Floorplanner vs TAD Designer

Floorplanner is a browser-based editor for drawing floor plans and producing architectural visualizations with cloud rendering. Users create rooms, move walls, add doors and windows, and see changes in a real-time 3D view. The model library contains over 260,000 items at no extra cost. Projects can generate 2D, 3D, and photorealistic images, with advertised output up to 8K. A free account allows up to five projects; each free project supports three floors and three designs, while SD Lite exports are 960 × 540 pixels and carry a watermark. One-time credit purchases can raise projects to seven floors and ten designs per floor, remove the watermark, and unlock higher-resolution exports. Upgraded projects can add paid 3D tours and public Spaceplanner links. The editor runs in a browser without downloads or plug-ins and offers API and custom integrations.

TAD Designer Lite is a space-based BIM tool for architectural design, intended to support work from early concepts through more detailed models. A design can begin with 2D shapes and gain 3D attributes later, while users query information such as areas and distances. Its built-in ARDELA language lets users make probes or add-ons for model analysis. TAD is not drafting software; designs can be exported to CAD and 3D software, including RenderMan-compatible renderers and POV-Ray. Listed supported formats include VRML 2, Virtualight, and RenderMan. The maker describes Lite as intended for small and medium architectural offices, especially in developing countries. Work is saved on the user's computer or LAN. The maker says binary files receive a DRM signature to help protect models from misuse or copying. Support includes Discord community help, in-app contextual help, and online documentation. TAD originated in an architect's office in India in 1989. Lite is free to use; the full version requires free teamTAD Discord membership, and demo mode is available.