NCH Software's DreamPlan Deals Designing virtually is great: You can build whatever you want, anytime, and even make radical revisions without worrying about builders, materials, or even time. It's also a great tool for creating something and you almost feel like you're in the room you're building. There are countless home decorating software out there that let you do just that, and NCH has DreamPlan in its extensive library of apps. Developed to run on Windows (from XP) and Mac (XNUMX and up), the software comes in multiple versions: Plus is a commercial license and would set you back $XNUMX. If you only need it for personal use, Home costs €XNUMX. To be frank, it's not a huge difference in cost. However, as of this writing, there is a promotion going on that lets you claim them for either €XNUMX or €XNUMX respectively (this discount ends on November XNUMX, XNUMX). Alternatively, you can get Plus via a subscription plan, which includes any and all future updates, for just €XNUMX per quarter. I'm not sure yet? A free trial version is also available.
NCH Software DreamPlan subscription options:- Twelve month plan - €0 per month (€0 total cost)
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Whether you use a Mac or a computer, the tools at your fingertips are exactly the same. Oddly enough, the location of the sidebars is reversed, but that is truly a minor thing that does not affect your use of the software.
It's not just about building a house and furnishing it, landscaping is also an integral part of the software (Image credit: NCH Software) You have the option of starting with a sample project or creating one from scratch. These projects are a good way to get a quick idea of how the software is working and what you can achieve with it. In fact, these projects are not restricted to houses, but also focus on individual rooms, basic floor plans, and also include some restaurants and a landscaped garden, showing you the scope of possibilities, where you can explore and move things without worrying . too much about the consequences.
Layout and views
DreamPlan offers you 3 different views in which to work and build your construction. By default, it is in 3D, where you can rotate near your building using the mouse or trackpad, or by taking advantage of the large blue navigation buttons at the bottom left of the interface.
The traditional 2D plan view is one of 3 free views you can work in (Image credit: NCH Software) It also has 2 top-down 2D views, one that is more like a traditional plan and the other is a mix of the 2 above: a 2D view with rendered elements seen from above. None of the 2D views can be rotated, although you can pan and zoom in and out. Whichever you choose, you will be able to access all of the tools at your disposal. One of the possible advantages of the plan when building walls is that you can see the length of the wall displayed next to it when you create it, without needing to call the measure tool.
Construction work
The assembly of a house is very simple. Click on the "Building" tab (top left), choose the "Walls" option, then click and drag to create one. If you need to speed things up a bit, 'Bedrooms' lets you add pre-designed spaces in no time. As they are added, they will have a slight magnetized effect as the walls adhere to each other, helping you to perfectly position your rooms.
Not only is it easy to add walls, but it's also easy to alter part or all of a chosen section (Image credit: NCH Software) Editing walls is amazingly easy: just pick one and you'll see 2 big red bars on each side. Drag one of them to extend or reduce the length of the wall from that point, or drag between them to move the wall in or out. It is very visual and simple to do. Adding windows and doors is just as simple, except that in the Properties sidebar you'll find a list of free types so you can select a form. Click on any of them to see a huge rotating preview of your selection next to the sidebar. If you are satisfied with it, just click somewhere on the wall to add it.
Each object can be customized to suit your needs: change its height, width, color, whatever you need, all from the Properties sidebar (Image credit: NCH Software) You'll see that most settings can be changed with handy sliders in the same sidebar, and you also have control over the different colors that make up your object (called "materials").
Working on multiple levels is outrageously easy - you can still create a basement (Image credit: NCH Software)
From floor to floor
You're not limited to creating a single-story home, either: the Properties sidebar is where you can oversee this. By default, you work on the ground floor, but click "2nd Floor" and any walls you create will be set to this default elevation (which can also be changed to suit your needs). Better yet, you can add a basement if you want.
A furniture
Naturally, no 3D building design software is worth it without offering an extensive library of objects and furniture to make your home feel alive. There are hundreds upon hundreds of options including classified electronics, plumbing, plants, and more, and if you can't find what you're looking for, a handy search window is here to assist you (well, we've found that if this is your first time to use it, It may take a while to teach something because it downloads content online in the background. What is worse, it does not warn you that this is happening and the wait may be such that you think that the software has nothing to find, it even returns certain time later and see the results).
Can't find the item you're looking for? DreamPlan connects you to an online repository of 3D elements that you can download and install, although not all of them are compatible with the software (Image credit: NCH Software) DreamPlan also provides a convenient "Search Online" button from this browser window, from which you can locate and download other items that might interest you, then use the "Add Content" tool to preview and also import them into the software (although not all items are supported; the more complex it is, the more likely it is to override application configuration). Just like the doors and windows we talked about previously, each object has settings you can change to suit your needs, from size to color. We like that you can simply copy and paste an object to add it multiple times during its creation.
Final verdict
NCH's DreamPlan is a great piece of software that helps you create a multi-level building, alter and customize it inside and out as you wish. It's built to make editing easy and even does everything it can to help you understand the inner workings of the app, providing links to specific video tutorials throughout the interface (the subtle blue circular camera button). It's also very accessible, works on multiple platforms, and comes with a free trial period, so it's clearly worth a look. Need help with your next creative project in your home? Check out our roundups of the best interior design software and the best architecture software. Cost - NCH Software DreamPlan: ▼