# Page 5 | Design Flex Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 5 - Is Design Flex the right Architecture solution for you? Explore 357 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/reviews --- Design Flex 4.3 (357) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Page 5 - Reviews of Design Flex ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 101-125 of 357 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use JT Jamie T. Owner, Kitchen & Cabinetry Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great for Cabinetry Designers" July 7, 2023 4.0 I've been using 2020 my entire career 15+ years. As a kitchen designer specializing in cabinetry design, It's great software for cabinetry.... factory cabinetry that have their catalogs uploaded. The renderings have improved but are still lacking compared to what else is on the market. 2020 is not for the general contractor or design build firm. It's for the cabinetry designers. Pros The most impactful features of 20/20 is the integration of factory line cabinets. From changing out the doorstyle & color to being able to quote and order. Cons There is a learning curve. Bugs need to be fixed before rolling out more features. I learn more about 2020 from a Facebook support group . Alternatives considered [Mydoma Studio](https://www.capterra.com/p/155585/Mydoma-Studio/) Reason for choosing Design Flex I've been using 2020 for 15 years. I'm extremely proficient in it. I don't have time to learn another program. Review Source EC Erick C. Cabinet Designer Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Cabinetry design has never been easier." March 28, 2023 5.0 I started learning this program on October 2022, and I can confidently say I've become really fast and sort of an expert in this time (I use it on a daily basis) I keep discovering features and shortcuts, but I love the program and what it brings to the table. Pros I love that it has a similar interface to REVIT but it adapts to our necessities and we can use the cabinetry catalogues available on the market. Cons It tends to crash a lot when rendering. other than that it works great. Review Source RS Randy S. Cabinet Design and Sales Specialist Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Design Live best option for designing and selling cabinets" March 28, 2023 5.0 Overall experience with the program is great. I wouldn't use anything else. Pros easy to learn and use. Full of features. Cons Doesn't import AutoCad files as well as it should. Review Source AS Amy S. Sales and Marketing Consultant Building Materials Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Still Most Versatile " June 6, 2023 4.0 Overall program is easy to use, still most versatile program shy of CAD. Some updates are very beneficial while others are not. Pros Ease of basic functions of design. Program is simple with overall process including walls, windows, cabinet placement, etc. Cons Current Cloud Browser, lighting for renderings & inabilty to work from multiple computers. The cloud browser can be challenging when searching for items. Renderings are difficult to manipulate and generally show poorly compared to older versions. When working on multiple computers it is frustrating to not have ability to log on to more than one computer at a time. This is especially frustrating when one forgets to log off one system and try to log on to another. Cost of live is also much more expensive in log run from original annual fees for key renewal. Review Source MS Mark S. Designer/ Sales Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "2020 Designer Review" March 28, 2023 5.0 There are no real business problems here to resolve, however if work from home was needed or directed, then LIVE would serve us very well Pros I liked that the transition was very user friendly from the USB to online... so far so good... remote login would also be a benefit, should there be a day I need to consider a day or more working from home Cons The other day there was a bit of trouble with the server at 2020 and I was out of use for a few days... with the USB, I would have not missed a beat Review Source SJ Stephen J. Kitchen Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Needs TLC" March 28, 2023 4.0 Pros The great feature with 2020 Design Live is the ease to swap cabinet styles/colors with a couple of clicks. Adding modifications to cabinets work most of the time. Cons The missing links with 2020 are the lack of manufactures appliance catalogs. The importing of objects is easy, but due to lack of a library (catalog), or access to Sketchup, really limits the overall look of the renderings. The camera is not easy to set up or to get good images within a constructed floorplan. The program does clichy things at random moments, shutting down, freezing, or features responding and alternating settings within the effected cabinets. Review Source KC Kelly C. Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "just so..so to be honest" March 28, 2023 3.0 Pros What I like about 2020 is the interface between the cabinet manufacturers and the software. Cons What I dislike the most is the graphics. I feel like they are very far behind in this category, and could use a ton of improvement. If time was not so precious, I would definitely learn another design software.....which takes time. Review Source CC Cathie C. Interior Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Not perfect but definitely a necessity when selling cabinets." August 10, 2023 4.0 Overall, working in 2020 Design Live is great once you have a decent understanding of the limitations within the program. Pros I like the pricing aspect the most. It is also important to have cabinets and aspects that can be modified to show client nice, realistic renderings. Cons I do like when cabinets, countertops, or lighting are not able to be modified to make the design more realistic. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Change in employment Review Source MH Michael H. Architectural designer/ Cabinet designer Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Prokitchen versus 2020" March 28, 2023 3.0 Prokitchen allowed change of sizes on countertops (IE overhang at islands, etc.) without putting a hatch over the countertop. Prokitchen allowed resizing of appliances (30 refrig, 33 inch refrig, etc.). Prokitchen automatically allows the wall that would otherwise block your view to disappear along with whatever was on the wall. This allows better depth as you can pull back from the "cut". In 2020, you can cut the view, but if it is between the cabinet and the island, hallway space, etc., you are stuck tight to that object. Pros The ability to bring in outside catalogs like cambria, silestone, viking/subzero, etc. and design with them. The legend is nice (numbered pieces versus all of the std nomenclature. Cons It needs the ability to get square feet of countertops. the ability to see into the design from a wider angle/ larger perspective. Ability to create a note and copy it, hold the note to use in the future on another design. Switched from [ProKitchen Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/210673/ProKitchen-Online/) Change of work environment (changed jobs) Review Source KH Kylie H. Owner/Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Elevated Our Business Above the Rest!" March 28, 2023 5.0 I love Design Live and highly recommend it! Pros I love the 360 panoramas and I find it crazy that more people don't utilize this function of the software! I LOVE the update that allows you to have multiple vantage points inside your space so that clients can walk all around their new space before we even pick up a hammer! This is such a powerful tool to allow us to share our vision- our clear, '2020 vision' with them! So many struggle to visualize a new space, especially if we are taking down walls so this has been vital in helping our clients and in setting us apart as a company. Cons In general, the software is easy to use and get started in on a basic level but if you want to be GOOD, it takes a lot of practice, skill, and training. I would love the 'camera function' to come back which makes doing the 360 views much easier to set up. I would also like to be able to 'hide' the floating yellow 'targets' inside the VR 360s when there are multiple ones. I sometimes use 3-5 and I'd like to do walk-throughs for real estate applications, but so many can be distracting. Using the toggle arrows below might be easier as an option. Review Source SH Steve H. N/A Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Long Time User" March 29, 2023 4.0 There are days I love it and there are days when if I could I'd put a bullet in its cloud brain. Pros Preferred the system before it became cloud based. I like the expanded library of items to place in a design. The "Help" function is vastly improved. Sometimes the system is slow, assume thta is related to the number if users on the system at a given point in time. Have used other design software, 2020 is no better or no worse. Cons What I like least is the ability to make numerous alterations or changes to a particular design. There seems to be what I call a resistance factor where any changes become difficult and errors result. This is especially true if you go back to a file thta is 6 months old or older. The 3D modeling I find at least on my system leaves much to be desired. I realize that this is contingent upon the PC and the graphics card but we also use Chief Architect and the 3D modeling is spectacular. Also if you have a view open of a perspective and wish to make changes to the design the system does not like it. I have to close he prospective in order to get the system to respond properly. Review Source DW David W. Owner Design Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Disappointed" March 28, 2023 3.0 Pros I like that there is a time tracker now. And as always, customer service is exemplary. Cons I'm very disappointed in the renderings Design Live produces. I had much better renderings in previous versions. I'm not an expert by any means. However, I am approached by many designers asking my how I get my great renderings. I freely help them out. 2020 has found it necessary to charge an additional training/tutorial fee on top of the huge license fee. They have free beginner tutorials that offers little to experienced users. Review Source TL Tia L. Kitchen and bath designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My favorite design tool" September 26, 2023 5.0 2020 Design Live allows me to get the creative juices flowing. I love being able to upload my own materials and really make it come to life! Pros I love the ease of use of 2020 Design Live. It is user friendly and I have been able to pick up when I didn't use 2020 for a couple of years as tho I used it yesterday! Cons I haven't found anything I dislike about the program! Switched from [ProKitchen Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/210673/ProKitchen-Online/) Used 2020 at a previous job Review Source CT Catherine T. Owner & Designer Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Long time user" March 28, 2023 5.0 Love the addition of the time tracker to see where I'm spending most of my hours. Love that I can quickly shoot 3D drawings and images for clients to give them a realistic view. Pros I've been using this program for years so most things I can do in a matter of minutes to get a design started. Tools are simple and easy to use once you get the hang of it. Catalogs for lots of options to incorporate. Cons I wish there were easier ways to set things like countertop colors-nobody wants that ugly green formica in a design. And with multiple changes throughout a process this has to be reset every time you delete a countertop. Same thing for flooring, it has to be set early on and is hard to get it changed after the fact. Alot of selections look like they stepped out of an 80's catalog instead of the most used finishes of today. Wish I could change the order of the construction doc pages when printing. Review Source NC Nicole C. Sales Manager Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Review" March 28, 2023 4.0 Overall I find the program easy to use, I have been using 2020 for 20 years so I have grown with the program. Pros I like the ability to easily switch from a floor plan to a perspective coloured rendering to communicate how the space will look. Over the years there have been great improvements with colour and accessories. Cons There seems to be glitches that you have to find a work around. For example dimensions will often disappear, you can turn them off and turn them back on and for the most part they come back. Depending on how many accessories are put into the design it can often shut down. Lighting also seems to be difficult to get right, it would be great if that just showed up automatically. Reason for choosing Design Flex We have used 2020 for 20+ years that we did not even consider another product Review Source LR Leah R. Owner Retail Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Essential for cabinet sales projects!" October 10, 2023 5.0 As a cabinet designer since 2005 this is the only software i have used that allows me to do it all from design and project presentation to detailed quote generation for estimates I can easily pass right along to clients . I literally use the software 5-6 hours a day. Pros Full integration with cabinet suppliers. Full color catalogs allow for realistic presentation to clients. Ability to customize colors and textures makes it fun and clients appreciate the extra effort. Lighting features are amazing and life like. Tutorials make learning new tricks a breeze. I also love being able to log into the live account from anywhere. Cons Nothing. I do wish there was a quick version of the software i could install on my travel laptop that holds less memory so i could access in more places. Reason for choosing Design Flex Familiarity. Ease of use. Thorough catalog options. Review Source MS Melissa S. Interior Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use program for cabinet design" March 28, 2023 4.0 I use 20/20 daily for kitchen and bath designs and it has worked pretty well. It would be nice to have more up to date generic finishes for flooring, countertops, etc. Pros I like the integration with LiveOrder because it makes placing orders through our various cabinet companies a lot easier and more streamlined. Cons When updating catalogs from manufacturers it would be helpful to integrate your previous rates set up instead of having to completely start from scratch and re-enter every single rate you need. Review Source JV John V. Sr Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 almost perfect" March 28, 2023 5.0 Very Good - but for the price, it should be flawless. Pros Fairly easy to use and 3 D views are very good \[except for the whites which almost seem like a soft gray\]. Most features are very usefulIntegration of the cloud is good but not perfect...and almost all products are available there. Cons Lighting features can get cumbersome.Cannot do rounded walls.Whites appear light gray in viewsCannot change attributes for many items in the cloud, and some items disappear from the cloud like not being able to find pot fillers any more. Cannot change any attributes for enkeboll products \[like finishes\]... Review Source AW Allyson W. Assistant Designer Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Carver Creek Woodworks" March 28, 2023 3.0 It is good for what we use it for. We have our own programs or processes for billing/time