Planner 5D: Should You Buy It? The Architect Verdict!

Planner 5D, an architectural software, offers 2D and 3D design tools for home and office layouts. It features an intuitive interface and an extensive catalog with over 5,000 items. The software supports switching between 2D and 3D views and allows customizing colors, patterns, and materials. HD rendering is available for realistic images. Planner 5D is accessible on iOS, Android, Mac, and via a website. It has a free version and paid subscriptions for additional features.  Planner 5D was launched in 2015 by Renomania, focusing on accessible home design. It features 2D/3D hybrid modeling and template-based scaling. Regular updates have expanded its capabilities and compatibility. The software outputs realistic 3D visualizations in JPG, PNG, and MP4 and supports exporting 2D plans in PDF, DXF, and DWG. It is compatible with industry-standard software through file formats like DXF, DWG, SKP, FBX, OBJ, and IFC. Planner 5D is user-friendly for beginners, offering an intuitive interface and simple steps for design. It supports 4K resolution renders, 360-degree panoramas, and AI-driven rendering. Other software options include Cedreo, SketchUp, Chief Architect, Revit, and Planner 5D. Special peripherals for Planner 5D include VR glasses, a high-performance computer, a tablet with stylus support, multiple screens, and a premium subscription for enhanced productivity. Customer feedback rates Planner 5D highly for its accessibility and user-friendliness. Common advantages include its intuitive interface, extensive object library, 2D/3D capabilities, cost-effectiveness, HD support, and cross-platform availability. Disadvantages include limited free features, a learning curve, occasional glitches, resource-intensive web versions, poor customer service, and the need for expensive additional equipment. ArchitectureLab recommends Planner 5D for architects due to its collaborative features, AI technology, and ease of use.

What is Planner 5D?

Planner 5D is an architectural software that allows users to create 2D and 3D floor plans, interior designs, and landscape designs for homes and offices. It has an intuitive interface and an extensive catalog of over 5,000 items like furniture, walls, floors, plants, etc, that users can drag and drop into their designs. Users can easily switch between 2D-floor plan view to design layouts and 3D view to visualize the space from different angles. They can also apply custom colors, patterns, and materials to items. An HD rendering feature creates realistic images with lighting and shadows. Planner 5D offers iOS, Android, and Mac apps to access and edit designs from anywhere. It also has a website version. There is a free version with limited items available and paid subscription plans that unlock the entire catalog and features. The software is targeted towards amateur home designers and DIYers rather than professionals.

The ArchitectureLab Verdict: Should You Buy Planner 5D?

ArchitectureLab verdict is that Planner 5D is a must-buy investment for architects due to its sharing and receiving feedback on designs, leveraging AI technology to enhance the design process, and simplifying real-time collaboration. Firstly, it allows users to share their designs and collaborate on them with others, providing a platform for instant feedback. Secondly, Planner 5D leverages advanced AI technology to enhance the design process. Features like Design Generator, Smart Wizard, and AI floor plan recognition offer a comprehensive suite of tools that can automatically create lifelike 3D models of furniture and objects. Thirdly, Planner 5D simplifies real-time collaboration by enabling users to share their designs, receive instant feedback, and make adjustments on the go. Lastly, Planner 5D’s PRO subscription offers additional functionalities to help users grow their businesses. It provides a branded profile page and a dedicated portfolio where users can upload their designs, making it easier for potential clients to discover them.

Which company develops Planner 5D?

Planner 5D is developed by Planner 5D LLC, a company headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania. Planner 5D started as a small startup over ten years ago to create simple tools to help non-professionals visualize and design their future homes. Planner 5D has grown from a small team of experts into a robust global service with over 90 million users worldwide as of 2023. Planner 5D is now a large company with teams developing cutting-edge solutions to continue empowering people to design their dream spaces. They offer services like AI-enabled features to aid in design and VR and AR technologies for enhanced visualization. Planner 5D has firmly established itself as a leading platform for home improvement, interior design, and spatial planning used by amateurs and professionals.

