CNET 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
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 325 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 25 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"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.
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"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
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"Powerful and easy to use"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Many of the more basic 3d and 2d design functions of a commercial CAD product, but free!
Cons
None that I can think of.
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"Great for beginners! Takes a little practice though."
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Its free and you can always find helpful video tutorials online (google SketchUp site and Youtube).
Its fun and easy to use once you know what the tools do and how to use them.Cons
It doesn't seem to be able to export images to order programs.
Some features of the move tool are hard to use (maybe it's just me and I need more practice)Summary
It's great! Try it! Go ahead and experiment on new stuff.
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"awsm..........."
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
by The_creator
Cons
easy to use n ausme.............
Summary
dont think........download it.......................................
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"Basic functions only available in Pro version $495.00"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
This use to be a powerful tool but still has some decent rudimentary functions.
Cons
Basic key function are now only available in the Pro version with costs $495.
Summary
Try a different application if you really want free CAD software that is useful.
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"interesting"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
I have tried 3d rendering software for many years. this program is simple to use and fun
Cons
haven't found any yet
Summary
this is a 3d program anyone can learn
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"Another Good one from Google"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Ease of use...3D superb..
Cons
Cannot think of any
Summary
Wonderful and free!!!
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"Fiddly and hard to understand"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Free, powerful, fast
Cons
Fiddly to use and hard to understand
Summary
I couldn't get my head around this application after giving it a good go and watching the tutorials. Particular issues were that in designing a room, you design the outers walls and ceiling but then it's hard to work inside the room because you can have only one section plane allowing you to see inside one wall only. The rotate protractor is hard to position and use
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"Powerful software that works incredibly well"
Version: Google SketchUp 8.0.4811
Pros
Ease of use, excellent tools, great tutorials
Cons
A bit of a learning curve to be precise but worth the time spent
Summary
Hard to believe such a great product is freeware
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