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SketchUp

SketchUp

Starting at $119 per year
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Overview

What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is 3D modeling software with an emphasis on usability. SketchUp is a Trimble product.

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

SketchUp is a versatile tool that is widely used in various industries, including architecture, interior design, structural design, …
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Non simple copy command

6 out of 10
June 29, 2022
I have been using SketchUp for architectural building modeling for about 6 years. and There is no direct command for copy paste and this …
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SketchUp Review

7 out of 10
December 20, 2021
Incentivized
I'm a designer for my organization and use SketchUp to design the work for different use cases on 3D software and interior design.
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

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Pricing

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Free

$0.00

Cloud
per year

For Schools (free with G Suite or Microsoft education account)

$0

Cloud

For Students

$55.00

Cloud
per year

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.sketchup.com/plans-and…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Starting price (does not include set up fee)

  • $119 per year
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Product Demos

SketchUp Instant Door and Window Demo 1 - Vali Architects

YouTube

SketchUp PlaceMaker Demo www.suplacemaker.com

YouTube

Sketchup demo 1

YouTube

Component Stringer SketchUp Plugin Demo

YouTube

Visualizer for Sketchup Demo

YouTube

BoolTools for SketchUp Demo

YouTube
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Product Details

What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is 3D modeling software with an emphasis on usability. SketchUp is a Trimble product.

SketchUp Video

Sketchup Demo

SketchUp Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsWindows
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

SketchUp starts at $119.

Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 8.5.

The most common users of SketchUp are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(186)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

SketchUp is a versatile tool that is widely used in various industries, including architecture, interior design, structural design, landscape design, and manufacturing design. Users have found SketchUp to be a fast and efficient solution for creating 3D models for designing buildings, furniture, equipment, and brochures. Its affordability and ease of learning make it accessible for both clients and consultants. SketchUp Pro, in particular, is a popular choice among organizations without extensive training. Real estate professionals rely on SketchUp to help sellers visualize different staging and marketing options for homes. It is utilized throughout all phases of design and construction documents for both residential and commercial projects. SketchUp excels at creating 3D drawings that meet various design requirements.

In addition to its architectural applications, SketchUp also finds use in other fields. For example, it provides visual assistance in test setups by allowing users to build 3D models that demonstrate the connection and transfer of forces. The software is internationally recognized for its extensive capabilities in making 3D designs easily, making it popular among architects, engineers, and industrial designers. In the construction industry, SketchUp is employed for design visualization and collaboration among team members. Nonprofit organizations utilize SketchUp to create visual representations of tradeshow displays, television studio set mockups, and graphics for printed publications. Designers in the furniture industry depend on SketchUp to quickly develop 3D models of office furniture and create prototypes.

Overall, SketchUp helps professionals from a range of disciplines connect better with their clients by providing a visual experience beyond traditional 2D drawings. It serves as the main visualization and 3D modeling tool for architects during client presentations, internal study sessions, and quick adjustments based on feedback. With its broad range of features and ease of use, SketchUp continues to be embraced by users across industries to enhance their design understanding and visualization capabilities.

