Rayon is a new browser-based software designed to make drawing floor plans faster and easier. It offers a streamlined approach to creating floor plans, allowing users to complete their designs in a fraction of the time compared to traditional CAD software like AutoCAD. Not only is Rayon efficient, but it is also free and cloud-based, making it accessible from anywhere.
Rayon transforms the way floor plans are created, whether for new designs or enhancing existing ones. As a web-based CAD design app, it is particularly useful for those involved in interior design or anyone looking to improve their floor planning process. Rayon is available for free, providing an accessible tool for efficient and effective design work, and it has 2 paid plans starting from €19/month to $21/month, which makes $252 per year, that makes Rayon.Design is 11.67 times cheaper compared to AutoCAD or 1061.90% cheaper on annual based cost. This software it’s most useful to interior designers, architects, and homeowners seeking innovative and streamlined design solutions.
Want to get 3D rendering for your interior design project?
George is a seasoned interior designer and property marketing strategist with over 13 years of experience. He specializes in transforming properties into visually stunning spaces, helping clients recognize the potential and beauty in each property. With an impressive international client base of exciting projects throughout Europe and America.
George Nicola (Expert Interior Designer from TALLBOX) shares:
Even if you are new to interior design or architecture, you know what AutoCAD is. AutoCAD developed by Autodesk dominates the CAD software market with approximately 39.56% market share, while Rayon.Design is a newer entrant focusing specifically on interior designers and AEC professionals, and it is firmly taking its place in the market.
Rayon.design offers one of the most affordable pricing structures among professional CAD tools, with a free tier and professional plans under $40/month, its best advantage is that it’s entirely online and accessible from anywhere. This contrasts sharply with AutoCAD’s significantly higher pricing structure at $245. While AutoCAD and most traditional CAD solutions require significant training time and a laptop with CAD license or workstation, Rayon.design specifically targets ease of use and quick onboarding for design professionals.
Rayon.design is specifically tailored for interior designers and architectural professionals looking for collaborative design tools, whereas AutoCAD and other traditional CAD solutions serve a broader range of engineering and industrial applications.
In today’s fast-paced design environment, utilizing the right tools can significantly enhance efficiency and output quality. Over the last month, some of our interior design clients team’s have been using this workflow.
It begins with Rayon.design, where quick and precise 2D floor plans are made using the intuitive interface and the extensive block library. The floor plan is then exported in DWG format and imported into SketchUp, preserving scale and accuracy for developing rough 3D geometry. With the basic model in place, MidJourney comes into play for rapid concept creation, allowing for experimentation with styles and materials through its advanced Edit and Retexture tools.
At the end, the refined concept and SketchUp model are sent to tallboxdesign.mom. Our team of experts produces full-fledged, photorealistic renderings with 3DsMax and Chaos Corona, ensuring technical accuracy and high-quality visuals suitable for client presentations and marketing.
This integrated approach leverages the strengths of each platform, streamlining the design process from initial planning to final, professional renderings.
As an alternative, the models can be important in Chaos Vantage, Enscape, Lumion, or Twinmotion, all real-time render engine software for rendering.
Rayon.Design vs AutoCAD - comparison
| Category | Rayon | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Structure | Free tier with unlimited models; Pro tier at $21/month; Team tier at $38/month per editor | Approximately $1560/year |
| Core Functionality | Strictly 2D focused; Emphasizes architectural drawings and space planning | Offers both 2D and 3D capabilities; Provides comprehensive engineering and design tools |
| Target Users | Interior designers architects and space planners | Engineers industrial designers and construction professionals |
| Accessibility | Works on tablets with limited functionality; Smartphone support coming; Free for students/faculty with educational email; Free viewer access (editors need paid license) | Standard desktop software |
| Notable Features | Unlimited models on all tiers; PDF and PNG export options; Library access; Team workspaces (Team plan); Personal templates; Live support (Team plan) | Industry standard modeling and design tools |
| Use Case Recommendation | Choose if you need: Simple 2D architectural drawings; Affordable CAD solution; Quick learning curve; Collaborative features | Choose if you need: Complex 3D modeling; Industry-standard compatibility; Advanced engineering features; Comprehensive technical drawings |
How easy is it to use an online floor plan with Rayon compared to AutoCad?