On what platforms does Planner 5D run?

Planner 5D is designed as a cross-platform software that runs across the major operating systems – it is offered as a native application for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android and ensures broad device and environment compatibility. The desktop application is available for Windows 7 and higher versions, running smoothly on low or high-spec machines, whether laptops or desktop workstations. It is fully optimized for Windows 11, the latest OS. The Mac version runs natively on Mac OS X v10.9 Mavericks up through the current macOS Ventura, taking full advantage of Apple silicon and Intel chips. For mobile, Planner 5D is offered as a universal app custom-tailored for tablets and smartphones running Android 5.0 or iOS 11 as the minimum OS version requirement up through the latest releases from Google and Apple. It leverages the power of the newest iPads and iPhones based on M1 and A15 chips for maximum responsiveness but scales down for older devices. Cross-platform cloud storage facilitates opening, editing, and saving projects seamlessly across desktop and mobile with no compatibility barriers or file format conversions needed. The consistency in feature sets shared between Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS makes for unified Planner 5D experiences, eliminating friction between working on different devices. Auto-saves, version histories, and robust synchronization mechanisms keep the editing workflow platform agnostic and hassle-free for users.

When was Planner 5D first launched?

Planner 5D was launched in 2015 as a proprietary software application focused on accessible and intuitive home design and interior decoration visualization. Initially created by Moscow-based startup Renomania, which current CEO Andrey Charshin founded, Planner 5D aimed to transform amateur functionality on par with professional architect tools for residential floorplanning and decor styling. The initial Windows desktop iteration centered around responsive 2D/3D hybrid modeling paired with drag-and-drop modular libraries for rapid layout evaluations targeted at personal homeowners and residential decorators rather than advanced trade experts alone. By 2017, mobile iOS and Android versions had extended the toolset’s on-the-go flexibility within two years while retaining core feature set parity. MacOS support expanded its cross-platform station beyond Windows alone.

What are the licensing options available for Planner 5D?

Planner 5D offers a range of pricing and licensing options to suit different needs when using their architectural design software. The basic free version provides ample capabilities for personal and primary use. It can access all the core 2D and 3D drawing tools, a catalog of over 2,000 items to furnish designs with, basic rendering abilities, and 2GB of cloud storage for saving created floor plans. It covers casual hobbyist needs or trying out the software well. For small businesses and professional individuals, the 5D Plus plan provides an affordable monthly upgrade at $9.99 (€8.30, £7.20). Key features include 5GB cloud storage for more designs, multi-angle 3D views for presentations, higher resolution image exports, and access to additional shape tools. The 5D Pro plan at $14.99 (€12.50, £10.90) monthly is ideal for freelancers and small agencies. It receives unlimited cloud storage for a vast portfolio of floor plan projects. Watermark removal and priority email support give a professional, polished finish. Access to the entire catalog library of over 5,000 furnishing items brings more comprehensive design capabilities. For more extensive commercial needs, the 5D Team plan at $39.99 (€33.25, £29.00) monthly accommodates collaboration with file sharing and multi-user access. The monthly 5D Business plan at $79.99 (€66.50, £58.00) builds further features like BIM file compatibility, single sign-on access, and priority phone support suitable for significant enterprises.

What is the cost of Planner 5D?

Planner 5D offers a freemium model with a fully functional free version and paid subscription plans that provide additional features, storage, content, and functionality based on the use case. The free version is robust enough for personal and essential hobbyist use, providing the core 2D and 3D drawing tools, a catalog of over 2,000 decorative items, basic visualization rendering, and 2GB of cloud storage to save floor plan projects. For professionals and commercial needs, four paid tiers are available on either monthly or discounted annual plans: 5D Plus at $9.99 (€8.30, £7.20) monthly provides 5GB expanded cloud storage for more projects as well as multi-angle 3D visualization with enhanced rendering quality and higher resolution image export capabilities. 5D Pro at $14.99 (€12.50, £10.90) monthly includes unlimited storage for a vast portfolio, watermark removal on design outputs, access to 5,000+ catalog items, and priority email support. 5D Team at $39.99 (€33.25, £29.00) monthly facilitates collaboration through project file sharing and multi-user access, which is suitable for small businesses. 5D Business at $79.99 (€66.50, £58.00) monthly meets enterprise needs with single sign-on, unlimited seats, BIM file compatibility, and phone technical support.

