SketchUp

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Bring Your Vision to Life

How to Replace SketchUp

Overview

SketchUp is professional-grade 3D design software that enables architects, builders, and designers to effortlessly turn creative ideas into buildable 3D models. It provides an accessible suite of tools to streamline workflows and manage projects end-to-end, from quick sketches to complex creations. The platform is trusted by over a million industry professionals worldwide.

Features

24 features across 14 categories

Advanced Modeling(2)

Dynamic ComponentsPremium

Create intelligent, parametric components with dynamic behavior

Live ComponentsPremium

Real-time, responsive components for dynamic design workflows

Also in: Eclipse

Analysis(2)

PreDesignPremium

Quick insights and climate/energy performance analysis for design research

SefairaPremium

Run energy and daylight performance analysis on designs

Also in: Lexion, Ironclad, Juro

Collaboration(2)

Real-time Collaboration

Share securely, view and comment in real-time on projects

Trimble Connect

Cloud-based file sharing and collaboration platform for teams to access, review, and collaborate on projects from anywhere

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Obsidian

Content Library(1)

3D Warehouse

Access to millions of pre-built 3D models and materials to jump-start designs

Core Modeling(2)

3D ModelingPremium

Desktop 3D modeler for creating professional 3D designs available on Windows and Mac

Web-based 3D Modeler

Simplified web-based 3D modeling accessible from any browser

Also in: Shapr3D

Data Import(1)

Scan EssentialsPremium

Import point clouds and create precise 3D models directly from real-world data

Also in: Streak, Pandle, Shippo

Data Processing(1)

Point Cloud ModelingPremium

Model on 3D point clouds and document in 2D

Documentation(1)

LayOutPremium

2D design documentation tool for creating professional presentations from 3D models

Extensibility(2)

API & Developer ToolsPremium

Build custom tools with SketchUp APIs to automate tasks, connect systems, and extend workflows

Extension Warehouse

Customize workflow with 600+ extensions that automate tasks, boost efficiency, and expand functionality

Geospatial(1)

Geo-location

Geo-locate designs for accurate geographic context

Interoperability(2)

IFC and DWG CompatibilityPremium

Enhanced import and export capabilities for IFC and DWG file formats

Revit ImporterPremium

Import Revit files into SketchUp in seconds, with Revit-to-SketchUp importer for advanced workflows

Mobile(2)

iPad 3D Modeler

Sketch, mark up, and collaborate in 3D on iPad

Mobile Viewer

Mobile viewer application for web and iOS to view and share models

Storage(1)

Cloud Storage

Unlimited cloud storage for projects and files

Visualization(4)

360° PanoramasPremium

Export rendered animations and 360° panorama views

Photoreal Materials and EnvironmentsPremium

High-quality, photorealistic materials and environmental content for rendering

Photorealistic RenderingPremium

Generate high-quality, photorealistic visuals and rendered animations

V-RayPremium

High-quality, photorealistic rendering engine for advanced visualization

Pricing

Free

Free
  • SketchUp for Web
  • Basic 3D modeling
  • PNG and JPG export
  • SKP file support

Go

$19.99/mo or $129.99/year
  • iPad and web-based 3D modelers
  • Access to 3D Warehouse
  • Photoreal Materials and Environments
  • Content Library and manager
  • Unlimited cloud storage
  • Mobile viewer for web and iOS
  • DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, DEM, STL import
  • DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, FBX, XSI, OBJ, VRML export

Pro

Popular
$99.99/mo or $399/year
  • Everything in Go
  • Desktop 3D modeler
  • 2D design documentation with LayOut
  • Quick climate insights with PreDesign
  • 1000+ extensions for tailored workflows
  • Enhanced IFC and DWG compatibility
  • IFC, WRL, TIF, EPS, PDF export
  • DDF, IFC, IFCZIP, BMP, PSD, TIF, TGA import

Studio

$819/year
  • Everything in Pro
  • Revit-to-SketchUp importer
  • Model on 3D point clouds and document in 2D
  • Generate high-quality, photorealistic visuals
  • Export rendered animations and 360° panoramas
  • Windows-only modeler
  • RVT, RWP, LAS/LAZ, TZF, PLY, E57 import

Education - Students (US & Canada)

$55/year
  • Create stunning, accurate 3D models
  • Powerful, user-friendly design interface

Education - Educators (US & Canada)

$55/year
  • Empower students with intuitive 3D modeling tools
  • Classroom-ready features

K-12 Schools

Free
  • SketchUp for Schools
  • Works on Chromebooks or internet-connected computers
  • In-app lesson plans
  • Print in 3D
  • Online community support
  • File storage on Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying SketchUp

Monthly$19.99/mo
Yearly$240/yr
5-Year Total$1.2k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~2 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$240
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$720
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$1.2k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 24 features at very easy complexity.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a SketchUp alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 24 features.

Buy SketchUp

Better Value
Monthly cost$199.9/mo
3-year total$7,196.4
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$12,000
Maintenance$180/mo
3-year total$18,480
Dev time~1 months

Buying SketchUp saves ~$11,283.6 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 24 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

9 known integrations

Extension WarehouseGoogle DriveGoogle Workspace for EducationMicrosoft EducationMicrosoft OneDriveRevitTrimble ConnectTrimble MarketplaceV-Ray