You're right, it can be tough to find up-to-date info on this! Here are some suggestions for software programs to do basic receptacle and lighting layouts for residential projects, categorized by complexity and cost

Simple & Free/Low-Cost Options:
Magicplan

While not specifically for electrical, Magicplan is great for quickly creating floor plans using your smartphone or tablet. You can then add symbols for receptacles and lighting (either using their built-in library or adding your own). It's primarily a floor planning tool, so electrical is secondary. Free to create plans, but you'll need to pay for measurements and export.

Floorplanner

A web-based 2D/3D floor planning tool. It allows you to draw walls, add doors and windows, and then place pre-made symbols for furniture, appliances, and, importantly, electrical fixtures. It's relatively easy to learn and use. A basic version is free, but you'll likely need a paid subscription for more advanced features and projects.

RoomSketcher

Similar to Floorplanner, RoomSketcher is a web-based floor planning tool with a good range of symbols, including electrical. It's user-friendly and offers both 2D and 3D views. Offers a free plan but limited functionality. Paid plans allow more projects and features.

Mid-Range Options (More Feature-Rich but Still Relatively Affordable)



SmartDraw

A more robust diagramming software that can be used for floor plans, electrical diagrams, and more. It has a large library of electrical symbols and templates. It's more versatile than dedicated floor planning tools, so there's a bit of a learning curve, but it can handle more complex projects. Paid subscription.

Home Designer Suite (by Chief Architect)

A step up in complexity and cost. It's designed for home design and remodeling and includes tools for creating detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D models. It has good support for electrical layouts, including receptacle and lighting placement, circuit planning, and basic electrical calculations. One-time purchase.

Punch! Home & Landscape Design

Another option in the home design software category. It offers similar features to Home Designer Suite, including floor planning, 3D modeling, and electrical layout tools. It may be worth comparing the features and interface of Punch! and Home Designer Suite to see which you prefer. One-time purchase.

Advanced Options (Professional-Grade but Expensive & Complex)



AutoCAD LT

A 2D drafting software that can be used for a wide range of applications, including architectural and electrical drawings. It's powerful and flexible, but it has a steeper learning curve than the other options. Requires a subscription.

Revit LT

A simplified version of Autodesk Revit, a BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. It's designed for architectural design and documentation. While it's primarily used for larger projects, Revit LT can be used for residential projects, and it offers powerful tools for creating accurate and detailed electrical layouts. Very steep learning curve and a significant investment. Subscription-based.

Recommendations & Considerations


Your Skill Level

If you're new to CAD or design software, start with one of the simple, free/low-cost options like Magicplan or Floorplanner. They are easy to learn and will allow you to get basic layouts done quickly.2.

Project Complexity

For simple layouts of a few rooms, the basic options are fine. If you're doing whole-house layouts, remodeling projects, or want more control over your designs, consider the mid-range options like SmartDraw or Home Designer Suite.3.

Budget

Consider the cost of the software, including any ongoing subscription fees. Free trials are your friend here.4.

Features You Need

Make a list of the specific features you need, such as: Accurate floor plan creation A library of electrical symbols (receptacles, switches, lights, etc.) Ability to customize symbols Circuit planning tools 3D visualization Ability to export drawings in standard formats (e.g., DWG, PDF)5.

User Reviews and Tutorials

Read reviews of the software and look for online tutorials to get a better understanding of how it works and whether it meets your needs. YouTube is a great resource!6.

Trial Versions

Most of the paid software options offer free trial versions. Take advantage of these to try out the software before you buy it.

A Good Approach


Start Simple

Try Magicplan or Floorplanner to get your feet wet.2.

Experiment

Download trials of a few mid-range programs (SmartDraw, Home Designer Suite, Punch!) and see which one feels most intuitive and provides the features you need.3.

Consider Your Future Needs: If you anticipate doing more complex projects in the future, it might be worth investing in a more powerful tool like AutoCAD LT or Revit LT, even if it requires a steeper learning curve.Good luck finding the right software for your needs! Flag for review