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SketchUp Make for Windows

  • Trial version

  • In English
  • V 19.2.222
  • 3.7

    (11845)
  • Security Status

A free and powerful 3D modeling software

SketchUp Make is a 3D modeling application that is an intuitive, easy-to-use interface for creating three-dimensional mockups of buildings and other objects. SketchUp allows you to draw virtual environments with detail or create practical projects such as renovating kitchen designs to be more user-friendly.

SketchUp Make is the free version of Sketchup Pro but is not as robust with features. It doesn't have advanced features for 3D modeling and rendering, which makes construction easier or more accurate. The most recent update was in 2017 as the team stopped developing the free version. If you're looking for an updated free 3D modeling app, also check out Autodesk 123D, Autodesk 3DS MAX, and AutoCad, which are used by professionals.

SketchUp Make’s features 

SketchUp Make's interface is uncluttered and straightforward, allowing you to focus on your design. Easily drag and drop shapes from the toolbar into a workspace. Then, edit the shapes with precision tools, including pencils, line weights, colors, and more. 

However, SketchUp Make is a different tool from most design software. For starters, the navigation and drawing tools are on opposite sides of the toolbar instead of sharing space as they do with alternative packages. 

SketchUp also has a vast array of 3D models from which you can download and customize everything from fences to refrigerators. The online library includes full models of various building types that you can import into SketchUp and customize to make your own design. You will have the ability to create ambitious projects such as mansions or skyscrapers. Additionally, most templates are not just external shells but have interior details too.

The 3DWarehouse is a great resource for finding quality components and fittings, but it can become time-consuming. For example, there are generic items such as home fixtures or fittings that you can easily find. But these generic items will need to be tweaked if the dimensions don’t match what you need.

The right-hand side toolbar contains the app's various panels, including a simple help panel, which is useful when you don't know how to use an object. You have access to the 3DWarehouse browser that allows for finding models within your library. There are also swatches for color themes and textures, view options to zoom in or out on model detail, rendering settings like materials-based lighting colors, and a darkening skybox option (like changing from day to night). 

Uniquely, there are extra helpful tools included in layers, allowing you to view all objects separately. This makes it so that it's easy to access and control visibility without affecting other elements. 

Further resources are found in the ‘instructor feature. It is a helpful resource that comes pre-loaded with lots of information. It's context-sensitive, so if you've selected the Orbit tool, it will show you an animation and text explaining how to modify its functions. You can access the knowledge within this training module in real time without having to stop what you're doing or search for help elsewhere. 

SketchUp Make’s view control 

SketchUp's view controls are excellent. In addition to moving the camera on and around your model, you can also choose from a range of pre-defined views such as front, side, or rearview, overhead, and angled views among others.

You can further animate these views to get an aerial standpoint with different angles during the transition between 2-3 perspectives. With smooth transitions, Sketup Make delivers a drone camera effect when flying over and around structures. 

Exporting your files 

SketchUp Make's free version includes many useful features, but you may need to upgrade to the pro version for the advanced features. For example, while it offers import options for SketchUp files and standard image formats like PNG or JPG, be aware that DWG and DXF export are locked behind an annual subscription fee. Additional features that are not in the free version are other key 3D file types used in many industries, which require more specific design programs such as AutoCAD.

Discontinued service 

In November 2017, this final free desktop edition designed for private, non-commercial projects, was retired. SketchUp thereafter shifted to a free, web-based variant called SketchUp Free for its no-cost offering. While both platforms provide complimentary resources for design and 3D modeling, they differ not only in their access modes—one being desktop-based, the other online—but also in various features.

In terms of main functionality, SketchUp Make came with a more extensive range of drawing and modeling tools suitable for detailed and complex projects. Users could save files locally on their computers. On the other hand, SketchUp Free offers essential tools sufficient for basic to moderately complex design tasks. It lacks some advanced functionalities available in desktop versions. As for file management, files can only be saved online on Trimble’s servers.

Transition and alternative

SketchUp Make's user-friendly design helps users start on 3D modeling projects, from simple renovations to ambitious architectural designs. It's a valuable starting point for beginners or those working on less complex projects, with resources like the 3DWarehouse offering a bounty of customizable models. However, with its retirement in 2017, its successor SketchUp Free has moved toward a cloud-based approach while retaining some of the basic design tools.

SketchUp is an easy-to-use yet powerful tool for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D ideas quickly and easily. The program is designed to combine the elegance and spontaneity of pencil sketching with the speed and flexibility of today's digital media.

Developed for the conceptual stages of design, SketchUp allows for quick and easy 3D form creation, complete with an interface that supports a dynamic, creative exploration of 3D form, material and light. SketchUp combines a compact yet robust tool-set with an intelligent guidance system that streamlines the 3D drawing process.

Some of Sketchup's features:

  • Export models to Google Earth
  • Click on a shape and push or pull it to create your desired 3D geometry
  • Experiment with color and texture directly on your model
  • Real-time shadow casting lets you see exactly where the sun falls as you model
  • Select from thousands of pre-drawn components to save time drawing

PROS

  • Simplifies 3D drawing
  • Context-sensitive instructor
  • User-friendly

CONS

  • Lacking advanced CAD features available elsewhere
  • No longer available for new users

Program available in other languages


SketchUp Make for PC

  • Trial version

  • In English
  • V 19.2.222
  • 3.7

    (11845)
  • Security Status


User reviews about SketchUp Make

  • Kris hanyajust

    by Kris hanyajust

    simple wooden rack , i like this minimalist designsimple wooden rack , i like this minimalist design

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    Be prepared to waste a lot of time.
    For all the hype it is buggy as heck- things that are rendered perfectly fine suddenly 'vanish' when uploade More

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    Pretty good..
    Never heard about it previously, but the software seems to be pretty decent. I recommend.
    Pros: Does everything what's neede More

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    Love it!.
    Great design software. Easy to use and very helpful. It is a real benefit to be able to layout your design before cutting wood.> Pros:
    Ease of use
    Cons:
    More tutorials for woodworking More

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    Its a pretty good way of designing your objects and really helpful..
    Its a pretty good way of designing your objects and really helpful.
    P More

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    Sketch-up is great for projects.
    I use sketch-up for a lot of projects, and It's GREAT! I get As on my projects when using Sketch-up and I love More


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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.