SketchUp
Building design and building information modeling (BIM) software
General-purpose CAD software
Sketching software
Urban planning and design software
3D modeling software
Architectural rendering software
CAD software
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Image to 3D model tools
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$10.75 per user per month
Free TrialFree version
Small
Medium
Large
- Real estate and property management
- Construction
- Education and training
What is SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling application used to create and edit conceptual and detailed models for architecture, interiors, construction, and product design. It targets designers, architects, contractors, and makers who need fast model creation, visualization, and documentation workflows. The product emphasizes direct modeling with an accessible interface and supports extensibility through extensions and a large library of reusable 3D content. It is commonly used alongside downstream BIM, coordination, and rendering tools rather than as a full BIM authoring system.
Fast conceptual 3D modeling
SketchUp’s push-pull, inference, and direct-edit tools support rapid massing and iterative design changes. Teams often use it early in the design process to explore options before committing to more structured BIM workflows. The learning curve is generally lower than many full-scale CAD/BIM authoring tools. This makes it practical for mixed-skill teams and stakeholder-facing design reviews.
Large content and extension ecosystem
SketchUp supports a broad ecosystem of extensions that add capabilities such as documentation aids, analysis utilities, and interoperability tools. It also provides access to a large online library of prebuilt models that can accelerate early-stage design and visualization. This ecosystem helps organizations tailor SketchUp to specific domains like interiors, furniture, or site context modeling. The extensibility can reduce the need for custom development for common workflows.
Interoperability for AEC workflows
SketchUp supports common import/export formats and is frequently used as a modeling front-end that feeds other design, coordination, and construction workflows. It can exchange data with BIM and CAD environments through supported formats and available connectors, enabling handoff to documentation or coordination tools. This makes it useful in multi-tool project environments where different disciplines use different authoring systems. It also supports cloud-based sharing and collaboration options within the Trimble ecosystem.
Not a full BIM authoring tool
SketchUp does not provide the same depth of parametric building elements, model-based documentation, and rules-driven data management expected in dedicated BIM authoring platforms. Users often rely on add-ons and external tools for structured BIM deliverables and advanced coordination workflows. As project requirements become more data-centric, maintaining consistency can require additional process controls. This can increase reliance on downstream tools for construction documentation and model governance.
Model management at scale
Large, highly detailed models can become difficult to manage without disciplined component use, layering/tagging practices, and performance tuning. Compared with more structured CAD/BIM systems, enforcing standards across large teams can be harder because modeling is highly flexible. File size, polygon-heavy assets, and inconsistent modeling practices can affect performance and downstream interoperability. Organizations may need templates, training, and review steps to keep models maintainable.
Rendering and analysis depend on add-ons
High-end photorealistic rendering, simulation, and specialized engineering analysis typically require third-party renderers or external applications. Native visualization is sufficient for many design reviews but may not meet requirements for advanced lighting, materials, or physically based workflows without additional tools. This adds licensing, integration, and support considerations. It can also introduce variability in outputs when different teams use different rendering/analysis stacks.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (web) | SketchUp for Web (browser-based modeler), 10 GB Trimble Connect cloud storage, access to 3D Warehouse; not for commercial use. (Web-only) |
| Go | $10.75 per month per user (billed annually; $129/yr) or $19.99 per user/month (monthly) | Web and iPad modelers, Photoreal Materials & Environments, 4M+ pre-built 3D models, unlimited cloud storage, mobile/XR viewers, collaboration and sharing tools. 7-day free trial available. |
| Pro | $33.25 per month per user (billed annually; ~$399/yr) or $99.99 per user/month (monthly) | Everything in Go plus: Desktop 3D modeler (Windows & Mac), LayOut (2D documentation), PreDesign climate insights, enhanced DWG/IFC support, access to extensions/plugins. 7-day free trial available. |
| Studio | $68.25 per month per user (billed annually; ~$819/yr) | Everything in Pro plus: Revit Importer, point cloud modelling (Scan Essentials), integrated photorealistic rendering (Chaos V-Ray), export rendered animations/360° panoramas. Windows-only modeler; annual-only. |
Notes: VAT/taxes excluded; payment options and displayed prices may vary by region. Education plans (students/educators) available at $55/year (US & Canada) per official site.
Seller details
Trimble Inc.
Westminster, Colorado, USA
1978
Public
https://www.trimble.com/
https://x.com/TrimbleCorpNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trimble/
