CNET Editors' review
This program moves beyond napkin sketching to communicating ideas in 3D. SketchUp takes what may traditionally be seen as a complicated task and adds an intuitiveness many design programs fail to achieve. On first impression, this sketch-based 3D-modeling program may look as if it has sacrificed function for simplicity, but that's not the case. Despite the extremely user-friendly interface, SketchUp offers a suite of powerful 3D drawing tools that lets you experiment and play with new designs.
All actions are carried out using two button bars, one that runs down the left side and another that sits along the top of the work space. After you simply sketch and draw edges, the application fills in the objects to create 3D geometry. SketchUp handles perspective and alignment calculations automatically, and extras let you perform a wide variety of other actions, from filling in photo textures (using Google Street View) to downloading adjacent buildings and other premade models from the 3D Warehouse. You can also import and export objects into CAD, 3D-modeling, image-editing, illustration, or animation programs (including support for COLLADA and KMZ files) for further manipulation and editing. Professional users should check out SketchUp Pro.
Publisher's Description
From Google:
Developed for the conceptual stages of design, SketchUp is powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software. We think of it as "the pencil of digital design". This award-winning product combines a simple yet robust tool set that streamlines and simplifies 3D design. SketchUp is used by professionals and consumers alike. It contains a unique interface that allows 3D forms to be created, viewed, and modified quickly and easily. The core of its simplicity is that you draw the edges of the desired model in 3D space, just as you would using a pencil and paper. SketchUp infers your design intent and automatically determines the nature of the lines and fill shapes to create 3D geometry.
What's new in this version:
- Model geo-location with Google Maps
- Color imagery and more accurate terrain
- Match Photo improvements
- SketchUp, meet Building Maker
- SketchUp Pro 8 includes a powerful new set of tools for additive and subtractive modeling.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 36 votes
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Current version:
5.0 starsout of 1 votes
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My rating:
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"Awesome easy to use 3D model application."
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.3161
Pros
Easy to use and learn. You can quickly create building models or whatever you need for your use.
Cons
Not much wrong with it but sometimes adjusting a model can be tricky, but it's still great and for the most part very easy to use and learn.
Summary
TRY IT!!
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