Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner

Truly free

Free desktop fence designer with 2D/3D views and a full materials list

Free tier & pricing

Fully free with no paywall, but it only runs in a desktop or laptop browser (no mobile) and its bill of materials steers you toward Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners.

Visit site Compare alternatives

Last verified Jun 23, 2026. Report a change →

Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner interface — truly free browser-based home design software

Visit site

The short answer

Simpson Strong-Tie's Fence Planner is genuinely free software that runs in a desktop browser. You design a fence to your property dimensions, view it in 2D or 3D, add landscaping and structures, and get a bill of materials highlighting the hardware connections Simpson recommends. It's free and useful, but it nudges toward Simpson hardware and won't run on mobile.

The facts

Pricing: Free · Truly free
Free tier: Yes
Runs in browser: Yes
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS
2D / 3D: Good 3D
Learning curve: Moderate
Export formats: PDF

The catch

Desktop install only — no browser version.
Browser only — no offline app.
Designs only with this brand’s own catalog.

Pros & cons

Pros

Completely free, no signup paywall
Real 2D and 3D design to your property dimensions
Generates a full bill of materials
In-app tutorial makes it approachable

Cons

Desktop browser only, won't run on phones or tablets
Materials list favors Simpson Strong-Tie hardware
Aimed at structural framing, less about decorative styles
Requires a modern browser like Chrome, Edge, or Safari

Best for

DIYers building a wood fence who want a strong, materials-listed plan.

Not for

Mobile-only users or anyone avoiding brand-specific hardware lists.

Alternatives to Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner

See My Fence

Free, with limits

The map drawing and cost estimator are free with no obligation, but estimates are ballpark planning figures, not binding quotes, and the free model is built around connecting homeowners with fence services.

Web Paid

Visual Fence Pro

Free, with limits

The free-forever plan is real but capped at roughly 10 estimates, 5 quotes, and 2 AI renders per day; unlimited estimates, more renders, payments, and QuickBooks need Starter to Enterprise at $79 to $299 a month.

Web $79/mo

See all Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner alternatives compared →

Head-to-head comparisons

Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner: questions, answered

Is Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner free?

Yes. Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner is genuinely free to use. Fully free with no paywall, but it only runs in a desktop or laptop browser (no mobile) and its bill of materials steers you toward Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners.

What platforms does Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner run on?

Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner is available on Web, Windows, macOS. It runs in any web browser with nothing to install.

What file formats can you export from Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner?

Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner exports to PDF. It does not export CAD (DWG/DXF) formats, so it is not aimed at construction documents.

Does Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner do 3D and photorealistic renders?

Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner supports 3D with good 3d render quality. For fully photorealistic output you may want a heavier tool.

Is Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner easy to learn?

Moderate to pick up. DIYers building a wood fence who want a strong, materials-listed plan.

What are the best alternatives to Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner?

Popular Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner alternatives include See My Fence and Visual Fence Pro. Compare their free tiers, platforms and export formats on the Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner alternatives page.