How can Planner 5D help architects and designers?

Planner 5D is valuable for architects and designers due to professional-grade, easy-to-use tools, AI capabilities, vast customization options, and unmatched convenience. Firstly, Planner 5D provides powerful yet easy-to-use 2D and 3D design tools that enable anyone to create professional-looking floor plans, interiors, and landscape designs. The intuitive interface allows users to quickly draw layouts, customize designs, and add realistic furniture and decor without needing complex CAD programs or design skills. Secondly, Planner 5D offers advanced AI features like Design Generator and Smart Wizard that provide innovative ideas and realistic recommendations to kickstart and enhance projects. These AI tools generate complete room designs based on styles and specifications supplied by the user. Thirdly, Planner 5D provides extensive libraries of over 7,000 customizable design items, including furniture, lighting, textures, and more. Users can explore thousands of options to create unique spaces tailored to their vision. Fourthly, Planner 5D enables realistic 3D visualization and walkthroughs, allowing users to explore themselves in their designs. The high-quality renders and VR previews bring concepts to life so that informed design decisions can be made before any physical changes. It is invaluable for architects, designers, and their clients. Lastly, Planner 5D offers convenient multi-platform access, allowing users to design on the web, iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Projects can be worked on from any device, anywhere, without disrupting workflow.

What is Planner 5D output, and in which format?

Planner 5D’s primary output is a highly realistic 3D visualization of the space user design. Images can be exported in standard formats like JPG, PNG, and TIFF, while videos are exported as MP4 files. The resolution ranges from standard definition, suitable for web usage, up to 4K Ultra HD quality for high-resolution printing needs. Users can export the underlying 2D floor plans into standard CAD formats like PDF, DXF, and DWG. These files contain the walls, dimensions, layouts, and other structural elements of a space without furnishings or decorative elements shown. Exporting 2D CAD files allows floor plans to be opened in other architectural design software tools for further refinement. Planner 5D can directly publish completed designs to the Planner 5D cloud for easy sharing and presentation to clients. A shareable link is generated that allows anyone to access a 3D walkthrough of the design space online through web browsers without needing to install software.

Is Planner 5D’s output format compatible with other industry-standard software?

Yes, Planner 5D has been designed to enable broad compatibility and interoperability between other major software platforms used in interior design, architecture, and construction. Its inputs and outputs utilize industry-standard file formats to achieve this. Specifically, Planner 5D allows the importing of floor plan layouts and 3D models from other applications by supporting popular CAD file formats, including DXF, DWG, and SKP. It will enable designs developed in standard tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or related CAD software to provide the base layer for further interior planning and decoration visualizations within Planner 5D. Users can output floor plan layout line drawings as PDF, JPEG, PNG, DXF, and DWG files. These contain the underlying structural layouts, dimensions, and geometry information compatible with CAD software for additional refinement by architects and designers. 3D visualization scenes created within Planner 5D can also be exported as FBX, OBJ, and other 3D model files for usage in tools like Blender, Maya, Revit, and more. It facilitates advanced rendering, animation, and VR/AR capabilities powered by other specialized visualization engines and tools. Planner 5D supports exporting complete architectural BIM model files adhering to the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) open Building Information Modeling data standard.

What file formats does Planner 5D support for exporting and importing designs?

