.50

GetApp

3.5

G2

4.1

Live Home 3D is an advanced home, interior, and landscape design software. This is primarily an interior design program, but it will also be a good solution for designing the exterior of the house. In addition to a variety of materials, it is possible to move objects, adjust lighting, and move around in your 3D world.

Live Home 3D is available for use on a variety of systems. This house exterior design app has a huge number of different functions such as work in 2D and 3D environments; a rich collection of 3D objects; the ability to create detailed plans and drawings; real-time 3D rendering; tools for editing landscapes and exteriors; selection of geographic location and time of day to obtain realistic lighting; fast creation of roofs of the required design; export 3D house project. Plus, you can make changes to the 3D house exterior design and share the results with clients, colleagues, friends, and family. With this powerful yet intuitive exterior home visualizer, you can design your house exterior professionally and fast.

Planner 5D

Price: Free
Best for: Professionals and amateurs 
Available on: Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, visionOS
Last update: 2023

3.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

3.5

Software Advice

3.53

GetApp

3.7

G2

3.7

Planner 5D is great for virtual home exterior design. This free exterior home design app allows you to edit and view your home design in 2D and 3D. You can use ready-made projects and add your ideas and elements to them. Or start over. Also in the exterior house design app, you can build a house by the sea or a lake and plan the landscape around the house: a swimming pool,  trees and plants, paths and lawns, garden furniture, and choose light.

The free home exterior design app is available on mobile devices. The main advantage of the Planner 5D is that you can apply hundreds of textures and colors in various combinations, and resize any element. View created projects in virtual reality mode with Google Cardboard glasses or similar technology. 

Virtual Architect

Price: From $39.99
Best for: Professionals
Available on: Windows
Last update: 2021

3.5

Rating by Applet3D

Top Ten Reviews

4.5

Amazon

2.5

Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design With Landscaping and Decks includes everything you need to create a virtual exterior home design as much as interior and landscape design. You can also use Virtual Architect as a front porch visualizer. Virtual Architect offers a huge library with thousands of 3D graphics and powerful tools. You can create your plans in both 2D and 3D, as well as import your previous plans.

The interface of this software to change outside of the house is controlled by a wizard, which allows you to design your home exterior quickly and easily, even for users without experience. Just point and click. Technical support and training videos are also available. If you’re out of ideas, use a lot of design samples as a template. It’s not hard to achieve realistic rendering with this exterior visualizer.

Conclusion

Is there an app for exterior home design? Definitely, yes. Our list of the 20 best exterior design software and apps of 2024 covers a variety of tools to help you realize your unique project.

Whether you have a design idea and are looking for a way to realize it, use our services 3D Exterior rendering services. Applet3D’s professional project managers and artists will do their best to ensure that you are satisfied with the result.