| Category | Rayon | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Offers intuitive web-based interface with quick adoption; Includes drag-and-drop functionality for furniture and assets; Features searchable library of 4000+ assets without separate downloads; Provides 100+ pre-built templates | Has steep learning curve requiring significant time investment; Users typically only use 10-20 commands for 95% of work; Takes considerable time to master but necessary for construction work |
| Workflow Efficiency | Emphasizes speed and quick design iterations; Allows real-time collaboration and sharing through web links; Includes built-in templates and libraries for immediate use | More complex but offers greater precision and control; Requires more setup time and training; Better suited for detailed technical drawings and complex projects |
| Target User Experience | Designed for interior designers and architects needing quick efficient solutions; Focuses on floor plan creation with immediate usability; Ideal for those who need to create and share designs quickly | Built for professional engineers and architects requiring detailed technical drawings; More comprehensive but requires significant training time; Better suited for users who need advanced features and precise control |
How easy is it to use an online floor plan with Rayon?
Getting started with Rayon is a straightforward process. As a browser-based software, it allows you to begin your design journey quickly and easily. Enter your name, email, and password or connect using a free Google account, and you can get started in seconds.
To start using Rayon, you can sign up for free. The registration process is simple: enter your name, email, and password, or connect using a Google account. This quick setup ensures you can dive into your projects without delay.
Once your account is set up, you are welcomed into your personal workspace. Here, you have the option to import existing drawings. Rayon supports a variety of file formats, including TWG, DXF, PDF, and image files like JPEGs and PNGs. This flexibility allows you to work with different types of files seamlessly.
Old Workflow with AutoCAD
If you are a designer on the go, traditional software is cumbersome. For example setting up AutoCAD involves installing complex software, configuring workspaces, and learning specialized commands. This can be time-consuming and requires technical expertise.
Many tasks in AutoCAD, such as creating drawing sets, generating documentation, and managing annotations, are done manually, increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies. Also top Designers often need to use multiple tools alongside AutoCAD for tasks like 3D modeling, rendering, and presentation, leading to a disjointed workflow.
With the new, improved, quicker workflow with Rayon.Design designers don’t have to be stationary to do the work. Since Rayon.Design is browser-based, eliminating the need for complex installations. Its intuitive interface and pre-configured workspace make it easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
Streamlined and Integrated Workflow offers a unified platform for the entire design process, from initial concept to final presentation. Features like automatic document generation, integrated markup tools, and built-in presentation capabilities streamline the workflow and enhance efficiency.
The main difference lies in the integrated and streamlined approach of Rayon.Design. While AutoCAD requires manual effort and separate tools for various tasks, Rayon.Design provides a unified platform with automated features and intuitive tools, significantly enhancing efficiency and collaboration.
Real-time collaboration features are a massive bonus and facilitate seamless teamwork and communication compared to traditional AutoCAD workflows. Rayon.Design’s user-friendly interface and intuitive tools will not lead to a shock, but result in a shorter learning curve compared to AutoCAD’s complex commands and functionalities.
Starting a New Drawing and Exploring Templates
If you prefer to start from scratch, Rayon offers tools to create new drawings effortlessly. You can also explore a range of templates provided by Rayon, which include designs for kitchens, house floor plans, bedrooms, and office spaces. These templates serve as a great starting point for your projects.
Additionally, Rayon provides tutorials and a space planning guide to help you understand different sizes and plan spaces effectively. All these resources are available as soon as you sign up, making it easy to create stunning floor plans directly from your browser.
Creating and Customizing Floor Plan
In this section, we’ll explore how to create and customize floor plans using Rayon. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started with your design.
To begin, start a new model in Rayon. You can view your existing models on the main screen. Once you create a new model, you’ll have a blank workspace ready for your design. The interface includes a set of commands at the top, such as layers, blocks, styles, pages, tables, and comments. These tools are intuitive and similar to those found in other floor plan software.
Rayon is accessible from any device, making it easy to work on your designs or floor plans wherever you are.