Users of this software have made several common recommendations. Firstly, many users suggest exploring compatible plugins to enhance the experience. They feel that these plugins can greatly improve the functionality and capabilities of the software. Secondly, users recommend watching YouTube tutorials and taking advantage of the software's free version to learn and familiarize themselves with its features. They believe that this approach can help in mastering the software more effectively. Lastly, users highly recommend using SketchUp for architecture and civil work as it is considered a great tool for visualizing designs in a realistic and accurate way. They find the software intuitive and easy to use with a great component library which aids in communication during design processes.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-25 of 46)
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Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I have been using SketchUp for architectural building modeling for about 6 years. and There is no direct command for copy paste and this is a big problem. To copy, it is necessary to hold down ctrl after the move command. copy should be a stand-alone command. Working with the move command is a waste of time.
  • Practice
  • Basic
  • Simple
  • There is no direct command for copy-paste and this is a big problem. To copy, it is necessary to hold down ctrl after the move command. copy should be a stand-alone command. Working with the move command is a waste of time.
  • All commands must have adjustable shortcuts. a waste of time selecting commands one by one from the right screen
SketchUp is available in all areas associated with the design. In addition, thanks to its simple and plain interface, it can be a tool to support experimental learning for children.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use SketchUp for early design-phase work. It is much easier to creatively model in 3-D than other BIM software, especially when the design is frequently being changed. I also use SketchUp to create phasing diagrams, master plans, and renders. I really enjoy linking SketchUp to Enscape to really make the model come to life.
  • Visualization when connected with Enscape
  • Easy user interface
  • Ability to edit materials
  • Lots of "bug splat" crashes
  • Can't always create complex geometries without plug-ins
  • Only one employee can work in the model at once
SketchUp is very well suited for rendering, diagramming, iterative design, fly-throughs, and phasing. It is a great tool for students and senior designers alike, and eases employees into more complex BIM software.
SketchUp is not great at construction documents, or anything that requires the Layout program; this is a headache.
Brian Walker, AIA | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
SketchUp is our go to 3D modeling software to quickly visualize a space and share it with clients. On multiple occasions we have used it's large web based library to find objects that we integrate into our models and then export into rendering software to provide a polished 3D visual for our clients. The super intuitive nature makes it easy for anyone to 3D model, and I prefer it over our other 3D modeling programs with use.
  • Intuitive 3D modeling tools
  • Vast web based library
  • Exportable to a vast range of other software
  • Better integration of "Layers"
  • Having a "Free" viewer program so I can share models with clients to explore
  • Auto size to sheet size option for importing PDF's so I don't have to constantly scale.
SketchUp itself does not always produced highly polished renderings of 3D models, but it really does not need to. It can quickly create models for us, which is typically more important since it saves time and money. When we want a highly polished image, since SketchUp is so widely used, it can export natively to most other platforms (I.E. Twinmotion, ARCHICAD, etc...)
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp two ways. The first is as a layout tool for planning video production on location and stages (ie, mapping sets, camera movement, etc.). We also use it to mock up installations for clients' approval prior to building them (for conferences, conventions, etc.).
  • Incredibly easy and intuitive to use
  • Great for simple layouts and diagrams
  • Sometimes buggy
  • Limited ability to customize and fine tune the look of printed materials (in the free version)
At our company, we often need to make "down and dirty" plans for video shoots (normally corporate promotional and marketing films). These plans are intended for internal use: making sure our production team has a clear vision for what they need to accomplish in the limited time we have available. So they don't need to be fancy, they just need to be clear and easy to generate. SketchUp is great for this. It's easy to quickly mark out rough floorplans of the stages and locations where we shoot, then diagram camera placement and movements.
December 20, 2021

Quick and easy tool

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use SketchUp to provide sketches, layouts, elevations, and renderings for my interior design clients.
  • quick sketching with measurements
  • easy renderings
  • layouts of spaces
  • could be easier to maneuver
Quick renderings in 3D of kitchens and bathrooms are great and fast. For 2D layouts, something like AutoCAD is more appropriate.
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp for quick iterations and design studies. Particularly conceptual level things. I think a lot of people in the design field have used SketchUp in school or at other places so it is important to have it in the firm if designers have a desire to use it.
  • it is intuitive, the hotkeys make sense, you can pick it up and start making 3D forms really quickly and it doesn't look overwhelming out of the box.
  • quick and nimble to create 3d geometry, morph it around, push and pull faces, vertices, edges, etc.
  • visualizing 3d geometry. It's called SketchUp and I really like the sketchy quality of everything. it feels looser than say AutoCAD.
  • you can't do NURBS modeling or true curves. everything is mesh-based. for example, if you want to make a circle, it will really be a polygon with many facets on it.
  • interoperability with other software isn't great.
  • construction documentation? it's possible but not as good as Revit or even AutoCAD/Rhino.
I think SketchUp is really well suited for nimble design iteration and visualization. you can crank out some massing studies and make sweet-looking diagrams to explain broad concepts. where it falls short is when you want to get a more precise design going and leverage that geometry into Revit.
December 20, 2021

