8 Best Site Plan Software for 2024 (Free, Online, Desktop)

Modern site plan software enables homeowners to design and visualize site plans on their own, without the need to hire architects, landscape designers, engineers, or urban planners.

However, with a wide range of options—online, free, and desktop—each offering different features, choosing the right site plan design software can feel overwhelming.

To help you find the best fit, we’ve reviewed the top site plan drawing software available today in detail.

Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways:

• Among many site plan software options in 2024, eight stood out for their ability to design a precise layout, including AutoCAD, SmartDraw, Cedreo, and SketchUp.
• All eight software tools can be divided into three categories: free options, online apps, and desktop solutions.
• While programs like ConceptDraw and ArcSite offer efficient ways to create detailed plans, users should consider drawbacks such as the learning curve and potential software limitations.

Best Site Plan Software—Quick Scan

Site plan software provides convenient, user-friendly tools that allow both professionals and beginners to create accurate, well-structured site plans. 

However, site planner softwares can differ in many terms, including performance, pricing, or availability.

The table below highlights the key features of each of the best site plan software options.

Legend: m – month, p – project, lt – lifetime

Now that you’ve seen this brief overview, you might be wondering: can these software programs be used for designing a plot plan too?

Plot Plan Software or Site Plan Software: Are They Interchangeable?

Yes, plot plan software and site plan software are interchangeable. 

The same software used to sketch and design site plans can also be used for plot plans, as both types of plans share many similarities (you can read more about the differences between the two in our Site Plan vs. Plot Plan article).

So, whether you’re looking to design a site plan or a plot plan, this detailed review of the 8 best software options will be handy.

Best Software for Site Plan (+ Plot Plan)

With so many site plan drawing software options available today, we’ve narrowed it down to the 8 most convenient and reliable choices.

Here’s a list with detailed descriptions of each one to help you find the best fit for your needs.

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD for site plan

AutoCAD, by Autodesk, is the leading CAD software for creating detailed 2D and 3D site plans.

With a customizable workspace and comprehensive tools, it’s widely used by professionals in construction, architecture, and engineering to streamline workflows.

It includes features like text, dimensions, labels, and annotations, plus the ability to generate bills of materials (BOM) and tables for precise documentation.

AutoCAD’s parametric design allows quick modifications by establishing relationships between elements.

For advanced needs, AutoCAD supports complex 3D models with realistic renderings. Its cloud integration ensures seamless team collaboration.

AutoCAD LT, a free trial version, offers basic drawing tools for simpler projects.

Overall, AutoCAD enhances productivity and efficiency, making it the best choice for professionals and homeowners to create complex drawings. Here’s a sample tutorial.

Pros:

• Advanced 3D modeling and visualization tools
• Customizable user interface options
• A comprehensive set of drawing features
• Annotation and documentation capabilities for site plans

Cons:

• Requires substantial system resources

2. SmartDraw

SmartDraw software for site plan drawing

SmartDraw is a free online site plan app (basic package) with intuitive features that allow you to draw professional and visually appealing 2D site plans and plot plans. 

It has a user-friendly interface with integrated drag-and-drop functionality that makes building custom site plans quick and easy, without the need for previous experience and designing skills.

The free site plan creator contains a variety of templates, elements, shapes, and symbols for different types of plans, allowing you to grasp architectural concepts soundly. 

This free site (and plot) plan drawing software has a well-developed data-linking feature, enabling you to import data from external sources like Google Sheets or Excel. You can view the tutorial here.

Furthermore, SmartDraw also works with popular apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or DropBox, making it suitable for sharing the link.

Pros: 

• User-friendly drag-and-drop feature
• Wide range of templates and elements
• Good integration with popular tools
• Easy for each level of experience

Cons:

• Limited advanced functionality
• Premium demands a monthly subscription

3. Cedreo

Cedreo site planning software

Cedreo is simple site plan software with detailed terrain and zoning integration, ensuring accurate and site-specific designs. 

Its 3D modeling for visual site planning helps users bring their projects to life, allowing you to easily switch between 2D and 3D views. 

Its customizable, scalable templates ensure scalability, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of projects, from residential to commercial site plans.

The site plan generator offers real-time collaborative design features, enabling teams to work together efficiently. Its cloud-based remote access and team collaboration system ensures you can share and edit projects from anywhere. 

Cedreo also boasts strong integration capabilities with CAD and other design software, providing flexibility in design workflows.

