- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (8-hour trial); $475.00 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: July 14, 2004
- Total Downloads: 932,071
- Downloads last week: 4,903
- See full specifications
A newer version of SketchUp is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 262 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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 :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 being used by professionals and consumers alike. SketchUp is for anyone who wants to "Dream, Design or Communicate" in 3D! How is it different? SketchUp 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 simply 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 will automatically determine the nature of the lines and fill shapes to create 3D geometry. Go ahead - download it now and kick the tires. We think you'll understand why we say that SketchUp puts the "fun" back into design!
More popular 3D Modeling Software downloads
- 10,962 downloads 1. DAZ Studio
- 7,703 downloads 2. AutoCAD
- 5,437 downloads 3. Google SketchUp
- 2,608 downloads 4. Sweet Home 3D
- 2,368 downloads 5. Bryce
- See all 3D Modeling Software downloads
User reviews of SketchUp 4.0
- Average user rating: 3.7 stars out of 262 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 7 user reviewsSee all 7 user reviews
-
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Version: SketchUp 4.0
Pros: I was really impressed with how easy this program is to use. CAD and other 3D programs are notoriously difficult to jump into, but SketchUp let's you start up right away. The drag and drop components (including the bonus packs) made it very easy to quickly put together a drawing.
Cons: This is a minor nit, but I'd like to see a better set of icons for the tools.
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: SketchUp 4.0
"Superb. Insanely easy to start & use. Powerful, productive, and a lot of fun"
Pros: Ease of use. Interface very well planned and executed. Fast and versatile. Very highly recommended!! Worth the money.
Cons: No anti-aliasing and mid-point snapping cannot be turned off. A little pricey for casual use. Any other use, easily justified.
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: SketchUp 4.0
"Best software for engineering/architectural students"
Pros: Without a doubt in my mind, SketchUp 4.0 is the best software I have ever used. Easy to use and much better than AutoCAD.
I recommend it to all students who are studying engineering or architecture.
Cons: Price.
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: SketchUp 4.0
"Easy as Paint, powerfull as Photoshop!"
Pros: It have less than 50% of the commands that AutoCad or 3d Studio have, but still is a very powerfull program.
Cons: The price, but what the hell it worth that.
-
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: SketchUp 4.0
Summary: What an excellent program. It has practical features that Autcad doesn't. I was looking for such type of program, but finally made it. Congratulations to the makers of it. The bad is that it just has 8 hours of a trial period. C'mon, please at l... read more >>
- See all 7 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
