--- title: "Page 2 | Design Flex Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Page 2 - Is Design Flex the right BIM solution for you? Explore 357 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/reviews/?page=2" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- 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 September 15th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of Design Flex ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 357 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use DS Diana S. Senior Designer Project Developement Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Owner, Designer" January 8, 2026 4.0 Overall we are quite happy with the software, the cost is becoming difficult to justify. Thankfully I recently renegotiated our 2026 rate that is more palatable, however, I fear we will have no option but the defaulted rate next year. Pros The ease of use and ability to utilize my manufacturers catalogs. The ability to save and share details with contractors, homeowners and designers in a professional and clear format. Cons The price. As a small design group, a menu option would allow us to pay for features we need and use vs. an excessive blanket annual fee. I also wish the lighting was more straightforward. Alternatives considered [Chief Architect Home Designer](https://www.capterra.com/p/152727/Home-Designer/) Reason for choosing Design Flex Ease of use, and the ability to access online support tools and materials Review Source MG Michelle G. Kitchen design Manager Retail Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Needs more work" August 25, 2025 4.0 I've been a user of this program for 30+ years. Design Flex is an improvement but now is also much more limiting than the previous program since cloud items and program items can no longer be modified. Pros Mostly, I like the rendering quality and the ability to plug in full cabinetry manufacture catalogs for quick design and pricing Cons What I like the least is the dimensioning. I constantly need to adjust it and shorten dim. lines. Also making the drawings look professional takes a lot of timely finessing. It's not quite to nkba graphic standards. Switched from [Chief Architect Home Designer](https://www.capterra.com/p/152727/Home-Designer/) Because Chief Architect isn't user friendly and doesn't automatically plug in cabinets nor use manufacture software blocks as 2020 does. Review Source SH Shannon H. Senior Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use design program! " September 8, 2025 5.0 I love working with this program. It's easy and quick to do a drawing and show everything I need to my client. Pros Being able to get a price quoted immediately!! The renderings have also significantly improved. The interface is easy to work with. Cons Countertops and moldings are difficult to work with especially in comparison to ProKitchen. We do wish there was a monthly fee for the program instead of a yearly. Alternatives considered [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[ProKitchen Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/210673/ProKitchen-Online/) Reason for choosing Design Flex We use all 3 programs for different reasons. We wanted Design Flex for primarily for pricing out the products quickly. But I also feel it's easier to use than the other products out there for Kitchen design. Review Source CW Crystal W. Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Beautiful renderings from anywhere! " June 16, 2025 5.0 I would have given a 6 out of 10 2 months ago because I felt that the rendering software had been the same quality for many years and the long wait times on some files is frustrating, but with the new rendering upgrades and cloud storage I would give it an 8 out of 10. Pros Accessible anywhere and loving the improvement of the rendering engine! I also love the new option for cloud file saving to make projects even easier to access from different locations. Cons The software still has some issues with running slow when a lot of walls or sketchup items are in the file. Alternatives considered [Houzz Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/199689/Houzz-Pro/) Reason for choosing Design Flex Ease of use and the amount of manufacturers who make catalogs for it. Review Source PB Patrick B. owner Building Materials Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Works well, very expensive for what it does and offers." February 9, 2026 3.0 It works well but is very expensive for what it does. It's powerful but you can tell the software is very old and is a continual improvement of a somewhat outdated platform. Pros it's powerful, does a nice job overall. lots of options and abilities to adjust things as required. It's a must have in the industry currently. Cons Some things could be much more simple to make designs go faster. the program sometimes makes really dumb decisions. Probably some AI rational would go a long way. Review Source LM Lindsay M. Cabinet Design Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "A Good Option Overall" January 13, 2026 4.0 Once I got pointed in the right direction, the training and videos have been extremely helpful. I think this program is great and has a lot of amazing qualities and capabilities for new and experienced users alike. Pros I liked having the different package tiers, so I didn't have to pay for things I didn't need like the manufacturer catalogs. I may need them someday in the future, but it was nice to have the option to opt out. I also love the 3D renderings, as they have helped our clients really visualize what the outcome will be in their space. Cons When first using the trial and becoming familiar with design flex, having the old jargon and new jargon mixed was a little confusing, and finding the right resources and videos that applied to the most recent versions so I didn't waste my time and energy was also frustrating. Alternatives considered [MOZAIK Clean](https://www.capterra.com/p/211730/Dalyo-Clean/) Reason for choosing Design Flex Price, capabilities, and ease of use when it came to cabinet design Review Source JM Jackie M. Project Assist Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great software for our business" May 15, 2026 5.0 So far I've had no problems with figuring things out from trial and error, but I do find that there is a lack of new up to date training videos online. Pros Super easy to get the hang of things. What Design Flex offers us is the ability to design and order through our manufacturers with ease. That does wonders for our company. Cons The program is a but pricey for a company of our size, but we aim to make the most of it and get our return on investment. The interface is decent enough, but not very modern. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Accounts Manager Retail Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "A new Adventure but I hear great things!" July 18, 2025 5.0 So far so good, we are still in the training stages switching from ProKitchen to Design Flex but we've heard great things. Pros Rendering Quality is amazing and an upgrade from where we were. Creating the initial drawing and design is fairly simple. Cons User Interface seems a bit dated compared to what we are used to, hopefully it gets easier to use as we do more training. Finding items in the catalog is a learning curve and not as easy as we have had previously. Switched from [ProKitchen Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/210673/ProKitchen-Online/) To help with future integrations and use of designs across companies. Review Source LP Leanna P. Manager Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Design Build Designer of 8 years" April 28, 2025 5.0 I love 2020 Design Live. It is so helpful to be able to give a client a vision of their space. Pros I love the online catalog! It is helpful to find common items by sku Cons The lighting issues, how colors dont always show accurately and adding light washes out the rendering. Review Source SG Steve G. Purchasing Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "DesignFlex 14.5" May 9, 2025 5.0 Good overall, just started using the new version a week ago. Pros Simple to use. Have not had any real issues and the few I've had the help team solved quickly Cons The new DesignFlex (version 14.5) icons are hard to see, they should be more colorful as in the previous version so they stand out more. Review Source CO CHARLES O. President and Design Consultant Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Wow Rendering Factor!" March 11, 2025 5.0 My experience has been fabulous. The entire transition has been seamless. Thank you so much! Pros Realistic rendering that replicates the space as envisioned. I also appreciate the fact that several materials and interior selections are available for me to use in the design. I am practically limited by my imagination. Cons Nothing of significance that I can highlight at this moment. Switched from [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/) Materials list and pricing are already built into the program. Review Source HL Hunter L. National Account Manager Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "2020 Review" April 9, 2025 5.0 8/10 - hoping for a non shut down experience moving forward. Pros I really liked how intuitive and powerful 2020 Design Live was. The real-time rendering capabilities and access to up-to-date manufacturer catalogs made it easy to create accurate, visually compelling designs. It really streamlined the design process and helped bring concepts to life quickly and professionally Cons It shuts down in the most important times! Review Source TD Tanya D. President Consumer Goods Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Amazing Program" March 25, 2025 5.0 Pros It makes my job so easy for kitchen design since all my cabinet suppliers have catalogues on it. Cons The price has gone up 100% since we first started using it. Review Source BF Barbara F. Administrative Assistant - Designer Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Design Live Great To Use" February 19, 2025 5.0 I have been a user for over 30 years and the 2020 Design Live is excellent. Pros The ease of use. I can navigate through a drawing with a lot of ease. Cons The way the color comes out on my screen. Always looks daker than it should. Review Source JP Jill P. General Manager Consumer Goods Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Good program with endless capabilities" March 10, 2026 4.0 Fairly easy to use, a lot of different features to explore. Excited to give tips to the team and see what they do with it Pros Tips and tricks you learn by talking to someone in person. Professionalism and knowledge of instructors was great! Cons Different levels of experiences makes it tough to learn at the same pace. A lot of questions kept arising slowing the pace down Review Source EM Eric M. V.P. of Sales Building Materials Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Design Live survey" January 22, 2025 5.0 The program is excellent! I become more and more efficient with it again as I use it. Pros I was familiar with 2020 from use in the past. 2020 Design Live is even easier to use than I remember. Cons Setting up cost and sell pricing is a little tricky. Or, it's possible I haven't seen the best tutorial on it yet. Review Source GL Gabriel L. Owner Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Kitchen designs that make our life easier" March 7, 2025 5.0 its been going well, training is excellent Pros Its rendering quality and how it has the catalogs of the manufactures we sell Cons Cost, its priced higher than prokitchens Switched from [ProKitchen Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/210673/ProKitchen-Online/) quality of the layouts and renderings and file compatibility Review Source TR Tracy R. Kitchen designer Design Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "New to 2020 live" March 3, 2025 5.0 We are new to Design live. It was very easy to get started and we had good support from 2020 to answer all of our questions. I also like the cloud item I can add to my design. Pros I really like how clear & crisp the renderings are. This is a great tool to show my clients. Cons I would like even more cloud items to put in my designs. Review Source Bill H. Sales manager Consumer Goods Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Good improvement" January 7, 2025 5.0 Easy as always and keeps improving eacjmh time. Pros Same format as old design software. No keys make it easier. Cons Prefer old colors actually... didnt hate physical keys. Review Source PL Paul L. Owner Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Disappointed