Top 10 Kitchen Design Software for Mac: Unleash Your Creativity

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Looking for decent kitchen design software on your Mac? Trust me, I get it. The most popular design tools run on Windows, and Mac users often feel sidelined.

Your kitchen remodel costs too much money and time to rely on simple sketches or generic design tools. That's why I tested and reviewed the best kitchen design software for Mac. My list includes everything from premium 3D modeling solutions to free options that fit your budget.

You'll find exactly what you need here, whether you're a professional designer or a homeowner planning your dream kitchen. Let me walk you through 10 powerful tools that run smoothly on macOS. I'll compare their features, pricing, and usability to help you pick the perfect fit.

Live Home 3D

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Mac users searching for a versatile kitchen design tool should consider Live Home 3D. My experience shows it's one of the best options available. You can design your dream kitchen using both 2D and 3D visualizations with this software.

Live Home 3D Features

Live Home 3D's extensive library of 2,400 objects and 2,100 materials makes kitchen planning a breeze. The software gives you multiple viewing modes - 2D helps with precise measurements while 3D creates realistic visualizations. The split-view feature stands out because you can work in both 2D and 3D modes at the same time.

Trimble 3D Warehouse integration lets you add more kitchen elements and appliances to your design. The software has professional tools like the 2D Elevation view that you usually find only in high-end design applications.

Live Home 3D Pricing

You can choose a pricing plan that fits your needs:

Version	One-time License Cost
Standard	$49.99
Pro	$99.99

Advanced features come with the Pro version, including unlimited floor levels and high-resolution exports up to 16384 × 16384 pixels.

Live Home 3D Pros and Cons

Here's what I found after testing the software, along with feedback from other users:

Pros:

• Easy-to-use design tools with a simple interface
• Extensive library of kitchen-specific objects
• Immediate 3D visualization
• Regular updates with macOS compatibility

Cons:

• Limited landscaping options without additional packs
• No layer management system
• Auto-save feature can be inconsistent

Kitchen planning becomes easier with features like the work triangle rule, which helps you optimize space between your refrigerator, stove, and sink. The lighting planning options impressed me with choices for general, task, and accent lighting that create the perfect kitchen atmosphere.

SmartDraw

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SmartDraw stands out as my top pick for kitchen design software on Mac. Its collaborative features and rich template library make it a great choice.

SmartDraw Kitchen Design Tools

The software's kitchen-specific features are amazing. SmartDraw has thousands of ready-made symbols for counters, cabinets, faucets, and appliances. You can add beautiful textures to countertops, flooring, and cabinetry with just one click. That's something I really love about it.

Key design capabilities include:

• Drag-and-drop kitchen components
• Instant measurement tools
• Texture and color customization options
• Commercial kitchen layout templates

SmartDraw Pricing Plans

The pricing structure offers several budget-friendly options:

Plan Type	Cost	Billing
[Individual	$9.95	Per month, billed annually](https://www.smartdraw.com/buy/?srsltid=AfmBOop6XuY2vFnQLqxLB56PagurhFhKHWKtWXSk_v3_E4EGodnJoxEI)
Team	$8.25	Per user/month, 3 user minimum
Site License	From $5.00	Per user/month, enterprise

SmartDraw User Experience

SmartDraw's platform integration is impressive. You can save kitchen designs straight to SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox, and Box. The software lets you export designs in multiple formats like PDF, PNG, and SVG.

Team collaboration works great. We can work together on kitchen designs by saving them to shared folders. The built-in commenting tools are perfect for feedback and approval. Mac users don't need to download anything - just open a browser and use the web version with all features intact.

The commercial kitchen design feature really shines. It has specialized templates for professional kitchen spaces. These templates help plan everything from material flow to staff movement and space efficiency.

Coohom

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I spent time learning about different 3D kitchen design tools for Mac and found that Coohom stands out with its powerful visualization features. The software amazes me with its library of over one million ready-to-use 3D models. This makes it a reliable choice to plan detailed kitchens.

