Creating a professional site plan no longer requires expensive CAD software. Whether you're a builder, architect, urban planner, or homeowner submitting plans for permits, there are now powerful free site plan drawing tools available online that support real scaling, land boundaries, geolocation, and exportable outputs.

In this 2025 guide, we’ve verified and ranked the top 5 free software tools that are fully capable of creating accurate, exportable site plans.

1. QGIS – Best for Professional-Grade Geospatial Site Planning

Website: https://qgis.org

QGIS is a free, open-source geographic information system widely used in urban planning and landscape architecture. It supports precise site boundary mapping, zoning overlays, topography, and export-ready formats.

Key Features:

1. Accurate real-world coordinates (EPSG systems)
2. Supports shapefiles, terrain elevation data, and zoning overlays
3. Print Composer lets you export site plans in PDF or PNG with scale and legend

Best For: Urban planners, surveyors, landscape architects

Limitation: Steep learning curve for beginners

2. SketchUp Free + Add Location – Best for Visual Residential Site Plans

Website: https://app.sketchup.com

SketchUp Free is a browser-based 3D modeling tool that lets you draw and annotate site layouts easily. By using the “Add Location” feature, you can bring in satellite imagery and real terrain data.

Key Features:

1. Import real-world topography and maps
2. Draw accurate structures, fences, and driveways
3. Supports dimensioning and layer-based modeling

Best For: Residential designers, self-builders, architecture students

Limitation: Requires a Trimble account for saving and exporting files

3. FormIt by Autodesk – Best for BIM-Ready Site Context Modeling

Website: https://formit.autodesk.com

FormIt is a lightweight, browser-based modeling app from Autodesk that supports site context development. It allows for sketching on maps, scaling site elements, and later exporting to Revit.

Key Features:

1. Geolocate your project
2. Terrain and mass modeling
3. Export to DWG and Revit (BIM-ready)

Best For: Architects working on early-stage massing and site layouts

Limitation: Some export features require free Autodesk account login

4. SmartDraw – Best for Printable Site Plan Templates

Website: https://www.smartdraw.com/site-plan/

SmartDraw offers specialized site plan templates ideal for small developers and commercial users. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to build plots, roads, easements, and drainage paths with accurate scale.

Key Features:

1. Template library for house lots, parks, parking, and utilities
2. Export high-resolution PDF site plans
3. Customizable dimension lines and text annotations

Best For: Builders and contractors needing clear visuals for permit drawings

Limitation: Free trial version has some export limitations

5. RoomSketcher – Best for Quick Residential Outdoor Layouts

Website: https://www.roomsketcher.com

RoomSketcher is best known for interior layouts, but it also supports basic site planning. You can easily draw property lines, yards, pathways, fences, and driveways, and annotate measurements.

Key Features:

1. Easy-to-use 2D editor with drag-and-drop features
2. Real-time area and distance measurement
3. High-quality plan output for print or digital use

Best For: Homeowners or landscape designers creating simple site plans

Limitation: Advanced exports (e.g., CAD) require upgrade

Summary Table: Which Free Site Plan Tool Is Right for You?

What Makes a Good Site Plan Software?

A professional-grade site plan software should offer:

1. Scalable drawing tools with accurate units (meters, feet)
2. Support for terrain and map imports
3. Symbol libraries for common outdoor features
4. PDF/DWG export options for permits or team collaboration

The five tools above meet these criteria and have been tested for real-world usability.

FAQ: Free Site Plan Drawing Tools

Q1. Can I create a site plan without CAD knowledge?

Yes. Tools like SmartDraw, SketchUp Free, and RoomSketcher are beginner-friendly and require no CAD background.

Q2. Which software allows exporting for permits?

QGIS, SmartDraw, and RoomSketcher all support scaled exports suitable for submission.

Q3. Can I draw roads, parking lots, and landscaping?

Yes. SmartDraw and QGIS offer detailed symbols. SketchUp and FormIt support custom 3D modeling.

Q4. Is there any software that works offline?

QGIS is a downloadable open-source desktop application. Others like SketchUp Free are web-based.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're developing a full site plan for municipal approval or just designing your dream backyard, these five tools offer a powerful, cost-free starting point.

1. Use QGIS for mapping and real zoning data
2. Try SketchUp Free for visual site modeling
3. Opt for SmartDraw if you need quick printable diagrams
4. Use RoomSketcher for outdoor design with ease

Choose the one that best matches your project needs and start drawing your site plan for free today.