What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling application that is used in a variety of design-related fields including architecture, mechanical engineering, and video game design. Users can create and manipulate 3D models with this application, and can also create and download models for 3D printing. Most people find SketchUp relatively easy to learn and use. In this overview, you’ll learn more about what SketchUp is, what it can do, who uses it, and how to learn it, so you can determine how to add this skill to your professional toolbox.

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.

How Do You Get SketchUp?

SketchUp is owned by Trimble Inc. There is a free basic version of the application, with no credit card required. For other versions, Trimble offers a free seven-day trial. After that, the application is available by yearly subscription. SketchUp Go is $119 per year. SketchUp Pro is $349 per year. The Windows Only version is $749 per year. SketchUp also offers plans for students and educators, at $55 per year. Payment can be made by Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover, or PayPal.

There are minimum hardware requirements for running this application including 4GB of RAM, 1.5GB of available hard disk space, and a modern GPU with at least 512MB of memory. For Windows, at minimum, a 1 GHz processor is required, and for Mac, a 2.1+ GHz Intel™ processor. An internet connection is needed to install and authorize a subscription, and to use some features of the application.

What Are the Benefits of Learning 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.

SketchUp Careers

SketchUp is used in a number of different design industries. It is a popular tool for Architects and Interior Designers. They use it to create detailed models of their designs, and also to analyze their designs to look for potential flaws. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal agency that collects and analyzes labor market statistics, between 2022 and 2023, Architects will see 5 percent job growth, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency says, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures.” BLS notes that a significant percentage of architects–about 13 percent–are self-employed. BLS predicts 4 percent job growth in interior design over the next ten years. It notes, “As the demand for renovation projects increases, homeowners and companies are expected to need services provided by interior designers to help create safe and functional spaces. A greater focus on building codes, as well as the need to design spaces that meet accessibility standards, may also help to create jobs for these workers.” 

Civil and Mechanical Engineers often utilize this application too. It allows them to create a simulated version of their design and see whether or not it has any major flaws. This way, they can avoid problems before they actually create the product. BLS predicts that mechanical engineering jobs will increase by 10 percent over the next decade. It explains, “As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment.” Civil engineering jobs are expected to increase by 5 percent. According to BLS, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.”

SketchUp is also used in many other industries that involve design. Video Game Designers use it to create scenes and graphics that help them bring a story to life. Product Designers also use it to create detailed models of their designs and to test them for functionality. Other fields using SketchUp include industrial design, woodworking, metalworking, and steel fabrication.

How to Learn SketchUp

One of the best ways to learn SketchUp is to enroll in a live SketchUp class. There are many advantages associated with a live class. Most live classes are led by experienced instructors who also have professional industry experience. They can answer your questions and provide feedback in real time. They can also share insights about industry trends, best practices, and challenges that you are likely to encounter. Another benefit of taking a live class is that you’ll be learning along with a group of peers, which can help you learn more quickly and more effectively. Peer interactions can also lead to valuable networking opportunities. Live classes often come in two formats; in-person and live online.

Another learning option is an on-demand SketchUp class through a website like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning. On-demand courses are made up of a series of pre-recorded lessons and exercises, and students work through this material at their own pace, without the guidance of a live instructor. There is a lot of flexibility in this format since you don’t have to follow along with a group. You can set your own learning schedule, stopping and starting whenever you want to, and you can pause or rewind sections of the course that you need more time with, or fast-forward through material that you have already mastered. However, with a self-paced, on-demand class, you won’t have access to real-time guidance and feedback from an instructor. Self-paced classes also tend to require a higher level of motivation.

Finally, free online resources are also a good way to learn some SketchUp skills. For instance, 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. Some schools also provide free learning resources. For instance, Noble Desktop has 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 Noble seminar, and gives you an overview of many different types of design and the tools used in each field.

A Brief History of SketchUp

SketchUp was developed in 1999 by a company called @Last Software. As explained on the SketchUp blog in December 2020, the application was created by architectural engineer Brad Schell and software developer, Joe Esch, who wanted to create a 3D modeling program that was accessible to everyone, unlike existing software, which most people found difficult to use. According to the blog, “With seed money from friends, the two started building out a prototype and in just six weeks they had a functional program - built from scratch!” One example of the way SketchUp makes 3D modeling more accessible is its “push and pull” tool, where users can push or pull any type of face into a 3D shape. SketchUp says that Schell and Esch were successful in their goal of making a program that everyone could use. It says, “The software democratized design, making it possible for anyone to create and communicate a 3D idea.” The application was formally launched in 2000. 

Over time, new features have been added to SketchUp. It has also changed ownership a number of times. In 2006, after SketchUp created a plugin that allowed users to integrate the application with Google Earth, Google acquired SketchUp. In 2012, it was acquired by Trimble Inc. Trimble has added a number of new features including SketchUp Shop and SketchUp for Web. Its most recent version includes a new graphics engine, with increased responsiveness.

Comparable Applications

There are a number of other applications that compare to SketchUp. AutoCAD is another 3D modeling application that can be compared to SketchUp. Both are popular among Engineers and Architects. Most people say that Sketchup is easier to learn than AutoCAD. They explain that SketchUp is relatively intuitive, while AutoCAD requires some prior knowledge of 3D modeling. However, while AutoCAD is more difficult to learn for most people, users also say that it offers more features and can create more detailed models. SketchUp does have a large library of shared designs for users to access, however. Both applications come in a free version and also offer more comprehensive versions for purchase.

SketchUp is also used by Video Game Developers, and for this purpose, it can be compared to Blender, another 3D modeling application that is used by the game design industry. Once again, SketchUp is described as a more beginner-friendly application, with a relatively intuitive interface and an easier learning curve. In contrast, Blender has a more complex interface and most people find it more difficult to learn. However, that complexity also means that Blender has more advanced features and offers more opportunities for customization. In addition, Blender is a free application, while only SketchUp’s basic version is free.

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.