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What is SketchUp?

The most popular 3D modeling and design tool in the world, SketchUp users model everything from treehouses to intricate, energy-efficient buildings. Owned by Trimble Inc., an entrepreneurial company focused on leveraging technology to change the way the world works, SketchUp is both intuitive and powerful for professionals and creatives of all kinds.

SketchUp supports creatives of all backgrounds across a variety of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and much more.

Who Uses SketchUp?

SketchUp supports creatives of all backgrounds, from woodworkers to film and stage designers. Our primary users are in the architecture, construction, engineering, and interior design sectors.

SketchUp Software - Main interface
SketchUp Software - Layout tool
SketchUp Software - Landscape contouring tool

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Reviews of SketchUp

Average score

Overall
4.5
Ease of Use
4.4
Customer Service
4.2
Features
4.3
Value for Money
4.3

Reviews by company size (employees)

  • <50
  • 51-200
  • 201-1,000
  • >1,001
Chanaka
Chanaka
Civil Engineer in Sri Lanka
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Made my design works very easy

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Currently SketchUp is the best software for 3D modelling which is equipped with loads of features which are unavailable in alternative software. And requiring low performance while working very smooth is great. Some complications will occur if you do complex designs but for general purposes this is the best. Can be used even by a beginner without facing issues.

Pros:

I needed to design several buildings and used SketchUp to create a 3D model. Before I used SketchUp I thought 3D modelling was hard but with SketchUp, model was done easily and was able to experience how it would look after construction. And with 3D warehouse feature I was able to create very realistic simulation making the design process quite easier. Even as a beginner SketchUp was simple and effective tool. Got many tools to help users in modelling. Best feature is in SketchUp is walk around option which will give real life simulation how the final design will be. Also SketchUp got great plugins which will save both time and money of a designer. With 3D warehouse and extension warehouse a user can build any design using very little effort. What makes SketchUp the best 3D design software is unlike any alternative is ability to run smoothly in any computer. Most CAD software require a high-end computers with high performance system but SketchUp works fine in just any mediocre laptop.

Cons:

Using SketchUp through browser was lagging and very slower compared with installed version. And I faced issues with gaps in walls and floors if you meddle with it few times. Also SketchUp need to upgrade to create complex designs because presently it's hard to do so.

Laylee
junior architect in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Design, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

easiest 3d modeling software

4.0 last month New

Comments: for a period of time while I was studying architecture , I didn't have much time to learn rendering professionally , I was short on money and my computer wasn't that strong , sketch up helped me go through that time , providing me with basic renders I needed .

Pros:

in my opinion the most likable aspect of SketchUp is how easy it is to work with . although i took a course to learn how to work with the software ,it wasn't necessary . you can easily learn the software by browsing through YouTube or other free videos .

Cons:

as easy as it is to work with sketch up it doesn't give you a very realistic render. for better and more detailed pictures you either should use another software or improve the renders by using photoshop.

Laura
Kitchen Designer in US
Building Materials, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Glitches

2.0 last month New

Pros:

I absolutely loved SketchUp. In the design world we have run into a lot of clients with no vision. SketchUp makes it so easy to bring a design to live and give the client a spot on visual of their kitchen, bathroom, laundry etc. The ability to bring in items beyond the standard manufacturers catalog is a designers dream

Cons:

Glitches. A few years back I started having issues with SketchUp glitching. I naturally assumed it was due to poor systems at my previous employer. I do still have glitch issues and it can be frustrating, but the end result is worth the glitches

ratoboi
software support tech in South Africa
Architecture & Planning, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Have you ever used Sketch Up before

5.0 3 weeks ago New

Comments: Best reliable 3D Modelling / CAD software

Pros:

reliable; affordable; portable on the go

Cons:

Price range from Standard to PRO is a steep...

Joelle
Senior Cutout Animator in Canada
Animation, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: Free Trial
Reviewer Source

I Used SketchUp for a College Project

4.0 2 weeks ago New

Comments: I used the trial version of SketchUp back in 2017, to create the skeleton for 2 sets of environments (a fur-trading fort and a longhouse village). Prior to this, the only 3D program I had used was Sculptris, and I was looking for something that was better with inorganic structures. I enjoyed my time working in the program , and found it relatively easy to pick up and use. That said, I only scratched the surface of what was possible. For context, I only created the exteriors of the buildings, as my end goal was to have 3D references I could then pose and draw over for my project. This also meant that while I built the structures as closely as possible to the real things, I didn't need any of the measurements to be exact.

Pros:

It was perfect for what I wanted to do; building design and camera posing.

Cons:

I can't remember any big issues, but I only used the program for a short while and to create general 3D references.