It is important to use the woodworking software that best suits your requirements to create exceptional designs with accurate dimensions. However, there are many such software options that are difficult to understand and use. To help you with the easiest woodworking software, here we have compiled a list of top 5 best woodworking software. Let’s take a look at those.
Review of Top 5 Woodworking Software
1. EZ Wood Project Designer
EZ Wood Project Designer is mentioned at the top of the list due to its simplicity to understand how to use this tool. This software is quite easy to use and is an all-in-one package. Startup templates, plan guides, this woodworking software has everything you need to get you started on a project. This tool does not require the user to have years of experience with design software or CAD (Computer Aided Design) tools to understand the application of EZ Wood Project Designer.
Whether you want to create a 2D or 3D design, EZ software can do both. This tool is useful enough to let users guess the average cost of a project even before getting started with it. This gives you better control over the budget of your woodworking project.
Pros
- A complete package of indispensable setups
- Easy to control
- Best for beginners
- Includes useful features
- Supports both 2D and 3D designs
- Easy installation procedure
cons
- No updated features
- Not recommended for commercial builders
2. Automatic CAD
Car CAD is second in the list and is not used in woodworking projects, as well as in framing woodworking design plans. Like the above software, Auto CAD is also an easy to use software, and it can even bring the 3D models to life. If you are an absolute beginner in this, you can initially start with the 2D drawings, and then eventually jump to the 3D plans. This software features countless number of tools such as 3D map toolset, MEP toolset, grid design toolset and many others.
The programming of this software is such that it is compatible with any device. In simple terms, you can use this software on the go or at any time (via another external device), even when you are away from your computer.
Pros
- Contains some useful tools, such as MEP toolset, 3D map toolset, etc.
- Compatible with any device
- Automates the designs created by the user
cons
- A bit more expensive
- It is better for beginners to avoid using Auto CAD in their learning phase
3. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is one of those design software applications to help 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 used by professional woodworkers as well as other woodworking enthusiasts.
Fusion 360 is easy to use and straight forward computer aided design software. The best part is that you don’t need to have the expertise or 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 suitable for users on a budget and cannot go for an expensive option.
Pros
- This software is suitable for both professional users and beginners
- Cloud-based software
- User-friendly platform with the least learning curve
cons
This design software has a free pricing facility but only for the independent projects
4. Sketchup
SketchUp is quite user-friendly software that offers a free version of itself. Unlike every other option on this list, Sketchuo is mostly developed for woodworkers and their projects. Experts strongly recommend using this software for beginners who are unsure whether or not to get started with a 3D modeling software application. Sketchup gives the woodworkers the convenience to start creating simple 2D sketches that are later converted into 3D designs.
In addition, this software has a plethora of tools that can be used to facilitate the design procedure. This will make it easier for the tender feet to make the designs. There are several videos available on the internet in this regard that facilitate quick learning.
Pros
- Free version is available for every user
- Includes all the features you need to create detailed designs
- Includes a number of drawing tools
- Suitable for both seasoned woodworkers and beginners
cons
- Limited test functions
- As with Autodesk Fusion 360, commercial use of Sketchup is more expensive, but within a reasonable budget
5. Pro100
Pro100 is another woodworking design software that facilitates both the interior designers and the woodworkers. With this program, you can come up with and plan the woodworking ideas. In addition, it includes both 2D and 3D design capabilities.
According to the experts, Pro100 software is an efficient 3D plan simulation with a suitability rendering engine. This software is suitable for creating detailed designs as it contains all the necessary tools and gadgets to visualize your plan in reality. Similar to Sketchup, you can get help from Pro100 video tutorials that are widely available online to quickly get the hang of using it. Pro100 is premium user software that does charge a user fee, but before you take the plunge, this software features a budget estimation tool to show the likely cost of any design you build.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Strong 3D rendering engine
- Suitable for Gcode generation for CNC machines
cons
- Expensive option
- Limited user functions compared to other software
Buyer’s Guide
By now you are already aware of the importance of woodworking software when improvising your project output. Whether it’s a plain furniture design or any other wood project, a good design tool will always include the features below:
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Education
Grab the skills and master them with as much training as needed by working with this design software. Being able to train your purchased software already covers half of the costs incurred. Remember that no one likes to go through hard times using software that requires professional training. So make sure to buy the one with simple interface as it will be easier mostly for beginners and even professionals without any prior training. Go online to learn better with a better understanding of how to use these software and how they work.
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2D or 3D modeling
Based on the type of projects you are dealing with, software provides both 2D and 3D modeling facilities while some software supports both types of designs. Be sure whether your chosen software is versatile to work according to your 2D or 3D schedule or not. Check the CAD programs that support both modeling types.
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Price
If you’re on a tight budget, go for the design programs like Sketchup or Fusion 360, as mentioned in the list above. The good thing about this software is that they come with some free features. Be sure to set your budget so that you can shop for the other professional options. There are those that cost nothing, some that allow for one-time payment, and others that offer users a subscription service.
Autodesk is one of the woodworking design programs built with a free trial. But the premium versions offer reasonable budget offers. You can also follow the edger to get even more details on the subject.
Our best pick from the list
If I had all 5 woodworking design software, EZ Wood Project Designer is considered the best choice. After an extensive test of programming regarding all its functions, this conclusion has been reached. While it doesn’t have the most advanced features, EZ Wood Project Designer includes the most useful features, including the ability to estimate costs. On top of that, EZ’s simplest user interface makes it top of the list.
