Top Rated SketchUp Alternatives
I was impressed with how familiar sketchup still feels to me. I used it in 2008-2011, then again in 2017-2019. Now in a new company and position, the need has come up to use it again, so the company I currently work for decided to invest in it. It still feels the same, yet the advancements are there. I had forgotten how easy it was to implement once again. Now I've also downloaded the ipad version, and it's not a dissappointment. It uses all the advantages the ipad provides by adding touch and apple pencil compatibility, and I can integrate everything I'm doing on the ipad back to my desktop. I'm still learning by watching the official sketchup youtube channel. The channel is extremely helpful. I needed a good refresher, and this definitely does the trick. Their videos are quick and consice. They don't get too elaborate by only focusing on one command/button per video. After all this time, I finally get to use Pro, which I'm happy for. Now I can extend my learning to include everything Layout can provide. Customer support has been on top of it by emailing me every day and reminding me that they're there if I need help. My frequency of use has been slow, because of the holidays, but now that I'm up and running again, I can say that it's been real awesome to use it every day. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I dislike that the desktop sketchup doesnt have some of the advancements the ipad version has, like the scalable smart objects. Unless I don't know where to go in the menu. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Video Reviews
Simplicity and Easy to use
Beginner friendly!
1,302 out of 1,303 Total Reviews for SketchUp
Overall Review Sentiment for SketchUp
Log in to view review sentiment.
One of the standout aspects of SketchUp is its versatility. Whether I’m designing architectural models, creating interior layouts, or visualizing landscaping projects, SketchUp allows me to bring my ideas to life quickly and accurately. The program’s vast library of pre-made components and textures also speeds up the design process and enhances creativity. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
While SketchUp excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks, especially when it comes to 3D printing. The software isn’t specifically designed for creating models intended for 3D printing, which can lead to issues like non-manifold geometry, overlapping faces, or gaps in the model. These issues often require additional time for troubleshooting and fixing before a model is ready for printing.
Additionally, the precision tools in SketchUp, while sufficient for many design tasks, can sometimes feel limiting when exact measurements and tolerances are critical for 3D printing. This can result in models that don’t print as intended without further refinement in more specialized 3D printing software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sketchup is a pretty intuitive program to learn from the moment you start. I like all of the free plug-ins and the support videos. Layout is a great extension as well, just wish it was a little easier to use for some things. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
One of the big things that I wish was better, was using the groups and components. They do work well, but I wish there was a way to add parts and pieces to an existing component (like a block in AutoCAD). This would be extremely helpful when you realize that you need to add/change something and the only way is to create a new component and then have to start the process over. Unless there is a plug-in for doing that, that I haven't ran across yet? Another thing I wish it was able to do was open another window (similar to AutoCAD), instead of having to open another session of SU when you are using components, etc., from other models and being able to do a copy/paste. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sketchup is extremely useful for my company's work in acoustic analysis; we use it primarily for building models for CATT, which is a program for simulating the acoustic environments of spaces we design, such as concert halls and theaters. The extensions make it easy to import preexisting 3d models from programs like Revit or Rhino so that we can simplify them in SketchUp, then export them for analysis in CATT. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Coming from programs like AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks, it can be difficult to get used to the interface and controls. My coworkers and I (who primarily work in Revit) also have a hard time extracting information from SketchUp models. Because of this, it's mainly used as a transitionary tool between another 3d modelling software and CATT. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I absolutely love the components. The fact we can can draw all of our different casework options we offer in house and can just drag and drop is one of the biggest time savers! Also with the ability to share components - we can keep them on our work shared drive and any employee can access. This has created a nice sense of consistency with our drawings! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
It can be a little tricky to navigate sometimes because of all the features - BUT the amount of resources that are available at any given time REALLY saves me. I've been using the software for many years and still continue to learn things, so don't be discouraged if you don't pick it up in one day! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
As Head Architect, I consider SketchUp an essential part of my design toolkit. A brilliant digital hub where creativity and functionality converge. Where its versatile modeling features, which are perfect for both rapid concept sketches and intricate models, rock! It's got 3D modeling capabilities that enable me to visualize projects from multiple perspectives. Additionally, its got a 3D Warehouse that acts as a valuable resource, providing a wide array of models that save me from starting from scratch. Furthermore, SketchUp is designed for collaboration, allowing for seamless and real-time sharing with team members, which enhances our ability to brainstorm and refine designs together. It's truly a remarkable tool! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Well, while great for initial designs, its more complex engineering features usually require additional plugins or software. Extras definitely. Function-wise, I feel it's rendering capable could improve. Nothing more. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I like that nearly everything I can imagine is possible to model via sketchup . . . lots of people who aren't as skilled in the tool think it's not very powerful, but I can attest that it is an amazing tool for design. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I don't like that plug-ins aren't automatically brought along for each iteration of the program. As well, I think the subscription platform is terrible !!!!!! I also don't like that sketch up doesn't utilize the available resources do their best. I don't want more from my subscription, what I want as I want it to do its job better. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
It is extremely intuitive and versatile. I am able to train employees on how to use it in a couple days, and then they are able to quickly create models. Modifications to existing models is also extremely easy and versatile. The issue with other 3D software, in my opinion, is that it is often very buggy to modify an existing model. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The new subscription system is cumbersome and I've noticed a lack of innovation since it was rolled out. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Very easy to navigate and you can build anything with simple lines and make it real with textures and materials. Supports rendering softwares such as Enscape and V-ray which alongside its vast library of objects, make it perfect for interior design. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
You need to dedicate a lot of time to make things photorealistic, object library is user collaborating and objects often do not look realistic. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sketch up is the most intuitive program out there for modeling or for architecture or even woodworking. The tools make sense & having 3dWarehouse available to find a model instead of creating everything from scratch are the things I like best about SketchUp! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Having to get 3rd party for some things that you think SketchUp should already have is a little annoying. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Adaptability, open source libraries, visual appearance, and ease of command structure.
It's my go to tool for developing geometry and incorporating all the AEC industry elements into a single light model that has the ability to set up scenes, render internally and export CAD data for drafting. With the use of on the fly groups and component families, the user can create their own adaptive heirarchy that matches their mindset. With the use of Layout, you can create useful presentation drawing sets, but not for fully detailed drawing sets. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
It's not for drafting and is not a true parametric or BIM tool. You can make it work, but expect there to be some effort on the user's part. There is a way to add parametric elements but that is on the developer's side. Also, make sure you don't need true circles, but if you just need representation and diameters to be true, then it's all good. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
