Design Software
This page provides tips on which software to use for a particular purpose and how to get started. Except as noted, software is available for both Mac and PC.
±«Óãtv University provides Microsoft applications in Office 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc. Go to , log in, and click on the waffle at the top left.
For video conferencing, refer to the Remote Communication page.
1. Graphic Design
Adobe Illustrator CC
Useful for: making drawings and graphic art; laser cutting
Available from ; also on Arch-Plan lab computers (see above)
Tutorials: ; (free access to Lynda with a Halifax library card)
2. Image Processing
Adobe Photoshop CC
Useful for: editing photos and images
Available from ; also on Arch-Plan lab computers (see above)
Tutorials: ;
3. Page Layout and Compositing
Adobe InDesign CC
Useful for: producing documents with images and text; process portfolios
Available from ; also on Arch-Plan lab computers (see above)
Tutorials: ;
Conceptboard (web-based)
Useful for: design process, desk crits, and online collaboration (with Zoom)
Available from:
Tutorials:
4. 2D Drafting
AutoCAD
Useful for: 2D drafting, laser cutting
Available from: (free)
Tutorials:
(For 2D drafting, see also Rhinoceros and VectorWorks below.)
5. 3D Modeling and Rendering
SketchUp
Useful for: 3D modeling, terrain mapping, site analysis, rendering, solar studies, rapid prototyping
Available from:
Tutorials:
Rhinoceros
Useful for: 2D drafting, 3D modeling, complex geometry, digital fabrication, rendering, solar studies, rapid prototyping
Available from:
Tutorials:
VectorWorks
Useful for: 2D drafting, 3D modeling, building information modeling (BIM), rendering, presentation drawings, solar studies
Available from:
Tutorials:
Revit
Useful for: building information modeling (BIM), 3D modeling, parametric modeling, producing drawing sets
Available from:
Tutorials:
6. Visual Scripting
Grasshopper for Rhino
Useful for: parametric modeling, physics simulation, hosting plug-ins for BIM, site and energy analysis, augmented reality projection, structural analysis (note: Mac version is not fully functional)
Available from:
Tutorials: ;Ìý
7. Rendering
V-Ray
Useful for: 3D visualization and presentation renderings from SketchUp, Rhino, and Revit
Available from:
Tutorials: ;
8. Energy Calculation
Matchbox (web-based)
Useful for: energy modeling
Available from:
Tutorials: n/a
9. Website Design
Adobe Portfolio CC
Useful for: web hosting and design
Available from ; also on Arch-Plan lab computers (see above)
Tutorials:
10. Digital Presentations
Keynote
Useful for: making digital presentations
Available from: (free)
Tutorials: ;
11. Video Production and Editing
iMovie
Useful for: editing videos
Available from: (free)
Tutorials:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Useful for: producing and editing videos
Available from:
Tutorials:
12. GIS
ArcGIS
Useful for: digital maps
Available on Arch-Plan lab computers (see above)