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SketchUp
3D design tools for AEC professionals and interior designers
Last updated: March 2025
Table of Contents
SketchUp - 2025 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives
Starting from
55
Per year
Alternatives with better value for money
SketchUp’s pros and cons based on 1,037 verified reviews
To identify what users like and dislike about SketchUp, our data scientists apply advanced modeling techniques to our proprietary reviews data. We've sorted the resulting list of pros and cons based on the percentage of users who expressed positive sentiment toward the given topic in their reviews.



Effective client visualization
97% of reviewers feel positive about SketchUp's client visualization capabilities. Reviewers indicate that the software allows them to create realistic 3D renderings, helping clients understand the design before it's built. They appreciate the ability to present detailed models quickly, which aids in client communication and project approval.
Versatile 3D modeling
94% of reviewers feel positive about SketchUp's 3D modeling features. Users think the software is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to create detailed models. They value the extensive toolset and the ability to integrate with other software, which enhances their design process and productivity.

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Comprehensive architectural design
94% of reviewers feel positive about SketchUp's architectural design capabilities. Some users report that the software is versatile and suitable for various design fields, including architecture, interior design, and urban planning. They appreciate its ease of use and the ability to create detailed models quickly.
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Flexible design creation
93% of reviewers feel positive about SketchUp's design creation tools. Reviewers appreciate the software's flexibility and the wide range of options it provides for creating custom designs. They find it useful for both simple and complex projects, allowing them to explore creative ideas efficiently.
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Extensive 3D Warehouse
91% of reviewers feel positive about SketchUp's 3D Warehouse. Users appreciate the vast library of pre-made models available, which saves time and effort in the design process. They find it helpful for quickly adding detailed components to their projects, enhancing the overall quality of their designs.

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Frequent software crashes
82% of reviewers feel negative about SketchUp's software stability. Some users report that the software crashes unexpectedly, especially with complex models, leading to lost work and frustration. They also mention issues with bugs and lack of efficient customer support to resolve these problems.
Slow performance with complex models
71% of reviewers feel negative about SketchUp's performance speed. Users think the software can be slow and laggy when handling large-scale projects or complex models. They note that it requires a powerful computer to run smoothly, which can be a limitation for some users.

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Limited design tools
55% of reviewers feel negative about SketchUp's design tools. Some reviewers find the software lacks precision and advanced features for creating detailed designs. They mention difficulties with certain geometries and the need for additional tools to improve the design process.
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Insufficient navigation shortcuts
40% of reviewers feel negative about SketchUp's navigation shortcuts. Users think the software lacks sufficient keyboard shortcuts, making the design process slower and less efficient. They also find the navigation controls less intuitive compared to other design programs.


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SketchUp's key features
GetApp's analysis of 95 verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and July 2024 identified SketchUp's most critical features and how it performs according to users.
Reviewers appreciate SketchUp's data import/export capabilities, noting its support for various file formats like SKP, PNG, JPG, DWG, DXF, and more. They find it easy to import objects and export 3D models to other software such as AutoCAD and Blender. Users report that the capability enhances interoperability and streamlines workflows. However, some mention limitations in the free version and occasional issues with complex objects. They also highlight the live sync link with rendering software like D5, 3D Max, and Blender. Of the 48 SketchUp users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Data Import/Export, 96% rated this feature as important or highly important.
Reviewers highlight SketchUp's component library as a valuable aspect, emphasizing the extensive 3D Warehouse with downloadable models. They appreciate the ability to customize and reuse components, which saves time and enhances efficiency. Users find the library easy to access and note the variety of objects available, including those contributed by the community. They also mention the integration with external resources and the positive impact on workflow. Some suggest the library could expand further to include more models and specifications. Of the 43 SketchUp users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Component Library, 91% rated this feature as important or highly important.

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Reviewers indicate that SketchUp's 2D drawing capabilities are helpful for creating layouts and clarifying design details. They appreciate the integration with SketchUp Layout, which automates professional 2D drawings. Users find the tools intuitive and useful for annotating, detailing, and scaling. While some prefer other software like AutoCAD for precision, they acknowledge SketchUp's functionality for basic outlines and schematic designs. They also mention the ease of importing 2D shapes and the importance of 2D drawing as a foundation for 3D models. Of the 26 SketchUp users who gave detailed accounts of their use of 2D Drawing, 88% rated this feature as important or highly important.


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Users report that SketchUp is effective for landscape design, allowing for detailed and realistic representations of outdoor spaces. They highlight the ability to apply various materials and textures, such as grass, soil, and water. Reviewers find the software intuitive for creating curving shapes and sophisticated garden designs. They appreciate the integration with third-party platforms for rendering and the extensive library of real-life objects. Some users note that heavy objects can slow down the design process, but overall, they find SketchUp valuable for landscape projects. Of the 36 SketchUp users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Landscape Design, 83% rated this feature as important or highly important.


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Reviewers appreciate SketchUp's third-party integrations, noting the enhancement of capabilities and streamlined workflows. They highlight the compatibility with rendering software like Lumion and the availability of numerous plugins through the Extension Warehouse. Users find these integrations helpful for specific needs, such as parametric design and BIM projects. They mention the ease of transferring models between different platforms and the positive impact on productivity. Some users feel overwhelmed by the variety of extensions, but overall, they value the flexibility provided by third-party integrations. Of the 34 SketchUp users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Third-Party Integrations, 79% rated this feature as important or highly important.