SketchUp Review

Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I'm a designer for my organization and use SketchUp to design the work for different use cases on 3D software and interior design.
  • layout functionality
  • surface rendering
  • third party plugins
  • User Interface
  • Price
  • Usability
I've specifically used SketchUp for architecture projects, interior design projects, and renderings. It's incredibly well suited for these projects specifically with its seamless plugins and ability to learn how to use them.
December 18, 2021

Great tool

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Sketchup is my go-to program for 3D modeling of interior architecture.
  • Ease of Use
  • Good Warehouse of Components
  • Fast and Reliable
  • Always room for more components
  • Make creating rounded objects easier
  • Make it look more realistic
Great for 3D modeling, and super fast and easy. I have always had to transfer the information to CAD later on in order to move forward with CDS.
Arcoma L. Lambert | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Real Estate is very competitive right now. Getting a seller's attention is hard. We use Sketchup to differentiate ourselves from the pack of real estate professionals by allowing the seller to visualize how the home will be staged or marketed differently. It takes the "picture is worth 1000 words" concept and puts it in 3D.
  • Visualization of Staging
  • Visualization of Changes
  • Possible Rehab Outcomes
  • Takes a minute to get used to the flow of the software
  • Any new software is intimidating, this one has so many choices...so very many
Real estate is not really the most likely use for Sketchup, since it has so many choices and possibilities. But, it is an innovative way to differentiate yourself from the competition. The program is very well-suited to the myopic seller or buyer who can't visualize future changes and their effect on value.
Shawn Dehner | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use SketchUp Pro and its associated 2D construction documentation software LayOut to build house plans for clients. I do work for clients locally and across the US and Canada. In all cases the SketchUp software is crucial for developing models that can then be used to build plans for printing.
  • The 3D modeling capabilities of SketchUp are superb.
  • SketchUp has a large community of professionals and enthusiasts that share component models. These can be useful for quickly developing working 3D models.
  • Rendering is limited. Photo-realistic images are not possible using SketchUp alone.
  • Unlike traditional architectural software SketchUp is not automated. You need to understand code to a high degree in order to be able to draw models correctly.
  • More development of the software would be nice.
Any type of design work - from architecture to furniture design, etc.
April 01, 2021

SketchUp Review

Brian Gernetzke, AIA | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp in all phases of design and construction documents for both residential and commercial projects.
  • 3D visualization.
  • Clear communication of design and detailing.
  • Over reliance on plugins vs. real product development.
  • The inability to group and collapse scenes make navigation and organization somewhat complicated.
SketchUp is a lightweight BIM alternative that allows for efficient workflow from the early phase of design through construction documentation. It's most suitable for smaller projects, as models are only able to be accessed by one user at a time.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp for design studies and renderings primarily. The flexible modelling system, easy navigation, and customizable views make SketchUp easy to teach and troubleshoot. We have used Vray and Enscape plugins with SketchUp for renderings, lately favoring Enscape for the speed and high quality. We design residential, office, and cultural projects, and SketchUp allows us to quickly get feedback from clients as well as make quick adjustments based on the feedback. We use Revit for design documentation, and the two tools are fairly compatible. Revit can be easily exported to SketchUp, although there are limitations.
  • 3D modeling.
  • Rendering.
  • Walkthrough/Animation.
  • Design review.
  • View styles.
  • Complex geometry.
  • Parametric modelling (ex. adjustable profile extrusions).
  • Additional views within the modeling window.
  • Grouping views.
  • Collaborative/simultaneous modeling.
SketchUp is best used to solve difficult 3D design problems. It is the best tool to quickly model solutions, move around freely to review, and try alternative solutions. Once options are set, SketchUp plugins allow quick and flexible rendering production. SketchUp is very friendly to non-technical users and works well at client meetings to give a better sense of what traditional drawings represent.

