Sketchup
3D modeling software for architects, builders, and designers to create buildable models from sketches
| What is it | 3D modeling software for architects, builders, and designers to create buildable models from sketches |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium |
| Free tier | Yes |
| Platform | Web Application |
| API | Yes |
| Works with | Claude AI, Workato |
| Best for | creating architectural 3D models, designing interior spaces |
| Domain registered | 1992 |
Data updated Aug. 1, 2026
What does Sketchup do?
Sketchup is a 3D modeling platform used by architects, builders, and designers to turn rough ideas into detailed, buildable models. You can start with a freehand sketch or import a floor plan, then push, pull, and adjust geometry to create anything from a single room to a whole city block. The software runs on web, iPad, and desktop, so you can work from the office, on site, or at home. Models are saved in the cloud and sync across devices automatically.
What makes Sketchup stand out is its ecosystem. The Extension Warehouse offers over 600 add-ons that automate repetitive tasks, add new modeling tools, or connect to other software. The 3D Warehouse gives you access to millions of pre-built models and materials — furniture, fixtures, textures — so you don't have to model everything from scratch. For documentation, LayOut lets you turn 3D models into 2D plans, sections, and elevations. The Pro subscription includes PreDesign, a tool that provides quick climate and context insights to inform early design decisions. Studio subscribers get advanced visualization features like photorealistic rendering and point cloud import from Scan Essentials.
Sketchup is for professionals in architecture, construction, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. It’s also used by engineers, set designers, and hobbyists. The learning curve is gentle compared to other modeling tools, making it a good choice for teams that need to iterate quickly and communicate design intent without getting bogged down in technical complexity.
Key features
What makes it stand outWho is Sketchup for?
Who benefits most from this toolPricing
Free tier available — start without a credit cardGo
- iPad and web-based 3D modelers only
- Access premade furnishings and materials
- Design with Photoreal Materials (iPad only)
- Store projects with unlimited cloud storage
- Mobile viewer for web and iOS
- Share securely, view and comment in real-time
Pro
Everything in Go, plus:
- Desktop 3D modeler
- 2D design documentation with LayOut
- Quick climate insights with PreDesign
- 1000+ extensions for tailored workflows
- Enhanced IFC and DWG compatibility
Studio
Everything in Pro, plus:
- Revit-to-SketchUp importer
- Model on 3D point clouds and document in 2D
- Generate high-quality, photorealistic visuals
- Export rendered animations and 360° panoramas
- Windows-only modeler
Free
- Import: SKP, PNG, JPG
- Export: SKP, PNG, STL
Trust & presence
Gallery
Click any image to enlargeAlternatives in Design Tool
Biorender
Verified
Design Tool
Create professional science figures, graphs, and slides for publications – no design skills needed.
Similar tools
Sketchflow.ai
Verified
UX Design
AI tool that generates web and app designs, interactive prototypes, and front-end code from a text description or uploaded image.
LookX
Verified
Architectural Design
AI platform for architects and designers — turn sketches and text into realistic architectural renderings and videos.
SUAPP AI
Verified
Architectural Design
AI-powered design suite for architects and designers — generate renderings, 3D models, animations, and get design assistance from text or images.
AI Architectures
Verified
Architectural Design
AI architecture generator — turn sketches or briefs into professional floor plans and photorealistic renders in seconds.
SketchPro AI
Verified
Architectural Design
AI assistant for architects that automates dimensioning, tagging, and sheet creation directly inside Revit.
Sketch2App
Verified
No-Code&Low-Code
Turn hand-drawn sketches into functional code in under a minute — no coding experience required.
SketchEdge
Verified
Style Transfer
AI-powered tool that extracts clean, hand-drawn style line art from your photos and images.
Sketch To
Verified
Style Transfer
AI image to sketch converter — upload photos, choose artistic styles, get instant pencil, charcoal, or ink sketches
Works with Claude AI
View all →
Anthropic
Verified
Models
AI research and product company building safe, capable assistants like Claude
ClickUp
AI Workspace
AI-powered project management hub — manage tasks, documents, and collaboration with built-in AI assistants.
Freshworks
Verified
AI Agent
AI-powered customer messaging platform with live chat, chatbots, and omnichannel support for businesses.
Wrike
Verified
Productivity Tools
AI-powered enterprise work management platform that automates tasks, provides insights, and coordinates teams.
Brevo
Verified
AI Marketing
All-in-one marketing platform with AI — send emails, SMS, automate campaigns, and manage customer relationships in one place.
Gamma
Verified
Design Generator
AI presentation maker and website builder — turn ideas into polished decks, docs, and sites in minutes
Otter.ai
Verified
Meeting Assistant
AI meeting assistant that transcribes conversations, generates summaries, and tracks action items automatically
Qlik
Verified
For Data Analytics
Enterprise data integration and analytics platform — unify data sources, ensure quality, and build AI-powered dashboards.