Coohom Design Capabilities

Coohom's one-click home creation tool lets you build floor plans quickly. The software has an impressive collection of kitchen-specific elements, from cabinets to appliances. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to arrange kitchen elements, even if you're just starting out.

Key features that make it special:

• High-definition rendering up to 16K resolution
• Up-to-the-minute 3D visualization
• Large material and texture library
• AI-powered design templates

Coohom Pricing Options

The pricing structure gives you flexible plans that match different needs:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Key Features
Pro Monthly	$30.00	Unlimited standard renderings, 20,000+ free 3D models
Pro Yearly	$25.00	300 4K renders monthly, Branded model library
Premium Yearly	$84.00	1,000 4K renders monthly, 500 custom model uploads

Coohom Professional Features

The software's professional capabilities really stand out. Its advanced rendering engine creates lifelike images of kitchen designs. These are a great way to get client presentations right. The platform has collaboration tools that let you share designs and collect feedback instantly.

Mac users will love Coohom's cloud-based nature. It runs smoothly without putting stress on your system resources. The software merges all aspects of kitchen design, from original planning to final visualization. You won't need to jump between different applications.

Video training resources and email support help you become skilled at using professional features. The custom modeling tool proved valuable when I needed to create unique kitchen elements that weren't in the standard library.

IKEA Kitchen Planner

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The IKEA Kitchen Planner stands out from other tools on our list. This browser-based tool lets you design your kitchen without downloading software, which makes quick kitchen mockups a breeze.

IKEA Planner Features

The planner packs detailed technical planning capabilities that make it shine. You can create precise layouts with windows, outlets, and pipes. The sort of thing i love is knowing how to customize ENHET kitchen combinations that fit your space needs.

Key technical specifications include:

• 1 gigahertz processor or higher (Intel processors only for Mac)
• 256MB graphics card
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution

IKEA Planner Cost

The best part about this tool? It's completely free to use. The planner works online, so you won't need expensive software purchases. This becomes a great help for homeowners with budget constraints.

IKEA Planner Limitations

My testing revealed several vital limitations to think over. The planner needs specific system configurations to run smoothly:

Operating System	Browser Requirements
Mac OS Sierra	Safari 11, Firefox 59+, Chrome 66+
Mac OS High Sierra	Safari 11, Firefox 59+, Chrome 66+
Mac OS X El Capitan	Firefox 59+, Chrome 66+

Keep in mind that the planner doesn't work on mobile devices or tablets. On top of that, it needs a broadband internet connection to perform well. A wired connection or high-speed wireless network (3G/4G) with at least 8 Mbps works best.

Firefox 64-bit support is nowhere near ready. The planner can be picky about browser compatibility, so check your system against all requirements before starting your kitchen design project.

The best experience comes from using a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.0+ with at least 4GB of system memory. These requirements might seem strict, but they help ensure smooth 3D rendering and live design updates.

RoomSketcher

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A Mac user myself, I've tested many kitchen design tools and found RoomSketcher to be a breath of fresh air. This cloud-based solution works right in your browser. The software works both online and offline, and your projects sync automatically when you reconnect.

RoomSketcher Tools

The software is a great way to get kitchen-specific design capabilities. I use the RoomSketcher App to create detailed kitchen layouts with professional-grade tools. The platform has:

• Instant 2D and 3D floor plans
• Customizable cabinet and appliance placement
• Up-to-the-minute 3D visualization
• Cloud storage for all projects

The software lets me play around with different kitchen materials and finishes. I love using the Replace Materials feature to see how various countertop and cabinet combinations look before making my final choice.

RoomSketcher Pricing

My testing shows RoomSketcher's pricing options fit different needs:

Plan	Cost	Key Features
Free	$0	Simple features, limited furniture library
VIP	$49/year	20 credits, 2D/3D floor plans
Pro	$99/year	50 credits, advanced features

RoomSketcher Best Features

RoomSketcher stands out with its kitchen-specific planning capabilities. The integrated kitchen planner helps me create precise layouts with measurements for appliances and fixtures. The software shines at:

• Creating professional kitchen plans without technical expertise
• Generating high-resolution 3D visualizations
• Offering interactive floor plans to try different layout ideas

The cloud-based platform lets me access my kitchen designs on any device - from my Mac at home to my iPad at a client's location. This flexibility helps tremendously when I work with contractors or share designs with family members.

