Tiny House & ADU Design Software
TinyGrid
Truly freeGenuinely free browser floor planner with all drawing tools, full fixture library, PNG/SVG/PDF export and unlimited local saves; only optional cloud storage is paid.
3D Tiny House Designer
Free, with limitsFree browser version lets you configure a trailer and drag-and-drop a tiny house; full features and plan export require a one-time ~$12 premium unlock.
DEN Outdoors
Free, with limitsFree instant AI build-cost estimator (enter design + lot, no sales call) is self-serve; the online customization platform and plans start at a paid $299 package.
Dwellito
Free, with limitsFree self-serve marketplace to browse prefab/ADU plans with a 3D home configurator, site planner and instant price estimates; build requires manufacturer quotes.
TinyFloorPlan
Free, with limitsFree online editor draws multi-floor plans with real dimensions and exports to PNG/PDF/DXF/SVG; some collaboration/export tiers may require an account.
Abodu Configurator
Free, brand-lockedEach Abodu model has a free 'Configure' tool to customize finishes and options; only Abodu's six prefab ADU models, turnkey-priced.
BOXABL Casita
Free, brand-lockedSelf-serve product/order pages and downloadable specs for the single Casita ADU model; customization is minimal and limited to Boxabl's one unit.
Pacifica Tiny Homes Model X Configurator
Free, brand-lockedFree self-serve configurator covering size, exterior, interior, kitchen, bath, climate and delivery for Pacifica's Model X tiny home; brand-locked.
Place Buildings Backyard Studio Configurator
Free, brand-lockedFree 5-step 3D configurator for a backyard studio/ADU (model, siding, roof, windows/doors) with multiple views; pricing comes via a quote request.
Samara Backyard
Free, brand-lockedFree 'Configure in 3D' tool tailors a Backyard ADU's size, layout and customizations; only Samara's own units, with install handled by them.
Studio Shed Design Center
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D Design Center lets you size, place doors/windows and pick finishes with live pricing; saving requires contact info and it builds only Studio Shed kits.
Tiny Heirloom Live Price Builder
Free, brand-lockedFree self-serve configurator that builds a tiny home from base models through bathroom, kitchen, tech and delivery options with a live price; brand models only.
Tumbleweed Tiny House Configurator
Free, brand-lockedFree self-serve configurator to pick a model, exterior/interior options and delivery, then download a printable quote PDF; only Tumbleweed's own models.
Villa Homes Design Studio
Free, brand-lockedFree self-serve browsing of 20+ ADU floor plans with finish customization and an instant quote; only Villa's HUD-approved prefab models.
What to look for in tiny house & adu design software
Tiny house and ADU design software helps you make every inch count in a small footprint, modeling floor plans, lofts, stairs, storage and trailer dimensions in 2D and 3D. Some tools are general home and floor-plan apps used at small scale; others are purpose-built for tiny homes and accessory dwelling units, with templates for trailers, code-driven minimums and pre-built small-space layouts. This directory compares them by 3D capability, how well they handle tight and multi-level layouts, export formats for permitting or builders, plus pricing and platform support, so you can plan a livable small space.
Handles tight, multi-level layouts. Tiny homes pack lofts, stairs and storage into inches. Tools that model multiple levels and true clearances reveal whether a layout is actually livable.
Trailer and footprint constraints. Tiny houses on wheels are bound by trailer width, height and weight. Tools with trailer templates or footprint limits keep the design road- and code-legal.
3D walkthrough at small scale. Cramped feelings only show in 3D. A walkthrough at eye level tells you whether ceilings, lofts and passages feel right before you build.
ADU and code awareness. ADUs face local minimums for ceiling height, egress and room sizes. Tools that surface or template these reduce permit surprises.
Export for permits or builders. Plans you can export as dimensioned drawings or common file formats matter when you hand the design to a permit office or builder.
Furniture and storage planning. In a tiny space, furniture placement is the design. Tools with realistic furniture libraries help confirm everything fits and functions.
Questions, answered
Is there free tiny house design software?
Yes, but read the fine print. Several general floor-plan and home design tools have free tiers you can use at tiny-house scale, often with limits on saves, exports or 3D resolution. Few free tools are tiny-house-specific.
Can these tools model a tiny house on a trailer?
Some purpose-built tools include trailer templates and footprint constraints; general home tools let you set custom dimensions to match a trailer. The comparison notes which handle trailers directly versus by manual sizing.
Will the software produce permit-ready plans?
Many tools export dimensioned floor plans and elevations, but few output stamped or fully code-checked drawings. Use the software to design, then have a professional confirm local code and prepare permit submittals.
Do I need ADU-specific software or will home design software work?
General home and floor-plan software handles most ADU work since an ADU is a small home. Dedicated tools help mainly with small-space templates and code minimums; pick based on how much guidance you want.