Home Design Glossary
A quick reference for common terms used in home, interior, landscape, and CAD design software.
Common design terms
- 2D plan
- A flat, top-down drawing used to show walls, rooms, dimensions, and other construction details.
- 3D model
- A digital representation with width, height, and depth that can be viewed from different angles.
- Aerial view
- A top-down 3D view of a home, room, or landscape.
- CAD
- Computer-aided design: software used to create accurate technical drawings and models.
- Cutaway view
- A view that removes part of a model so interior spaces and structures can be seen.
- DXF/DWG
- Common CAD file formats used to exchange 2D drawing information between applications.
- Elevation
- A straight-on view of one side of a building, wall, or object.
- Floor-plan trace
- A tool for using an existing plan or image as a guide when recreating a layout digitally.
- Materials
- Surface appearances such as wood, stone, paint, fabric, or metal applied to a 3D object.
- OBJ
- A widely supported 3D file format used to exchange model geometry.
- Photorealistic rendering
- The process of generating a lifelike image from a 3D model using materials, lighting, and camera settings.
- Site plan
- A drawing that shows a building in relation to property lines, terrain, landscaping, and outdoor features.
- STL
- A 3D model format commonly used for 3D printing.
- Topography
- The shape, slope, and elevation of land represented in a landscape or site design.
- Viewport
- A window or frame that displays a particular view of a drawing or model on a layout.
Looking for software to put these concepts into practice? Use the Punch! Home Design buying guide.