Datacolor ColorReader
Datacolor ColorReader is a portable color identification solution that helps painters, designers, and homeowners instantly match any flat surface to the most accurate paint colors from major brands.
DreamPlan
DreamPlan is a user-friendly home and landscape design software that allows you to create 3D models of your house, floor plans, and garden layouts with ease.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Datacolor ColorReader | DreamPlan |
|---|---|---|
| Website | datacolor.com | nchsoftware.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $69/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1970 | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Lawrenceville, USA | Greenwood Village, USA |
Overview
Datacolor ColorReader
Datacolor ColorReader is a precision color-matching system that connects a handheld sensor to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You can scan any flat surface—whether it is a wall, fabric, or decorative accessory—to instantly find the closest paint match from top brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr. It eliminates the guesswork of manual color matching and helps you visualize your projects with professional accuracy.
You can create custom color palettes, share them with clients or colleagues, and coordinate entire room schemes directly from your mobile device. The tool is designed for professional painters, interior designers, and DIY enthusiasts who need to maintain color consistency across different materials and lighting conditions. By using the dedicated mobile app, you can save your favorite colors and ensure your final paint selection matches your original vision every time.
DreamPlan
DreamPlan is an intuitive home design tool that lets you visualize your renovation or new build before you start. You can easily switch between 2D, 3D, and blueprint views to design every detail of your home, from the structural foundation to the interior decor. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen or planning a complete landscape overhaul, the software provides the tools to see your ideas come to life.
You can experiment with different textures, colors, and furniture layouts using a built-in library of objects. It is specifically designed for home owners and DIY enthusiasts who want a straightforward way to plan projects without the steep learning curve of professional CAD software. You can download the software directly to your computer and start building your dream space immediately.
Overview
Datacolor ColorReader Features
- Instant Color Matching Scan any flat surface to find the most accurate paint match from over 50 leading global brands.
- Digital Palette Creation Build and save custom color collections for different projects so you can keep your design ideas organized.
- Color Coordination Find complementary colors, triads, and analogous schemes instantly to create perfectly balanced rooms and designs.
- Project Sharing Send your saved color palettes to clients, contractors, or paint stores via text, email, or social media.
- Brand Filtering Toggle between specific paint manufacturers to ensure you only see results from the brands you prefer to use.
- Quality Control Mode Compare two different colors to check for consistency and see the precise Delta E difference between them.
DreamPlan Features
- 3D Home Modeling. Switch between 3D, 2D, and blueprint view modes to design your home from every possible perspective.
- Interior Design Tools. Visualize your new kitchen or bathroom by placing furniture, appliances, and custom textures into your digital rooms.
- Landscape & Garden Design. Plan your outdoor living space by planting trees, shaping terrain, and adding decks or swimming pools.
- Floor Plan Creation. Draft detailed floor plans with easy-to-use wall, window, and door tools to ensure your layout is perfect.
- Room Remodeling. Test different paint colors and flooring materials instantly to see how they complement your existing furniture.
- Multi-Story Support. Create complex multi-level structures by adding floors and designing stairs to connect your entire home layout.
Pricing Comparison
Datacolor ColorReader Pricing
- Portable Bluetooth sensor
- 85% + matching accuracy
- Access to top paint brands
- Create and share palettes
- Free iOS and Android app
- Everything in EZ, plus:
- 92% + matching accuracy
- Advanced optical lens
- Professional color data (LAB)
- Durable aluminum housing
DreamPlan Pricing
- Free for personal use
- 3D home and room design
- Landscape and garden tools
- Interior furniture library
- 2D and 3D view modes
- Everything in Home, plus:
- Commercial use license
- Full object library access
- Import existing floor plans
- One-time purchase license
- Priority technical support
Pros & Cons
Datacolor ColorReader
Pros
- Extremely accurate matching compared to visual guessing
- Saves significant time during client consultations
- Compact design fits easily in your pocket
- No monthly subscription fees for app usage
Cons
- Requires flat surfaces for the most accurate scans
- Bluetooth connection occasionally requires a quick reset
- Glossy surfaces can sometimes distort the reading
DreamPlan
Pros
- Very low learning curve for beginners
- Free version available for personal projects
- Lightweight software runs on older computers
- One-time payment avoids monthly subscription costs
Cons
- Graphics look dated compared to premium tools
- Object library is limited for professional use
- Lacks advanced architectural precision features