SketchUp Alternatives

What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software application which can be used to sketch a model or import one which can be used for all projects which can include game development, furniture building, 3D printing, interior design, and many more. The platform has a Push and Pull tool which helps the designers to convert a flat surface into a 3D model. You just have to click an object and pull it till the time it reaches your desired shape.

Price Plans of SketchUp

There are four price plans and the table below reveals the details:

Plan	Cost
Free	$0
Go	$119 per year
Pro	$349 per year
Studio	$749 per year

Why SketchUp alternatives?

There are many disadvantages of SketchUp and some of them are listed below:

• It has limited features in comparison to other 3D modeling software

• Beginners need to learn the software before using it

• Rendering capabilities of the software are also limited

• Higher processing power is needed if new elements are added to a design

• It may cause compatibility issues.

How to choose a SketchUp Alternative?

SketchUp alternatives seekers should consider the following benefits of SketchUp in a selected alternative:

• The tool is time−saving

• It can be accessed easily

• All editing tools can be used in different projects

• Download 3D models from the available inventory

• The inventory has more than 100,000 3D models

Top 10 SketchUp Alternatives

If you are looking got SketchUp alternatives, some of them are described here.

Alternative 1− Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a cloud−based CAD program and is a super great alternative to SketchUp. It has a timeline feature which you can use to check all the edits that have been previously done to a sketch. This will help you to make necessary changes easily. Beginners will take a little time to learn the usage of its interface. Fusion 360 consists of many features like 3D rendering, CAM tools, and animation in the free version.

Alternative 2 − Cedreo

Cedreo is considered as one of the best alternatives to SketchUp. It is software that can be used for home design and remodeling projects. Cedreo was launched in 2005 and can be used as a solution for architectural designs. Cedreo is a cloud−based application so you need not worry about storing your data. The tool can work on both 2D and 3D.

Alternative 3 − Blender

Blender is an open−source tool and is a great alternative to SketchUp. The tool can be used to perform all kinds of 3D tasks. Some of them are rigging, modeling, rendering, VFX, and many more. Blender is a general software to make or edit 3D images. You can use the tool to create organic shapes and edit polygons through the editing tool. Blender can handle a large number of polygons in comparison to SketchUp.

Alternative 4 − Tinkercad

Tinkercad is the next alternative to SketchUp. It is a product from Autodesk and can be used to teach children. It has the ability to make 3D real−life objects which can be printed easily. Some of these objects are rainbow, dragon, cupcake, and many more. Tinkercad uses simple language and illustrations which help users to work easily on this platform.

Alternative 5 − Inventor

Inventor is also a program developed by CAD. The software has been developed for professionals It has been launched 20 years back and now it is one of the market leaders and comes with educational and LT versions. The program comes with a lot of features and is able to handle multiple projects. It has post modeling and rendering tools and you can also create 2D and 3D mechanical designs. Some training is needed before using the software.

Alternative 6 − Shapr3D

Shapr3D is the next alternative to SketchUp on our list. The tool has been developed for architects who have to make designs for houses, offices, and buildings. The software can be used easily on iPad and iPhone. Users of the Windows operating system can also use the software with ease. Students who want to learn designing can use the software. If you are using Sharp Basic, there is no need to make any payment. For the full version, you have to pay $25 per month.

Alternative 7 − Art of Illusion

Art of Illusion is a free and fantastic alternative to SketchUp. This is an open−source software application which was launched in 1999. All details of the upgrades of the software can be found on the history page of the software. The tool has a user community that shares information on forums and design gallery. The source code of the software can also be downloaded to make changes and add new features If desired.

Alternative 8 − Revit

Revit is considered as one of the main competitors of SketchUp. Revit is a great software for architects and interior designers. Revit is an application which can be used for documentation and task management. There are a lot of tools in the toolset in comparison to SketchUp. Though Revit expensive than SketchUp but architects can use it to give a professional look to their design. The application can be easily installed on Windows and MacOS.

Alternative 9 − Sculptris

Sculptris is an application that can be used by 3D artists and can be considered as one of the best alternatives to SketchUp. Sculptris is a software that will give you a feeling that you are making an object with your hand. You can take an object and give it a shape by twisting, pinching, pulling, etc. The software comes with a large number of features which you can use to create your design and show your creativity.

Alternative 10 − MicroStation

MicroStation is another top−rated software application and an alternative to SketchUp. The software has been developed for creating 2D and 3D images. MicroStation can be used to design construction. The tool also comes with a keyframe animation feature. In order to use these features, you have to pay $2,000 per year.

Conclusion

SketchUp is a software application which can be used by architects to make different types of designs. The tool has a limited number of features in comparison to its competitors. The software has been developed for experienced users. Beginners have to learn it. High processing power is needed if heavy and new elements are to be added to a design. Due to all these disadvantages, people like to go for SketchUp alternatives like Blender, Inventor, MicroStation, and many more.