Using the woodworking software that best suits your requirements is important to create exceptional designs with precise measurements. However, there are many such software options which are hard to understand and use. To help you with the simplest woodworking software, we have compiled here a list of top 5 best woodworking software. Let’s check those out.
Review of Top 5 Woodworking Software
1. EZ Wood Project Designer
EZ Wood Project Designer is enumerated at the top of the list for its simplicity in understanding the use of this tool. This software is quite easy to use and is an all-in-one package. Starting templates, guides to plans, this woodworking software includes everything set ready for you to get started with a project. This tool does not require the user to have years of experience in design software or CAD(Computer Aided Design) tools to understand the application of EZ Wood Project Designer.
Be it a 2D or 3D design to make, with EZ software you can do both. This tool is handy enough to let its users presume the average cost of a project even before getting started with it. As such, you will have a better control over the budget of your woodworking project.
Pros
- A complete package of must-have setups
- Easy to operate
- Best for beginners
- Includes useful features
- Supports both 2D and 3D designing
- Easy set-up procedure
Cons
- No updated features
- Not recommended to the commercial builders
2. Auto CAD
Auto CAD is ranking second in the list and is not applied in woodworking projects, but also in framing the design plans of woodworking. Similar to the above software, Auto CAD is also an easy to use software, and it can even drive the 3D models to life. If you are an absolute beginner in this, then you can initially get started with the 2D drawings, then finally jumping to the 3D plans. This software features an innumerable number of tools- such as, a 3D map toolset, a MEP toolset, a raster design toolset and many others.
The programming of this software is such that it is compatible with any device. In simple words, you can use this software on the move or any time (through some other remote device) even while you are not with your computer.
Pros
- Includes a number of useful tools, like MEP toolset, 3D map toolset, etc.
- Compatible with any device
- Automates the designs created by the user
Cons
- A bit pricier
- It is better for the beginners to avoid the use of Auto CAD at their learning phase
3. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is one of those design software applications to facilitate users with CNC and product creation on the product interface. This makes the Autodesk Fusion 360 a coveted software option in our list. This software is applied both by the pro-grade woodworkers and other woodworking enthusiasts.
Fusion 360 is a user-friendly cum straightforward computer-aided design software. The best part is you won’t have to have the expertise or have to be proficient to use this software. It includes both 2D and 3D design features, making the software a dynamic woodworking design option to build any design accordingly. This free app is more appropriate for the users with a bounded budget and cannot go for an expensive option.
Pros
- This software caters to the pro-grade users as well as the beginners
- Cloud-based software
- Easy to use platform with the least learning curve
Cons
This design software has free pricing facility but only for the independent projects
4. Sketchup
SketchUp is quite an user-friendly software that provides a free version of itself. Unlike any other option on this list, Sketchuo is typically developed for woodcrafters and their projects. Experts strongly suggest using this software to the beginners, who are in a doubt of whether or not to get started with a 3D modeling software application. Sketchup provides the woodworkers the convenience to begin with simple 2D sketch making that will later be converted to 3D designs.
Moreover, this software features a plethora of tools that can be used to ease up the designing procedure. Consequently, it will be easier for the tenderfeet to create the designs more proficiently. There are several videos available on the internet, in this regard, facilitating quick learning.
Pros
- Free version is available for every user
- Includes all the features you may require to build detailed designs
- Includes a number of drawing tools
- Fit for the seasoned woodworkers as well as the beginners alike
Cons
- Limited testing features
- Similar to Autodesk Fusion 360, commercial use of Sketchup is costlier, however, within a reasonable budget
5. Pro100
Pro100 is another woodworking design software that facilitates both the interior designers and woodworkers. This program allows you to envision and plan the woodworking ideas. Plus, it includes both 2D and 3D designing capabilities.
According to the experts, Pro100 software is an efficient 3D plan simulation with a suitability rendering engine. This software is fit for building detailed designs, as it includes all the required tools and gadgets to visualize your plan into reality. Similar to Sketchup, you can take help from Pro100 video tutorials widely available online to get a quick hang of its usage. Pro100 is a premium user software that does charge a fee for users, but before you leap, this software features a budget estimation tool to show a presumed cost of every design that you build.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Strong 3D rendering engine
- Fit for Gcode generation for CNC machines
Cons
- Expensive option
- Limited user features compared with other software
Buyer’s Guide
By now, you are already aware of the significance of woodworking software in improvising your project output. Be it an ordinary furniture design or other wood project, a good design tool will always include the below given features:
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Training
Grab the skills and master them with as much of training as required by working with these design software. Being able to get trained by your purchased software already covers half of the expenses met. Remember that nobody like dealing with hard times using a software that requires professional training. So, make sure to buy the one with a simple interface as it will be easier, typically for the beginners and even the professionals alike without requiring prior training. Go online to learn better with a deeper understanding on how to use these software and how do they work.
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2D Or 3D Modeling
Based on the type of projects you deal with, a software allows either 2D or 3D modeling facility, whereas some software support both type of designing. Just be sure whether your chosen software is versatile to work according to your 2D or 3D planning or not. Check on the CAD programs which support both the modeling types.
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Price
If you have a tight budget, go for the design programs like Sketchup or Fusion 360, as mentioned in the above list. The good thing with these software is they come with a couple of features that are free of cost. Make sure to fix your budget in a way so that you can shop for the other professional options. There are some which cost nothing, some that facilitates one-time payment, and others which provide users a subscription service.
Autodesk is one of the woodworking design programs built with a free of charge trial version. But, its premium versions feature reasonable budget offers. You can also follow theedgecutter to get even more details on the subject matter.
Our Best Pick From The List
Out I’d all the 5 woodworking design software, EZ Wood Project Designer is considered the best pick. After an extensive testing of its programming concerning all its functions, this conclusion has been derived. Though it does not feature the most high-end features, EZ Wood Project Designer includes the most useful functions, one of which is its cost estimation ability. Added to that, the simplest user interface of EZ is what makes it top the list.
