Google SketchUp 24

SketchUp as a 3D Design Tool

SketchUp is a 3D design application from Trimble, used to carry projects from early concepts through to buildable models. Its interface centers on drawing shapes, extruding surfaces, applying materials and manipulating objects in three-dimensional space, which keeps the path from sketch to detailed model short. It is used in architecture, interior design and landscape architecture, and the company reports more than one million industry professionals among its users.

Modeling and Precision Tools

SketchUp provides measuring guides, snapping, alignment aids and inferencing, which support exact placement of geometry for architectural and technical work. The current release, SketchUp 2027, adds native non-destructive modeling, so revisions can be made quickly while familiar drawing functions remain in place.

Libraries, Extensions and Scan Data

• 3D Warehouse offers millions of prebuilt 3D models and materials, which can reduce the time spent on modeling.
• Extension Warehouse lists more than 600 extensions that automate tasks and add functionality to SketchUp.
• Scan Essentials imports point clouds and supports creating 3D models from real-world data.

Rendering and Documentation

SketchUp supports photorealistic materials and environments, along with lighting, shadows and scenes for visualizations and presentations. Two-dimensional documentation is produced with LayOut, which is part of the Pro subscription.

Access and Collaboration

SketchUp can be used on the web, on iPad and on desktop. Trimble Connect provides cloud-based sharing of models and files, allowing teams to access and revise projects from different locations. A developer center offers APIs for building custom functions and automating workflows.

Subscription Options

The Go plan, available for iPad and web, is listed at $10.75 USD per user per month with annual billing and includes unlimited cloud storage. The Pro subscription is listed at $33.25 USD per user per month, also billed annually, and provides access to more than 4 million prebuilt 3D models.