In most cases, a separate documentation tool is required. We use Revit for a number of reasons, mainly to automate updates to drawings as the design progresses. Revit and SketchUp can work together, especially exporting geometry from Revit to SketchUp. In this case, you can freely move around the exported geometry in SketchUp and make adjustments for approval before returning to Revit for slower technical modeling/drawing.
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Sketchup is used for early massing models and design studies in the conceptual phase of large scale commercial office projects, and in later stages of design for interior and retail projects. Sketchup models are often used as a basis for clean graphic exhibits, and for 3D renderings, fly-throughs, and virtual reality.
  • Very easy to learn.
  • Robust enough to manage various file types and modeling tasks
  • Great graphics options, easy to get clean presentation exhibits from 3D models.
  • Not very useful for document production, like scale drawings.
  • It has limited file type compatibility.
  • It does not have the tools for complex geometry.
Sketchup is an excellent tool for quick 3D studies and the production of clean presentation graphics, from cartoony diagrams to full rendered scenes (with the right plugins). Sketchup excels particularly at material mapping, which is much more intuitive than other 3D software. The way it handles material and texture also makes it an excellent tool for creating photorealistic renderings and virtual reality walk-throughs.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
The design department is using SketchUp 3. It's a great and easy CAD software.
  • You can create different types of 3D models, from architectural sketches, as it is widely used, to furniture, toys, mechanical parts, that is, whatever you want.
  • I don’t have anything to complain about SketchUp 3D, is a straightforward software that everyone can learn.
With SketchUp 3D, we can clearly and simply, with well-defined and developed tools, and the SketchUp 3D library, the software provides an incredible response to commands. And with that, we can quickly create different shapes and volumes.
Like the physical model, always used in architecture, 3D modeling allows us to advance in terms of time and precision, with materiality and spatiality that no two-dimensional design would allow.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp for building our 3D models of new and existing dams. It’s used in the final stage of building our 3D dam models, where we put all the individual pieces of the dam together and organize and line everything up in coordinate space. It is used across multiple offices in the firm for many different applications related to 3D modeling and dam engineering.
  • Organization.
  • Ease of use.
  • Not very detailed.
  • Drawing can be finicky.
SketchUp is well suited for pretty much anything related to engineering, whether it be civil, mechanical, etc. It’s particularly useful in the civil/construction industry for design and modeling of features you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see in 3D space. Although it’s multi-talented, SketchUp shouldn’t be used for anything that requires extreme precision.
Michael Prewitt | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • We use SketchUp primarily for mocking up tradeshow displays. It is a quick and easy way to get a visual of how the various components of our tradeshow presence will work on the floor of the exhibit hall. We can look at it from multiple perspectives. I'm able to render out 3D walk-through or walk-around movies so everyone on the team and get an idea of what the structures will look like.
  • Additionally, we have also used SketchUp for television studio set mockups and graphics for printed publications, such as executive reports of projects that we've worked on.
  • It is a very easy-to-use app, and with nonprofit discounts, it is very economical for us. Plus, the free viewer app on the SketchUp website allows anyone to interact with the models even if they are not a licensed user. The free app runs in the cloud, so it can be used from anywhere, without needing to install the software.
  • Very easy to use compared to most other 3D modeling programs
  • Works with a huge library of free 3D components (3D Warehouse)
  • Sometimes SketchUp combines or joins objects in ways you did not intend and undoing that can be frustrating, especially if the Undo command is no longer an option.
  • The process of creating photorealistic renderings is somewhat convoluted compared to other 3D apps.
