About SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling application used by architects, interior designers, woodworkers, landscape designers and hobbyists. It is known for an approachable drawing approach that lets people create 3D forms quickly without training in advanced CAD.
Typical uses include concept models of buildings and rooms, furniture and cabinetry designs, and preliminary visualizations, often extended with plugins and online model libraries. The vendor site could not be read when this entry was prepared, so confirm the current product editions, web and desktop options, and licensing on the SketchUp website.
SketchUp is proprietary software sold on subscription. It is relevant to design professionals and makers who need fast 3D models for communication and planning rather than detailed engineering documentation.
Key features
- Approachable 3D modeling
- Architectural and interior design models
- Woodworking and furniture design
- Extensions and plugins
- Model libraries
Good fit for
- →Architects creating concept models
- →Interior designers visualizing rooms
- →Woodworkers planning furniture builds
- Tags
- 3d-modeling
- architecture
- interior-design
- woodworking
- cad
- design
- visualization
SketchUp: questions and answers
- What is SketchUp used for?
- SketchUp is 3D modeling software used for architecture, interior design and woodworking, known for its approachable push-pull modeling. It is a good fit for architects creating concept models, interior designers visualizing rooms and woodworkers planning furniture builds.
- How much does SketchUp cost?
- Paid plans for SketchUp start at $10.75 per seat per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
- Is SketchUp open source?
- No. SketchUp is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to SketchUp include FreeCAD and Blender.
- What are some alternatives to SketchUp?
- SketchUp competes with AutoCAD, Rhino and Autodesk Fusion. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source SketchUp alternatives.
Open-source alternatives to SketchUp
See all
FreeCAD
3D & CAD
Official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler
LGPL-2.1vs SolidWorks★ 34k
Blender
3D & CAD
Official mirror of Blender
OSSvs Autodesk Maya★ 21k
OpenSCAD
3D & CAD
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
OSSvs Autodesk Fusion★ 10k
PrusaSlicer
3D & CAD
G-code generator for 3D printers (RepRap, Makerbot, Ultimaker etc.)
AGPL-3.0vs Simplify3D★ 9.4k
LibreCAD
3D & CAD
LibreCAD is a cross-platform 2D CAD program. It can read DXF/DWG, and write DXF/DWG/PDF/SV
OSSvs AutoCAD★ 6.4k
KiCad
3D & CAD
This is an active mirror of the KiCad development branch, which is hosted at GitLab (updat
GPL-3.0vs Altium Designer★ 3k
SaaS alternatives to SketchUp
See all
AutoCAD
3D & CAD
2D and 3D CAD drafting software from Autodesk
SaaS
Rhino
3D & CAD
NURBS-based 3D modelling software for design and architecture
SaaS
Autodesk Fusion
3D & CAD
Cloud CAD, CAM and simulation tool for product design
SaaS
Autodesk Revit
3D & CAD
Building information modeling software for architecture, engineering and construction
SaaS
SolidWorks
3D & CAD
3D CAD software for mechanical design, simulation and product data management
SaaS
Chief Architect
3D & CAD
Residential design and drafting software for home builders and architects
SaaS

