Google SketchUp is a free, easy-to-learn 3D-modeling program with a few simple tools to let you create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects, and even space ships.
SketchUp gives you the tools to create all kinds of 3D images and designs, from woodworking blueprints to urban planning designs. With multiple template options and an intuitive interface, this program lets you direct all of your energy into creating and not into fumbling through complicated menu options.
Pros Template variety: No matter what kind of design you're looking to create, you'll likely find just the right template in this program. There are options for Construction Documentation, Landscape Architecture, Interior and Production Design, 3D Printing, and more. Additionally, each type of template lets you choose the system of measurement you'd like to use and on what scale. Help options: This program can do a lot, and there are a lot of different resources in place to help you access all of its features. Depending on your experience level and the way you like to learn, you can make use of Video Tutorials, Self-paced Tutorials, a Getting Started Guide, Quick Reference Cards, or other Help options. Cons Time to learn: Because there is so much to learn, though, it can take some time to get the hang of using this program effectively.
Beginners to design programs will likely take longer than users who already have some experience working with similar software; but few people will be able to jump right in and get results immediately. Bottom Line SketchUp is a smooth and efficient free program that provides a lot of functionality to facilitate all kinds of designing.
Its plentiful Help resources make it accessible to even the most inexperienced users, but it does take some time to get the hang of all of the features the program provides. Google SketchUp is a free, easy-to-learn 3D-modeling program with a few simple tools to let you create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects, and even space ships. You can add details, textures, and glass to your models, and design with dimensional accuracy. You can place your finished models in Google Earth, share them with others by posting them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies.
Google SketchUp is a great way to discover if 3D modeling is right for you. Full Specifications What's new in version 17.2.2555 This maintenance release fixes a Windows-only bug introduced in the first release of SketchUp 2016, also known as 'M0' version numbers 16.0.19912 (Win 64-bit); 16.0.19911 (Win 32-bit) where uninstalling SketchUp resets your default Internet browser. To avoid running into this issue, leave SketchUp 2016 'M0' installed prior to installing this update - i.e., install SketchUp 2016 M1 over your existing version of SketchUp 2016 M0. General Publisher Publisher web site Release Date October 25, 2018 Date Added October 25, 2018 Version 17.2.2555 Category Category Subcategory Operating Systems Operating Systems Windows 7/8/10 Additional Requirements None Download Information File Size 148.02MB File Name sketchupmake-2017-2-2555-90782-en-x64.exe Popularity Total Downloads 3,303,226 Downloads Last Week 3,356 Pricing License Model Free to try Limitations 30-day trial Price Free.
What Is Sketchup? SketchUp is an intuitive 3D modeling application that lets you create and edit 2D and 3D models with a patented “Push and Pull” method. The Push and Pull tool allows designers to extrude any flat surface into 3D shapes. All you have to do is click an object and then start pulling it until you like what you see. SketchUp is a program used for a wide range of 3D modeling projects like architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, and video game design, to name a few of its uses. The program includes drawing layout functionality, surface rendering, and supports third-party plugins from the. The app has a wide range of applications, including in the worlds of architecture, interior design, landscaping, and video game design.
Sketchup has also found success with people who want to create, share, or download 3D models for use with 3D printers. Sketchup was created in 1999 by @Last Software. In 2006, Google acquired SketchUp after @Last Software created a plugin for Google Earth that caught the eye of the tech giant. In 2012, Trimble Navigation (now Trimble Inc.) acquired Sketchup from Google and expanded the app by launching a new website that hosts plugins and extensions.
What Are the Different Versions of Sketchup? SketchUp comes in three different versions to suit different needs:. SketchUp Make: is a freeware version that you can download after signing up for a free account.
Make is free-to-use for home, personal and educational use and it begins with a free 30-day trial of SketchUp Pro. Although Make is no longer updated following the November 2017 release, you can still download the installer to use on your computer. SketchUp Pro: ($695) is the premium version of the software.
It contains added functionality like the ability to import and export different file formats, access to a 2D documentation software, layout tools, and a Style Builder that lets you create custom edge styles for models. SketchUp Free: The successor to Make, was released in November 2017 as a web-based application. To use it, you must sign up for a free Timble ID with a valid email address., but if you’re just building and viewing 3D models for personal use (or looking for something that can print to your 3D printer), this is a great place to start. Hit Up the Sketchup 3D Warehouse Now that you’ve got SketchUp installed it’s time to get started by searching through the, where you can view and download pretty much anything ever created on the platform. 3D Warehouse is a database of user-created models available for anyone to access. Just head on over to their website and start searching through the seemingly endless warehouse of models. I wasn’t joking when I said you could find pretty much anything on here. They have everything from simple buildings to Here are a few interesting things you can find using the Warehouse:.
That’s just an eclectic selection, but you can find models to help with whatever project you’ve got going. How Do I Use Sketchup? Once you’ve registered for a Timble ID and opened either the desktop web-based app, you’re ready to get started with your first model. I’ll be using the as this is the direction Timble is heading for free users, but functionality between either version is the same if you’re a free subscriber. Upon opening the application, you’re greeted with your first model, Josh. Josh enjoys long walks in the mountains, playing soccer, kickball, disc golf, and well any sport or backyard game out there. He’s just a placeholder, and you can get rid of him if you want. Or leave him around and enjoy his company.
From the toolbar on the lefthand side, you can click on any of these three tools to start drawing a model of your own. You can use the pencil to draw lines, the arc tool to make arc/circles, and the square tool to make squares. If drawing isn’t your thing, then you can always head over to the 3D Warehouse and import a model that already exists. On the righthand toolbar, click the “Objects” button (three blocks) and then click the 3D Warehouse button at the top.
Type in the description of a model for which to search and then click on the object you want to import. If you already have a model file on your computer, you can drag-and-drop it into the window to achieve the same results. Depending on the size of the model, it may take a moment to load.
Afterward, all you have to do is position the object, and you’re ready to work with it. While the free version does lack some features, you’re still able to export any model into either PNG or STL format by clicking the folder at the top of the window, clicking “Export,” and then choosing whichever format you prefer. Now that you have the basics down and know what kinds of things there are in the warehouse, you’ll be able to start working on some models of your own and uploading them for everyone else to enjoy.