Planting F/X

What Planting F/X is

Planting F/X is a landscape design plugin for landscape architects and other design professionals. It provides tools for creating planting plans and terrain modeling across CAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino. Its plant database contains more than 55,000 entries, with photos, descriptions, and customizable tags. Placement tools calculate spacing according to the selected layout method, while the software automates plant labels, schedules, and error checking. A license includes access to plugins for CAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino. The 3D Connection transfers designs between CAD and SketchUp, Rhino, or Revit; importing and exporting through that connection require Cloud Data. Cloud Data stores project data, templates, and preference sets, while digital design files stay in the storage location users choose. The annual Planting F/X plan costs $695 a year and includes all Design F/X tools, Detail F/X tools, and a floating license. A free 15-day trial is available. The subscription includes phone and email technical support, weekly updates, training resources, live webinars, short Power Tip videos, and getting-started guides. Planting F/X requires Windows versions of CAD, Revit, or Rhino; Mac users can use virtual Windows software such as Parallels. It is not compatible with AutoCAD LT or AutoCAD for Mac. Land F/X, founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, says its software serves more than 2,000 firms worldwide.

Who it suits

Planting F/X suits landscape architects and other design professionals who create planting plans and use CAD, Revit, SketchUp, or Rhino. It is a fit for teams that want plant placement, labeling, schedules, and error checking in their design workflow, provided their software setup meets its Windows and CAD requirements.

Limits

The free trial lasts 15 days. The 3D Connection requires Cloud Data for import and export; Planting F/X also requires Windows versions of CAD, Revit, or Rhino and does not support AutoCAD LT or AutoCAD for Mac.

Getting started

1. Open the Planting F/X product website.
2. Start the free 15-day trial or select the annual Planting F/X plan.
3. Use a Windows version of CAD, Revit, or Rhino; Mac users can use virtual Windows software such as Parallels.
4. Use the included plugins for CAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Rhino.

Verdict

Choose Planting F/X if your landscape design work needs a large plant database, calculated placement, and automated labels and schedules across supported design platforms. The annual plan includes a floating license and Design F/X and Detail F/X tools. Look elsewhere if your workflow depends on AutoCAD LT or AutoCAD for Mac, or if you cannot use Windows versions of the required software.