3rd_Floor Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 I've loved using Home Designer Suite 8 for many years now and it's time to upgrade. I've seen the product comparison chart and I like the few extras that Suite 2015 has that Essentials 2015 doesn't. But...is Suite any more complex to use? I want a minimalistic interface...only the basics I need for quickly & easily getting the design down...not lots of cumbersome, esoteric 'Pro' design features and buttons that I'll never use and clutter the screen. I'd like something simple and uncluttered like Suite 8 but with a larger library of items. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kbird1 Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 I still use Pro 10 but as far as I a know the "basics" are the same in all levels of the program as you go up levels , you get extra "Tools" and features to help productivity etc , not a more complicated Program to use on the basic level. looked at the Product Matrix and one thing you may have missed is that Essentials can not import Library Items from outside sources such as 3DWarehouse (.skp Sketchup files) Suite can, a useful tool , if Suite's library doesn't have what you need ,you can go online and look for it, it also allows saving things to you Own Library to reuse again and again ,which Essentials can't do. It can also do Reflections and Record Walkthroughs which Essential can't and has CAD options if you need them to mention a few. worth the extra $ , I would say ... from my point of view anyway I started with Suite , then AHD, and finally Pro . Mick HDS Product comparison-matrix.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rd_Floor Posted July 6, 2014 Author Share Posted July 6, 2014 Thank you Mick. I will print out the comparison matrix for careful review but I think I'll go with the Suite 2015 - I want/need the ability to download additional manufacturer/bonus items & materials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kbird1 Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 I would leave 8 installed for now , so if you find the new library is missing certain items you use a lot , you will be able to import them into Suite '15 too I think Essentials still lets you install a lot of Chief's library but Suite has more items , Suites big advantage is you can download free symbols off websites such as Google's 3D Warehouse. AHD and Pro have this capability too. https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/ if you have particular needs I'd still call the 1 800 sales no# and ask since I don't have Suite '15 to 100% confirm stuff for you. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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