Planner 5D is a 2D app and 3D app that allows you to type or scribble (literally) your plan on the same screen, providing features like panning and zooming. Sure, it sounds quite silly, but the program itself is actually quite smart!
Planner 5D runs across multiple platforms (there are also apps for your tablet or phone that have augmented reality features and sync with the online one), and 2D mode is far faster than other browser-based design software. The speed remains steady even when you’re handling plans with lots of items, or different bits of furniture. Switching to 3D slows build plans down slightly but not dramatically so. For other options, see our rundown of the best interior design software in 2020. Our top pick is Virtual Architect Ultimate, which by comparison has a much simpler pricing structure.
Planner 5D review: Is it worth your money?
With Planner 5D, you can model your home and start from scratch, or you can use one of the pre-populated templates to design your home. All presets include fixtures and furnishings that are appropriate for a particular style. So you will have walls and ceiling tiles of a certain color, matching kitchen units and chairs, curtains, pot plants and even lighting that corresponds with the mood in your plan.
The last lines of the paragraph talk about the color tiles, doors, and windows that are on offer. The first line of this sentence talks about how easy it is to make your home look like a real space, with just a few clicks. The main idea is stated in the second line: “Clicking on an item enables you to apply a texture such as carpet, tile, stone brick, wallpaper, linoleum, parquet and manmade.”
The items in the catalog are organized further into furniture, electrical appliances and miscellaneous. The key point to note is that only one type of item in each category is available for purchase. With a paid model, only 3D renders and floor plans are available while any rest required to complete the design must be purchased separately.
Unlike other apps, you can easily customize individual items to be repositioned, rotated, and adjusted- making it easier to create a unique store design. Their features include access to pre-defined sizes of furniture and units that easily adjust in size.
Planner 5D review: How Planner 5D Worked for Me
To have a 3D visualization of your design, click the 3D button. It is fast and intuitive, just click and drag to change viewing angles. The on-screen icons or keyboard shortcuts can be used to zoom in or out.
The 3D visualization lets you see not just where furniture will fit, but also has a scene that allows you to visualize what that space will look like. However, the app does not include light controls, which could mean that your lighting assessment during the golden hour or at night may be limited. HomeByMe probably has the best visualization.
Once you find a look that you like, Planner 5D allows you to use the app’s “snapshot” feature to create a high-quality graphical version of what you’re looking at. This allows you to choose from three different types of render: your view with reduced detail; a regular screenshot (also free but with less detail); or a very high-quality near-photographic rendering with improved photo accuracy.
The Planner 5D website can be your own personal file storage as well as share with friends and family. There are no exporting options, however.
Should you buy the Planner 5D?
The pricing model is too complex and makes it difficult to know the cost of the app or other competing apps along with it. The home design app Planner 5D is a terrific planner, but we don’t like how it’s prices are structured.
The only warning sign is an “Get started for free” button; whereas the target audience for these tools are designers, and that’s who would most likely want to purchase them. The pricing seems off-putting; Planner 5D was marketed as a full service tool with five dimensions but it feels like it’s mainly designed to market its monthly subscription of DOOH dimensions or advertising placements on physical devices– some sort of quid pro quo for using their device every day.
