Quick Overview
- 1#1: 2020 Design - Industry-leading kitchen and bath design software with photorealistic 3D rendering, catalog libraries, and manufacturing integration.
- 2#2: Cabinet Vision - Professional cabinetry CAD/CAM software for precise design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of kitchen cabinets.
- 3#3: Chief Architect - Advanced home design software excelling in detailed kitchen layouts, cabinet customization, and 3D visualization.
- 4#4: SketchUp - Powerful 3D modeling platform with extensions for intuitive kitchen cabinet design and rendering.
- 5#5: KCD Software - Specialized cabinet and closet design tool generating cut lists, shop drawings, and CNC files.
- 6#6: Mozaik Software - Parametric cabinet design software with optimization, reporting, and production-ready outputs.
- 7#7: Microvellum - Integrated CAD/CAM solution for cabinet design linked to factory production workflows.
- 8#8: SketchList 3D - User-friendly 3D cabinet design software for custom kitchens with cut lists and assembly diagrams.
- 9#9: Pro100 - Furniture and kitchen design software featuring drag-and-drop interface and photorealistic renders.
- 10#10: Polyboard - Panel optimization software for designing and cutting sheet materials in cabinet projects.
Tools were selected based on advanced features, user-friendliness, and practical value, prioritizing 3D capabilities, manufacturing alignment, customization options, and ease of use to serve both professionals and enthusiasts.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular kitchen cabinet design software, including 2020 Design, Cabinet Vision, Chief Architect, SketchUp, KCD Software, and more, to guide users in finding the right tool. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and unique benefits to make informed choices for their cabinet design projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020 Design Industry-leading kitchen and bath design software with photorealistic 3D rendering, catalog libraries, and manufacturing integration. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Cabinet Vision Professional cabinetry CAD/CAM software for precise design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of kitchen cabinets. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Chief Architect Advanced home design software excelling in detailed kitchen layouts, cabinet customization, and 3D visualization. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | SketchUp Powerful 3D modeling platform with extensions for intuitive kitchen cabinet design and rendering. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | KCD Software Specialized cabinet and closet design tool generating cut lists, shop drawings, and CNC files. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Mozaik Software Parametric cabinet design software with optimization, reporting, and production-ready outputs. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Microvellum Integrated CAD/CAM solution for cabinet design linked to factory production workflows. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | SketchList 3D User-friendly 3D cabinet design software for custom kitchens with cut lists and assembly diagrams. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Pro100 Furniture and kitchen design software featuring drag-and-drop interface and photorealistic renders. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 10 | Polyboard Panel optimization software for designing and cutting sheet materials in cabinet projects. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Industry-leading kitchen and bath design software with photorealistic 3D rendering, catalog libraries, and manufacturing integration.
Professional cabinetry CAD/CAM software for precise design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of kitchen cabinets.
Advanced home design software excelling in detailed kitchen layouts, cabinet customization, and 3D visualization.
Powerful 3D modeling platform with extensions for intuitive kitchen cabinet design and rendering.
Specialized cabinet and closet design tool generating cut lists, shop drawings, and CNC files.
Parametric cabinet design software with optimization, reporting, and production-ready outputs.
Integrated CAD/CAM solution for cabinet design linked to factory production workflows.
User-friendly 3D cabinet design software for custom kitchens with cut lists and assembly diagrams.
Furniture and kitchen design software featuring drag-and-drop interface and photorealistic renders.
Panel optimization software for designing and cutting sheet materials in cabinet projects.
2020 Design
enterpriseIndustry-leading kitchen and bath design software with photorealistic 3D rendering, catalog libraries, and manufacturing integration.
Seamless integration with authentic manufacturer product data for accurate, shoppable designs with instant pricing
2020 Design is a professional-grade 3D CAD software tailored for kitchen, bath, and cabinetry design, enabling users to create highly accurate, photorealistic renderings and detailed manufacturing drawings. It stands out with its vast integrated library of real manufacturer catalogs, allowing for precise specifications, pricing, and ordering directly from designs. The software supports end-to-end workflows from initial concept to production, making it a staple in the cabinetry industry.
Pros
- Extensive library of 500+ manufacturer catalogs with real-time pricing and specs
- Photorealistic rendering and 360-degree walkthroughs for client presentations
- Automated shop drawings, cut lists, and CNC outputs for manufacturing efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for new users
- High subscription cost may deter small businesses or freelancers
- Limited mobile/cloud accessibility compared to newer competitors
Best For
Professional kitchen designers, cabinet manufacturers, and retailers needing industry-leading precision and manufacturer integration.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $149/user/month for Design Live, with enterprise tiers up to $300+/month including advanced modules.
Cabinet Vision
enterpriseProfessional cabinetry CAD/CAM software for precise design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of kitchen cabinets.
