
Orlando Sardaro, a long-time SketchUp enthusiast and director of Design8 bv, answers the frequently asked question: “Which version of SketchUp should I choose?”
In recent years, the number of SketchUp versions has significantly increased. This is great because it gives you more options! However, it sometimes causes decision stress. So, which one should you pick? Let me explain below!
Versions
Here’s a breakdown of the available SketchUp versions in 2023 and their key features:
SketchUp Free
- Non-commercial use only
- Browser-based modeling only
- View models on iOS
- Access to 3D Warehouse
SketchUp Go
- Commercial use allowed
- Browser-based modelling, with support for DXF/DWG file formats and Solid Tools
- iPad support for modelling
- Access to 3D Warehouse
SketchUp Pro
- Commercial use allowed
- Includes the Desktop version of SketchUp
- Comes with LayOut (for presenting your 3D model in 2D, with scaling, dimensions, and custom branding)
- Access to 3D Warehouse
- Access to Extension Warehouse
- Includes PreDesign
SketchUp Studio
- Includes all features of Pro, plus:
- V-Ray for photorealistic rendering
- Trimble Scan Essentials
for processing 3D point clouds into a 3D model
What Will You Do With It?
Now that you know the versions available, let’s address your question. First, a counter-question: What do you want to do (with SketchUp)? What is your desired result?
If you’re using SketchUp for business purposes, SketchUp Free is off the table. It’s only for private or educational use. Ignoring this might seem harmless, but… companies in the Benelux are already receiving settlement letters. More on that in a future blog.
If you only need to create a 3D model occasionally or open and measure a SketchUp file, consider SketchUp Go. It includes nearly all the drawing tools available in the Desktop version but works via the browser at app.sketchup.com. You also get access to 3D Warehouse and, as a bonus, you can create and edit 3D models on an iPad! It works surprisingly well—give it a try!
While browser-based apps might be the future, Desktop versions are currently often more functional and powerful.
Desktop or Browser
If you prefer to install software on your computer, choose Pro, which also offers many other benefits.
For starters, LayOut is included. LayOut is a separate desktop application for creating 2D presentations from your 3D SketchUp model. Your 2D presentation stays linked to your 3D model, so changes in one are reflected in the other. Convenient! You can set a scale for your drawings, add dimensions, and create multiple pages, each with different views of your SketchUp model(s). It makes documenting your designs a breeze.

Additionally, you can enhance SketchUp Pro with various extensions (plugins) available in the Extension Warehouse. This repository contains hundreds of tools for tasks like generating a bill of materials or creating photorealistic renders. Many extensions are free or very affordable
Want More?
If you need additional functionality, consider SketchUp Studio. It includes everything in SketchUp Pro, plus the rendering extension V-Ray and Trimble Scan Essentials. If you only use V-Ray within SketchUp, Studio is more cost-effective than purchasing SketchUp Pro and V-Ray separately.
You can also process 3D scans into models using Trimble Scan Essentials in SketchUp Studio.
Expect Studio’s functionality to expand over time while its price remains competitive.
So, Which One?
In short, at Design8, we always say: That a Pro uses SketchUp Pro.
If you’re considering Studio, make sure you need V-Ray and Scan Essentials. Otherwise, it might not be worth the extra cost.
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles and just want to work in 3D via your browser (or on an iPad), choose Go. It’s also a great option for colleagues who occasionally need to open, view, or measure a 3D model.
Remember, you can always upgrade your subscription from Go to Pro or Studio during the subscription period!
Overzicht
SketchUp Free | SketchUp Go | SketchUp Pro | SketchUp Studio | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial use | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Support | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Web | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
3D Warehouse | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
iPad | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Desktop | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
LayOut | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Extension Warehouse | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
PreDesign | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
V-Ray | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Scan Essentials | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |