Live Home 3D
Free, with limitsPolished offline desktop app with lifetime licenses, but the free version is crippled.
Free tier & pricing
The free version limits you to one active project at a time, watermarks all image and video exports, and disables 3D-model export entirely; a one-time Standard purchase removes those limits.
Last verified Jul 3, 2026. Report a change →
The short answer
A polished native app for Windows, Mac, and iOS with real architectural tools and on-device photorealistic rendering. Refreshingly, it offers one-time lifetime licenses, not just subscriptions, and keeps your data local. The free version is barely usable though: one project at a time, watermarks, and no 3D export. Each platform is a separate purchase.
The facts
- Pricing
- $49.99 once · Free, with limits
- Free tier
- Yes
- Runs in browser
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android
- 2D / 3D
- Photorealistic
- Learning curve
- Moderate
- Export formats
- PNG, JPG, PDF, OBJ
The catch
- Free images and renders carry a watermark.
- Desktop install only — no browser version.
Pros & cons
Pros
- True one-time lifetime license available, no forced subscription
- Unlimited on-device photorealistic ray-traced rendering once unlocked
- Works fully offline with your data kept local
- Real architectural tooling including roofs, terrain, and 2D elevations
- Imports SketchUp and Trimble 3D Warehouse models
Cons
- Free version is barely usable: 1 project, watermarks, no 3D export
- No web version; must install, and no Linux support
- Each platform is a separate purchase with no license transfer
- Some homeowners report even simple rooms need the pricier Pro tier
- Smaller furniture library than cloud rivals
Best for
Mac, Windows, and iPad users who want a polished, offline, lifetime-license app with real architectural tools.
Not for
People who want a free or browser tool, a cross-platform single purchase, or a giant real-brand catalog.
Alternatives to Live Home 3D
SketchUp
Free, with limitsSketchUp Free is free for personal, non-commercial use in the browser only; you can model and download skp/png/stl, but DWG/DXF/OBJ/PDF export, the desktop app, and extensions all require a paid plan.
Sweet Home 3D
Truly freeCompletely free and open-source for personal and commercial use with no feature paywall; the only real limit is that the online and mobile versions can't import custom 3D models or export OBJ, which the desktop app handles.
Chief Architect / Home Designer
Free trial onlyThere's no free tier, only a non-expiring trial that disables saving, printing, exporting, and walkthrough recording, so you can explore in 3D but can't get any work out without a paid subscription.
Planner 5D
Free, with limitsFree to design unlimited 2D/3D projects, but about half the furniture catalog is locked, you get no proper renders, and DWG/DXF export plus custom 3D import require the Professional plan.
See all Live Home 3D alternatives compared →
Head-to-head comparisons
Live Home 3D: questions, answered
Is Live Home 3D free?
Live Home 3D has a free tier, but with limits. The free version limits you to one active project at a time, watermarks all image and video exports, and disables 3D-model export entirely; a one-time Standard purchase removes those limits. Paid plans start at $49.99 once.
What platforms does Live Home 3D run on?
Live Home 3D is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android. It is a desktop install with no browser version.
What file formats can you export from Live Home 3D?
Live Home 3D exports to PNG, JPG, PDF, OBJ. It does not export CAD (DWG/DXF) formats, so it is not aimed at construction documents.
Does Live Home 3D do 3D and photorealistic renders?
Yes. Live Home 3D produces photorealistic 3D renders. Check the free-tier note above, though — several tools watermark or cap free renders.
Is Live Home 3D easy to learn?
Moderate to pick up. Mac, Windows, and iPad users who want a polished, offline, lifetime-license app with real architectural tools.
What are the best alternatives to Live Home 3D?
Popular Live Home 3D alternatives include SketchUp, Sweet Home 3D, Chief Architect / Home Designer and Planner 5D. Compare their free tiers, platforms and export formats on the Live Home 3D alternatives page.