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Reviewers find SketchUp's drafting capabilities useful for creating quick renderings and visual content. They appreciate the ease of drafting in both 2D and 3D, noting the simple process and intuitive tools. Users highlight the ability to import CAD linework and the integration with other software like AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator. They mention the importance of drafting for planning dimensions and communicating ideas. Some users prefer other software for detailed drafting, but they acknowledge SketchUp's effectiveness for conceptual designs and quick changes. Of the 38 SketchUp users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Drafting, 79% rated this feature as important or highly important.
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All SketchUp features
Features rating:
SketchUp awards
SketchUp alternatives
SketchUp pricing
Starting from
55
Per year
Flat Rate
User opinions about SketchUp price and value
Value for money rating:
Of 149 reviews that provide robust commentary on SketchUp's price and value, 72% mention it in a positive light.
Most users consider SketchUp to offer good value for money, highlighting its affordability compared to other CAD software. They appreciate the availability of a free version, which is useful for students, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Reviewers indicate that the free version, despite being basic, allows for significant functionality and can be a great starting point before upgrading to the Pro version. They find the tiered pricing system beneficial, as it provides options that cater to different needs and budgets. Users also value the inclusion of extensive libraries and plugins, which enhance the software's capabilities without incurring additional costs.
However, some users feel that the recent shift to a web-based free version has reduced its usability and accessibility. They report that the subscription plans can be expensive, especially for beginners or those on a limited budget. Some reviewers mention that the cost of additional plugins and features can add up, making the overall expense higher than anticipated. Additionally, the limited trial period and the removal of certain features from the free version have been points of contention for some users.
Check .
To see what individual users think of SketchUp's cost and value, check out the review excerpts below.
SketchUp integrations (35)
Integrations rated by users
We looked through 1,037 user reviews, to identify which products are mentioned as SketchUp integrations, and what is the users perception.
“AutoCAD is often used for precise drafting, technical drawings, and complex geometries, while SketchUp is known for its intuitive 3D modeling capabilities. Integrating the two software allows for a seamless transition of designs between the two platforms, improving overall workflow efficiency.”
“Most architectural firms and older architects have to save a new file and copy/paste it in AutoCAD to have the professional 2D drawings we need.”
“I imported 2D floor plans from AutoCAD to Sketchup and then I create 3D models from those 2D plans.”

Prince Bansah
Facilities Manager
“If we make a chance in SketchUp, we need to remake everything in photoshop, when we use it com refining the rendering process.”
“I exported various camera views of my SketchUp environments to use as a base for illustrations in Photoshop. ”
“Allows me to further tweak my models in a 2d environment for texture and animation.”

Lucas Campana
Co Founder
“Trimble Connect cloud services make SketchUp seamless when working with 3D modelling online and the accessibility of 3D Warehouse is definitely awesome and helps to complete you 3D modelling so fast.”
“FAst and easy way to see components and areas, saves time but make the software run slow.”
RYAN GICO
Documentation Engineer
“Between Blender and D5, I take all my sketchup models into those programs to render.”
“Because I first build the proyects on Sketchup and then I import them to blender ”
Ryan Maglinger
Designer and Project Manager
“As I use Lumion as a rendering software, it is crucial for me to be able to integrate SketchUp Models into Lumion - a crucial feature for me is definitely the live sync option. ”
Sanda Vanaga
Architect
“Some parts of the Archicad model cannot be edited, so I import the 3D Model to SketchUp to edit it. It is also easier to import 3D Models like furniture into SketchUp than Archicad and in Archicad you usually cannot edit them. ”
Sanda Vanaga
Architect
“When the design is finnalized, we can take it to Revit and get the building specs. Also, any change in SketchUp should be automated to BIM software.”

Lucas Campana
Co Founder
“I like to import basic plans from autocad and then raise them in 3d in sketchup and model the projects more efficiently”
Juan Pablo Gallardo Gabella
Architect
“That's where we refine our sheets and presentations. Any change in SketchUp should be automated to Adobe softwares.”

Lucas Campana
Co Founder
“The geographic data that can be derived directly from Google Earth can save you time and effort especially when it comes to layouts.”
Paolo Tan
Engineer
“Being able to generate life like renderings are vital for my clientele. Having seen what I was producing prior to learning and adding 3D assets from SketchUp, I am leaps and bounds a better renderer and would never go back. ”
Jason Miller
Owner
SketchUp support options
Typical customers
Platforms supported
Support options
Training options
SketchUp reviews
Overall rating
4.5
/5
1K
Positive reviews
92
%
- Value for money
- Ease of use
- Features
- Customer support
- Likelihood to recommend8.55/10
614
343
63
7
10
SketchUp FAQs
SketchUp has the following pricing plans:
Starting from: $119.00/year
Pricing model: Free, Subscription
Free Trial: Available
These products have better value for money
Q. Who are the typical users of SketchUp?
SketchUp has the following typical customers:
Freelancers, Large Enterprises, Mid Size Business, Small Business
Q. What languages does SketchUp support?
SketchUp supports the following languages:
English, Swedish
Q. Does SketchUp support mobile devices?
SketchUp supports the following devices:
Android, iPad, iPhone
Q. Does SketchUp offer an API?
Yes, SketchUp has an API available for use.
Q. What other apps does SketchUp integrate with?
SketchUp integrates with the following applications:
Trimble Connect
Q. What level of support does SketchUp offer?
SketchUp offers the following support options:
Knowledge Base, Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support