Backyard AI for iPhone & iPad

AI backyard design from a photo

See what a seating nook, a new planting border, or a different patio could look like in your own yard. Start with a photo in Backyard AI, compare ideas, then measure what actually fits.

View Backyard AI on the App Store Try the free layout planner

Photo previews happen in the app. This website does not ask for or upload a photo.

Overhead example showing a planted edge, patio and path
Illustrated layout example, not an AI app result.

From first photo to a plan

Try one idea at a time

  1. Photograph what has to stay

    Take an eye-level photo from a corner. Keep doors, gates, steps and permanent trees in view. Take a second angle if the first hides something important.

  2. Compare two directions

    In the iPhone or iPad app, try a seating-focused concept and a planting-focused concept from the same viewpoint. Look at where people would walk, not just what looks good.

  3. Test the idea against measurements

    Measure the usable lawn or patio, and mark door swings and access routes. Use the web planner below to check approximate space before buying or building.

Photo previews are design inspiration, not measured plans. Read the photo and measurement checklist.

01 / The layout tool

Sketch your garden layout

Enter the usable dimensions of a roughly rectangular space. Treat the result as a starting sketch, not a build plan.

Your yard

Garden sketch settings

Use feet, from 10 to 160 on each side. Measure the usable area, not the whole lot.

Valid inputs are saved in this browser when local storage is available.

Concept sketch

768 sq ft total · Entertain outdoors

  • Patio · Front left · 12.2 × 17.6 ft
  • Path · Front to back, between zones · 3 × 32 ft
  • Border · Front right · 8.8 × 17.6 ft
  • Planting bed · Back left · 12.2 × 14.4 ft
  • Quiet nook · Back right · 8.8 × 14.4 ft
  • Mark where afternoon shade lands before deciding where seating and planting go. A single sun reading can hide a bright corner.
  • Mock up chairs, the table and the door swing before setting patio dimensions. Keep the main route clear when chairs pull out.
  • Check real gate locations, drainage, utility access and mature plant spread before buying or digging.

02 / Field notes

Make the most of your space

Layout ideas

Small backyard layout ideas that leave room to move

Three measured small-backyard layouts, common sizing tradeoffs, and a walk-through before you buy furniture or plants.

Read the layout ideas guide

Site planning

Map sun and shade before you plan your garden

A simple sunlight log, a way to split your yard into planting zones, and what to check before choosing plants.

Read the site planning guide

Photo workflow

Design your backyard from a photo without losing sight of the real layout

A short photo checklist for backyard makeovers: get useful concepts, compare the same viewpoint, and verify dimensions before committing.

Read the photo workflow guide

From sketch to photo concept

See ideas in your own yard.

Explore photo-based garden and backyard concepts in Backyard AI: Backyard Preview for iPhone and iPad.

Photo concepts are inspiration, not measured plans. The app is separate from this free web tool.

View Backyard AI on the App Store ↗