Planner 5D supports industry-standard file formats for importing floor plans and 3D models. Planner 5D allows users to open and utilize 2D CAD floor plan layout files in the popular DXF and DWG formats originally authored in tools like AutoCAD, DraftSight, SketchUp, or similar CAD software. It provides the base structural layers to decorate and visualize within the Planner 5D environment. For 3D models designed externally, file formats, including OBJ, FBX, and SKP, can provide original geometry to incorporate. Final 3D visualizations can be exported as JPG, PNG, MP4, and other standard image and video files for easy presentation. The underlying editable 2D technical drawings can also be shipped via PDF, DXF, and DWG for engineers, architects, and other CAD software to utilize. For integrating with detailed Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, Planner 5D supports the universal IFC file format. Model files for applications ranging from VR/AR engines to sophisticated animators and analysts can import embellished 3D scene files from Planner 5D’s exports, including OBJ, FBX, and DAE formats.

Is Planner 5D considered user-friendly for beginner users?

Yes, Planner 5D is user-friendly for beginner users due to its intuitive and guided interface, simple initial steps, multi-platform access, and free version. Firstly, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. The software provides built-in hints and tutorials to guide beginners through the basic functionality. Secondly, it offers simple steps to get started on designing projects. There are four key steps – selecting a template or starting from scratch, adding and adjusting rooms and walls, doors, windows, furniture, and decorating. These allow beginners to create basic floor plans without advanced skills quickly. Thirdly, Planner 5D supports multi-platform access so beginners can design on their preferred devices. It offers Android, iPad, and iPhone apps and desktop access. Lastly, the software provides a free version with core functionality so beginners can test it before committing. Planner 5D has a free version with limited catalog items and premium paid subscriptions that unlock additional features.

Planner 5d: should you buy it? The architect verdict!

What are the rendering capabilities of Planner 5D?

Adobe Planner 5D offers various rendering capabilities that can benefit architects and designers. Firstly, it provides unlimited 4K resolution renders. users can generate a total number of high-quality 4K images to showcase their designs. Secondly, Planner 5D supports 360-degree panorama renders. Professional users can create 360 panoramas to visualize interior spaces completely. Its format is helpful for showcasing designs. Thirdly, the software leverages AI for advanced rendering. Planner 5D uses AI algorithms and machine learning to produce hyper-realistic 3D renderings. Its technology automates rendering for accurate visuals. Fourthly, Planner 5D converts 2D floorplans into 3D models that can be generated. The software makes switching between 2D technical drawings and 3D realistic views easy. Lastly, the platform enables virtual walkthroughs of rendered designs. Users can explore renderings from different perspectives and virtually tour spaces.

Does Planner 5D include Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities for better project management?

No, Planner 5D does not offer integrated Building Information Modeling capabilities or extensive project management features. Planner 5D facilitates simple 3D floorplan creation, furnishing, visualization, and documentation rather than pro-grade coordination across complex structures, MEP systems, and multi-stakeholder disciplines that drive the need for model-based approaches in commercial projects. There is no linkage between these visual aspects and underlying parametric building data, code validations, phase planning tools, model versioning, asset registers, etc., that enable accurate BIM lifecycle management.

How does Planner 5D facilitate collaboration abilities among teams?

Planner 5D facilitates team collaboration by providing a platform for sharing and receiving feedback on designs, leveraging AI technology, simplifying real-time collaboration, and additional features through its PRO subscription. Firstly, it allows users to share their designs and collaborate on them with others, providing a platform for instant feedback. It benefits team members, clients, and contractors across different devices, including desktop, mobile, and tablet. Secondly, Planner 5D leverages advanced AI technology to enhance the design process. Features like Design Generator, Smart Wizard, and AI floor plan recognition offer a comprehensive suite of tools that can automatically create 3D models of furniture and objects. Thirdly, Planner 5D simplifies real-time collaboration by enabling users to share their designs, receive instant feedback, and make adjustments on the go. This feature is handy when working with clients or a design team, as it allows for real-time adjustments and sharing of projects. Fourthly, Planner 5D introduced a ” Collaborate ” feature that allows users to share designs and gather feedback and ideas for any project. Lastly, Planner 5D’s PRO subscription offers additional functionalities to help users grow their businesses. It provides a branded profile page and a portfolio where users can upload their designs, making it easier for potential clients to discover them.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for running Planner 5D?

