It seems like, there are dozens of software packages to choose from, for the kitchen design. But how to choose one, that will fit your needs best? 

One of the criteria might be how difficult it is to learn to use it. Some of it takes weeks or even months to master, which seems very inefficient. But that also means that this kind of software will provide a lot of possibilities when comprehended. CAD’s like that is usually originally designed for professionals. In addition, that kind of software is quite pricey.

On the other hand, there are others, which allow a novice to start playing around with different design ideas in under an hour. It’s usually cheap, or even free. But that’s what those are designed for – a newbie. They are soon outgrown by the users and all the gaps come to the surface which makes working with it very inconvenient or even impossible.

So it’s a tough decision, but I hope these leads will help you to find the best solution. Let’s dive into the pros and cones of what you can find on the market today.

Interior Design software

The kitchen planner is used as a design aid for planning home interior room and furniture layouts. There are lots of names to choose from – 3D floor plan, Planner 5D, Sweet Home 3D, etc. In order to choose the one, you’ll probably have to try out quite a few first. But, first of all, check what you can and can’t expect from these kinds of software:

 

Advantages:

• Online design software;
• Experience design in full 3D;
• Exploring alternative layouts, ranges, and color schemes much as in a virtual showroom;
• Powerful 2D drawings;
• Sometimes available for free.

Disadvantages:

• Weak furniture manufacturing documentation options;
• Usually, parts need to be measured by hand;
• The primal goal is not a kitchen design, therefore there are no woodwork design workflows.

 

Kitchen Configurator

These tools can be very convenient for a job with a client because it allows creating kitchen visual fast. It operates on a library of existing items, which basically means, that you can choose an existing element and “drag and drop it”. For instance a cabinet – just change its dimensions and place it into the kitchen assembly – voilà, you have a visualization.

 

Advantages:

• It‘s quick to design, and show the results to the customer;
• Quite inexpensive;
• Easy to learn;
• It does not require a high competence from the user.

Disadvantages:

• Weak manufacturing documentation options. Usually, there is a single drawing and a requirement for the bill of materials (BOM) to export;
• If there are no such elements in the database as a result, it takes ages to create it and defines its behavior;
• Sometimes the behavior description of a new furniture library item requires to have some programming skills;
• Not suitable/hard to use for non-rectangular walls;
• Does not have a solution for unique facade splitting;
• Hard to use for nonstandard unique design;
• Usually, there is no option to use a floor layout as a reference;
• Usually limited to one type of furniture. Therefore, if you bought a furniture design software package it is hard or impossible to create tables or design chairs.

 

Architecture or universal CAD systems

Primarily designed for another goal. These CAD systems can be often found in the design department, and it includes such popular systems as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, etc.

 

Advantages:

• Allows the use of a room layout;
• Very flexible to make furniture of a custom shape;
• Powerful 2D drawings.

Disadvantages:

• Weak furniture manufacturing documentation options. Usually part needs to be measured by hand;
• Hard to make changes in design;
• The primary goal is not a kitchen design, therefore there are no woodwork design workflows;
• Sometimes there are difficulties in 3D shape generation.

 

Mechanical CAD systems

After some time, users, who use universal systems start to feel a lack of specific functionality, which is a must for kitchen design software. As a result, they switch to more advanced mechanical design software.

 

Advantages:

• Allows the use of a room layout;
• Very flexible to make furniture of a custom shape;
• Powerful 2D drawings;
• Powerful 3D design;
• Parametric design change options.

Disadvantages:

• Weak furniture manufacturing documentation options, moreover usually part needs to be measured by hand;
• The primary goal is not a kitchen design, therefore there are no woodwork design workflows;
• Higher price;
• Some extended functionality is not used.

 

Autodesk Inventor + Woodwork for Inventor

Woodwork for Inventor is furniture design software that is fully integrated into Autodesk Inventor. Combined these two software packages make a great 3D woodworking design tool for furniture designers. It doesn’t matter if you are making kitchen furniture, cupboards or any other cabinetry, Woodwork for Inventor will help you by automating processes (routine tasks to start the preparation of manufacturing processes), thereby removing potential errors. Using our woodworking software, designers have more time for creativity, enabling them to work more efficiently and accurately.

 

Advantages:

• Combines powerful 3D parametric design engine in addition with woodworking workflows;
• Very flexible to make furniture of a custom shape;
• Automated customizable 2D drawings;
• Parametric design change options;
• Automated customizable BOM reports drawings;
• There are no limitations on furniture type;
• Allows to use room layout;
• Automated customizable CNC output;
• Autodesk workflows export to Autodesk Vault.

Disadvantages:

• Requires to have some design skills;
• Expensive solution;
• It takes time to master.

That’s all compartments for today. If you’d like to read more about Software choosing criteria, just follow this link!