Garage, Shed & Outbuilding Design Software
BuildFreely
Truly freeFree CAD tool generating a 3D model, plans, bill of materials, and cost estimate from your parameters; one-story rectangular gable/shed roofs only.
ShedBuild
Truly free100% free, no signup; generates materials lists, diagrams, build instructions, and PDF/JSON export for any shed size.
DIY Sheds Configurator
Free, with limitsFree real-time 3D configurator with cutting list and PDF/SketchUp export; saving variations and full plans is the free offer, with paid upgrades for businesses.
Planner 5D Garage Planner
Free, with limitsFree 2D/3D garage interior planner with a basic catalog; premium items, HD renders, and some exports require a paid plan.
Roomtodo Garage Planner
Free, with limitsFree browser 3D garage planner; advanced catalog items, custom textures, and 3D/PDF exports require BASIC or PRO plans.
Alan's Factory Outlet 3D Builder
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D carport/garage builder with instant zip-based pricing and online ordering, limited to Alan's metal building catalog.
Bulldog Steel Structures Designer
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D carport/garage design tool with live price changes; you save and submit for a quote rather than checkout.
DIY Pole Barns 3D Designer
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D pole barn designer, no account needed; design freely, but pricing/kits come through their team.
I Love Pole Buildings 3D Designer
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D pole-building designer with no account required; ends in a vendor quote rather than a purchase.
Menards Shed Designer
Free, brand-lockedFree shed/yard-building designer with material estimates; you can save a Design ID and buy materials at Menards, but it's locked to Menards inventory.
Metal Carport Depot 3D Configurator
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D configurator with real-time zip-based pricing for carports and enclosed garages, with online order submission; brand catalog only.
Morton Buildings 3D Studio
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D post-frame designer; fully usable to design and save, but ends in a Morton sales consultation rather than instant purchase.
Old Hickory Buildings 3D Builder
Free, brand-lockedFree proprietary 3D shed/garage builder with full options and live pricing; outputs only Old Hickory buildings.
Tuff Shed Design Tool
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D configurator to design/price a Tuff Shed; you can save a quote or buy, but it only outputs Tuff Shed products.
Viking Steel Structures 3D Estimator
Free, brand-lockedFree 3D designer for metal carports, garages, and barns; design and save freely, but final price comes via a submitted quote.
What to look for in garage, shed & outbuilding design software
Shed and garage software ranges from simple online configurators to full DIY build-plan tools. If you just want to size and style a shed, a 3D configurator lets you pick dimensions, doors, and siding and see it instantly, often free. If you're building it yourself, you want lumber and material lists, framing detail, and printable plans. Larger projects like garages, pole barns, and workshops need permit-ready drawings and structural layout. Below we compare every garage and shed tool in the directory by pricing, free tier, platform, material-list support, and 3D, so you can match a tool to a kit order or a from-scratch build.
Automatic material and lumber lists. A tool that outputs a cut and material list turns a design into a shopping trip and an accurate budget.
Framing and structural detail. For a DIY build you need stud spacing, rafters, and footings, not just an exterior shell.
Printable, permit-ready plans. Many garages and larger outbuildings need a permit; dimensioned, printable drawings make that smoother.
3D configurator for size and style. Instant 3D for dimensions, doors, windows, and siding helps you settle the design before ordering a kit.
Building type coverage. Sheds, garages, pole barns, carports, and workshops differ; confirm the tool handles your structure type.
Free tier limits. Free configurators may not export plans or material lists, which is what you actually need to build.
Questions, answered
Is there free shed design software?
Yes, several manufacturer and DIY tools let you configure a shed in 3D for free. The catch is usually output: free versions often won't export material lists or printable build plans, which are the parts you need to actually construct it.
Can shed software generate a materials and lumber list?
The build-focused tools can. They translate your design into stud, sheathing, and roofing quantities so you can price the project and shop in one trip. Check the best-for column, since many configurators are styling tools that stop at the 3D model.
Do I need permit-ready plans for a garage or large shed?
Often yes, depending on local rules and size. For garages, pole barns, and bigger outbuildings, look for tools that produce dimensioned, printable drawings suitable for a permit application. Small sheds frequently don't need a permit, but always check your jurisdiction.
Can these tools design pole barns and workshops too?
Some cover the full range of sheds, garages, pole barns, carports, and workshops, while others specialize in small sheds only. Confirm your building type is supported before committing, since structural needs differ a lot across these.