SketchUp
UnclaimedTransform creative ideas into buildable 3D models with intuitive, professional-grade design software.
Visit WebsiteTL;DR - SketchUp
- Intuitive 3D design software for architects, builders, and designers.
- Comprehensive ecosystem with extensions, 3D model libraries, and collaboration tools.
- Supports various industries and workflows from conceptual design to 2D documentation.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.4/5 across review platforms
What is SketchUp?
SketchUp is an ecosystem of intuitive tools for creating, communicating, and collaborating in 3D with incredible accuracy and compelling visuals. It empowers architects, builders, designers, and urban planners to turn dreams into designs, from quick sketches to complex creations. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making 3D modeling accessible to users of all skill levels.
SketchUp streamlines workflows and manages projects end-to-end, offering solutions for industries like architecture, construction, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. It integrates with a vast ecosystem of connected tools, including the Extension Warehouse for custom workflows, 3D Warehouse for pre-built models, Scan Essentials for point cloud data integration, and Trimble Connect for cloud-based collaboration. The platform supports design research, 2D documentation with LayOut, and provides photoreal materials and environments across web, iPad, and desktop applications.
Available on: Web, iOS
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface makes it easy to get started with 3D modeling.
- Extensive ecosystem of integrations and extensions for enhanced functionality.
- Strong community and learning resources available for users.
- Supports a wide range of industries and professional workflows.
- Cross-platform availability (Web, iPad, Desktop).
Cons
- Advanced visualization and BIM workflows are limited to higher-tier plans.
- Some advanced features like V-Ray and Scan Essentials are exclusive to the Studio plan (Windows-only for Studio modeler).
Ratings Across the Web
4.4(2,367 reviews)
What people say
“In the events and audio visual world, being able to show clients a visual representation of their event setup makes a huge difference, and SketchUp helps us do exactly that.”, via Capterra
“it sucks as a pool design program!”, via SourceForge
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Preview
Key Features
3D modeling on Web, iPad, and Desktop2D documentation with LayOutAccess to 4M+ pre-built 3D models via 3D WarehousePhotoreal Materials and EnvironmentsQuick insights for design research (PreDesign)600+ extensions for tailored workflows (Extension Warehouse)Import point clouds and create 3D models from real-world data (Scan Essentials)Cloud-based model and file sharing for team collaboration (Trimble Connect)
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Aug 1, 2026
Go Annual
$10.75 USD per month/per user / billed annually
- iPad and web-based 3D modelers only
- Access premade furnishings and materials
- Design with Photoreal Materials (iPad only)
- Store projects with unlimited cloud storage
- Mobile viewer for web and iOS
- Share securely, view and comment in real-time
Pro Annual
$33.25 USD per month/per user / billed annually
- Everything in Go
- Desktop 3D modeler
- 2D design documentation with LayOut
- Quick climate insights with PreDesign
- 1000+ extensions for tailored workflows
- Enhanced IFC and DWG compatibility
Studio Annual
$68.25 USD per month/per user / billed annually
- Everything in Pro
- Revit-to-SketchUp importer
- Model on 3D point clouds and document in 2D
- Generate high-quality, photorealistic visuals
- Export rendered animations and 360° panoramas
- Windows-only modeler
Go Monthly
$19.99 USD per user/monthly
- iPad and web-based 3D modelers only
- Access to 3D Warehouse
- Photoreal Materials and Environments
- Content Library and manager
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Mobile viewer for web and iOS
Pro Monthly
$99.99 USD per user/monthly
- Everything in Go
- Desktop 3D modeler
- 2D design documentation with LayOut
- Quick climate insights with PreDesign
- 1000+ extensions for tailored workflows
- Enhanced IFC and DWG compatibility
Students (US & Canada)
$55 USD per user/billed annually
- Create stunning, accurate 3D models in a powerful, user-friendly design interface.
Educators (US & Canada)
$55 USD per user/billed annually
- Empower the next generation of creators with intuitive, powerful 3D modeling tools in your classroom.
Universities (US & Canada)
Contact us
- Use our core 3D modeling suite, designed for your university.
- SketchUp for Desktop
- SketchUp for Web
- SketchUp for iPad
- Sefaira
- 3D Warehouse
- Extension Warehouse
- Revit Importer
- LayOut
SketchUp for Schools
Free
- Free with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.
- Works on Chromebooks or any internet-connected computer
- In-app lesson plan
- Print in 3D
- Online community support
- Store files on Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive
Reviews
4.4/5
Across 2,367 verified user reviews on g2, capterra, sourceforge
Add your hands-on experience to help the next buyer.
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SketchUp FAQ
How does SketchUp facilitate collaboration on design projects?
SketchUp integrates with Trimble Connect, enabling cloud-based collaboration for teams. This allows users to communicate and work together on 3D models and designs efficiently. The platform is designed to streamline workflows and manage projects end-to-end.
Which teams benefit most from using SketchUp?
SketchUp is ideal for teams in architecture, construction, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. It provides intuitive tools for creating, communicating, and collaborating in 3D, supporting a wide range of professional workflows across these industries.
How does SketchUp compare to Cinema 4D for 3D modeling?
SketchUp is known for its user-friendly interface, making 3D modeling accessible to users of all skill levels, from quick sketches to complex creations. Cinema 4D, while also a powerful 3D tool, typically caters to more advanced animation and rendering needs, whereas SketchUp focuses on intuitive design and buildable models.
What kind of limitations should users be aware of with SketchUp?
Advanced visualization and Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows are limited to higher-tier plans within SketchUp. Additionally, some advanced features, such as V-Ray and Scan Essentials, are exclusive to the Studio plan, with the Studio modeler being Windows-only.
Does SketchUp include a free tier?
Yes, SketchUp is available on a free tier, allowing users to get started with its 3D modeling capabilities. Paid plans are offered for those requiring more extensive usage and advanced features.
How does SketchUp support detailed 2D documentation?
SketchUp supports detailed 2D documentation through its LayOut feature. This allows users to create professional-grade 2D drawings and presentations directly from their 3D models, ensuring accuracy and clarity in project communication.
Can SketchUp integrate point cloud data into designs?
Yes, SketchUp can integrate point cloud data into designs using Scan Essentials. This feature allows users to incorporate real-world scan data directly into their 3D models, enhancing accuracy and context for projects.
Source: sketchup.com