Last Updated on June 8, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
As an interior design student, you’ll quickly realize that a wide range of software tools will help bring your creative ideas to life and streamline your workflow.
Whether you're sketching floor plans, visualizing designs in 3D, or preparing written assignments, the right tools can make a world of difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 software tools every interior design student should master, including one that’ll help ease the stress of writing assignments.
Interior design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s also about communicating your ideas effectively.
Whether you're writing research papers, project proposals, or design reports, clear and professional writing is essential.
If you're looking for additional writing support, check out EduBirdie at https://ca.edubirdie.com/ - this platform offers expert writing assistance.
They can help you with everything from editing and proofreading to crafting well-structured essays that meet academic standards.
Grammarly is a writing tool that helps students improve their writing by checking for grammar, punctuation, style, and even tone.
It works across multiple platforms, so you can use it to proofread essays, emails, or any other written assignments.
What’s particularly helpful for interior design students is its ability to identify overly complex language, ensuring that your writing remains clear and concise.
Pro Tip: Use Grammarly’s tone detector to ensure your writing sounds professional and matches the intended audience.
If you’re drafting a report for a client, for example, you’ll want to make sure your tone is formal and clear.
When it comes to drafting and creating floor plans, AutoCAD is the go-to tool for interior designers.
Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD allows you to create precise 2D and 3D designs with a high degree of accuracy.
This software is used by professionals in the field, which means mastering it as a student sets you up for success after graduation.
Why should you learn AutoCAD? Simple – it’s an industry standard. Most firms expect new hires to know how to use it, and being familiar with AutoCAD helps you to adapt quickly to real-world projects.
Additionally, the software includes a variety of tools for creating detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections, making it essential for any interior design student.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if it seems overwhelming at first. Once you get comfortable with AutoCAD’s user interface and commands, it becomes second nature.
Spend time practicing and experimenting with different tools to enhance your skill set.
Another software every interior design student should master is SketchUp.
If you want to see your ideas in 3D, SketchUp is the perfect tool. It’s incredibly user-friendly and allows you to quickly model 3D interiors and exteriors.
SketchUp’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create everything from simple furniture to detailed architectural elements.
Why is it so popular among students? One of the best features of SketchUp is its accessibility.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced designer, you can quickly get the hang of it. Plus, the software offers a free version, which is perfect for students on a budget.
As you progress in your studies, you can upgrade to the professional version for more advanced features.
SketchUp also integrates with other software tools, allowing you to import and export models for rendering and visualization.
Whether you’re working on a conceptual project or refining your final design, SketchUp helps bring your vision to life in 3D.
Pro Tip: Explore the vast library of 3D models available in the SketchUp 3D Warehouse.
You can use these pre-made models to speed up your design process and focus on refining your layout rather than building everything from scratch.
As interior design moves toward a more collaborative and data-driven process, Revit has become an essential tool.
Revit, also from Autodesk, is designed for Building Information Modeling (BIM), and it allows designers to create accurate 3D models with real-world data.
Unlike SketchUp, which is more focused on visualization, Revit integrates all aspects of the building, from structure to materials, into a single model.
Mastering Revit is a huge asset because it provides you with the tools to not only design interiors but also understand how the space fits within the larger context of the building.
With Revit, you can create detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections that automatically update as you modify your design.
This makes it an excellent tool for collaborative projects, especially when working with architects, engineers, and other professionals.
Pro Tip: Since Revit can be complex, start by learning the basics, such as how to create walls, doors, and windows.
As you grow more comfortable, you can explore its more advanced features, like creating custom families or adding specific material data.
No design presentation is complete without polished, high-quality visuals. Photoshop is a must-have tool for interior designers who want to create realistic renderings, edit photos, and enhance their designs.
Whether you're adding textures, adjusting lighting, or adding furniture to a design, Photoshop gives you the power to refine and perfect your work.
One of Photoshop’s greatest strengths is its versatility. It allows you to manipulate images, blend layers, and create stunning visual compositions that showcase your interior design concepts in the best possible light.
If you're working on mood boards, concept boards, or presentation images, Photoshop is the perfect software to help you bring your ideas to life.
Pro Tip: Practice using layer styles and blending modes to create effects like lighting adjustments or shadows. These simple techniques can add depth and realism to your renderings without much effort.
As an interior design student, mastering the right software tools can give you the edge you need to succeed in the field.
Whether you're working on creating detailed floor plans, visualizing designs in 3D, or preparing a written assignment, these tools will help you work smarter and more efficiently.
AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Photoshop, and Grammarly are all essential tools that cover a range of skills, from drafting and visualization to communication and presentation.
By becoming proficient in these tools, you’ll not only set yourself up for success during your studies but also ensure you’re prepared for the professional world of interior design.