  • For creating quick conceptual mockups of real-world objects (particularly large objects), SketchUp cannot be beaten. In some industries, such as building construction and architecture, it appears to hold a very strong position. I am not in those industries, but I find the software very easy to use.
  • SketchUp has some powerful tools for creating complex renderings, but some of the methods take some study and practice. I wouldn't say they are immediately intuitive. However, the company behind SketchUp has created a lot of great YouTube videos for training.
  • In my experience, photorealistic rendering is not an ideal use of this application, although it can be done. Some impressive renders have been done, but it seems like a lot of work that this app may not be ideally suited for. For creating photorealistic renderings, particularly of small objects (products, etc.) I would recommend Boxshot, Adobe Dimension, or a traditional 3D modeling app.
  • The methods of creating, combining, and manipulating objects are unique to SketchUp — quite different from standard approaches in other 3D apps. While I personally find them easy to use, there is a learning curve, and it is an entirely different process than one would find in an app like Maya, Cinema 3D, or Blender.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
In our company, we often use SketchUp to create 3D model concepts to help our customers have a better idea of or expand details for AutoCAD drawings. That is a good way to explain a difficult detail or structure. The biggest problem is that the layout and dimensions don't seem good and are hard to control. Many members must work in a separate file but cannot collaborate together in the same file.
  • Build a model very fast and save a lot of time.
  • Easy to change details, materials or scenes. Update in real time with layout.
  • Layout is not easy to create or control.
  • Not easy to do dimension in 3D view.
It is good to use SketchUp with urgent projects because it is fast, easy to use, convenient, and very efficient. But it still has some disadvantage points that need to be fixed as soon as possible. Anyway, I would recommend SketchUp for other uses because of what its benefits can bring to us.
Nathan Bowman | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp internally to generate mockups or quick graphic representations when we don't have time to build an entire 3D model. I'll use it especially for landscape architecture demos, or anytime I need to put together a demo for a client or for marketing. It's not used by the engineers, it's really just over here in Environmental that we get more use out of it.
  • Speedy modeling of simple shapes - You can very quickly get an idea sketched out.
  • Rendering basic shapes to then export and use in other programs - If I need a specific background to pull into a photoshop drawing.
  • SketchUp is very difficult to maneuver in - It can take ages to position objects correctly.
  • It can also be tough to teach - l am working with engineers that are building models in MicroStation and AutoCAD and they can't understand how to build objects.
SketchUp's compatibility is very dependent on your use case. If someone said, "Hey, do you know a software suite for rendering highway transportation plans?" I wouldn't suggest SketchUp - as much as I've used it, I've not seen that it's not good for precise measurements or for laying out clear plans - but it's great for rough planning or drawing up quick ideas.
Ed Hart | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We've used SketchUp to create models of showroom displays for our flooring showroom. We use these models to develop a detailed plan of assembly and cut list. We've built a variety of displays to exhibit our tile products. We've also used SketchUp as an alternative to AutoCAD when doing some minor re-designs of our showroom and workspace.
  • Relatively simple to learn and use as compared with other 3D modeling tools.
  • Ability to share and access other models using the 3D Warehouse.
  • Sometimes I have to hunt around for ways to do stuff. I can usually find a solution on YouTube.
  • Sometimes some of the more complicated controls are counter intuitive.
I have recommended SketchUp a number of times to colleagues. The main reason is that it's a pretty accessible tool that for the most part that is user-friendly and intuitive. I use the tool sporadically when we have projects to be designed, and I've found that it's one of those tools that I can get back into and quickly get "back up to speed" even though I don't use it all the time. I've tried some other tools and they are so complicated that if I'm not using it every day, it's easy to forget all the techniques.
February 06, 2020