Engineering Database for automated, customizable cabinet assemblies and machining
Cabinet Vision by Hexagon is a professional CAD/CAM software tailored for cabinetmakers, offering advanced 3D parametric modeling for kitchen cabinets, closets, and millwork. It streamlines the design-to-manufacturing process with precise cut lists, material optimization, and direct CNC integration. Ideal for high-volume production, it supports custom assemblies via a robust engineering database.
Pros
- Comprehensive parametric design and automation for complex cabinets
- Seamless integration with CNC machines and ERP systems
- Accurate BOM, nesting, and material optimization tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High upfront cost and resource-intensive
- Limited mobile/cloud accessibility compared to newer tools
Best For
Established cabinet shops and manufacturers needing precise design-to-production workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$7,500 per seat plus annual maintenance (~20%); subscription options available.
Chief Architect
enterpriseAdvanced home design software excelling in detailed kitchen layouts, cabinet customization, and 3D visualization.
Integrated architectural accuracy with cabinet-specific tools for seamless full-home-to-manufacturing workflows
Chief Architect is a powerful 3D architectural design software renowned for its detailed home modeling capabilities, including advanced kitchen and cabinet design tools. It allows users to drag-and-drop from an extensive library of customizable cabinets, appliances, and materials, generating photorealistic renderings and precise cut lists. While versatile for full home designs, it supports professional-grade cabinetry workflows with accurate dimensions and manufacturing outputs.
Pros
- Extensive customizable cabinet library with precise 3D modeling
- Accurate material takeoffs and manufacturing reports
- Photorealistic rendering and virtual walkthroughs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-professionals
- High upfront cost for full version
- Overkill for users focused solely on cabinets without home design needs
Best For
Professional architects, builders, and remodelers designing complete kitchens within larger home projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license for Premier X15 starts at $3,295, with optional annual maintenance around $595; cheaper Home Designer suites from $99-$599.
SketchUp
creative_suitePowerful 3D modeling platform with extensions for intuitive kitchen cabinet design and rendering.
3D Warehouse integration providing thousands of downloadable cabinet models and components
SketchUp is a versatile 3D modeling software from Trimble, popular for architectural and interior design tasks including kitchen cabinet modeling. It enables users to quickly create detailed 3D models from 2D sketches using intuitive tools like Push/Pull extrusion and offers access to the 3D Warehouse for pre-made components. While excellent for visualization and custom designs, it lacks specialized parametric tools for cabinet manufacturing, relying on extensions for advanced kitchen-specific workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive Push/Pull modeling for rapid 3D prototyping
- Vast 3D Warehouse library of cabinet components and extensions
- Strong rendering and walkthrough capabilities for client presentations
Cons
- No built-in parametric design or cut list generation for cabinets
- Requires extensions for professional manufacturing outputs
- Subscription model limits free version's advanced features
Best For
Architects and interior designers needing flexible 3D visualization for custom kitchen cabinet layouts rather than production-ready plans.
Pricing
Free web-based version; SketchUp Pro at $299/year; Studio bundle at $1,199/year.
KCD Software
specializedSpecialized cabinet and closet design tool generating cut lists, shop drawings, and CNC files.
Advanced true-shape nesting engine for maximum material yield and minimal waste
KCD Software offers powerful 3D parametric design tools specifically for kitchen, bath, and closet cabinetry, enabling users to create detailed models from concept to production. It generates precise shop drawings, cut lists, material optimization via nesting, and direct outputs for CNC machines. Widely used in professional woodworking shops, it bridges design and manufacturing workflows effectively.
Pros
- Robust parametric modeling for complex cabinet designs
- Seamless integration with CNC machines and nesting optimization
- Comprehensive reporting including cut lists and shop drawings
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- Windows-only platform with limited mobile/cloud access
- High upfront cost for full modules and add-ons
Best For
Professional cabinet shops and woodworking professionals needing precise design-to-manufacturing integration.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,995 for base Cabinet Designer, with add-ons like Nesting (~$2,995) and annual maintenance; subscription options from $200/month.
Mozaik Software
specializedParametric cabinet design software with optimization, reporting, and production-ready outputs.
Direct CAD-to-CAM integration with automated nesting and CNC toolpath generation
Mozaik Software is a robust CAD/CAM platform designed for professional cabinetmakers, offering 3D modeling for kitchen cabinets, furniture, and millwork. It generates precise shop drawings, cut lists, material optimization, and direct CNC machine outputs to streamline production workflows. With extensive parametric libraries and photorealistic rendering, it bridges design and manufacturing seamlessly.
Pros
- Seamless integration with CNC machines for production-ready outputs
- Extensive parametric cabinet libraries and customization options
- Advanced nesting, labeling, and cut list generation for efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Higher pricing may deter small or hobbyist shops
Best For
Professional cabinet shops and woodworkers needing an end-to-end design-to-manufacturing solution.
