Trimble SketchUp
Version | 2020(as of 3/16/2020) |
Platforms | Windows, Mac |
License | Freeware |
Category | Graphics |
Main Features
- Create 3D models with an easy-to-use interface
- Push and pull surfaces to turn 2D images into 3D forms
- Turn models into drawings and export them as PDF, CAD, and image files
- Import many formats like DXF, DWG, 3DS, and KMZ
Software Overview
Trimble SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that is used in architecture, interior design, film, video game design, and mechanical engineering. There is a freeware version available called SketchUp Make, as well as a professional version called SketchUp Pro.
SketchUp is designed to have an intuitive user interface that is easy to learn and use. To create a 3D object all you must do is draw a shape and then push or pull the shape into a 3D form. You can also find thousands of pre-designed models in SketchUp's 3D Warehouse that can be imported in your project.
Beyond modeling, SketchUp provides many other features to help with your workflow. You can create detailed tabular reports based off of the metadata stored in your models. You can also run area and volume calculations of individual or groups of surfaces and models.
Trimble SketchUp is a 3D tool that is very useful for a wide range of modeling needs. If you are interested in 3D design or are looking for a new modeling tool, it is definitely worth trying out. It is much more affordable than other 3D programs and the free version allows you to get a feel for how it works before you make a decision to upgrade to pro.
Primary File Type

Supported File Types
Extension | File Type |
---|---|
.SKP | SketchUp Document |
.3DS | 3D Studio Scene |
.AVI | Audio Video Interleave File |
.DAE | Digital Asset Exchange File |
.DWG | AutoCAD Drawing |
.DXF | Drawing Exchange Format File |
.EASM | eDrawings Assembly File |
.FBX | Autodesk FBX Interchange File |
.JPG | JPEG Image |
.KMZ | Google Earth Placemark File |
.MP4 | MPEG-4 Video File |
.OBJ | Wavefront 3D Object File |
Portable Document Format File | |
.PNG | Portable Network Graphic |
.SKM | SketchUp Materials File |
.STYLE | SketchUp Style |
.TIF | Tagged Image File |
.VRML | VRML File |
.WEBM | WebM Video |
.XSI | Softimage XSI 3D Image |
Additional Related File Types
Extension | File Type |
---|---|
.IFC | Industry Foundation Classes File |
.LAYOUT | LayOut Document |
.RB | Ruby Source Code |
.RBW | Ruby Script |
.RBZ | SketchUp Plugin |
.SKB | SketchUp Backup Document |