Architectural Softwares

Autodesk Autocad

This is a digital architectural drafting software that produces 2D and 3D drawings.  This is the most used and the most basic software in all of the projects I have dealt with and,  in my opinion, should be one of the first architectural software that aspiring and newly architects should try to learn.

With it, you can produce all the plans, elevations, perspectives and other detailed drawings just like doing it manually but much more accurate and faster.

Autodesk Revit

This is another architectural software architecture students and professionals as well would benefit from.

Just like Autocad, Revit will help you produce the necessary plans, elevations, and other detailed drawings and since Revit is built upon a BIM (Building Information Modeling) system, production of such drawings becomes relatively quicker.

Autodesk 3d Studio Max (3ds Max)

This is what I generally use for the production of Rendered Perspectives and Architectural Visualization.  Although, you would need to spend a little more time to master this particular software, it would all be worth the while once you see the quality of the renderings it can produce.  Autodesk 3ds Max Design is another version of this software released specifically for architects and designers.

Google Sketchup

A very impressive 3d modeling software from Google which is very easy to learn and to use.  Its basic rendering look is just like a hand drawn sketch but you also have an option to make it look photo real by installing 3rd party plugins available in the market. 

What I think is the best part about this architectural software though is that Google made it free to download and to use.

Adobe Photoshop

This program is not really specific for architectural use.  It is actually an image editing software which I use to enhance the presentation of our designs for the clients.

With this program, you can render out plans, elevations and even enhance your perspectives to make it even more presentable.

These architectural programs are basically what I've been using and, as I understand, most architects use here in our country on most of their projects.  Although these are the most popular softwares in the market today, there are actually lot of alternatives which are as good as these programs.  I've actually used some of them and I'll share them on my other posts in the future.  In the meantime, you can go and explore these softwares for your own use.