DynaSCAPE Reviews

“Reliable tool for designing

Pros

It is super easy and smooth to use. I got exactly what I needed for quotes and the integration with design software made takeoffs from drawings easy.

Cons

After finishing the quote, there was nothing else. At the time, it was not a complete package and when I reached out, they said they planned to add more features but the development timeline was too long. I needed something faster.

“Solid choice for landscape design

Pros

Once I got the hang of it, it was really easy to use. Love the color design and the option to have a plant picture catalog.

Cons

Figuring out how to integrate my own plant pictures was tricky at first, but I am so glad I finally got it to work.

“Easy to use

Pros

The design process is pretty simple. The square footage calculator is super helpful for estimating materials. I also like that I can create plant lists based on different phases and have them neatly organized in an Excel sheet.

Cons

I wish the color setup mode was a bit easier. Sometimes, when I try to copy or move lines to create a color setup layer, the system either selects multiple lines or does not group them correctly.

“My experience with Dynascape

Pros

It took me a little time to get used to the drawing features but once I did, everything felt smooth. Making edits and changes is super quick and easy.

Cons

It would be so much better if this software could integrate with a CAD-based program, making it easier to share designs with contractors. I have watched tutorials that show features my version does not have, which is frustrating since I always keep mine updated. Customer service has not been able to fix an issue where my subscription keeps showing as inactive when it should be active.

“Amazing tool!

Pros

We use Dynascape as the foundation for all our conceptual designs and construction drawings. Clients get professional-looking, hand-drawn-style designs, while our crews benefit from clear, accurate line weights and figures.

Cons

Converting to a 3D product takes way too long and feels outdated.

“Great software for landscape drafting

Pros

Super easy to use! I am really enjoying the new SketchUp overlays.

Cons

I love everything about it! I am not a tech person but I can barely remember hand drafting anymore. This is the only CAD-based landscape software I have used and I am so satisfied that I have never felt the need to look elsewhere.

“Dynascape in my workflow

Pros

This is the only software I have really used. I am sure AutoCAD could work for us but switching would be a huge change. It took a little time to get comfortable with it but I am completely happy with it now.

Cons

As a Mac user, I have to run this through Parallels Desktop but saving files is glitchy. I really wish Dynascape had a Mac or cloud version so I could use it on any device.

“Not impressed with dynascape

Pros

Honestly, there is not much I like about this software. It gets the job done, I guess.

Cons

There are just too many issues to list. It is complicated and not user-friendly. It does not function like modern software, it feels like an old CAD program from the '80s with some landscaping details added in. The bidding and job report database also feels outdated. Reports disappear after saving them and every update just adds extra clicks to tasks that should be much simpler.

“Pros and cons

Pros

Perfect for making detailed construction plans and 2D color renderings. I also love the variety of figures available to add to drawings.

Cons

Importing PDFs and scaling plans is a problem. Moving anything changes the scale, so I constantly have to rescale. Entering line lengths is not as smooth as it should be, and snapping to a crossing line does not work properly. There really needs to be hotkeys for commands, a bigger figure library (especially for plants) and better polyline and curve smoothing. Editing text labels after inserting them is not as easy as it should be. Hopefully, they will integrate color into a single program soon.

“My journey with dynascape

Pros

I really like the plant symbols and the line drawing is super easy. The 3D integration also works great!

Cons

Nothing comes to mind, but the software crashes a lot.

“Dynascape improved my design workflow

Pros

I was able to find an instructor through NYBG to help me learn the software.

Cons

Setting up the integration required me to invest in new office equipment, which made me question if it was really worth it. I had to get a new Windows computer, printer and scanner.

“Smooth integration

Pros

The integration with SketchUp makes renderings so much smoother. I can also share files easily with other landscape professionals.

Cons

I wish it allowed multiple pages or layouts within one file, like AutoCAD. A more user-friendly way to create print-ready plans with title blocks and an easier drag-and-drop system for layers would make a big difference.

“Must-have for landscape designers

Pros

I love the variety of figures that come with the software. No need for plugins to add plant symbols, which is super convenient. I also like that I can create my own figures and save them in a library. Plus, hovering over a tool gives a quick description of what it does, which is really helpful.

Cons

There are barely any helpful videos on YouTube. I have struggled to figure out certain features and the manual is not much help either..it is too long to flip through. I feel like I am only using half of the features because I cannot find good tutorials. Plant schedules and design labeling seem like they should be really useful but I cannot figure them out. For simple projects, the software is fine but when I work on bigger jobs with multiple plans, it is frustrating that I have to create separate drawings instead of managing them all in one file, like in AutoCAD.

“Dynascape in the landscape industry

Pros

It helps me create detailed and accurate landscape plans for my clients. I love that I can send everything as a PDF and make changes quickly and easily.

Cons

Creating smooth, curving lines is still a struggle. Since I use this for bedlines in my designs, it can be really frustrating.

“Dynascape for small design firms

Pros

It is super easy to import raster images and jump right into designing. It feels flexible, easy to learn and makes converting to color or SketchUp quick and simple.

Cons

The initial cost is pretty high for smaller companies. Now that I am retired I wish I could sell my business along with the software license since it has been such a big investment over the past 14 years. When I first got it, I used Dynascape Manage with my subscription. I hope they keep offering good options for small business owners.

“Perfect for design/build contractors

Pros

The drawing and line quality are really good and the libraries and measuring tools are super helpful. It did not take me long to learn, and overall, it is pretty easy to use.

Cons

I know I have cursed at certain missing features while using it but nothing is coming to mind right now, so it cannot be that bad!

“How I work with dynascape

Pros

The tools are really user-friendly and come with a ton of options. I like that I can create my own figures to customize the program to fit my needs. Importing site plans is simple too.

Cons

Moving large drawings can be a struggle, sometimes even causing my computer to freeze. The program crashes randomly, up to two or three times a day but at least the recovery system works well.