What is SketchUp – 3d Modelling Software Information

What is SketchUp – 3d Modelling Software Information

What is Sketch Up ? 

SketchUp is one of the most familiar and popular 3D modeling programs out there. With both a free and pro version, it’s an option for both professionals and hobbyists. A handy software package, SketchUp enables users to create 2D and 3D models for use in a variety of fields including mechanical engineering, architecture and even gaming. Of course, that’s just the start—there’s still plenty to know about SketchUp.

SketchUp, formerly Google Sketchup, is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. It is available as a web-based application, SketchUp Free, a freeware version, SketchUp Make,and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro.

SketchUp is owned by Trimble Inc., a mapping, surveying and navigation equipment company.There is an online library of free model assemblies (e.g. windows, doors, automobiles), 3D Warehouse, to which users may contribute models.

sketchup introduction
sketchup introduction

SketchUp  Edition :

Is SketchUp is Totally Free ?

SketchUp comes in multiple editions; all are proprietary software.

Make
Sketchup Make (formerly SketchUp for Home and Personal Use), introduced in May 2013, is a free-of-charge version for home, personal and educational use.It begins with a 30-day trial of SketchUp Pro. After that time, users can agree to the Terms of Service and continue to use SketchUp Make for free. There will be no further releases of Make after November 2017, users are expected to migrate to SketchUp Free, though the installer remains available for download.

Pro
SketchUp Pro includes the functionality of SketchUp Make plus importers and exporters to common 2D and 3D formats, access to LayOut (2D documentation software) and Style Builder (create custom edge styles for SketchUp models). SketchUp Pro 2016 has native integration with Trimble Connect, treat 3D Warehouse models as references, a totally rebuilt Generate Report and now LayOut offers web-friendly reference objects as well as a new LayOut API.

SketchUp Pro licensing is cross-platform and works on both Windows and Mac machines.

Free
In November 2017, SketchUp Free was released as a web-based application which replaces SketchUp Make. Drawings can be saved to cloud, saved locally as native SKP file or exported as a STL file. Compared to Make, SketchUp Free does not support extensions and creation and editing of materials.

With SketchUp Free, users can create a variety of 3D models and save them to the cloud, locally as a native SKP file or export them as STL files. The beauty and biggest pull factor of SketchUp is its incredibly easy interface. Unlike modelers like AutoCAD that come with a steeper learning curve, SketchUp doesn’t need hundreds of buttons and commands to draw. As you’d expect, this Free version doesn’t have as much functionality and wide capabilities at Pro. Considering you don’t have to pay for it, however, this isn’t too disappointing.

Exported File Formats for 3D Printing
.SKP, .DAE (SketchUp Make)
.SKP, .DAE, .3DS, .OBJ, .FBX, .VRML (SketchUp Pro)

Sachin Thorat

Sachin is a B-TECH graduate in Mechanical Engineering from a reputed Engineering college. Currently, he is working in the sheet metal industry as a designer. Additionally, he has interested in Product Design, Animation, and Project design. He also likes to write articles related to the mechanical engineering field and tries to motivate other mechanical engineering students by his innovative project ideas, design, models and videos.

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