It can also be used on desktop or through the web. SketchUp Pro gives you access to all features. If you want to have full access to the program, or if you're a professional designer, then you need to use SketchUp Pro. Still, if you end up really loving this program, it's worth a shot for $119/year. While SketchUp Shop does have more features, it still doesn't give you full access to the program. It also includes more features like unlimited cloud storage and email support. In comparison, SketchUp Shop, the paid version of SketchUp for personal use, allows for basic access to custom styles. You also cannot use the models you are creating in the free version of SketchUp for commercial intent. The downside to the free version is that it does not allow you to use custom styles, custom materials, performance-based designs, or the style builder tool. You have 10GB of cloud storage for your projects, along with community support via the forums. This app is web-only, which means you can only use SketchUp online. With the basic version of SketchUp, the intent of the program is to help you 'discover 3D modeling.' While there is a free version of Trimble's (Google) SketchUp, it is very pared down when you compare it to the professional paid version of the app. Fortunately, SketchUp has several different plans for users to choose from, including a free version that can be accessed through the web. While all these features are very neat, they might not be something you need to explore if you're still learning the basics. In the current era, SketchUp and its parent company have stuck to the mandate of helping you 'visualize your ideas.' The company encourages its users to use sustainable design practices in their creations, and through its app you can also share your designs within the 3D SketchUp community as a whole. Unfortunately, that curve can also affect who is allowed to learn a program and how fast they learn it (not the general public on a budget). This simplicity was much needed, as 3D modeling programs usually have a steep learning curve. The company behind this app designed it with the expressed purpose of creating a program that was simple to use. SketchUp was acquired by Google in 2006, before being passed off to Trimble in 2012. The story behind SketchUp is really cool, in that it was originally designed by Software. With pre-fab models that you can use in your designs, this app also acts as a collective engine where you can easily build 3D structures and render them. These uses vary, from architectural design and landscaping to film and game development. It is now owned by a company called Trimble.Īs a program that is devoted to 3D modeling, SketchUp is perfect for a wide range of uses. SketchUp, formerly Google SketchUp, is a 3D modeling program that was released in the year 2000.

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