with price." February 3, 2025 2.0 Service was fast, but overall the were not able to resolve my issue without me paying more. Pros I used to like the availability of manufacturer catalogs at a reasonable price. Cons To access catalogs from cabinet manufacturers, you now have to upgrade. The use of manufacturer catalogs was the main reason I use 2020. Now it is price prohibitive. Review Source JG Juliana G. Designer Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Realistic 3D Designs" January 17, 2025 5.0 I like that the interface is similar to other design software (CAD, ChiefArchitect) so it was easier to learn how to use. Pros I have been using 2020 since 2019 and I really like how the renderings are looking more realistic. Cons I do not like how the new cloud library works. I think the previous version was a lot easier to navigate, especially when looking for specific products. Review Source LT Lee T. Manufacturer's Sales Representative Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "2020 Design Live keeps getting better year after year" November 22, 2024 5.0 Getting the product was easy. Now I have to find the time to learn more about generating realistic perspectives. Especially with the lighting. Pros This is the leading software for the Kitchen and Bath Industry and they are always making advances in the technology. I love the option to sign in to work. I remember the old usb keys and how sensitive they were. I was always worried it was going to get damaged. There are so many more catalogs for appliances, countertops, and accessries. Cons I am having a problem with my textures constantly tiling. I have to figure out how to fix that. I wish 20-20 had some pre-set options for the lighting, shadows, and textures and I wish we could save overall textures for a room and add the design. Review Source cK ceylani K. Owner and Senior Designer Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Professional Designs, Through the Customer's Eyes" October 29, 2024 5.0 Pros 2020 Design Live has been a fantastic tool for our business. The software is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to create detailed and accurate designs. One of the standout features is how professional and presentable the designs look when we show them to our customers. The high-quality renderings allow clients to visualize their projects clearly, which builds confidence and excitement. We’ve been extremely satisfied with 2020 Design Live and highly recommend it to others in the design and construction field! Cons This isn’t a complaint, but more of a suggestion. I wish there was a way to use the 2020 Design program with a physical key version, as the new version seems to limit us, particularly with rendering. I may be missing some features, but aside from this, I have no issues. I’m not addressing price or cost here, as I've been using 2020 Design for many years and am very satisfied with it in those respects. You are currently ahead of your competitors, but in the future, you may lose customers to them if these limitations persist. Just some advice! Other than that, everything is great. Here's a refined suggestion for the 2020 Design program: To help us increase sales and provide our customers with a more complete view of their living areas, it would be incredibly beneficial to have a larger selection of standard items that can be easily added to our designs. This would allow us to showcase realistic living spaces, including the kinds of furniture, appliances, and accessories that customers might actually use. Having more ready-to-use items would also speed up our workflow, allowing us to complete designs more quickly and start on new projects sooner. Additionally, as more customers are sometimes overwhelmed by too many design options, it would be helpful if the program offered simple, preset style options—like modern, traditional, transitional, and European—that we could incorporate seamlessly. This would make it easier for us to create designs in line with specific themes, enhancing both our efficiency and our customers' experience. Overall, adding these features would make 2020 Design even more user-friendly for us and intuitive for our clients! Review Source KM Ken M. Owner Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Artisan Renovations review of 2020 Spaces" November 30, 2024 5.0 Been using 2020 Spaces for a month now and although still in a learning curve, very satisfied with the program. Pros It is much easier to use than other such programs we have used or tested. It easily allows input of various cabinetry and appliances, and access to manufacturer catalogs for accurate designs. We have found it is the same software used by our cabinet vendors which allows for easy interfacing with their ordering systems. As a contractor it also allows for full home design and room layouts too. We highly recommend 2020 Spaces for all your renovation needs. Cons Still learning the system, but making adjustments to designs can be a little frustrating, and time consuming. We have found it easier to delete areas of the design and re-input. Alternatives considered [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/) Reason for choosing Design Flex Features and ease of use especially for kitchen and bath design Switched from [Houzz Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/199689/Houzz-Pro/) Houzz Pro did not have the features or ease of use that 2020 Spaces has Review Source MK Markku K. Director of ops Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good new features added." November 20, 2024 4.0 I have used the 2020 software for many years and with the addition of the cloud catalogs and sketchup object import we are able to expand what we can do. Pros The software is supported by a wide selection of manufacturer supported catalogs which makes ensuring the proper fit, finish, and textures for the renderings. Cons It has significant resource and hardware requirements, so you have to pay attention to get the proper computers. Alternatives considered [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[ProKitchen Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/210673/ProKitchen-Online/) Reason for choosing Design Flex Supported catalogs and integration with our manufacturers. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.