Head-to-head · 3D Landscape Design Software
Realtime Landscaping Architect vs Planting F/X
Realtime Landscaping Architect leads on 1 check, Planting F/X on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRealtime Landscaping Architect · 8.8/10
- Free trialonly Planting F/X
- Most featuresRealtime Landscaping Architect · 4 of 4
Realtime Landscaping Architect scores higher on our rubric for 3d landscape design software: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
Realtime Landscaping Architect offers irrigation design; Planting F/X doesn't.
Realtime Landscaping Architect is the better fit for windows users wanting a complete one-time design tool. Planting F/X is the better fit for CAD-based planting-plan specialists.
- Realtime Landscaping Architect fits best
Windows users wanting a complete one-time design tool
- Planting F/X fits best
CAD-based planting-plan specialists
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Side by side
| Feature | Realtime Landscaping Architect 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Planting F/X 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #4 in 3D Landscape Design Software | #7 in 3D Landscape Design Software |
| Best for | Windows users wanting a complete one-time design tool | CAD-based planting-plan specialists |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $599 one-time | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | 15 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs | Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Realtime Landscaping Architect 4/4 · Planting F/X 3/4 | ||
| Terrain modeling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plant library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Irrigation design | ✓ (best) | — |
| Planting plans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | windows | Windows; macOS via Parallels |
| Import formats | FBX, 3DS, DAE, OBJ, SKP, JPG, BMP, DDS, TGA, PNG, TIF, DWG, DXF, PDF, XLS, XLSX, CSV | DWG |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Realtime Landscaping Architect is desktop software for professional landscape designers and contractors working on detailed residential or larger property projects. It supports 2D plan views and 3D perspective designs for yards, gardens,… Read the review → |
Planting F/X is a professional landscape-design plugin for CAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino. It is aimed at landscape architects and other teams producing planting plans, documentation, and presentations. The workflow centers on plant… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Realtime Landscaping Architect — where it wins
- Combines terrain sculpting, planting, irrigation, and 3D walkthroughs
- Imports CAD, terrain data, 3D models, images, and PDF files
- Generates cost estimates, material lists, plant legends, and Excel exports
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows only
- Requires a $599 one-time purchase
- Its professional feature set may exceed simple project needs
Planting F/X — where it wins
- Detailed plant databases, palettes, placement, labeling, and schedules
- Automated quantities and error checking support plan documentation
- Integrates with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino
Where it doesn't
- Requires a supported host platform such as AutoCAD, Revit, or Rhino
- Irrigation design is not included
- macOS use requires Parallels rather than native AutoCAD for Mac support
- Realtime Landscaping Architect8.8/10 · Paid
A complete Windows landscape design tool with terrain, planting, irrigation, and walkthroughs.
Visit Idea SpectrumFull verdict → - Planting F/X8.4/10 · 15-day trial
A deep planting-plan toolkit for landscape professionals working in CAD and 3D workflows.
Visit Planting F/XFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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