SketchUp Cost

SketchUp has a free basic version. There are also a number of other versions--with more features--which are available by subscription, with a few different plan options ranging from just over a hundred dollars to hundreds of dollars per year. If you’re not sure whether this application is right for you, or if you want to get an idea of what the different versions are like, a free seven-day trial is available. 

What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling application. It can be used to create and manipulate 3D and 2D models for use in a wide variety of design fields including interior design, architecture, video game design, mechanical engineering, and landscaping. It can also be used to create and download models for 3D printers. This application is owned by Trimble Inc. It has a free version and a pro version and is used by both hobbyists and professionals.

Most users say that SketchUp is relatively easy to learn and use. One unique feature of the application is that you can push and pull shapes into 3D models. You can also add textures, colors, and styles to your models to make them look more realistic and appealing. SketchUp has a large library of pre-built models and objects that users can download, and it supports many plug-ins. In addition, it has a large community of users who share models and tips online.

What Can You Do with SketchUp?

SketchUp is a modeling program that can be used to visualize a variety of different types of designs. You start with basic shapes and use the many tools included in this application to create 3D models of buildings, landscapes, furniture, and other objects. You can add details to these models, such as lighting, shadows, and textures, to make them look realistic. SketchUp also provides access to many pre-built models that can speed up your work process, and a variety of extensions that you can use to customize your designs.

As a designer, you can use SketchUp to get a better understanding of what your design will look like. Visualizing your design is also a great way to test its function and look for potential flaws. If you want to make changes to your designs, doing so in SketchUp is relatively easy too. Another benefit of using SketchUp is that you can share your designs with clients and team members. This is important because design is typically a collaborative activity. By creating models, you can help everyone involved gain a clear understanding of the design. You can also collaborate with team members in other locations.

In-Depth Review of the Cost

There are a number of different versions of SketchUp, each associated with its own pricing. SketchUp Free is a free version of the application, which is designed for personal use. This version includes SketchUp for Web, which is a streamlined version that runs in your browser. You also get access to Trimble Connect--which is Trimble’s cloud storage system--with 10GB of free storage. In addition, you get 3D Warehouse, which is a searchable collection of free models. Finally, SketchUp Free comes with SketchUp Viewer, which allows you to view and print your models.

There are also a number of different pay versions of SketchUp, which include more features. Each is available for a free seven-day trial, and after that, a yearly subscription is required. SketchUp Go is $119 per year, SketchUp Pro is $349 per year, and the Windows Only version is $749 per year. SketchUp also offers plans for students and educators, at $55 per year.

Why Learn SketchUp?

If you work in any type of design field where you need to utilize 3D models, SketchUp can be a valuable tool. Building models is an important part of many types of design, including in the fields of architecture, landscaping, and interior design. There are a number of reasons why designers create 3D models. A model allows the designer to share designs with stakeholders. All involved parties can understand exactly what the design will look like, and can suggest changes if needed. A model can also help the designer see what the product will look like in the real world, and more easily spot and fix any problems. With a model, any needed changes can be made early in the design process, and are thus likely to be far less costly.

Because SketchUp is so user-friendly, designers find that creating, viewing, and changing 3D models is relatively easy. Overall, most report that this application is versatile, accurate, and easy to use. Its many tools help speed up the work process. In addition, it allows users to collaborate with a team.

Free Introductory SketchUp Course Online 

If you’re new to Sketchup, free introductory online resources are a great way to learn some basic skills. Noble Desktop has many free seminars, tutorials, guides, and blog posts on a wide variety of different design-related topics. Get Started in Design: Graphic, Web, UX/UI & Motion is a popular free seminar, and gives you an overview of many different types of design and the tools used in each of these fields. In this course, you can get a better idea of what designers do, and the types of apps that they use. Graphic Design Fundamentals is another free Noble Desktop seminar. It covers what Graphic Designers do, and how to get started in this field. You can learn about what types of classes you can take, and how to begin building a portfolio.

There are also a number of other places to find free resources. Some schools offer limited free courses. For instance, LinkedIn Learning has a short course called “Learning SketchUp for Free,” and Udemy has a number of free courses including “The Quick Basics of SketchUp Free!” SketchUp’s website offers free resources for users, including a number of resources on how to set up this application and how to get started using it. Its website also contains a forum called the SketchUp Community, where you can consult with other users. 

Learn SketchUp with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you want to learn SketchUp, you’ll find a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course offered by Noble Desktop. The SketchUp Pro Bootcamp is a multi-day class that is designed to give you hands-on experience using this application and will get you ready to start building 3D models. It covers a wide range of topics including interface navigation, drawing shapes, adding volume, and transforming elements. You’ll also learn to connect and generate forms, generate 3D text, and export models to Google Earth. Noble Desktop is located in New York City, where it offers in-person classes. However, all of its classes also run in a live online format. Students can even access recordings of each class session for up to a month after the session. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department. Its courses come with a certificate of completion, and students also have the option of a free course retake within one year.

Noble also offers a number of live AutoCAD classes. These include AutoCAD Level 1, which is a short class that covers AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools; AutoCAD Level 2, which covers more advanced and technical projects; and AutoCAD Level 3, which is an advanced course that provides students with instruction in annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. Students looking for a more comprehensive class might also consider the AutoCAD Masterclass. This course takes students from beginner to advanced, and students will work on a number of projects that allow them to practice their skills. Noble also has an AutoDesk Certification Program that is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This course includes three AutoCAD classes and six hours of private tutoring. The course fee includes the exam, proctoring, and a free exam retake if needed.