Drawing Walls and Using Snapping Features
To start drawing, use the elements button to select between a wall, zone, zone divider, or opening. You can also use drawing tools for simple objects like polylines, lines, and circles. Adjust your preferences, including units and snapping settings, to suit your needs. For this guide, we’ll use feet as the unit of measurement.
Click the wall button to begin drawing. You can align walls to the left, center, or right. The software automatically snaps to perpendicular directions, and dimensions are displayed live as you draw, making it easy to sketch rooms accurately.
Adjusting Dimensions and Wall Thickness
Rayon allows for dynamic adjustments. To change a wall’s length, select the wall and drag it to the desired size. You can also click on the dimension, enter a new value, and the software will automatically adjust the wall while keeping all connections intact. This feature is reminiscent of modern 3D modeling software but applied in a 2D environment.
Advanced Features and Customization
Rayon offers a range of advanced features and customization options that enhance the design process. One of the key functionalities is the use of layers and styles for organization. You can easily add and rename layers, drag and drop objects into them, and keep your project organized. This feature allows for a streamlined workflow, enabling you to sort and manage elements efficiently.
Rayon has the ability to change the style of objects simply by selecting them, going over to your properties on the right here, selecting style, and you can add textures. Very similar to how SketchUp works, but on a CAD level.
Customization is a standout feature in Rayon. By selecting objects and accessing the properties panel, you can modify styles, add textures, change opacities, and apply hatches or images. This flexibility allows you to tailor the look and feel of your drawings extensively.
Additionally, Rayon provides the ability to adjust wall thickness dynamically. By selecting wall objects, you can easily change their thickness, which updates the design instantly. This feature is complemented by the ability to undo changes quickly, ensuring that you can experiment without worry.
Rayon also supports the addition of zones and openings. Zones can display names and areas dynamically, aiding in the quick calculation of flooring areas or room labeling. Openings, such as doors and windows, can be added from the block library, offering a variety of customizable options.
The software further allows for the integration of text, tags, and arrows, enhancing the detail and clarity of your plans. Dimensioning is straightforward, enabling precise measurements with just a few clicks.
Rayon’s customization extends to flooring styles. By selecting a zone, you can apply and scale textures, bringing your designs to life with minimal effort. The extensive customization options make it easy to create unique and detailed floor plans with little prior experience.
Exporting and Sharing Your Designs
Exporting and sharing your designs in Rayon is a straightforward process that enhances collaboration and further development of your projects. Once you are satisfied with your design, you can easily export it for various purposes. Whether you need to move on to 3D modeling, integrate it into Photoshop, or simply create a presentation sheet, Rayon provides multiple export options.
Exporting Options and Formats
Rayon allows you to export your designs in several formats, including PDF, DXF, DWG, and image files. This flexibility ensures that you can continue working on your project in other software like AutoCAD or share it in a format that suits your needs.
Sharing with Collaborators
Sharing your designs with collaborators or clients is made easy with Rayon. Simply click the share button, enter the email of the person you wish to share with, and ensure they have a Rayon account. This feature allows them to comment and mark up your model quickly and easily.
Creating PDFs and Other File Types
Creating a PDF or other file types from your floor plan is simple. You can generate a drawing directly from your design or export it to formats like DWG or DXF for further modeling in software like AutoCAD.
Rayon Pricing and Plans
Rayon offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs, starting with a free version that allows users to create up to three models with a limited selection of blocks. This version is ideal for those who are just getting started and want to explore the basic features of Rayon.
For those looking for more advanced capabilities, the Pro plan is available for $38 a month. This plan provides unlimited models, access to thousands of blocks in the library, and the ability to create and share custom library blocks. It also includes the use of templates within the system, making it a comprehensive option for more serious users.