For professionals, this online site plan maker simplifies complex projects with features that help streamline design processes, making it a practical choice for both beginners and experts alike. Watch this example for a closer look.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface for professional use
• Many pre-designed templates and components
• Easy online collaboration
• High-quality capabilities for rendering

Cons:

• Challenging for full customization
• It requires time and effort to master

4. SketchUp

Sketchup site plan drawer

SketchUp is a versatile and free site and plot plan software that visualizes site plans in 3D, perfect for beginners and professionals alike. 

It’s widely used by architects to design blueprints and engineers to draft construction layouts. With an intuitive interface and a comprehensive set of tools, users can easily create, modify, and enhance 3D site plans on both web and desktop platforms.

SketchUp offers an extensive library of 3D models, materials, and textures to speed up the design process. Moreover, the software creates 3D models with precision and integrates terrain data, allowing for more accurate and detailed plans. 

Collaboration is also simplified with cloud-based storage, letting users collaborate on site plans and access them remotely.

While the site plan software free version offers solid capabilities, advanced features are available through paid subscriptions. Watch this tutorial to see it in action.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Used across multiple industries (versatile)
• Powerful tools
• Ability to share and download pre-made models

Cons:

• Advanced features require additional extensions
• Limited capabilities of the free version

5. ConceptDraw

ConceptDraw site plan software

ConceptDraw Diagram is a powerful drawing program that assists individuals and teams in visualizing and organizing information effectively. 

With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, it provides a comprehensive solution for creating various diagrams, including 2D site plans. 

This multi-functional drawing tool is suitable for both professionals and beginners looking for an affordable design solution.

ConceptDraw includes drag-and-drop functionality and an extensive library of pre-designed objects and templates for site plans, featuring elements like trees, parking layouts, and site accessories. 

Additionally, the objects are highly customizable, allowing for adjustments to colors, fonts, and other visual properties to match personal preferences or branding. You can check out this tutorial for a quick overview.

This site plan generator is available for a one-time purchase of $199.

Pros:

• Automation tool for consistency 
• Real-time collaboration
• Interactive diagrams
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Only supports 2D drawings 
• Lacks many advanced features

6. ArcSite

ArcSite software for site plan

ArcSite is a versatile tool for creating detailed 2D site plans, ideal for professionals in architecture, construction, engineering, and real estate. 

Its intuitive design simplifies workflows, allowing users to capture, draw, and annotate site data on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

With various drawing tools like lines, shapes, and dimensions, ArcSite enables you to model precise site plans on the go. Its augmented reality (AR) measurement feature allows users to measure distances and angles using their device’s camera.

Seamless integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive ensures easy access and collaboration across devices. 

ArcSite also boosts productivity with customizable templates, pre-built drawing elements, and a sales estimate feature that provides cost breakdowns for proposals. This guide offers an example you might find helpful.

Pros:

• Affordable site plan options
• Cloud storage integration
• User-friendly mobile CAD app
• Offline access

Cons:

• Limited 2D drawing features
• No 3D modeling capabilities

7. ZWCAD

ZWCAD software for site and plot plan

ZWCAD is a feature-rich CAD solution for 2D and 3D site plan design. It helps visualize site layouts before construction and runs on Windows PCs with minimum system requirements.

Its practical features, such as Flexiblock, Sheet Set Manager, and Data Extraction, streamline workflows and automate tasks to save time. 

Additionally, ZWCAD includes smart tools like Smart Plot, Smart Mouse, and Smart Select to enhance efficiency.

For 3D design, ZWCAD allows modeling and visualization of detailed site plans. The mobile version for Android and iOS enables users to view, edit, and collaborate on site plans across platforms, improving teamwork.

Here’s a tutorial to walk you through the process.

Pros:

• Suitable for professionals and beginners
• Robust 2D and 3D design tools
• Compatible with various formats 
• Cloud storage and collaboration features

Cons:

• It does not support macOS
• Less refined user interface

8. RoomSketcher

Roomsketcher – free site plan maker

RoomSketcher is a practical site plan software that allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D site plans for real estate, garden layouts, or backyard designs. 

It offers tools for drawing landscapes, lawns, walkways, and terraces, with options to customize using different materials, colors, and textures.

The free site planning software includes a range of outdoor products from its library, such as pools, planters, trees, and furniture, making it easy to furnish site plans with realistic elements. Users can also add features like fences, walls, and hedges to define borders within the layout.

RoomSketcher’s 3D visualization feature enables users to view their site plans from various angles, providing a clear representation of the final design. 

