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 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. The program includes drawing layout functionality, allows surface rendering in variable "styles", supports third-party "plug-in" programs hosted on a site called Extension Warehouse to provide other capabilities e.g. near photo-realistic rendering, and enables placement of its models within Google Earth.









Sketch Up Make plus importers and exporters to common 2D and 3D formats, access to Layout and Style Builder (create custom edge styles for Sketch-Up models). Sketch Up Pro 2016 has native integration with Thimble Connect, treat 3D Warehouse models as references, a rebuilt Generate Report, and now Layout offers web-friendly reference objects as well as new Layouts.

Sketch Up specifically for DIY designers, makers, and woodworkers. It has a feature set designed to meet their needs (e.g. interface with 3D printers, CNC routers, and other shop machines). A major difference between Shop and Pro is that Sketch Up Shop is a web application that you run in a browser while connected to the Internet whereas Sketch Up Pro is a downloadable application that you can use offline.









3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is an open library in which SketchUp users may upload and download 3D models to share. The models can be downloaded right into the program without anything having to be saved onto your computer's storage. File sizes of the models can be up to 50 MB. Anyone can make, modify and re-upload content to and from the 3D warehouse free of charge. All the models in 3D Warehouse are free, so anyone can download files for use in SketchUp or even other software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and ArchiCAD - all of which have apps allowing the retrieval of models from 3D Warehouse. Since 2014 Trimble has launched a new version of 3D Warehouse where companies may have an official page with their own 3D catalog of products. Trimble is currently investing in creating 3D developer partners in order to have more professionally modeled products available in 3D Warehouse. 3D Warehouse is the most popular 3D content site on the web. SketchUp designers may visit 3D Warehouse to discover new products or for inspiration when designing their own.








SketchUp Hardware and Software Requirements

Minimum Specifications

Recommended Specifications

2.1+ GHz Intel processor

2.8+ GHz Intel processor

4GB RAM

8GB+ RAM

700MB of available hard-disk space

At least 1GB of available hard-disk space