Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
This sketch-based 3D-modeling program offers a suite of powerful drawing tools that add an intuitiveness many design programs fail to achieve. On first impression, Google SketchUp may look like it 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 let you experiment and play with new designs.
Using basic shapes in 3D space for your outline, you can then extrude those shapes to make buildings, houses, or really anything. There are actually a number of methods to build models and they're all covered by an excellent tutorial when you get started. You can pick from a number of true-to-life textures to simulate wood, concrete, grass, and several others. When your model is finished, you can save and print it, or you can even see it on a real map in Google Earth.
We really like how easy it is to create models using this program and recommend it to anyone from the hobbyist, for experimentation and fun, to the professional, who can use this app for preliminary concepts for larger projects.
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.
Google SketchUp is free for personal use. No registration is required.
For more information, watch a CNET video tour.
Version 6 adds the ability to create a 3D model from ap photo and "Sketchy Effects," among other new features.
More Products to Consider
-
View DWG, DXF, and DWF drawings. -
Simplify design process and gain better control over placement ... -
Print to PDF from Windows applications and optimize the PDF out... -
Open, view, and print any PDF file. -
Transform any printable document into PDF format. -
Make your CAD works in powerful DWG-compatible environment. -
Convert PDF to Word file format. -
Create, visualize, document, and share your CAD projects. -
Draw business process based diagrams. -
Record and replay your drawing procedure. -
Open, view, edit, and save PDF files without Adobe Acrobat. -
Simulate fluid or gas for gfx fans, VJs, and demo coders. -
Open, view, and convert Adobe PDF files. -
Grab an arbitrary screen area and then save directly as a GIF i... -
View, edit, convert, print, and save AutoCAD drawings as PDFs a... -
Show the graphical output of applications. -
Create Adobe PDF files with the push of a button. -
View and print any graph produced by DPlot. -
Create 3D models and upload them to Google Earth. -
Manipulate 2D and 3D data from a variety of sources. -
Write PDF documents from any application. -
Protect your PDF files with strong security. -
Convert PDF files to JPEG, BMP, PNG, and TIFF files easily. -
Convert GIF files to video files.
-
All versions:
3.7 starsout of 335 votes
-
Current version:
3.4 starsout of 98 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Not McDraw"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
It appears to have a mind-expanding function, if I get enough opportunity to train myself on it.
Cons
I don't know if I'll have time to overcome a rather steep learning curve.
Summary
The product has real potential; but doesn't fill a low-level need where a gap exists for drawing some simple designs. MS Word's or Visio's tools only hit some needs. I really miss some early MacIntosh tools, which were simple enough to get started in then scaled up quite well.
-
"works fine good grraphs"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
run fast in windows XP sp2
Cons
little complicated or not friendly to use
-
"too complicated to be fun"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
good thing for an architect
Cons
the download is about 3 hours. it's too big
Summary
i have no reason to learn all there is with this
-
"Excellent Drawing Program."
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
Easy to Use.
Cons
Not have any cons.
Summary
.
-
"Stop Sending Emails"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
I have already advised you of what I think of it. This is the fourth email asking for an evaluation and ratiing, if I get one more I will delete the program from my computer and advise other not to download it.
Cons
Stop sending emails.
Summary
None
-
"A little bit slow but good"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Needs very high system resources
-
"very interesting"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
being a beginner, ... lots of fun
Cons
alot to remember
-
"I have not had occasion to use this program, yet."
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
Please see above.
Cons
Please see above.
Summary
THis is unfair. You insist I give the program a rating, in stars, and yet I have told you I have not had the opportunity to use it, yet. I answered your questionnaire out of courtesy, but I am not qualified to make a judgment, as of this point. You might allow for that in your questions, I would hope.
Updated on Dec 4, 2008 -
"Couldn't figure this sucker out!!"
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
None that I can think of.
Cons
Too difficult to work.
-
"A great new toy."
Version: Google SketchUp 6.0.277
Pros
It is quite simply a new novel way to look at things.
Cons
It is a bit tricky at first but with practice it becomes easier.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