Finished plans can be printed or downloaded in high-resolution formats, suitable for both web and print use. You can check it out by viewing this tutorial.

Pros:

• Accurate measurements and scaling
• Cost-effective solution
• Convert 2D plans to 3D with one click
• Extensive library of resources

Cons:

• Limited to home design projects
• Professional features require an additional cost

Best Site Plan Software Options by Type

Now that you’re familiar with the best software for site and plot plans in 2024, let’s categorize them by their key characteristics.

Best Free Site Plan Software Options 

Although none of the aforementioned software options are completely free and open-source, several offer basic features at no cost, with the option to upgrade to a paid premium version.

The best free site plan software options are:

1. SmartDraw
2. SketchUp
3. RoomSketcher

Best Online Site Plan Apps

For some users, the ability to draw a site plan online reduces the hassle of downloading, installing, and taking up computer memory.

In this case, a site planning app is an ideal solution.

Here are the top online site planning software options:

1. AutoCAD
2. SmartDraw
3. Cedreo
4. SketchUp
5. RoomSketcher

Best Desktop Site Plan Software Solutions

Desktop site planning software tends to be more advanced, offering professional features that online apps may lack.

If you’re a professional or prefer working on a desktop, here are the top choices in this category:

1. ConceptDraw
2. ArcSite
3. ZWCAD

What Do Site Plan Drawer, Maker, and Creator Represent?

“Site plan drawer,” “maker,” and “creator” are all terms that refer to the same concept—software used for designing and drawing site plans and plot plans.

These programs allow anyone, regardless of technical drawing experience, to draw a plot plan or site plan.

A more general term for all of these could be “site plan generator.”

Regardless of the name, let’s explore the advantages of using site plan software compared to other methods.

Advantages of Site Plan Software

Site plan software offers a clear advantage over traditional pen-and-paper methods, as it requires less effort, saves time, and doesn’t demand extensive knowledge of site plan specifications.

Here are some additional, specific benefits of using a site plan generator:

• Improved 3D Visualization – Present design concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Precise Representations – Create detailed site designs with accurate measurements and scale.
• Enhanced Collaboration – Enable real-time sharing and feedback, minimizing errors and misunderstandings.
• Streamlined Workflow – Automate tasks for quicker updates and modifications to designs.
• Thorough Documentation – Annotate and label elements for high-quality presentations and reports.

Disadvantages of Site Plan Software 

While site plan and plot plan drawing software offers numerous benefits for design and planning, it also comes with several drawbacks that users should bear in mind.

The common disadvantages of a site plan builder are:

• Cost: Many site plan software solutions can be expensive, especially those that offer advanced features or require subscriptions.
• Learning Curve: Some software can be complex, requiring time and effort to learn, particularly for beginners.
• Limited Features in Free Versions: Free versions often have restricted functionalities, making it difficult to create detailed plans without upgrading.
• System Requirements: High-performance site plan software may require robust hardware, leading to additional costs for users who need to upgrade their systems.
• Compatibility Issues: Some site plan drawing programs may not support certain file formats or have limited interoperability with other design tools, which can hinder collaboration.
• Online Dependency: A cloud-based drawer may require a stable internet connection, making it less accessible in areas with poor connectivity.
• Performance Issues: Users may experience sluggish performance with large files or complex designs, affecting productivity.
• Customization Limitations: While some site plan design software offers templates, they may lack flexibility for custom designs, limiting creativity.

Yet, despite these drawbacks, site plan software remains more reliable than using still-developing AI for drawing accurate site plans.

Alternative to Site Plan Software – Online Redraw Service

If using site plan software feels too overwhelming or complicated, there’s a faster, simpler option—an online redraw service.

Online redraw services, like GetASitePlan, connect you with experienced professionals who can create your site plan within 24 hours and deliver it straight to your inbox.

For a price lower than most monthly software subscriptions, you can get a reliable site or plot plan of your property in just a few clicks.

This is especially helpful if you need a site plan for a permit, as it’s often the first hurdle in any property project. Rather than delaying your plans to learn new software, you can get the site plan you need quickly and efficiently.

Choose the Right Approach to Fast-track Your Goals

The detailed list of the best software for a site plan will help you choose the right option based on your budget, available time, and technical expertise. 

While it’s worth exploring the software that piques your interest, remember that if the learning curve feels overwhelming, you can always opt for professional assistance. 
Hiring a GetASitePlan is a practical alternative, allowing you to receive an accurate site or plot plan quickly and efficiently, enabling you to kick-start your project without unnecessary delays.