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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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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!
- Business Problems Solved
- Recommendations
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
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December 06, 2019
SketchUp: the people's 3D modeler
We use SketchUp as our main visualization and 3D modeler. We build 3d models and then use V-Ray or other rendering methods for client presentations and internal study. It is our 3D solution when the major design is being done in 2D software such as AutoCAD. That about sums it up.
- Quick modeling of simple shapes
- Easy visualization of spaces
- Easy walk-through animations
- Good interface with other software
- Modeling complex geometries
- Better ability to set tolerances
- Snapping feature could be vastly improved
July 03, 2019
SketchUp Review
It is being used across the whole organization, but ks primarily used as a tool in our design department's workflow.
- Extremely rapid modeling.
- It's simple to learn, understand, and use.
- The floating licensing easy to use.
- No real performance improvements in recent years.
- No Microsoft SharePoint/OneDrive integrations.
- The present and past few releases have had severe performance issues on high-end systems.
February 25, 2019
SketchUp Review
It is being used by the Design Department.
- 3D Modeling.
- Compatible with a lot of rendering programs.
- Easy to export and import 2D graphics.
- Curving/organic structures.
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 11, 2019
SketchUp is a great beginner software with limitations for larger and more precise projects.
I use SketchUp for quickly developing 3D models of ideas. It has been useful for demonstrating machine aspects, home projects, and conveying the general idea for the customer.
- Easy to pick up and use.
- Intuitive buttons and menus for tools.
- 3D that is available to anyone.
- Measurements are limited.
- Great if including a renderer application.
- More file export options.
February 07, 2019
Easy, simple, gets the job done.
We use SketchUp for EVERYTHING! we love it! We can show clients everything, from design concepts to space planning! It's Very user-friendly and I recommend it to everyone!
There are plenty of plugins one can use to achieve the look they're going for and there's no limit to this program. I learn something new everyday.
There are plenty of plugins one can use to achieve the look they're going for and there's no limit to this program. I learn something new everyday.
- Space planning
- Design concepts
- User-friendly
- you should make a way we can edit objects by using points, not just the edges.
- It is hard to make spheres.
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!
February 06, 2019
SketchUp Review
SketchUp is one of the tools we use to generate quick concepts that require fast representations. I mostly use it during concept and schematic design phases where creativity is stronger than technical requirements. Typically we use Sketchup for architectural representations of interiors and exterior environments.
- Easy import/export features with CAD files.
- A very intuitive set of tools. Requires fewer operations to generate a solid volume than other software.
- Instant feedback in sections and cut-throughs in modeling.
- Basic tools are limited, I wish they'd have more features like a mirror function, chamfer or round edges function.
- Backup copies for file crashes could be improved.
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.
September 07, 2018
Design was never so easy and with professional results.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Sketchup is used in the design and production department, all the designers in the area manage the program to make the 3d designs of furniture for offices, it is one of the most useful tools to carry out the design of different products in a quick way for later proceed to make the prototypes.
- The side toolbar is very complete and very intuitive.
- Your 3d warehouse market is full of very well developed 3d models that are very useful.
- It allows you to incorporate extensions and plugins that improve the performance of the program and its options and commands.
- Allows you to import and export files from different software, which makes it very flexible to work together with other programs such as AutoCAD, 3d max, Blender.
- The sandbox toolbar is not very useful does not meet expectations.
- It does not have specialized commands in the parametric design, so you should always look for extensions and plugins that fill that gap.
- The layout and style builder has not left me satisfied with the professional result.
- The default textures are of layout professional quality, so you should always look for external links.
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 13, 2018
SketchUp is extremely valuable
I don't use SketchUp for work but I do use it for personal reasons. I've just been diving into it and I must say, it's really cool. I love being able to simply conjure up 3D designs and tweak them to my liking. With 3D printing being more and more available, there's a world of possibilities for people who previously would not have had the knowledge to create physical products.
- 3D modeling and design.
- I am not good at drawing so being able to use SketchUp to rapidly prototype is super helpful.