Pricing
Subscriptions start at $99/month for basics, $165/month for full features; perpetual licenses from $4,950 plus annual maintenance.
Microvellum
enterpriseIntegrated CAD/CAM solution for cabinet design linked to factory production workflows.
Seamless parametric modeling that automatically generates shop-ready CNC programs and cutlists from kitchen designs
Microvellum is a professional CAD/CAM software suite tailored for cabinetmakers, millworkers, and manufacturers, specializing in parametric design of kitchen cabinets, casework, and custom millwork. It streamlines the entire workflow from conceptual design and 3D modeling to automated engineering drawings, CNC programming, and material optimization. Ideal for production environments, it supports high-volume custom fabrication with extensive libraries of hardware, materials, and assemblies.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end automation from design to CNC manufacturing
- Vast parametric libraries for cabinets, hardware, and finishes
- Advanced nesting and optimization for material efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost unsuitable for small shops or hobbyists
- Interface feels dated compared to modern design tools
Best For
Established cabinet manufacturers and millwork shops needing integrated production workflows for kitchen cabinet design and fabrication.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically starts at $5,000+ annually per seat with modular subscriptions for design, engineering, and CAM modules.
SketchList 3D
specializedUser-friendly 3D cabinet design software for custom kitchens with cut lists and assembly diagrams.
Parametric 'stretchers and rails' assembly system that builds designs board-by-board, automatically updating dimensions and reports like a real woodworking process
SketchList 3D is a parametric 3D modeling software designed specifically for woodworkers and cabinetmakers, enabling precise design of kitchen cabinets, furniture, and custom woodworking projects. It excels in generating accurate cut lists, material optimization reports, nesting diagrams, and assembly instructions from user-defined dimensions. While powerful for custom work, it focuses more on woodworking processes than high-end kitchen showroom visualizations.
Pros
- Highly accurate parametric modeling with automatic cut lists and nesting
- One-time purchase model offers long-term value
- Tailored for custom cabinetry with material optimization tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with parametric design
- Limited photorealistic rendering and client presentation features
- Less intuitive for quick kitchen layouts compared to drag-and-drop alternatives
Best For
Experienced woodworkers and custom cabinet shops needing precise fabrication outputs for bespoke kitchen designs.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $1,295 for the full Pro version, with a free trial available.
Pro100
specializedFurniture and kitchen design software featuring drag-and-drop interface and photorealistic renders.
Lightning-fast integrated ray-tracing renderer that produces high-quality visuals in seconds
Pro100 is a professional 3D CAD software tailored for designing kitchens, cabinets, and furniture, offering parametric modeling, photorealistic rendering, and manufacturing outputs. It enables users to create detailed shop drawings, cut lists, and CNC-ready files with a vast library of customizable components. Primarily used by cabinetmakers, it excels in precision for production workflows but requires some training to master.
Pros
- Ultra-fast photorealistic ray-tracing rendering
- Parametric design with automatic updates to cut lists and drawings
- Seamless CNC machine integration and export capabilities
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern alternatives
- Steep learning curve for non-CAD users
- Limited mobile or cloud-based collaboration features
Best For
Professional cabinet makers and woodworking shops needing precise, production-ready kitchen designs.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license starting at $1,495 for the standard version, with modular upgrades for advanced features.
Polyboard
specializedPanel optimization software for designing and cutting sheet materials in cabinet projects.
Dynamic 3D parameterization that instantly recalculates assemblies, dimensions, and cuts when parameters change
Polyboard is a parametric 3D CAD/CAM software from wooddesigner.org, specialized in designing and manufacturing cabinets, including kitchen cabinets, shelving, and furniture. It offers dynamic modeling where changes to parameters instantly update the entire design, assemblies, and cut lists. The tool excels in generating precise production outputs like CNC files, optimized cut lists, and 3D animations for professional woodworking.
Pros
- Real-time parametric design with automatic assembly updates
- Comprehensive manufacturing outputs including CNC DXF and optimized cut lists
- Extensive libraries for hardware, fittings, and materials
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners
- Dated user interface that feels clunky
- Windows-only, with no native Mac or cloud support
Best For
Professional cabinet makers and woodworkers needing precise, production-ready kitchen cabinet designs.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses: Personal €695, Workshop €1,295, Pro €1,895 (one-time fee with optional upgrades).
Conclusion
The top 10 kitchen cabinet design tools span varied strengths, with 2020 Design leading as the overall choice, offering robust 3D rendering and manufacturing integration. Cabinet Vision excels in precise CAD/CAM for production, while Chief Architect shines in detailed home design and cabinet customization, making them strong alternatives for specific needs. Every tool provides unique value, ensuring users can find the perfect fit whether focusing on visualization or manufacturing workflows.
Experience the future of kitchen design by trying 2020 Design—its intuitive yet powerful features can turn your vision into a streamlined, professional plan. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when crafting stunning, functional kitchen spaces.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison