SketchUp Make 16.1.1450 32-bit / 17.2.2555 64-bit

Overview

Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool designed for beginners. 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects and even space ships can be created with relative ease using Google SketchUp. If you are a fan of 3D modeling, you should definitely check out this wonderful tool. There is also a Pro version dedicated to professionals. Find out in this quick article about the features of Google SketchUp.

Installation

Basically, any user can install Google SketchUp. The installation process is simple and the installation goes smooth and fast. In terms of bundled programs, you might be interested to know that Google SketchUp doesn’t come with adware or other programs bundled with it. Also, don’t worry that your PC won’t be able to run SketchUp. The tool works on all the versions of the Windows operating system and some fairly average specs are more than enough for it to perform great.

Interface

SketchUp was built for novice users and it certainly shows. The interface is easy to use and intuitive. You will have no problems drawing something up and adding some textures to it. The simplified interface works great and SketchUp is definitely the right choice for someone who is eager to learn 3D modeling. You will have fun working with an interface that’s easy to grasp. And if you ever get stuck, the reference guide should prove very helpful.

Pros

SketchUp is a free and user-friendly package and the basics of CAD technology are integrated into it in a very smart way. Basically, every technical term is translated so that every casual user understands it. As a result, a home user will have no problems modeling a house as well as adding details and textures to its model. Through plug-ins such as 3D Warehouse or Photo Textures, SketchUp is fully integrated into Google Earth and Google Maps. This means that real buildings from Google Earth can be built and imported into a project or tagged into Google Maps.

Moreover, real textures from Google Earth images can also be imported into your project. You can share your 3D models with others or print them as hard copies. A lot of modeling tools such as measure, draw, modify, scale geometry and rotate are present as well as the possibility of casting real-time shadows for any location on earth and a lot more. One of the main strengths of SketchUp is the actual drawing system that manages to be both intelligent and helpful. It is based on start and end points, and it predicts where your lines intersect. 3D models can be exported and presented as 2D images as well.

Cons

The automated drawing feature has its drawbacks though. You may encounter great difficulty when wanting to draw domed figures. Moreover, these are sometimes impossible to manipulate.

Alternatives

Alternatives to SkecthUp include the following tools: Blender, Microsoft Visio, 3ds Max, Sweet Home 3D and many more.

Conclusion

Google SketchUp is a great tool for beginners in the 3D modeling world. It is user friendly, boasts lots of features and the full integration with Google Earth and Google Maps is priceless.