Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
SketchUp for Mac is a 3D design app that allows you to create 3D models and, using an online service, get those models built. SketchUp for Mac installs easily but was not available from the App Store when we tested the software, instead requiring a download from the publisher. SketchUp for Mac is a free app, but there's a Pro version for additional cost with more features and capabilities.
SketchUp for Mac lets you create surprisingly complex and detailed 3D models, but there's a learning curve to doing so. The interface is surprisingly clean and easy to work with. The top and left panes have colorful icons for the various tools, and a set of pull-down menus and pop-up dialogs let you control your illustration. It will take a few hours for anyone new to SketchUp for Mac to get comfortable with the software, but once you do there's a lot of power here. We went from simple models to relatively complex ones in a couple of days, and never felt limited by the program.
Whether you are creating a new design for a chair or something far more complex, SketchUp for Mac is designed to allow you to create a model easily. If you have access to one of the new 3D printers, you can print directly from the app, or you can send the files out to a third-party print house and get a model back in the mail. While the Pro version has more features, most people will find that the basic SketchUp for Mac has more than enough to keep them happy.
Publisher's Description
From Trimble Navigation:
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.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 36 votes
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Current version:
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"Awesome easy to use 3D model application."
Version: 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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"AMAZING 3D MODELING SOFTWARE! POWERFULL AND EASY TO USE"
Version: SketchUp 7.1.6859
Pros
You can create complex 3D models in minutes with this program. No experience nedded. Just follow the video tutorials and you can master SketchUp in less than an hour. And best of all, It's FREE!!!
Cons
A 64-Bit version of SketchUp would be much appreciated... Also, Google should create their own rendering software and have it built in SketchUp.
Summary
If you are looking to create 3D models without expending hundreds of dollars in software, and hours of training, this is what you need. Free and easy to use but very powerfull. If you get the Pro version, you can export your models to lots of different formats, plus you get additional features...
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"the program can do a great deal."
Version: SketchUp 7.1.6859
Pros
Price also training videos help out a great deal.
Cons
Really didn?t use it enough to find any Cons.
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"Works as it says"
Version: SketchUp 7.1.6859
Pros
You could make some really great drawing with this.
Cons
Make sure you watch the videos, or else you will be lost
Summary
If you need to draw 3D and you want cheap. This is definitely the one to go with.
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"A simple intuitive CAD system mastered in a few hours"
Version: SketchUp 7.1.6859
Pros
Ease of use and flexibility. The video instructions are well-done and easy to understand
Cons
Drawing non-planar sufaces can be exasperating at times but, practice makes perfect and many techniques can be learned from other users on the WEB.
Summary
I use this software in preparing detailed home-renovation plans and in designing furniture. I abandoned my 2-dimensional drafting table about five years when I discovered the virtues of SketchUp (pre-Google).... the precision is astounding. Furthermore unlike many CAD systems, it is user-friendly and you don't need to memorize 500 pages of complex instructions which are easily forgetten unless you use it on a daily basis.
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"A product that engages creativity and productivity"
Version: SketchUp 7.1.6859
Pros
Love the video instructions. They've been very helpful for the 14-year-old.
Cons
I haven't explored everything, but I would like some way to export the end product in some format that could be read in other ways.
Summary
Excellent way to introduce concepts of CAD and creativity and design and engineering and architecture to young teens. I think it's use in the classroom is fabulous.
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"Nice app - amazing it is free."
Version: SketchUp 7.1.5803
Pros
Has an easy to use interface.
Cons
Nothing that I can think of.
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"Not at all intuitive."
Version: SketchUp 7.0.10248
Pros
The program was free.
Cons
You get what you pay for.
Summary
I haven"t used it after one frustrating hour. I felt as though I should charge THEM.
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"i had trilogy of sketchup567, amaze! absolutely cool!"
Version: SketchUp 7.0.10248
Pros
quick modeling. great for product designer!
Cons
no render-tools contained, we must download the render-plugins unfree.
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"Nice toy, but... a toy."
Version: SketchUp 6.4.245
Pros
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Cons
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Summary
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