Home Designing in a 3D Environment

Software development company Ashampoo has released the fourth installation of its Home Designer Pro series, Home Designer Pro 4, a computer-aided design (CAD) program that enables users to plan, build and preview virtual structures in a 3D environment. The number of digital domiciles that users can create with the software is almost unlimited, ranging from tiny shacks to enormous mansions.

Aside from featuring millions of ready-to-use objects that users can select to furnish their dwellings, Home Designer Pro 4 supports the loading, editing and saving of various 3D object formats. In addition, Google SketchUp and COLLADA models are compatible with Ashampoo’s software and can be imported with ease.

The addition of roof-mounted solar panels is one of the new features of Home Designer Pro 4. Users can also simultaneously view floor plans and 3D renders while designing buildings. (Image courtesy of Ashampoo.)

Ashampoo has attempted to make Home Designer Pro 4 as intuitive as possible. The program uses a ribbon toolbar that groups all functions logically and thematically, and also automatically performs mathematical calculations related to the angle, length, area or volume of a structure. This feature saves time and lets users skip the math needed for such calculations in order to focus solely on their designs.

Several other of the key updates to version 4 include over 380 new symbols for electrical, gas, water and security appliances, as well as 3D previews with furniture, light and surroundings. Once a building is completed (or during any stage of construction), users can rearrange their furniture and decorations to their hearts’ content while taking a virtual tour through their 3D creations.

Home Designer Pro 4 is available through Ashampoo’s website. The program is priced at $49.99, though individuals who already own a previous edition of the software can purchase an upgrade for $12.49. A free 30-day trial is also available.

Interested in learning more about CAD standards and techniques? Have a look at How Model-Based Definition Can Fix Your CAD Models.