Architecture Live!

Frank Genese | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
In our architectural practice, we rely heavily on Sketch-up. It allows our designers to work in three dimensions from the start and affords them the opportunity to shift back and forth from AutoCAD to design the interior and exterior simultaneously. It also allows us to work with clients in what we call "architecture live', where the client can see changes and options immediately.
  • 3D Visualization.
  • Provides the ability to see the structure at real life angles.
  • More photo-realistic options.
  • More downloadable images from the 3d warehouse.
SketchUp is a fantastic tool for showing clients the design in 3D. It allows clients to see a change instantly, and to see their feedback presented in a way they can understand. It is also a terrific tool for detailing the interior of the space, since furniture and equipment can be easily moved around. Most clients have trouble visualizing in 3D, and this allows them the ability to do so.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
SketchUp is used for various purposes in our architectural office, but mostly for 3d rendering to visualize a space. It is a great tool that is easy and enjoyable to use.
  • User-friendly.
  • It's easy to make 3d shapes and design buildings.
  • It's sometimes tricky when lines don't connect.
It's well suited for all types of design. Interiors, exteriors, conceptual, etc.
Mohit Prasad | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use SketchUp to design different types of prototypes. I also used SketchUp to develop design demonstrations. It is a helpful tool with less technical aspects and the design flow is easy to understand. I did the design and modeling of my Do It Yourself kits and basic model sketch using SketchUp.
  • Easy work flow for developing the design and models.
  • Less complex work area.
  • Can not add specified details and dimensions.
  • Detailing becomes difficult as the complexity of project increases.
I would like to recommend SketchUp for project modeling and design of rough sketches with less detailing. When your design requires complex detailing especially for the mechanical components, SketchUp is not what you are looking for. In that case different CAD solutions are available in the market. Apart from these, working on small prototypes or simple designs SketchUp is the best solution.
Oral Tosun | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use SketchUp designing 3D contents for my clients' projects. SketchUp provides quick 3D model creation possibilities via its useful mouse commands. I only use SketchUp since MiniFabrikam is a small online desktop 3D printing company. I use SketchUp mostly on architectural projects. SketchUp provides many ready-made 3D models for all kinds of things in its 3D model repository called 3Dwarehouse. This feature saves you a lot of time on your projects. You select the ready-made models from the 3Dwarehouse and could use your own projects.
  • SketchUp has a vast 3D model repository. You don't need to design the wheel from scratch.
  • SketchUp's extension warehouse provides a lot of solutions for different design problems. You could solve your design bottlenecks via extensions. I often use SketchUp's STL exporter extension to get 3D printable designs for my business.
  • It is a little bit hard to get manifold 3d files from SketchUp. Manifoldness is a must-have rule for a 3D printable file.
  • SketchUp cannot import well-known CAD file formats.
I think SketchUp is best for architectural designs. It could be used for both interior and exterior building designs effectively. SketchUp has some difficulties regarding 3D printing applications. There is always some "STL" file format exporting errors on SketchUp. (3D printers utilize mainly "STL" file format.).The other file formats which are supported by 3D printers cannot be usable with SketchUp. But SketchUp provides rapid 3D design creation possibilities, which are suitable to use in urgent customer projects.
Bin Cai | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
It has been widely used in multiple disciplines, especially those that are associated with design including architecture and interior design, structural design, landscape design, manufacture design, etc. SketchUp helps to create 3D drawings for any given design to satisfy varying design requirements.

To provide a visual assistant to the test setup, I have used SketchUp to build a 3D model of the test unit along with a lab picture to show how the elements in the test setup were connected and transferred forces from the applied load. Apart from modeling, SketchUp was also used for sketching a building in my course project. Following the design requirements, I created sketches of plan-view and elevation view of the designed building in SketchUp to build a 3D model of the design. Based on these models, my project team and I can have a 3D visualization of the AutoCAD drawings and better understand the structure of the building which helped improve the design eventually.
  • SketchUp is relatively easy to start learning how to make 3D graphs compared to other programs that are designed for specific disciplines.
  • SketchUp is a free software for all users to download and use.
  • SketchUp drawings can be directly imported to some more advanced software to further edit.
  • Built-in models and elements are limited in this free-edition software to offer help in the computer-aided design.
SketchUp is a good start-up software for beginner to make 3D drawings since it offers basic elements and models for design. Additionally, tremendous tutorials of SketchUp are available online and this free software does not have a big footprint, therefore it will not consume lots of memory and RAM of a user's computer. Limited sources for design constrain this software's broader usage.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
SketchUp creates comprehensive, organized, responsive models used to generate line drawings, general marketing content, and an assortment of renderings with the help of 3rd party crowd-sourced tools.
  • Quick product creation with use of components, grouping, and the unique hide rest of model tool
  • Great Maxwell add-on application to create photo-realistic renderings
  • Some sudden application shutdowns make auto-save an important feature to turn on
  • Complex warehouse models greatly reduces the speed of the model. In some cases, this makes the model unusable
Well-suited for manufacturers, architectural firms, design build firms and contractors. It may not be appropriate for any type of engineering firm due to the requirements for them to be very precise.
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