The minimum hardware requirements for running Planner 5D are a Windows 10 64-bit system, 4GB+ RAM, DirectX 11 support, a discrete 1GB+ GPU, and an SSD drive with 1GB+ free space. Firstly, Planner 5D requires a Windows 10 operating system to run correctly. It is not compatible with macOS or Linux. A 64-bit version of Windows is recommended for best performance. Secondly, the minimum RAM (memory) requirement is 2GB. 4GB or higher is strongly advised to handle more complex designs and ensure a smooth user experience. For working with large home design projects or multitasking between other software, 8-16GB RAM is ideal. Thirdly, Planner 5D requires at least version 11 of DirectX to display 2D and 3D graphics. An integrated or dedicated GPU from Nvidia or AMD with at least 1GB of VRAM will provide good rendering performance. A more powerful GPU like an RTX 2060 allows for smoother real-time rendering. Fourthly, need 1GB of HDD storage space for installing Planner 5D. SSD drive instead of an HDD provides faster load/save times for large project files. Lastly, standard peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and display are necessary. A touchscreen laptop can also facilitate intuitive input. An internet connection enables accessing online templates, items, and materials.

How frequently is Planner 5D updated?

Planner 5D receives regular software updates from the developers at Ubisoft to introduce new features, improvements, and fixes to the popular home design and interior planning mobile application. Major version launches appear biannually, coinciding with the Spring and Fall seasons when home renovation and decoration projects see upticks in activity based on the target Western audiences. These more extensive updates introduce more considerable enhancements like new 3D model furnishing options, improved rendering capabilities, expanded idea galleries showcasing layout inspiration, or revamps to the mobile interface itself. Minor releases happen monthly for general public users focused on the Android and iOS mobile and tablet apps. The patch has more minor bugs, fixed recent issues flagged by users, and rolled out less prominent experience improvements.

Is a mobile version or app available for Planner 5D for on-site work and presentations?

Yes, Planner 5D offers full-featured iOS and Android mobile apps to complement the desktop software experience. These portable versions provide the convenience of on-site accessibility and use cases benefitting from tablets and smartphones. The cross-platform mobile apps allow users to access cloud-saved projects created on the desktop for continued editing. All core modeling, visualization, and decorating capabilities translate to touch-friendly interfaces optimized for managing via taps, swipes, and pinches tailored to handheld device interaction modes. The mobile camera can also scan real-world dimensions or import inspiration scenes using augmented reality features exclusive to the apps. 

Planner 5d: should you buy it? The architect verdict!

What are the advantages of Planner 5D?

Listed below are the advantages of using Planner 5D:

  • User-friendly interface: Planner 5D is praised for its user-friendly interface, which is considered more intuitive than other design tools. The software is designed to be easy to navigate, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical proficiency.
  • 2D and 3D design capabilities: Planner 5D supports both 2D and 3D design, allowing users to create comprehensive and detailed floor plans. Users can easily switch between 2D and 3D modes, providing flexibility in how they visualize and present their designs.
  • Cost-effective solution: Planner 5D is considered a cost-effective solution for home design. It enables users to save money that would have otherwise been spent on hiring interior designers.
  • High-definition design support: The advanced tools of Planner 5D can easily support any high-definition design. Its capability allows users to create detailed, high-quality designs, enhancing their work’s professional look and feel.
  • Cross-platform availability: Planner 5D is available on multiple platforms, including online, iOS, OS X, and Android. Its cross-platform availability allows users to work on their designs from virtually anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
  • Extensive library of objects and customizations: Planner 5D offers an extensive library of objects and customizations, particularly in the paid version. Its vast selection allows users to create detailed, personalized designs, enhancing the software’s versatility.

What are the disadvantages of Planner 5D?