The sort of thing I love is taking 3D snapshots of my kitchen designs to see the space from different angles. The software has an extensive product library with over 7,000 brand-name and generic products, making realistic kitchen layouts a breeze.

Planoplan

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My testing of kitchen design software revealed Planoplan as a professional-grade tool that combines powerful features with surprising ease of use. The features were easy to grasp - it took just a few hours to feel comfortable with the interface.

Planoplan Design Features

The software's detailed catalog amazed me with over 8,000 interior items and materials. The lighting simulation proved useful because it lets users adjust both natural and artificial lighting with a few clicks. The software excels at creating:

• Detailed 2D plans including electrical layouts
• Photorealistic 3D renderings
• Virtual tours and panoramas
• Complete project documentation in PDF format

Planoplan Cost Structure

The pricing structure offers three distinct tiers:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Key Features
[Basic	$16/month](https://planoplan.com/en/pricing/)	Up to 1,000 m² area, 35 projects
PRO+	$37/month	Up to 30,000 m² area, unlimited projects
Team	Custom pricing	Shared catalogs, admin panel

PRO+ users get a 50% discount on all renders compared to Basic plan users, which adds great flexibility to the rendering packages.

Planoplan User Interface

The modern, responsive design of the interface stands out. The layout feels user-friendly with the component library on the left and context-sensitive panels that appear when needed. Room creation follows a straightforward approach - users select the creation tool and draw the shape on a 2D grid.

The ability to work in both 2D and 3D modes adds versatility. Though you can adjust item properties in 3D view, creating original designs in 2D mode proves much faster. Cloud rendering lets users work on other projects while designs render, which streamlines workflow efficiency by a lot.

The software has practical tools for ground applications, like automatic cost estimation and material calculations. These features help provide accurate quotes to clients and manage project budgets better.

Chief Architect

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My deep dive into professional-grade kitchen design software led me to Chief Architect, a powerful tool that runs natively on Mac systems. The software really shines with its sophisticated kitchen and bath design capabilities.

Chief Architect Professional Tools

Chief Architect's smart cabinet tools amazed me because they make custom kitchen designs easy to create. You can see 3D models appear automatically as you draw, and this immediate visualization helps a lot. The platform has:

• Automatic floor plan and wall elevation dimensions that follow National Kitchen and Bath Association standards
• Smart cabinet tools to create framed, frameless, or shaped custom cabinets
• Extensive catalog of manufacturer-specific appliances and fixtures
• Automatic countertop generation and merging capabilities

Chief Architect Pricing

The subscription options give you flexibility based on your needs:

Plan Type	Cost	Billing
Monthly	$199.00	Per month
Annual	$166.25	Per month (16% savings)

Both plans come with Support & Software Assurance (SSA), giving you access to all features, premium catalog downloads, and priority technical support.

Chief Architect Learning Curve

My testing showed that becoming skilled at Chief Architect needs dedication. Users typically spend 50-60 hours to finish their first simple set of drawings. The process speeds up by a lot as you gain experience.

You'll get complete training resources to help you start:

• Free introductory training videos and webinars
• Personal and classroom training options
• Extensive documentation and knowledge base

Chief Architect stands out because you can work on multiple computers with a single-user license, but only one instance can run at a time. The trial version lets you test everything except saving, printing, and exporting, so you can really explore its features before buying.

The software's ten different rendering options, from simple line drawings to watercolor effects, are a great way to get detailed kitchen visualizations. This versatility makes client presentations much more effective.

Quick3DPlan

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Mac users looking for simple kitchen design software will find Quick3DPlan fast and easy to use. This software proves its worth as the quickest way to create both simple mockups and detailed kitchen designs.