| Solution Name | Pricing | Usability | Flexibility | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rayondesign | Free Pro 19 EUR/month Team 35 EUR/month | Intuitive interface for speed and collaboration. Suitable for all skill levels. | Supports DWG DXF and PDF formats. Easy import/export capabilities. | Technical drawings MEP electrical plumbing architectural and space planning. |
| AutoCAD | Monthly 245 USD Annual 1975 USD 3-year 5355 USD | Clean interface optimized for 2D designs. Moderate learning curve. | Customizable with broad format support including native DWG. | Architecture engineering healthcare civil design product documentation. |
| SketchUp | Free version. Paid 119-791 USD/year. 7-day trial | User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and professionals. | Uses SKP format. Limited backward compatibility. | Architectural design interior design product design rendering. |
| Revit | 355 USD/month 2825 USD/year 8730 USD/3years | Steep learning curve but powerful features for 2D/3D work. | Supports template customization DWG and DGN formats. | Architecture structural engineering MEP BIM modeling project management. |
| SolidWorks | 3500-9520 USD/year. Perpetual from 4995 USD. | User-friendly interface with extensive customization options. | Supports multiple formats with single-file configuration system. | Aerospace automotive consumer products mechanical industrial design. |
| FreeCAD | Free software no paid version | Basic interface with steep learning curve. | Supports STEP IGES STL OBJ formats. Customizable workbenches. | Mechanical engineering architecture personal projects hobby use. |
| BricsCAD | 560-2500 USD depending on version | Familiar interface for CAD users with standard tools. | Compatible with common formats. Workflow integration. | Architecture engineering manufacturing BIM drafting 3D modeling. |
Additionally, Rayon offers a Team plan, which includes multiple benefits such as unlimited editors and premium support. This plan is designed for collaborative environments where multiple users need to work together seamlessly.
The flexibility of Rayon is further enhanced by its cloud-based nature, allowing users to switch between devices easily, which is particularly useful for those who travel or work on different machines.
Rayon provides a versatile and scalable solution for floor plan and interior design, catering to both individual users and teams.
What are the main competitors of Rayon.Design?
The main traditional CAD competitors are AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, ZwCAD, and SketchUP, all computer-based software requiring installation locally. Main online-based competitors to Rayon.Design are SmartDraw, RoomSketcher, Cedreo, Floorplanner.com and Planner5D.
While competitors offer more complex 3D capabilities or larger object libraries, Rayon.Design’s streamlined approach and professional-focused features make it more suitable for interior designers who need efficient, collaborative tools for quick project delivery.
| Software Name | Key Features | Use Cases | Client | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rayon.Design | Customizable floor plans; technical drawing capability; real-time collaboration; version history; 2D drafting tools; detailed furniture and material schedules | Creating floor plans; technical drawings; space planning and furniture management | Architects; interior designers; real estate developers; engineers; construction professionals; students | Free for limited use; Pro plan for ~$21/month; Team plan for ~$35/month | User-friendly interface; speed in creating drawings; strong support; collaborative features | Occasional complexity with advanced features; lack of 3D capabilities |
| SmartDraw | Floor plan diagramming; extensive intelligent selections; templates; real-time collaboration tools; CAD-inspired tools and annotation | Creating professional diagrams for presentations; project management; designs; diagramming floor plans | Architects; engineers; project managers; businesses | Starts at $5.95/month; no free tier available | Ease of use; library of tools; ability to create professional-looking diagrams quickly; automates the drawing process | Relatively expensive compared to competitors; some advanced features have a steeper learning curve |
| Roomsketcher | 2D and 3D floor plans; content-rich real furniture library; realistic photos; virtual walkthrough; live 3D visualization | Creating layouts for listings; interior design; home design projects | Real estate agents; appraisers; interior designers; homeowners; DIY | Free version available; subscriptions for additional features | User-friendly interface; quick to create professional-looking comprehensive tools | Limited selection of furniture that may not meet current trends; occasional performance issues |
| Cedreo | 2D and 3D Design Plus; Professional Extension 3D Library; Project Management Tools; Real-Time Modifications; Landscaping | Home design; decoration; project presentations; 3D remodels | Home builders; remodelers; interior designers; real estate professionals | Starts at $119/month; free version limited | User-friendly; Enhanced customization; Strong customer support; Efficient for quick project turnaround | Higher price compared to competitors; Limited options in the free plan |
| Floorplanner.com | 2D and 3D drawing; drag-and-drop interface; extensive object library; over 150000 items; full Layout tool; camera angle settings | Residential and commercial real estate; planning and presentations; home design projects | Homeowners; real estate agents; interior designers; institutions; businesses in real estate and retail | Free basic available; Plus plan for $5/month; Pro plan for $29/month | User-friendly; cloud-based access; flexible for both personal and professional use | Limited features in free version; Early adoption costs; difficulties at some dimensions |
| Planner5D.com | Drag-and-drop tools; large library of 3D models; over 5000 items; ability to create detailed floor plans | Interior and exterior design; kitchen planning and landscaping projects | Homeowners; interior designers; architects; real estate professionals | Free plan limited functionality; Premium memberships from $5/month or $299/year commercial use | User-friendly multi-platform interface; strong customer support | Limited tools for advanced users; occasional glitches; version can disrupt workflow |
| Floorplanrevolution | 3D visualization; multi-platform support; intuitive interface; photorealistic process; furniture placement capabilities | Residential interior space design; remodel projects; quick layout measurements | Homeowners; interior designers; real estate agents | Free for basic projects; additional features require in-app purchase of $6.95 for upgrades | User-friendly interface; supports both web and mobile platforms | Limited features compared to professional software; can be cluttered on small devices |
Can Rayon Design run on any laptop?
