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SketchUp is a versatile tool that is widely used in various industries, including architecture, interior design, structural design, …
Starting at $119 per year
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What is SketchUp?
SketchUp is 3D modeling software with an emphasis on usability. SketchUp is a Trimble product.
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Pricing
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
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
Product Details
- About
- Tech Details
- FAQs
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 Types | On-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows |
| Mobile Application | No |
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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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!
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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.
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Reviews
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June 29, 2022
Non simple copy command
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
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.
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)
December 20, 2021
Quick and easy tool
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
December 18, 2021
Great tool
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
December 06, 2021
SketchUp for Real Estate: PRICELESS
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
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.
April 01, 2021
SketchUp Review
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.
March 12, 2020
Great for conceptual models and interior finishes
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.
February 23, 2020
Quick and easy mockups of real-world buildings and structures
- 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.
February 09, 2020
Easy to use 3D Modeling software
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.
February 06, 2020
Architecture Live!
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.
January 30, 2020
User-friendly and quick 3d rendering tool
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.
January 29, 2020
SketchUp is for easy design
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.
January 29, 2020
SketchUp is a Corner Stone of 3D design
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.
February 20, 2019
The Most User-Friendly 3D Modeling Software
SketchUp is able to provide quick 3-dimensional ideas that can be used to help further conceptualize an idea from paper to reality. It's primarily used by 3D designers and architects at my small company. I generally saw it being used in early planning stages, occasionally being used in-depth through the end of a project.
- 3D modeling.
- Spatial planning.
- Visualizations.
- Online tutorials from beginner to advanced level.
- More plugins.
February 06, 2019
SketchUp & LayOut are like peas and carrots!
We are a small company that relies heavily on the documentation of others (architects, engineers, trades) to complete quality, custom projects for both Residential and Commercial clients. As the sole Designer, I use SketchUp to supplement these documents or create entire sets, with information that clearly communicates design intent. While I'm the only employee using Trimble programs, the documentation and drawings that result are used daily on projects by our estimators, project managers, and trade partners/installers. SketchUp has allowed our company to offer a cost-effective way to ensure details of the design are being considered early and often, even when the original plans are less than complete.
- Quickly exploring solutions in 3D: We get a lot of "what if" and "what would that look like" questions. While hand-sketching and hand-drafting can be fairly quick, SketchUp allows me to quickly create 3D and 2D views of a detail or solution, change dimensions and materials in a flash, and show a client or installer the plan in minutes.
- Creating professional design documents in LayOut: Projects of any scale need good documentation. Using a combination of SketchUp and LayOut, I can create a Design Intent Set, plans for permitting, a set for mechanical trades to mark-up, etc. Having clear, appropriately-scaled drawings with dimensions or notations is a must, and we don't always have the time or budget to get an architect involved!
- Using live files to guide discussions: Not all clients are "visual" people, so opening their model and orbiting around their space in real time has been extremely helpful. Clients and trades enjoy the perspective views so much that we often include them in the full-sized drawing sets to give a good "overall" view of the project intent. For complex or tight spaces, sometimes un-rendered plans and elevations just aren't enough!
- I'd love if LayOut and SketchUp used the same nomenclature for color selection. If I'm poche-ing a wall in M04 in SketchUp, I don't want to have to track that color down in terms of percentages in LayOut to have some line work match.
- 3D Warehouse needs Marie Kondo to tidy it up. The search function is rough and the amount of 2D crap posing as 3D modeling is annoying. It's come a long way, but getting some major brands to upload their items would be great, especially if there was an easy way to tell the difference between a professionally modeled piece and a beginner just trying to replicate without proper dims, etc!
- Small request - and yes, I know I can program commands manually - but groups are SO important to a happy model that control + G should be a standard command to group selected geometry!
January 30, 2019
A Case for SketchUp
SketchUp is the primary design tool used in my practice. I have over 30 years of experience with BIM software including Microstation, Vectorworks, Architrion, Archicad and the original Revit product. I have found SketchUp to simply be the fastest means to a product end. My practice develops shipping container homes and I use the software to design every aspect of the building, furniture, equipment, even the brochures used to describe our work. The price of the software and the ease of training has allowed us to get our clients engaged and using it. Our consultants use the free viewer version to see our design intents.
- Conceptual studies, master planning, massing studies are fast, ideas can be rapidly evaluated.
- Does not require significant ram or graphics card enhancements.
- License cost is dramatically lower meaning more staff using the software at the same time.
- Ability to import Revit files and libraries.
- Ability to export true curved vector linework. There are some workarounds, needs to be refined.
