How to Design Landscapes Online

Having a custom landscape designed and installed can be very expensive. Trained professionals may be better suited for large installations. However, you can create simple designs for free online with no prior training necessary. You can then show these designs to qualified professionals for the final touches if you so choose. In some cases, you may even be able to do all of the required work to make your online design a reality without the aid of professionals.

Use Showoff's The Visualizer software to design your dream landscape. The software features the ability to upload your own photos. This allows you to take a picture of your yard from different angles to make further customize your design. The tool uses drag and drop technology to select landscape elements from the wide variety of built-in selections. Choose the category you want to include in your design; click the picture and drag the element to wherever you want on the picture of your yard. Save and print the design when you have completed your dream garden.

Use Garden Puzzle's online software. This online tool comes with over 30 preset backdrops you can use to design your landscape. Choose from a large selection of plants, garden structures, and surfaces to create the perfect outdoor scene. Simple drag-and-drop controls allow you to place each element precisely where you want it. Each element you include has additional information that can be accessed by double-clicking. For example, access average height or size of the element and 3-D views. Plants also feature information about the type of conditions they need and suggested uses in a landscape design. The software also features a soil selector tool that allows you to select the soil and climate conditions of your area. The software automatically filters out the plants that would not survive in your area. You can save or print the design any time.

Download the SmartDraw free floor plan software. This tool is not limited to just landscapes. It makes floor plan designs for interior and exterior spaces with the same drag-and-drop technology. Design your landscape from scratch or choose one of the included templates to modify for your needs. Use the symbol library to select the desired design element. Drag the element onto the work area and use the re-size handles to change the dimensions or orientations. SmartDraw is compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe PDF. Click the "Export" button at the top of your screen for your preferred file type. SmartDraw automatically opens the new file in the target program. You may also save and print designs directly from inside the program.