Rayon is cloud-based, the main requirement is a stable internet connection and an up-to-date web browser rather than specific hardware specifications. This makes it more accessible than traditional CAD software that requires powerful hardware and local installation.
Is Rayon Design capable of 3D rendering?
No, Rayon Design does not support 3D modeling or rendering capabilities. The software is strictly focused on 2D architectural drawings and space planning. While it excels at 2D drafting with features like:
- Professional 2D rendering with complete style palettes
- 4,000+ customizable 2D CAD blocks
- High-quality antialiasing for precise vector graphics
- Multiple views and canvases for comprehensive 2D documentation.
For projects requiring 3D capabilities, users would need to consider alternative CAD solutions that offer 3D modeling features.
Does Rayon Design allow for perspective floor plans?
It does not support perspective views or 3D visualization. The software specializes in creating precise 2D architectural drawings and floor plans that can be exported in various formats including DWG, DXF, PDF, and PNG.
For projects requiring perspective views, users would need to consider alternative software solutions that offer 3D or perspective viewing capabilities, such as TALLBOX.
Conclusion and Future Updates - Modern Design Workflow
An interior designer is tasked with renovating a contemporary apartment. To kickstart the project, they use Rayon.Design to craft a precise 2D floor plan. Leveraging Rayon’s intuitive interface and extensive library of over 4,000 blocks, they efficiently map out the space, ensuring accurate placement of walls, doors, and furniture. Once the floor plan is perfected, they export it in DWG format.
Workflow Use Case: Streamlining Design with Rayon.Design, SketchUp, MidJourney, and TALLBOX
Moving into the 3D realm, the designer imports the DWG file into SketchUp. The scale from the CAD file is automatically preserved, allowing for seamless transition. In SketchUp, they extrude the walls and incorporate basic 3D elements, constructing a rough geometric model of the apartment. This massing model provides a tangible sense of space and layout, essential for the next phase.
With the foundational 3D model ready, the designer employs MidJourney to explore creative concepts. Utilizing MidJourney’s new Edit and Retexture tools, they experiment with various styles, materials, and color schemes. This rapid iteration process generates multiple design variations, which are invaluable for client presentations. The client selects their preferred concept after reviewing the visually engaging options.
Finally, the designer sends the approved concept along with the SketchUp model to tallboxdesign.mom. The team at TALLBOX, consisting of architects and visualization specialists, transforms the concept into photorealistic renderings. They enhance the technical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, producing high-quality visuals suitable for marketing and final project presentations.
This workflow exemplifies efficiency by harnessing each tool’s strengths:
- Rayon.Design for quick and accurate 2D planning.
- SketchUp for building basic 3D geometry.
- MidJourney for rapid concept visualization.
- TALLBOX for professional-grade, photorealistic renderings.
By integrating these platforms, the designer delivers a cohesive and compelling project from inception to final visualization.
Want to get 3D rendering for your interior design project?
