Visual Impact Imaging

5 Things You Must Consider Before Buying Landscape Design Software

Do you know how to powerfully communicate your design ideas to clients? For most landscapers and contractors, quality design is the golden key that opens the door to more sales. Most clients are visual and respond to images that help them “see” your finished landscape project. To evaluate what software system will work best for you, here are seven critical items to look at before you buy:

1. Professional vs. Consumer Power

Professional landscapers would not consider consumer level equipment for heavy, commercial use. This is also true with landscape design software. 
Some contractors have tried out second-rate software – only to get quickly burned on using landscape design tools.  Cheap landscape design “in a box” is often hard to use, full of limitations, and fails to give professional quality images.  If  this sounds familiar, please do not let a bad experience with inferior tools turn you off to using a professional grade program. 
Pro version design software will include:

1. Large library of plant and hardscape images
2. Access to technical support
3. Several ways to present your final design

2. What is the final result?

There are several types of designs you can create including…

• Illustrations
• 3D Models
• Photo Realistic Visuals

 All of these are possible design outputs from professional design software.  There is not an absolute industry standard.   
If you are looking to produce visual designs that look realistic (which is often easier for customers to understand), consider choosing landscape design software that offers photo editing. This will allow you to “tweak” the before image and add your landscape design elements. Look for programs with both large plant and hardscape libraries. This gives you the power to prepare a customized, professional design specific to your client’s needs.

3. Will it work on your Computer?

The majority of design software available to the professional landscape industry (beside a true autoCAD system) does not require the latest, fastest computer. However, you must be honest with yourself and determine if your computer could use an upgrade prior to enhancing your business with profit-making landscape design software.  Here are a few (light-hearted) clues that you may need to upgrade:
• You had to re-install windows multiple times on the same machine
• Your computer was a hand me down from your children 
• You brag about your old computer still running

On a serious note, almost any computer that you purchase today is sufficient to run professional landscape design software.  Here are a few recommendations:

For Windows Vista and Windows 7:
- 1.8 GHz or greater dual-core Processor
- 2.0 GB RAM (DDR2, DDR3, PCI-E)
- 1024×768 Resolution
- 2.8 GB available hard drive space
- CD-Rom and DVD Drive
- 256MB Integrated Video Card

4. Do I need a tech guru?

The short answer is “no.” Adding a revenue generating machine like design software does not mean you need to hire a software or tech “guru” to make your designs. 
In fact many of the superior design programs will equip you with all the necessary resources to be successful on your own.  To build your great landscape designs, look for solutions that include technical support, manuals, CDs, how-to videos, webinars, and personal training opportunities. 
Check to see if training materials are included with your purchase or if they may be purchased for an additional price.  Evaluate design programs by researching websites, reviewing products at trade shows, asking colleagues, and participating in educational webinars. 
The goal is to select a design solution that….
• makes sense
• easy to use
• and gives professional results
You have the know-how.  Give yourself a few days to work with the tutorials and you can be a design rock star.

5. Which program to choose?

 Professional landscape design software is another tool in your tool belt and it should be viewed as such.  There are many levels of software applications that produce professional landscape designs.  Some programs require a skilled technician, robust computer, and hours to produce a single design…and others do not.  Certain projects require one type of design tool rather than another.  Consider design software as a specified tool for a specific job.  Just like you would choose a chainsaw for a large project and a pair of Felco pruners for a detailed task, the same is true for design projects.  You may have a design project that requires detailed plans that will be shared with engineers or you may have the need to communicate design ideas to your client FAST.  Every professional design software has its advantages in certain situations.    

…and one more thing: Additional Accessories

Printers and cameras are necessary accessories to complete your design studio.  Digital cameras are a great way to capture a project site.  To produce a before and after visual design, you must have a digital image.  Ideally, an 8 megapixel camera is helpful. This will produce great quality photos that you can use create an instant landscape makeover.  In a pinch, even the digital camera on your smart phone will serve as a quick and easy method to capture your project site. 
As for a printer, select a printer with a carriage that matches your needed design print out page size.  Design software commonly save designs as pdf files that can easily be sent remotely to a print shop for a large scale 24in x 36in or profession quality reproduction.

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