9 Best Wood Framing Software In 2023

Let’s be honest, designing the perfect wood frame is both an art and a science. In this article, I’ve rounded up the 10 best wood framing software that will help you create structures that are not only sturdy and efficient but also downright beautiful. From 3D modeling to automated calculations, these tools are game-changers. Dive in, and let’s explore how these innovative solutions can transform your framing game.

What are the Best wood framing software

• SketchUp
• Fusion 360
• SketchList 3D
• PRO100
• MWF
• FrameLab
• WoodWorks Software
• Cadwork Wood
• AGACAD’s Wood Framing Suite

1. SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that is designed to be easy to use while providing a range of powerful tools for professionals and hobbyists alike. With its intuitive interface, users can visualize their ideas in 3D, create sustainable buildings, and customize their workspace with hundreds of professionally-developed extensions. The software also allows for clear communication and collaboration, making it easier to share ideas and work together on projects. Additionally, SketchUp is backed by Trimble’s advanced positioning solutions, which increase productivity and improve safety.

Key features of SketchUp include:

1. Intuitive 3D modeling: Visualize ideas with ease and precision.
2. Sustainable building design: Create eco-friendly structures that make a difference.
3. Customizable workspace: Access hundreds of extensions to enhance functionality.
4. Clear communication and collaboration: Share ideas and work together seamlessly.
5. Integration with Trimble’s advanced positioning solutions: Increase productivity and improve safety in projects.

2. Fusion 360

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a comprehensive platform that combines 3D CAD, modeling, manufacturing, industrial design, electronics, and mechanical engineering in a single cloud-based solution.

It enables global design and manufacturing teams to efficiently ideate, create, collaborate, and manage their development processes with cloud and data at the center. With Fusion 360, users can execute several different functions within one package, eliminating the need to use multiple software for different aspects of a project.

This integrated approach allows teams to work on the same file at the same time, significantly enhancing collaboration and productivity.

Key features of Autodesk Fusion 360 include:

1. 3D CAD Design: Create and edit 3D models with an intuitive set of design tools.
2. Collaboration: Work together with team members in real-time, regardless of location.
3. Manufacturing: Access a range of manufacturing tools to bring your designs to life.
4. Electronics and Mechanical Engineering: Combine electronics and mechanical design in one platform.
5. Cloud-Based Solution: Store and access your projects from anywhere, at any time.

3. SketchList 3D

SketchList 3D is a woodworking design software that uses woodworking terms and practices, making it easy for woodworkers to focus on their craft without the confusion and time-wasting often associated with CAD software.

The software allows users to create stunning mockups, multiple design model options, cut lists, material layouts, and purchase reports, all in a few simple steps. With SketchList 3D, woodworkers can reduce their design time, increase their sense of achievement, and feel more confident bidding on and winning higher-end jobs.

The software is designed to think like a woodworker, so users don’t have to adjust their thinking patterns to accommodate the software.

Key features of SketchList 3D include:

1. Easy-to-use app navigation: Navigate the software with ease and focus on your design.
2. Realistic project renderings: Visualize your projects with realistic 3D renderings.
3. Templates library: Access a library of templates to streamline your design process.
4. Automated cut list report: Generate cut lists automatically as you develop your project.
5. Cutting guidance for CNC machines: Receive cutting guidance to ensure accuracy when using CNC machines.

4. PRO100

Ecru’s PRO100 is a professional software designed for furniture and interior design, providing a comprehensive solution for design, sales, and production support. The software is popular among joiners, interior designers, furniture shops, architects, and furniture manufacturers, helping them optimize their workflow from design to production.

With its intuitive interface and powerful features, PRO100 allows users to create detailed and realistic 3D models of their designs, ensuring that their visions are accurately brought to life. The software also offers a range of tools and resources to support users in their design process, from free trainings to technical support.

Key features of Ecru’s PRO100 software include:

1. 3D Modeling: Create detailed and realistic 3D models of furniture and interior designs.
2. Optimization for Panel Cut-Outs: Minimize waste and save time with tools for optimizing panel cut-outs.
3. Production Support: Streamline the production process with tools for production control and work organization.
4. Intuitive Interface: Easily navigate the software and access its powerful features with an intuitive interface.
5. Comprehensive Resources: Benefit from free trainings, technical support, and a community of satisfied clients.

5. MWF

MWF Pro Wood is a comprehensive Revit add-on designed specifically for wood builders, allowing them to fully leverage the capabilities of Revit for their projects. It is capable of framing virtually any project, from single-family homes to large-scale multifamily structures. The software enables users to create custom framing to define all aspects of wall, floor, and roof framing, which is then automatically applied throughout the Revit model. This includes differentiating wall types, openings, and penetrations throughout the project.

Key Features of MWF Pro Wood:

1. 3D Framing and 2D Panel Drawings: Allows for complete 3D framing of the project, and generates 2D panel drawings, cut lists, bill of materials, and CNC output with just a click.
2. MultiLayer Wall Feature: Enables the creation of complex layered framing quickly and easily, with no limitation to the number of layers, orientation of members, or type of material used.
3. Full Automation with CNC Output: Optional CNC output turns Revit into a manufacturing tool, sending lumber cut lists and geometry directly to the CNC machine for simple and complex cuts.
4. Engineering Capabilities: Built-in capability to link with industry-leading material sizing engines, allowing for analysis of complete floor systems and optimal member size suggestions based on various factors.
5. Pricing Options: Offers various pricing options including standalone, network, and desktop subscription, with the option to bundle with MWF Pro Steel for additional features.
   

6. FrameLab

FrameLab is a Revit® plugin designed to help you identify, track, and resolve issues around openings during the early stages of your project. This software enables teams to better conceptualize framing models, improve team coordination, and avoid costly rework later down the road. FrameLab provides a comprehensive solution for framing around openings, with features that allow for automation, improved visibility, and enhanced communication with teams and stakeholders. The software works with linked models for added versatility and supports live data updates, ensuring that any bi-directional modifications are reflected in real-time.

Key Features of FrameLab:

1. Critical Masses: Automate the framing of entire levels in seconds and improve visibility around heavily framed zones in your Revit® models.
2. No-fly Zones: Decrease occurrences of multidisciplinary clashes and improve team coordination by adding no-fly zones and creating spatial barriers around specific elements.
3. Place Tolerances: Add tolerances around your framing to enable teams to make informed decisions around workflows impacting different trades.
4. Change Reports: Generate and share comprehensive reports with your teams, send changes for approval, and flag elements for review.
5. Link Models: Work with linked models for added versatility and take advantage of live data updates, ensuring that any bi-directional modifications are reflected in real-time.

7. WoodWorks Software

WoodWorks Software is a crucial tool for structural engineers, providing them with the ability to quickly and efficiently design light-frame or heavy timber construction in accordance with the latest codes and standards. The software is available in both Canadian and US editions, catering to the specific needs and regulations of each region. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, WoodWorks Software streamlines the design process, allowing engineers to focus on creating optimal structures that meet all necessary requirements. The software also offers support and resources for educators, building officials, and other professionals involved in the construction industry.

Key Features of WoodWorks Software:

1. Canadian and US Editions: Offers editions tailored to the specific codes and standards of each region.
2. Support for Various Construction Types: Provides tools for designing both light-frame and heavy timber construction.
3. Comprehensive Resources: Offers support and resources for educators, building officials, and other industry professionals.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Streamlines the design process with an easy-to-use interface.
5. Integration with 3rd Party Interface: Allows for seamless integration with other software tools and proprietary products used in the construction industry.

8. Cadwork

Cadwork is a world leader in construction software and solutions, providing a comprehensive range of design and production modules that cover all areas of construction application, including framing, roofing, stairs, construction systems, engineering, concrete & metal, renovation, and more. The software is designed to support each stage of a project, from design and site management to costing and production. With its unmatched flexibility and power, Cadwork uses state-of-the-art technologies to ensure maximum speed in visualization and data access. The company reinvests more than 25% of its resources into development each year, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry.

Key Features of Cadwork Software:

1. Comprehensive Range of Modules: Offers a wide range of design and production modules that cover all areas of construction application.
2. Support for All Project Stages: Supports each stage of a project, from design and site management to costing and production.
3. State-of-the-Art Technologies: Uses the latest technologies to ensure maximum speed in visualization and data access.
4. Unmatched Flexibility and Power: Provides unmatched flexibility and power to meet the needs of businesses in the construction industry.
5. Commitment to Innovation: Reinvests more than 25% of its resources into development each year, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry.

9. AGACAD’s Wood Framing Suite

AGACAD Wood Framing is a powerful and flexible software for Autodesk® Revit® that is designed to efficiently deliver timber-frame models and drawings that exceed clients’ expectations. The software automates work to save time and ensure accuracy while enabling optimal design decisions. It provides holistic processes for the design and production of any timber project with a high-LOD BIM model (digital twin). Additionally, the software streamlines all processes from design to documentation, using predefined, savable rules to create prefabricated panels, automatically distributing all framing and connection elements.

Key Features of AGACAD Wood Framing:

1. Holistic Processes: Design and production of any timber project with a high-LOD BIM model (digital twin).
2. Vast Time Savings: Fast, accurate modeling and updating of building modules and components with project-wide parameters for highly detailed projects.
3. Precise Deliverables: Accurate BIM data means accurate material quantities, part lists, and schedules.
4. Multi-Layered Timber Frames: Creates multi-layered timber frames for walls, floors, and roofs, streamlining all processes from design to documentation.
5. Automated Updates and Documentation: Reduces the potential for error and takes tedious tasks off your hands, such as views, tags, schedules, dimensions, title blocks, and sheets.