Listed below are the disadvantages of using Planner 5D:

  • Limited free features: Planner 5D has limited free features. The software offers a free version. Many of its most valuable features and objects are locked behind a paywall.
  • Learning curve for advanced design techniques: Planner 5D users have reported a slight learning curve regarding advanced design techniques. It can disadvantage users looking to create more complex designs, as it may take longer to become proficient with the software.
  • Occasional glitches: Some users have reported occasional glitches while using Planner 5D. These can include design selections that do not stick or random movements of objects in their designs.
  • Resource-intensive web version: The web version of Planner 5D can be resource-intensive, slowing down computers. It can disadvantage users with less powerful computers, leading to longer wait times and a less responsive user experience.
  • Expensive additional equipment required: Planner 5D may require costly equipment for optimal use. It can disadvantage users within a budget, reducing the software’s cost.
  • Poor customer service: Some users have reported poor customer service from Planner 5D. It can make it difficult for users to get help or resolve issues with the software. A lack of prompt and effective customer service can lead to frustration and disrupt the user’s workflow.

What do customer reviews and feedback say about Planner 5D?

Customer feedback and reviews for Planner 5D rate the software as highly accessible and user-friendly for most needs, from amateurs to experts, doing mainly well serving entry-level users and non-professionals exploring interior design concepts quickly for the first time. Average review scores based on thousands of ratings across independent software community sites and app stores place Planner 5D with over 4 out of 5 stars consistently. The most commonly highlighted pros emphasize the straightforward interface, intuitive controls tailored to touch and mouse input methods, and diverse 2D planning and 3D visualization features, all incorporated within a single affordable tool. Most constructive user criticisms cite minor bugs mainly affecting relatively narrow use cases or certain imported file types. The active development team’s frequent maintenance updates addressing reported issues inspire ongoing confidence. Users may desire expanded libraries, deeper editing options, or more photo-realistic rendering capabilities on the higher end.

What other architecture software options are there?

Listed below are some of the different architectural software options apart from Planner 5D:

  • Cedreo: Cedreo is a web-based software that allows architects, designers, builders, and remodelers to create 2D and 3D floor plans, allowing virtual tours. It helps users save time, reduce costs, and improve client satisfaction by streamlining the design process, communication, and collaboration.
  • SketchUp: SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that is easy to use and learn. It enables architects and designers to create, edit, and share 3D models of buildings, landscapes, and interiors. SketchUp also offers an extensive library of 3D models, materials, and plugins that can be accessed online.
  • Chief Architect: Chief Architect is software for residential and light commercial design. It allows users to create 2D and 3D floor plans, elevations, sections, details, realistic renderings, and 3D walkthroughs. Chief Architect also has a comprehensive database of building products, materials, and furnishings that drags and drops into the design.
  • Revit: Revit is a software based on the BIM approach. It allows users to create 3D models of buildings that can be updated and modified automatically across all views and documents. Revit also offers features for analysis, simulation, and design documentation.

Does Planner 5D require any special peripherals for better productivity?

Listed below are some of the Planner 5D’s special peripherals for better productivity:

  • Virtual reality (VR) glasses: VR glasses can enhance the user experience with Planner 5D. The software supports VR technology, allowing users to virtual tour their designs. The best VR for architects feature can be controlled using a Bluetooth joystick or the built-in controls on the VR glasses.
  • High-performance computer: Planner 5D requires a high-performance computer for optimal operation. The best laptop for architects with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM can handle the software’s demands, including 3D modeling and rendering.
  • Tablet with stylus support: The best tablet for architects with stylus support, like an iPad Pro or Microsoft Surface, can be beneficial when using Planner 5D. The stylus can provide more precise control, allowing for more detailed and accurate designs.
  • Premium subscription: A premium subscription to Planner 5D can enhance productivity. The best premium subscription for architects unlocks additional features, such as uploading and digitizing blueprints, accessing a more extensive catalog of design elements, and generating high-quality 3D renders.
  • Collaboration tools: Planner 5D supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project. The best collaboration tools for architects feature can be handy for teams working on large projects, as it allows for real-time feedback and adjustments.
  • Multiple screens: The best multiple screens for architects can improve productivity by providing more workspace. It can be useful when working on complex designs that require various windows or views to be open simultaneously. Apple computers, for example, are known for their support for multiple screens and integration between devices.

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