SketchUp

SketchUp for iPad

Combine the ease of hand-drawn sketches with the power of 3D. Users can intuitively sketch in 3D using the Apple Pencil and quickly create 3D shapes and configurable components with smart drawing tools.

Drawing Tools

SketchUp is inspired by the classic pencil. With numerous drawing tools, you can freely sketch shapes in 2D and transform them into 3D with a single motion. This allows you to create stunning designs in no time.

3D Extrusion

Once you’ve drawn a surface, you can elevate or deepen it into the third dimension using the Push/Pull tool or the Follow-Me tool. Simply move the tool over a surface and drag it up or down! No more complex commands—just a straightforward way to create your 3D geometry.

Solid Modeling

Combine two or more volumes into one. Add them together, subtract them, or split them apart. There are various ways to create unique volumes that can’t be made with standard modeling tools!

PhotoMatch

Create a 3D model by tracing over your 2D photo or place your 3D model into a 2D photo. With PhotoMatch, you can easily align the photo to SketchUp’s coordinate system. PhotoMatch then calculates the correct camera position and viewing angle.

Shadow

With a single click, you can display shadows. Depending on the location, orientation, date, and time you specify, SketchUp will instantly and accurately show the sun’s shadow on your 3D model. Drag the sliders to adjust the shadow in real-time.

Sections

Visualize cross-sections in a simple and beautiful way with SketchUp. Simply define where the section will be placed with a simple plane and then drag it over the model to visualize the section.

3D Warehouse

Access millions of ready-made 3D models, 2D elements, and materials from the world’s largest free 3D library. Minimize the time spent finding that one object with the AI-driven image and material search function in 3D Warehouse.

Styles

Present your design in various styles, such as hand-sketch. Additionally, you can add a watermark and fog.

Animation

You can present your SketchUp model in a video. Select all the views you want and turn them into “scenes”. This allows the camera to smoothly transition from view to view. Export it as .mp4, and you can view it on any computer!

Dynamic Components

Attach various information to your components, such as different colors, dimensions, or rotation. With a single click, you can then modify the properties of your component.

BIM

BIM Classifier: Link standard IFC BIM object types to geometry (e.g., walls, floor slabs, roofs, etc.) to improve compatibility with other BIM tools.
IFC Export: Export an IFC (Industrial Foundation Classes) file of your model, including geometry and valuable metadata, for use in other BIM applications.
IFC Import: Ability to import IFC files from other BIM applications.

Reporting

Generate tabular reports about your SketchUp model. Display the number of used components and their colors, so you know what you need to make your design a reality!

Trimble Connect

Collaborate with clients, designers, contractors, and stakeholders on BIM projects. Besides being integrated into many Trimble products, Trimble Connect also works with files from other developers. This allows the structural engineer, installer, and estimator to work on the same project. All information is stored in the cloud and can be viewed, managed, and shared there. You always work with the latest version. This significantly reduces construction errors and ensures a faster project turnaround.

PreDesign

This tool provides designers of buildings and outdoor spaces with all the information they need to incorporate climate influences correctly into their initial concepts.

Geo Modeling

If you have a specific location in mind for your project, you can directly open the Google Maps window in SketchUp, select and load the location. Then, you can model your project on the map (with an accurate 3D terrain).

LayOut

With LayOut, you can place your model in a template and present it in various views. Customize your model by adding text, images, and other graphic elements like arrows and circles. You can create multiple pages to present your model both on screen and on paper!

V-Ray Rendering

With a SketchUp Studio Subscription, you gain access to the V-Ray rendering module. V-Ray is a fast, high-quality, and comprehensive rendering solution for SketchUp. It provides all the lighting and rendering tools you need to create professional, photorealistic images and animations. It helps you make better design decisions and captivate your (potential) clients with lifelike images of your 3D designs.

Please note: You only get V-Ray for SketchUp—no plugins for other CAD applications are included.

3D Scan Data

Quickly transition from complex scan data to a 3D proposal by importing point clouds from land surveys, mobile mapping, photogrammetry, lidar sensors, and drone recordings. Don’t waste time modeling contextual details; instead, model directly on your point cloud using SketchUp’s own Scan Essentials toolbox.

Please note: Scan Essentials is Windows only

Revit Importer

Seamlessly convert Revit models into SketchUp files to enhance collaboration between project phases and different design teams. Revit families and layers are translated into groups, components, and tags, saving you hours of model cleanup.