

Using SketchUp it can be a bit tricky sometimes to output a printable file, so you may want to download our Fix Your Files for 3D Printing eBook too. If you want to start modeling with SketchUp now or you just want to learn all the tricks to use SketchUp for 3D printing you can check our SketchUp tutorial. As its name implies, this version also offers a series of advanced tools oriented for the professional user, including construction drawings, creation of animated videos and solid modeling tools (boolean operations like intersection, subtraction, etc) among others.Īt Sculpteo you can 3D print your SketchUp designs directly by saving them as a SketchUp version 8 file or exporting them as a Collada DAE file.


SketchUp’s native file format is SKP although it is possible to handle, import and export multiple 2D and 3D file formats in the Pro version. It also supports extensions that allow faster modelling or additional features for specific application fields with almost 400 available at the SketchUp Extension Warehouse including advanced texture editors, design optimizers for 3D printing, the possibility to export STL files or even directly upload your design to Sculpteo. It offers a graphic interactive interface with most of it tools always visible by default on the several toolbars and menus. If you’re new to 3D modeling or don’t have much experience with SketchUp, SketchUp Free is a good option to start with.Meant to be an accessible 3D modelling software for a wide range of applications such as mechanical engineering, architecture, interior design and many more, SketchUp has been a popular option for newcomers to 3D modeling. SketchUp Pro provides advanced features that require a certain level of expertise to use. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need advanced features, SketchUp Free is the obvious choice. SketchUp Pro requires a license that costs $299 per year, while SketchUp Free is completely free. It’s free, easy to use, and provides basic 3D modeling tools that allow you to create simple models. If you’re a hobbyist or a student who’s just getting started with 3D modeling, SketchUp Free is a great option. Its not free, so if youre looking for a free alternative, you could try. SketchUp Pro is also licensed for commercial use, so you can use it to create models for your clients or your business. SketchUp is not available for iPad but there are plenty of alternatives with. It provides LayOut for creating 2D drawings and presentations, Style Builder for creating custom styles, and Animation tools for creating animated models. If you’re a professional architect, designer, or engineer, and you need advanced features and tools for your work, SketchUp Pro is the right choice for you. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which version to choose:

The choice between SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro depends on your needs, budget, and level of expertise.