- Create an OPEN MAPS connection. Since the split from Google, the source for high-quality aerials is limited.
- Ability to dock all menus to the master window on a Mac
- Ability to develop dockable menu trays on a Mac
November 13, 2018
Easy and fast design with SketchUp.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use this software in the company in the engineering department. This excellent program allows us to conceptualize and model 3D images of buildings, cars, people and any other object that we are required to project. In addition, the program includes a gallery of objects, textures, and images that are very useful in working the designs. SketchUp is a program internationally recognized for its extensive capabilities to make 3D designs easily, and it is one of the most popular programs used by architects, engineers, industrial designers, among others.
- You can customize it with plugins to have functions specifically designed for your work area
- Its main feature is to be able to make 3D designs in a simple way.
- This tool allows integrating Google Maps designs, using the 3D building layer.
- The payment method does not work as well in some operating systems.
- SketchUp does not produce very realistic results compared to other similar tools.
- You cannot execute very complicated 3D design tasks.
August 08, 2018
The simplest 3D way
My company uses SketchUp to make sketches of the cabinets for the electronics that we develop. Before final production, designs that are developed and tested from 3D printing are designed in this program. The main problem this tool solved was the time that elapsed from when we made the order for the design team to when we had the completed prototype. Now we ourselves are the ones who design, thanks to SketchUp, and then we print to test them.
- It helps to visualize objects in three dimensions.
- It has a very user friendly interface that has to use all its commands.
- There is a large community of people who use it willing to help, and also a great official technical support.
- It offers great compatibility with most 3D design CAD programs.
- The work area is small, not supporting large projects.
- You need a computer with a video board powerful enough to take advantage of the entire software.
- It does not have enough materials to render, and those that are not realistic enough.
July 02, 2018
Sketchup a Nonprofits best friend.
We use SketchUp for our construction department which has 10-15 employees using SketchUp every day. We use SketchUp to help us design construction projects for volunteer workers to complete. These projects range from small things like decks and small remodels to houses.
- Ease of Use- SketchUp is great for beginners to CAD and is very easy to learn.
- Cost- is unbeatable especially if you are in the nonprofit sector as we are.
- Layout- coming from more traditional CAD and BIM programs, I always struggled with turning my model into 2D documents SketchUp has made this process very easy.
- Better used in the construction field. I know SketchUp is very open to many users but it would be great to spend some resources on making things easier for the construction industry.
- I use a lot of plugins to make SketchUp good for me. But I think there could be more support and more plugins available.
June 06, 2018
SketchUp really fires up your simple 3D models
SketchUp was used across our design side of the house to make initial models for landscape designs and structures. It was used to help designers visualize areas in the landscape that would otherwise be limited to 2D. This was a very easy program to pick up so it was able to help us here very quickly.
- Easily visualize 3D models
- Quickly design in three dimensions so you can see all areas of a design
- Help clients that do not have as easy a time visualizing 2D plans. By building 3D models they were much more likely to see the design and buy off on it.
- Fly-throughs were also very well done in SketchUp
- The rendered models were not as detailed as more advanced 3D programs
- The pricing model is interesting but as a small company we made it work
- Some of the more advanced features were hard to find considering they try and make the product so simple to pick up.
February 19, 2018
SketchUp for the design professional
Our company uses Sketchup on a daily basis to connect better with our clients. Sketchup allows us to create a visual experience for the client that is not provided in 2D drawings. Sketchup helps us as the design professionals to visualize the project and work out details that might not have been realized in 2D drawings.
- Helps to visualize the project in 3 dimension.
- Helps clients to visualize the design through 3D images in context of the site.
- Helps the design professional to work through difficult details on the project.
- Needs more realistic materials
- Needs better rendering quality
- Needs better site realistic imaging
September 15, 2017
SketchUp - Awesome for quick sales sketches!
We use SketchUp only occasionally at our construction sales company. An owner of a project may want to see how our products will look aesthetically in their build, and SketchUp makes this quick and easy.
- Easy to learn, and very user friendly!
- Their 3D Model library saves time from having to draw commonly used objects
- Creating 3D curved & irregularly shaped walls is cantankerous
- Building custom roof lines is a lot of steps. You have to draw your highest peak triangle first, then work your way down in order for the other roof lines to work, so if you've got a lot of different peak heights to draw, there will likely be a lot of trial and error to get this roof right
- Import/Export compatibility with other programs (like AutoCAD) is not the greatest. You still have to do quite a bit of touch up in the program to get the drawing looking like it was before.