Total 3D Home Design Deluxe

I owned a previous version for Windows 98. When a new, major project came up, I had a few problems with it saving changes with Windows XP. So, I bought this version.All went well until I tried to add a full-size bed. The program has its width the same as a Queen, and did not allow me to change the dimensions. This is a new glitch for me, because I have been able to change dimensions on almost any item. I finally used a different bed and changed it. Looks OK in the Plan mode, but the Walk-through will not be accurate as to how things look.I have not been able to figure out how to add a bathroom sink to a vanity, which is a real pain.On a positive note, this program is much easier to work with than others that I have tried.

The first thing you should know about any design program: there's no such thing as an easy-to-use one. Architectual design is a very complex process with multiple elements, details, mathematical calculations that any program must keep in sync. So if you're looking for a program that you can use for the first time and an hour later have a finished blueprint in hand, forget it. You're never going to find one. That said, Total 3D Deluxe is fairly easy to navigate once you learn the basic functions. There are three modes of operation: Layout, Floorplan, & 3D/visual. Layout determines the basic dimensions of your plan; Floor plan adds structural details, such as windows, doors, stairs, etc. And the 3D visual allows you to walk through your structure and add the finishes, such as siding and flooring. Navigating between the 3 modes is simple and quick and while not exactly seamless, there is no difficulty switching back and forth from one mode to the next (once you learn the meaning of the various icons). As for the graphics, they're simple and cartoon-like. In that respect, the photos on the box are misleading, as the graphics in the program do not even begin to approach the high resolution images shown on the packaging. Design options are limited: if you want anything other than a basic box-like structure, look elsewhere. While angled and curved, and even two-story rooms are options, getting the tools to function properly is quite a chore. Aside from that, there are several glitches in Total 3D that seriously detract from its usability. The first being the stairs option. This was obviously poorly thought out and it barely functions. There are only a few pre-set choices for stairways, and if you attempt to alter or customize them to fit your design, the program simply freezes and/or shuts down. In fact, Total 3D closes quite often. For example, in one floorplan I wished to add a grand stairway in a two-story entrance hall. The program simply wouldn't allow it. The pre-set stairs function could not recognize a two-story hall and the whole program closed on me. Another major glitch are porches. There's no options for a two-story porch, wrap-around porch, curved porch, etc. If you do place a porch in your design, the program automatically deletes all of the doors and windows opening onto that porch. The floorplan mode still shows them as being there, but in the 3D mode all you have is a blank wall. And finally, the roof functions were not very well thought out or implemented. For instance, if you want a flat-roofed garage, but a hipped-roof main house, the program only allows for one roof-style for the entire structure. Another problem I had: I wanted to incorporate an inner courtyard in the center of my floorplan; it's not possible in Total 3D. The program automatically roofed-over every space within the plan and there were no options for changing it. Between these flaws, I found Total 3D seriously frustrating to use. My advice to anyone looking at this for professional purposes; look elsewhere. Find a better one. This may be good for practice or as a hobby, but for practical use it's a bad joke and needs a serious overhaul.

I wanted to help a friend design a room addition just to give them ideas and approximate costs. I had never used any design software before so I had to watch several of the tutorials. The tutorials were adequate but I would not give them a superior rating. One thing I loved was the 3D views. I was able to design the addition and show my friends a 3D version of what it would actually look like.This software is for the serious designer. If you want to take the time to learn the full power of the program, then it is a great and powerful design software. If you're looking for something simpler, there are plenty of online room mock-up sites or cheaper design programs.

I had a very old version of 3D Home and Sierra (10+ yrs). I thought the new 3D-Home rendition would better suit my advanced PC software, and so I bought it. But to my surprise the options for things like windows and doors were very sparce --- Example: no double french doors, et al. So although the package was easy to use and did meet my immediate needs, I would have preferred a MUCH LARGER selection of detailed furniture and building options to give me a better final product. So .............. Just OK for Me!

Product works well. Allows you to create plans with ease. Decent operation for the price, but obviously not a program made to be used by an architect or engineer. More designed for the home enthusiast or decorator. General print formats may help the lay person procure a permit for construction or relay their ideas to an architect or builder- who would obviously use a more professional program. Photo feature works only as a wall paper and not meant to crop images, you will need publisher, and or photoshop for that.

I bought this so I could visualize a bathroom remodel. It has some cool features but I have yet to figure out how to make the graphics work for my design. It doesn't work like Visio or other graphics packages and even after the tutorial, I have had trouble with it. I consider myself reasonably savvy with software.

Every once in a while, the program just freezes up and I have to completely get out of the program. I usually don't save as I go along the way, so I lose my work. Other than that, it was exactly what I was looking for! A simple program that allows me to design many types of homes!

I am a rookie at computer graphics, I got what I needed basic information but this program is lacking easy to use plug and play. Satisified at the price but if I was doing the design myself I would want a more sophicated program.

De entrada parece muy útil ya veremos que tal solo comento que hay una opciones de este mismo software pero en versión premium para que revisen antes de decidir.

not very user freindly

ok

Es un software que ayuda mucho para la planeación de una casa, aún sin ser arquitecto,

Fair