Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Three-dimensional models are essential if you're in the design field. Google SketchUp gives you the ability to easily create your own 3D models. With an easy-to-use interface and a wide swath of Help features, it's the perfect tool for beginner and intermediate designers alike.
To begin, Google SketchUp puts all of the help options in plain sight, which include video tutorials, tips and tricks, a blog, and a help center. It asks you to select a template from a long list that includes templates for architectural design, woodworking, Google Earth modeling, and basic plans. We started simple with the Beginning Training Template - Inches. The user interface is fairly basic in design, which is a good thing as some of these types of programs can be quite overwhelming. A toolbar at the top of the window includes the familiar menu options: Files, Edit, and View. There are also menu options to manage the Camera and Tools commands. A toolbox resides below with tools for creating and editing shapes, lines, and even adding building using Google Earth (you have to install the plug-in first). A helpful Instructor guided us through the setup process by creating simple lines going through each of the tools. In no time, we were creating shapes and designs, albeit very basic ones. The Tape Measure Tool let us measure our shapes, and the Eraser tool removed our mistakes.
Now, we may not be well versed in 3D design, but Google SketchUp proved simple enough for non-designers to jump right in and immediately create designs. We can't think of a better testament to its ease of use. Google SketchUp installs desktop icons without permission, but it uninstalls cleanly. We recommend this program for all people.
Publisher's Description
From Google:
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.
What's new in this version:
- Model geo-location with Google Maps: We've built Maps right into SketchUp. Adding a geo-location to your model is now an elegant, one-app process.
- Color imagery and more accurate terrain: The snapshot you get when you add a geo-location to your model now includes 3D terrain data that's more accurate, and--for the first time--aerial imagery in color.
- Match Photo improvements: Our Match Photo feature lets you trace one or more photographs to build a model; it's an incre... See all new features
More Popular 3D Modeling Software downloads
- Google SketchUp
7,759 downloads
- AutoCAD
4,033 downloads
- CINEMA 4D
2,770 downloads
- Sweet Home 3D
2,210 downloads
- DAZ Studio
1,549 downloads
- A9CAD
1,296 downloads
- iClone
1,281 downloads
- 2D to 3D Video Converter
1,266 downloads
- Autodesk DWF Viewer
1,132 downloads
-
All versions:
3.7 starsout of 333 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"Diffibult to Accurately Control the Cursor"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Its a free application.
Cons
Difficult to punch windows through double sided walls. Difficult to align objects into your design. Have not found the mating options yet for an assembly. Have not been able to walk inside the room I was designing. Really hard to position the view inside the room to look around. Appears to be optimized for viewing from outside.
Summary
OK for a quick sketch. But trying to do something accurately is difficult with this app.
-
"Great App for any designer/artist/hobbyist"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
1...Has a Free version
2...Fast to create a project (once you are proficient)
3...Easy once you take the time to learn all the fundamental tools and concepts.
4...Has a huge library of free 3d assets from other users.
5...Great for art and design.
6...Plenty of tutorials out there if you look properly.Cons
1...Pro version is expensive. It would be better if Trimble would use a subscription business model.
2...Can be difficult if you're new to Sketchup (persevere. you'll be amazed at what you can make. Coplanar problems gave me problems at first.
3...DO NOT click and drag with Sketchup. It uses a toggle for mouse clicks. much easier when you understand.
4...Snap-to can be annoying. Just zoom in closer to object.Summary
I watched a few videos on Youtube and managed to create a very complex house design from a floor plan using free Sketchup.
(a useful source of information was "safari books online"). -
"very weak, bug-ridden program"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
easy to get started
Cons
once you start to develop your model, the extreme limitations of this program became overwhelmingly apparent.
Summary
If you are creating anything more complex than a box, don't even try to do it with this feeble program
-
"Decent Program - Terrible Customer Support!"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
We have the PRO version and use it for basic site plans; import .dwg files; measurements and mapping. As confidence increases will use it to build full 3D models of playground equipment with animation. Takes time but there is enough online to help you get started.
Cons
What they don't do is provide any kind of reasonable customer support. You pay $500 for the PRO version and the only customer support is through forums and antiquated email forms that don't allow you to reply. No Online Chat, No customer support number. They want you to buy it and go away because they are evidently to busy to service what they sell.
-
"It's crap and not user friendly"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Nothing. It's a worthless application that is not user friendly and does not have basic use in mind. Does not allow changes that want to make. Moves the model instead.
Cons
When you want to change the measurements, as specified are able to, all it does is drag the model across the board.
Summary
I will never use such a product like this again. I have a computer background and was lost from the start. There was no help to understand the application either. Worthless application for deck design, free or not.
-
"Great program, easy to learn"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
I was able to read SketchUp for Dummies, watch a few YouTube Videos and I proceeded to do a simple 2-D architectural drawing. I liked the cheat sheet I was able to print out. It only took me about 4 hours to be pretty proficient at this. Today I did a much more elaborate drawing in a couple of hours, my second time to use the software.
Cons
Hard to delete little marks on straight lines. It takes some practice to get the hang of it. The lines can be kind of fuzzy on the free version. I don't know if the pro version has a cleaner look. I had to clean up some of the marks by exporting my drawing to Photoshop.
Summary
I am a senior citizen who is taking a university class. I didn't realize it would include doing architectural type drawings. This program was a blessing for me. It was recommended to me by a librarian. You can't beat the price.:)
-
"A dumbed-down version of google's sketchup"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
The functions that remain from the Google version work well.
Cons
All the solid-modeling tools, "...have been moved to Sketchup Pro"
Summary
Where can I find the last version produced by Google?
-
"it is adobe's and browsing killer,but it easy to use."
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Like I said ,it is easy to work with this software.
Cons
It has some conflict with adobe and all the main drivers on my computer . Mouse moves started CPU to go to 100% while browsing and just moving around cursor , and all the browsers had started freezing soon after installing google sketchup. I think that google sketchup works like a key and cursor logger .
Summary
I do not care about my online privacy too much but I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYWHERE THE WARNING THAT THIS SOFTWARE WILL DEGRADE MY BROWSERS within 50 percents , AND THEREFORE I HATE GOOGLE SKETCHUP .
-
"requires a bit of reading to use"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
can do modelling
Cons
as a cad app was not particularly intuitive or functional
Summary
if one wants a cad app then look elsewhere...but if one wants a visual view of an object and is prepared to invest the time into learning the application then it might be useful.
-
"great program, useful, tutorials are welcome and easy"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
program downloads, installs as should, great for first time user of such a program, as tutorials are available, easy to find and use, and using program with that guidance is a snap. How every program should be offered for use, not assuming that all will be self-evident, making possible for anyone to get started
Cons
none i have found worth mentioning
Summary
terrific option in a freeware drawing program for everyday use by anyone