Quick3DPlan Features

My tests show Quick3DPlan's extensive library stands out with 3,500+ adjustable kitchen furniture pieces and 250+ door and handle combinations. The software has two universal cabinet catalogs - one in inches and another in centimeters. This makes it perfect for users with different measurement priorities.

These capabilities stood out in my testing:

• Live design changes with mouse-driven controls
• Automatic cabinet lists and dimensions generation
• Excel and PDF export options
• Custom countertop overhang values

Quick3DPlan Pricing

The pricing differs between Windows and Mac versions:

Duration	Mac Version
1 Month	$44.99
6 Months	$219.99
12 Months	$399.99

Taxes aren't included in these prices. A single license lets you install the software on multiple computers, though you can only run one instance at a time.

Quick3DPlan Advantages

Quick3DPlan's user-friendly approach to kitchen design makes it special. Complex design tasks become simple with drag-and-drop interfaces and live rendering. The software has 500+ textures and 2,500+ materials from leading manufacturers. This gives users plenty of customization options.

The auto-furnishing feature helps jumpstart projects quickly. Both classic and open-concept kitchen designs come together beautifully in this program. Switching between 2D and 3D views takes just one click in dual-view mode. This helps catch design issues early.

The software runs light on system resources. It needs just 300MB of hard drive space and 4GB of RAM. This comes in handy when running multiple programs on my Mac simultaneously.

2020 Fusion Live

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My experience with many kitchen design tools led me to discover 2020 Fusion Live's amazing visualization capabilities. This next-generation kitchen design software brings professional-grade features to Mac users through its cloud-based platform.

2020 Fusion Features

The software's best feature is its online configurable manufacturer catalogs through the 2020 cloud that improved my design speed and accuracy by a lot. The visualization tools pack quite a punch and offer:

Visualization Features	Design Elements
Photorealistic 3D Rendering	Cloud-based Catalogs
360° Panoramas	Configurable Cabinetry
Integrated Virtual Reality	Lighting Themes
EZ Render Engine	Decorative Items

2020 Fusion Pricing

The software runs on a subscription-based model with pricing available through direct consultation. It delivers value through simplified processes that help designers showcase their work, generate accurate quotes, and place orders efficiently.

2020 Fusion Benefits

2020 Fusion Live stands out with its detailed approach to kitchen visualization. The lighting system blew me away - you can add external lighting themes and place task and accent lighting to create the perfect ambiance.

The software gives you access to thousands of decorative items through the 2020 Cloud, from trendy accessories to lifestyle elements that add character to your designs. This feature helps me create impressive presentations for clients who want to see their kitchen fully styled.

The EZ Render engine changed my workflow completely by automatically applying and calibrating lighting and true material finishes to designs. This automation cut down my technical adjustment time and let me focus on the creative side.

The software's ability to simplify the whole design process makes it special. Every tool lives in a user-friendly interface that makes creating stunning kitchen designs easier - from ground planning to photorealistic renderings and 360-degree panoramas.

SketchList 3D

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I learned about SketchList 3D when looking for kitchen design software for Mac. The software's woodworking-focused approach makes it stand out. Its specialized features appeal to me since I value precision in kitchen cabinet design.

SketchList Features

SketchList's power to generate 3D models based on design calculations and cut angles caught my eye. The software has powerful tools that make kitchen design easier:

• Advanced 2D and 3D photo renderings of cabinets and countertops
• Automatic material cost calculations and optimization
• Customizable templates for different kitchen styles
• Cross-platform compatibility between Mac and Windows

SketchList Pricing

The pricing structure offers two distinct versions:

Version	Features	Target Users
Hobby	Limited features, simple reporting	DIY enthusiasts
Pro	Full features, advanced capabilities	Professional designers

Both versions have core design capabilities. Pro users get access to additional features like unlimited library objects, advanced joinery options, and sophisticated report generation.

SketchList Performance

The software runs smoothly on Mac with minimal system requirements. You need macOS 10.13 or higher, 1GB of RAM and 500MB of free disk space. Complex kitchen designs load without lag, which impressed me.

SketchList excels at creating detailed kitchen components with tools built specifically for cabinet making and furniture building. The optimization tools help reduce material waste and can substantially cut project costs.

The software automatically updates shop orders and cut lists when design changes happen. This up-to-the-minute synchronization saves hours in project planning and material calculations.

Comparison Table

Software Name	Base Pricing	Key Features	Platform Type	Notable Requirements	Target Users
Live Home 3D	$49.99 (Standard), $99.99 (Pro)	2,400 objects, 2,100 materials, 2D/3D visualization	Native Mac app	Not mentioned	Homeowners, Designers
SmartDraw	$9.95/month (Individual)	Thousands of symbols, texture customization, collaboration tools	Web-based	Internet connection	Professionals, Teams
Coohom	$30/month (Pro Monthly)	1M+ 3D models, 16K rendering, AI templates	Cloud-based	Internet connection	Professionals, Designers
IKEA Kitchen Planner	Free	ENHET kitchen combinations, technical planning	Browser-based	1GHz processor, 256MB graphics	DIY homeowners
RoomSketcher	Free - $99/year (Pro)	7,000+ products, 2D/3D plans, cloud storage	Cloud-based	Internet connection	Homeowners, Professionals
Planoplan	$16/month (Basic)	8,000+ items, lighting simulation, virtual tours	Cloud-based	Internet connection	Professionals
Chief Architect	$199/month	NKBA standards, smart cabinet tools, manufacturer catalogs	Native Mac app	50-60 hours learning curve	Professional designers
Quick3DPlan	$44.99/month	3,500+ furniture pieces, 500+ textures	Native Mac app	4GB RAM, 300MB space	Designers
2020 Fusion Live	Custom pricing	Cloud catalogs, VR support, EZ Render engine	Cloud-based	Internet connection	Professional designers
SketchList 3D	Not mentioned	3D modeling, cost calculations, cut lists	Native Mac app	macOS 10.13+, 1GB RAM	Woodworkers, Cabinet makers

Conclusion

My extensive testing of kitchen design tools on Mac reveals perfect options for every skill level and budget. IKEA Kitchen Planner delivers simple layouts at no cost, and professional tools like Chief Architect and 2020 Fusion Live provide advanced features for detailed designs.

The right software depends on technical requirements, design needs, and budget considerations. RoomSketcher and Coohom's cloud-based platforms solve compatibility issues. Live Home 3D and SketchList 3D provide strong offline capabilities natively.

Chief Architect or 2020 Fusion Live works best for professional designers who need comprehensive features. SmartDraw or Live Home 3D suits DIY homeowners' single projects better with powerful yet accessible features.

The ideal kitchen design software matches your specific needs and skill level rather than being the most expensive or feature-rich option. A clear understanding of your project's requirements will help you select a tool that fits your goals and technical comfort zone.

FAQs

Q1. What are some popular kitchen design apps for Mac users? There are several excellent options for Mac, including Live Home 3D, RoomSketcher, and SmartDraw. These apps offer features like 3D visualization, extensive object libraries, and easy-to-use interfaces for creating kitchen layouts.

Q2. Is there a free kitchen design tool available for Mac? Yes, the IKEA Kitchen Planner is a free browser-based tool that works on Mac. It allows you to create kitchen layouts using IKEA products and is great for basic planning, though it has some limitations compared to paid software.

Q3. Which kitchen design software is best for professionals? For professional designers, Chief Architect and 2020 Fusion Live are highly recommended. These tools offer advanced features like manufacturer-specific catalogs, detailed 3D rendering, and compliance with industry standards.

Q4. Can I use kitchen design software on my Mac without downloading anything? Absolutely. Cloud-based options like Planoplan and Coohom allow you to design kitchens directly in your web browser without installing any software on your Mac.

Q5. What's the most efficient kitchen layout according to design software? While software can help visualize various layouts, the U-shaped kitchen is often considered the most efficient. It provides ample storage and counter space on three walls, creating an effective work triangle for food preparation and cooking.