The Pro 6 release first introduced the beta version of LayOut which changed SketchUp for the better-we’ll look into this further in the products section. New “toolbox” features enabled users to see their models from different perspectives it supported labels and came with a look-around tool. Google, however, released both a free version of SketchUp-available to anyone interested-and a pro version, also at $495, in January 2007. The free version had less functionality than the pro version however, it still included integrated tools for uploading models to Google Earth and 3D Warehouse. Up until this point, were marketing SketchUp with a $495 price tag. Google SketchUp’s Reign and Subsequent Acquisition by Trimble Why? After their successful collaboration, Google acquired SketchUp-for an undisclosed sum-on March 14, 2006. First impressions are everything-Google’s impression of SketchUp was clearly a good one after the success of their plug-in. In this endeavor, they collaborated with Google to develop a plug-in for Google Earth.

Not content to slow down, Software continued its success by aiming to allow users to place their SketchUp models into Google Earth. Software must have been doing something right, because at the A/E/C Systems Fall 2000 exhibit, SketchUp won the award for “Best New Products or Services”. SketchUp was released to the public in August 2000 as a “general purpose” 3D modeling tool-looking to make the design process easier, more intuitive and more fun. The software was originally developed by startup company Software, co-founded by Brad Schell and Joe Esch in 1999. And if you’re a SketchUp user, you may be interested in more of our SketchUp articles such as SketchUp shortcuts.īelieve it or not, SketchUp’s origins go all the way back to 2000.

Scan2CAD’s latest guide aims to get you fully updated on the SketchUp basics to everything you need to know about SketchUp-from its history to its full range of products. Of course, that’s just the start-there’s still plenty to know about SketchUp. A handy software package, SketchUp enables users to create 2D and 3D models for use in a variety of fields including mechanical engineering, architecture and even gaming. With both a free and pro version, it’s an option for both professionals and hobbyists.

SketchUp is one of the most familiar and popular 3D modeling programs out there.

Sketchup professional