MyDoma VS Studio Designer: Which Tool is Best for Your Business?

When it comes to project management software, MyDoma and Studio Designer are both popular choices among interior designers. Both platforms support their users with tasks ranging from project management to financial tracking. But they also have some significant differences, which are worth exploring, so you can make the most beneficial choice for your business. 

As you weigh your options, we recommend thinking of your business from three angles: design work, project management, and financial tracking. Picture how MyDoma or Studio Designer could support your business in these areas, and consider whether you’d need to supplement with any other software platforms to fill in gaps. 

You may already know that MyDoma is now owned by Studio Designer. They’re still running as separate programs, but this may change over time. If you’re looking for interior design software that isn’t in the midst of a merger, jump to the section where we talk about DesignFiles below.

How do MyDoma and Studio Designer differ?

MyDoma and Studio Designer are interior design software programs that fulfill different needs. 

Studio Designer is a business platform, focusing on project management and detailed financial tracking. Its data requirements and complexities make it a good fit for larger firms (smaller businesses don’t need the same level of detail). It needs to be paired with another design tool for floor planning and client deliverables.

MyDoma is a design and project management tool that caters to small and medium-sized businesses. They offer both design and project management tools to address both front and back-of-house needs. While they don’t offer built-in accounting or complex financial reports, they do provide an integration with QuickBooks. If QuickBooks doesn’t cover all your needs, including interior design-specific profitability worksheets and reports, or the ability to accept payments for work in progress, you’ll need to add another financial software to your business management arsenal.

What does MyDoma bring to the table?

MyDoma offers both design and project management features. Design capabilities include:

• Mood boards
• Floor planning
• 3D rendering

For project management, you can use MyDoma for:

• Customizable task management boards with collaboration and time-tracking capabilities
• Product sourcing and shoppable product lists
• Team and vendor collaboration
• Client portal for communication and document sharing
• Branded client documents

For finances, you can use MyDoma to send proposals and invoices, as well as to accept payments (credit card or ACH). MyDoma also offers QuickBooks integration for accounting and tax purposes. 

What does Studio Designer offer?

Studio Designer is not built for design work, but it does include a few light design tools. You can begin brainstorming styles and products in the Inspiration Library. You can also source your own items with the Studio Capture tool. When you’re finished, you can bring all of your ideas together with a branded PowerPoint template to share with your clients.

Studio Designer is built largely for project management and accounting. Its in-depth financial capabilities make it a good fit for larger firms. Some of the tool’s top accounting features include:

• Accounts receivable and accounts payable
• Accrual accounting
• General ledger, where proposals, invoices, and payments record automatically
• Overhead and expense tracker
• Cash flow and tax calculations
• Detailed financial documentation
• Time tracking and interior design-specific reporting

Its project management features include:

• Branded client documents
• Detail organization, for delivery dates, item statuses, vendor information, and more
• Client portal for online payments, document sharing, and approvals.

Why DesignFiles is the ideal MyDoma alternative

When deciding between DesignFiles and MyDoma, start by comparing the two softwares’ reviews. 

On Capterra, DesignFiles has 4.6 out of 5 stars and 535 reviews. On G2, DesignFiles has 4.4 out of 5 stars and four reviews. 

For MyDoma, Capterra shows 4.2 out of 5 stars and 79 reviews. G2 shows 4 out of 5 stars and only one review.

At first, you’ll see that DesignFiles has been reviewed more times than MyDoma. However, the more subtle differences in the reviews will also impact your platform experience. Check out this table for a more detailed breakdown:

[Dayana to enter DesignFiles VS MyDoma review table]

Along with MyDoma’s and DesignFiles’ features and reviews, you’ll want to compare pricing before making your final choice.

MyDoma currently costs $64 per month per user. If you would like your plan to integrate with Studio Designer (a new option that was added after the merge), you can choose between the following combined plans and price points: Essentials ($69 per month per user), $79 per month per user), and Premier ($99 per month per user).

With DesignFiles, you’ll pay $49 per month if you’re an e-designer and $69 per month if you’re a full-service designer. Extra users are only $25 each per month, which saves you more than 50% compared to the cost of additional MyDoma seats.

This leaves the two software with similar pricing for individual, full-service designers. It makes DesignFiles the cheaper option for e-designers and teams.

It’s worth noting that Studio Designer recently acquired MyDoma, which raises questions about the platform’s future. When Ivy was purchased by Houzz, for instance, it was absorbed into Houzz’s platform. If you prefer a solution you can master without concerns about major changes in the near future, DesignFiles might be a more stable choice.

Need additional help determining whether MyDoma or DesignFiles is the better choice for your interior design business?  Check out our detailed comparison here.

Frequently asked questions

Get the top-rated software for small firms and solo designers. Check out DesignFiles.