- I find it's really helpful for visualizing a concept and making immediate changes. All without having to actually hold an object in front of me. Or without wasting resources on building something that won't work.
- It's not a super simple tool to use. I find it quite tough sometimes to navigate around. And I'll often just get my camera lost because I moved too fast or panned too far.
- The interaction of 3D objects takes some getting used to. As with most great things, there's definitely a learning curve.
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.
April 19, 2018
SkecthUp for all!
We use SketchUp across the entire organization, to meet the project's requirements as drawings markups, change order in the designs and to present to the final client the updates and new landscapes on the construction field of their properties. We encourage our project managers to develop standards using SketchUp and integrate their proposal within the AutoCAD platform.
- It's easy to learn and manage all the features.
- In its Pro version has a powerful documentation engine that allows you to track down the project advances.
- Store and Share on premise drawings and projects with all your team members and clients as well.
- SketchUp Pro lacks many architectural [requirements] to achieve standardization over the house wizard and wall tools
- It's limited to perform a specialized texture modeling.
- Add in can be expensive upon the initial investment.
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
November 22, 2017
Great Modeling Software for Simple Needs
Our business uses different types of 3D modeling software, but we use SketchUp primarily for on-the-fly drawings or to quickly edit previously drawn renderings. It's great if you want to quickly make a drawing and not necessarily need a full-fledged dimensioned engineering drawing. We find it very intuitive and user-friendly.
- Very user-friendly.
- Easy to learn and simple software.
- Lots of models to use in the 3D warehouse to save time.
- There are lots of resources for SketchUp to support the user.
- Exporting/importing files from other programs may not always be compatible.
- I'm an engineer and I feel SketchUp is more geared towards architects. However, I still find it useful for certain aspects of my job such as creating renderings.
- Has a tendency to slow down as the file size gets larger. Apparently, it runs on an outdated engine that has trouble with very heavy models.
September 25, 2017
SketchUp for the casual 3D model builder
SketchUp Pro is being used by my entire organization to provide a simple 3D modeling tool that does not require in depth training to understand. All of the buttons on the toolbar are self-explanatory or can be learned through a brief tutorial video. The focus of our organization is not to create or manipulate 3D models so a more powerful software is not needed. Simple modeling can convey to our owners and customers the general picture of what we are trying to build.
- Simplicity. Anyone who is familiar with a computer can jump headfirst into SketchUp and be proficient with its use within an hour.
- Intuitive button design/layout. Creating 3D objects from 2D shapes is easy with the push/pull tool. More complex 3D modeling software can get overwhelming with all of the buttons on the toolbar.
- 3D modeling warehouse. There is an online database that allows users to see what other SketchUp users have created and download their own copy. Sharing objects with other users dramatically reduces the time required to build a very detailed model.
- Hiding edge lines. Since most users need SketchUp to model a 3D object of some kind, it doesn't make sense for there to be visible edge lines at all intersecting faces. There should be an option to automatically hide edge lines once the model gets more complex.
- Curved faces on a plane out of horizontal. Due to the simplicity of the software, there is no easy way to create a curved line on a plane that is not standard (vertical or horizontal face). Pushing or pulling the 2D shape into the 3D world, creates a bunch of small straight segments of lines rather than maintaining the smooth curve.
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.
August 16, 2017
SketchUp Review
The VDC department is the only department using SketchUp in which it has many uses for us. Overall it is a great tool to help people visualize things in 3D and we can better explain details and plans using SketchUp's modeling capabilities. It also is a user-friendly program and is not overly complicated to use and complete a professional looking model.
- Being able to quickly model objects without many limitations.
- Not over complicating the program and it's interface which allows more users to be able to take advantage of it's capabilities.
- You are able to build professional looking models and can even get plugins to render those models as well.
- A lot of the models that are out there to be downloaded are of poor quality.(Not really SketchUp's fault but could maybe have some type of filter)
- Advertising some of the plug-ins that are out there that would be beneficial to users.
- No issues with the actual modeling capabilities.