Google Sketchup

OK, I'm going to make a confession; I have a soft spot for all things Google. That's why the the first bit of free software is going to be a Google product. Also, because of my engineering and drafting background, I've chosen a product that is quite close to home.

Sketchup is a 3D modelling package put out by Google. It's designed for just about anybody who wants to build 3D models - architects, engineers, artists etc.

Here's a model that someone made of the London Eye using Sketchup:

I first tried Sketchup back in 2006 when its developer @Last Software was first acquired by Google. At the time I thought it was a nifty little program for making some nice pictures but little else. I certainly wasn't going to throw away my AutoCAD license to use Sketchup.

I recently downloaded Sketchup Version 7 and was pretty impressed with it.

The first thing that struck me was simplicity of the layout. AutoCAD as well as other 3D Modelling packages can seem a bit daunting when you first start to use them. Sketchup has a simple menu to get you started so newbies aren't scared off. Of course the menus can be expanded to include a whole bunch more features that, as you become more competent, will begin to use.

Sketchup is also dead easy to get started with. I was able to whip up this table with 2 glasses within about 20minutes of first installing the software (I stole the chair from Google 3D Warehouse). Admittedly, I have quite a bit of 2D CAD experience so it may take other people a bit longer, but given the simplicity of Sketchup as well as the multitude of free tutorials on the Sketchup website (and further afield), it's not going to take anybody too long to get the hang of it.

Another bonus of Sketchup is it gives you access to Google 3D Warehouse. A library of tens of thousands of models that Sketchup users have uploaded for anybody to steal, borrow, appropriate. A button on the Sketchup menu system whisks you away to the warehouse where, with a click of the button, the chair/person/anything is downloaded to your sketchup model.

Where I think Sketchup could be improved is its lack of support for 2D drafting. The focus here is definitely on 3D modelling and I think it wouldn't be a great stretch to include better 2D functionality.

Business Application

I certainly think that Sketchup could be used successfully in business. The Sketchup Website has a bunch of case studies where it is already been used effectively in commercial environments. Given that a lot of commercial 3D modelling packages cost well in excess of £2000, it's definitely worth considering Sketchup if you are interested in 3D Modelling.

The great thing about Sketchup is that is makes 3D modelling available to all sized businesses when previously the price has been prohibitive. 3D models look fantastic and increase marketing potential as well as design capabilities.

For businesses that rely on AutoCAD, although it's worthwhile giving Sketchup a shot, it's definitely not a like-for-like swap and won't replace AutoCAD.

There is a Professional version of the software (£341) with some added capabilities, mainly import/export options and email support, that may be worthwhile checking out but it's definitely not required to get the full Sketchup experience.

Product Details
Name: Sketchup

Version: 7.0.10247

Developer: Google

Requirements: Windows XP or Later, Mac OS X

Where can you get it? Sketchup Website

Download Size: Windows - 31.7 MB, Mac - 44.5 MB