keeping/quoting/customer information so our company doesn't truly use 2020 to its full extent. Pros Having the cabinet lines that we represent easily available make it super useful for quick yet descriptive drawings for customers. Super easy to find what I am looking for, change the style/color and print a drawing. Cons The lack of customization. For example, we stack crown/trim to create our own looks and 2020 does not like to allow that. If there is a way to accomplish it, it is not very user friendly. Typically we just print the drawing without crown and draw it in ourselves. Review Source JB Jeri B. Interior Design, Cabinet Specialist Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Design is intuitive and impactful" March 28, 2023 5.0 2020 Design overall has been a wonderful tool that I use on a daily basis and really value the ease and quickness of use as well as the impact it has when showing renderings to clients. Pros I love the ease of use. It was easy to learn and was intuitive to pick up. The rendering capabilities and the speed have been the most helpful tools for us and are a great selling tool when with customers. Cons I wish there were more BIM options for basic items and furniture that could then be customized. I also wish that creating construction documents was easier. That has been the hardest thing to figure out. Review Source NT Natashia T. Kitchen and Bath Design Associate Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Design Helped Me!!" March 28, 2023 5.0 Pros 2020 Design ease of use helped me to excel in my line of work, i started as a kitchen and bath design associate with no background in any aspect of construction or design,the simplicity of the design and educational videos helped me to catch on quickly which helped me to excel in my job overall. Cons There is nothing I can say about 2020 Design that i did not like. Review Source BA Brian A. Sales Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Longtime 2020 user" March 28, 2023 5.0 We use 2020 daily to meet our customers needs. It is an absolutely necessary part of our business when selling cabinets. Pros 2020 has the manufacturers catalogs that we use when designing and selling jobs. Also has the customization necessary to address almost any design situation. Cons 2020 is constantly changing and upgrading. The product developers and doing a good job with the technology but could use some updated real world style advice. Reason for choosing Design Flex Pro kitchen does not have the depth or resources of 2020 Design Live. Review Source AS Alexis S. Interior Designer Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "2020 Design Live Review" March 28, 2023 4.0 2020 Design Live is a great tool for showing layouts and 3D images to clients without having to use multiple programs--which saves a lot of time. I also like that I am able to print floor plans and elevations to scale with ease. Pros I like that it models in 3D while I'm working in 2D as well as the integration with SketchUp. I also like that I can print the drawings to scale with ease. Cons I find that moving items or placing items can be difficult at times. Some of the functionality isn't as good with the design catalogs I use. Specifically, making certain changes to the exterior of a cabinet, might not do what you want and you might have to find a work around so it looks okay in the 2D and 3D Views. Review Source ZJ Zach J. Estimator Retail Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A cabinet designer's review" March 28, 2023 3.0 Pros This program does work well at building out a layout and inserting cabinets. Some things can be frustrating, but gives a great feel for what you are designing and what the look will be. Takes time to put everything in place, but it's almost endless the things you can put in the room. Cons Creating official documents in 2020 is horrible. From layouts and elevations to the quotes themselves. Having to export then modify or merge documents is unacceptable for a program like this. There is also next to nothing for more advanced learning out there on the web, and have not found 2020's knowledge center or any of that helpful at all. Oh, and the crashes, the crashes alone are making me bald. This is a very frustrating program, but almost required in the industry. Review Source HN Hannah N. Kitchen and Bath Designer Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "2020 Design Live" March 28, 2023 5.0 I appreciate the 2020 design live because it helps to sell the client on the product and the design concepts that I am suggesting. Pros I like that the company we use for cabinetry is allowed to upload catalogs and have the imaging look realistic. Cons I am struggling with some lighting; I wish there was more catalogues from different companies.I wish there were some shortcut keys when designing (Such as wall, line, etc.). Switched from [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) In school, I used Revit and AutoCAD in my project, and they worked well with my projects, but when starting at Hanover Kitchens I found 2020 easy to adjust to.2020 allows for a more realistic look when completing residential projects. Review Source Similar Products Featured