Despite two decades passing, SketchUp remains a preferred tool for my design projects, despite minimal updates.
In the digital design world, reminiscing about SketchUp as a freebie is a testament to the passage of time. I'm forty now, and I distinctly remember those days.
Once owned by Last Software, this software gem made headlines back in the day for its simple, user-friendly tools and free pricing. However, it didn't find itself among our guide to the top 3D modelling software, reflecting the fierce competition in the industry. Lately, SketchUp has taken a step back, though it still maintains a loyal following.
Now in its 2025th version, SketchUp boasts a host of new features, encompassing visualization, layout, usability, and modeling. Let's dive in and see what's what! You should also check out our best laptops for CAD and AutoCAD to ensure you've got the right hardware.
I've been SketchUp buddies for ages, so I leveraged my experience to assess these new features. This involved taking them for a spin, testing their usability, and consider their potential impact on modern designers and visualizers. I also jumped into the shoes of a beginner to share thoughts on the learning curve. And let's not forget a quick chat with SketchUp customer support to deliver an accurate assessment of what you can expect should issues arise.
iPad & Web:
As for pricing, SketchUp is a veritable bargain compared to other design packages. For a cool $349/£301 per year, you can subscribe to the most recent version of SketchUp. That's almost the same annual cost as AutoCAD on a monthly basis, but remember, they're very different tools.
$119/£103 per year
You may even snag a SketchUp discount code, making it even more affordable. At the moment, you can shave off 20% of the annual subscription cost with an official code.
Value score: 4.5/5
Pro:
$349/£301 per year
Setting SketchUp up and getting started is as easy as pie (or maybe cake). SketchUp, to my experience, is one of the friendliest packages on the market, with no steep learning curve, complex interface, or tricky workflows. Tools are intuitive, accessible, and beginner-friendly. This doesn't mean it's basic; pros and designers looking to create complex creations can achieve their goals with the very same tools that beginners find easy to pick up.
The interface is clear, clutter-free, and boasts icon graphics that clearly communicate each tool's purpose. The judicious use of color further contributes to the clarity of the design. While it may lack modern aesthetics, the layout shines in the department of user-friendliness.
Studio:
Setup score: 4.5/5
$749/£645 per year
Model templates have long been an integral part of the SketchUp experience for users. They determine many aspects of the model settings, including measurement units, display colors, and styling that suits various disciplines, like architectural, construction, urban planning, and landscaping. Custom templates can be created if needed, though I've never found the need myself.
Aside from these templates, SketchUp offers its 3D Warehouse, a robust repository housing over 5.4 million models and products, all available for free download, though some models come with usage restrictions.
Feature score: 4.5/5
Value score:
SketchUp placed renewed emphasis on improving visualization for version 2025. Realistic materials and environments enhance designs, but these tools fall short of dedicated renderers like VRay and Thea Render, both of which offer SketchUp plugins.
Very affordable, especially compared to competitors.
New materials pose an improvement over past iterations by offering better representation of texture, reflections, and refractions. This is accomplished by layering textures and maps, following the similar processes found in any other renderer. SketchUp's material libraries sport hundreds of ready-to-use materials, making it quick and easy to get a model textured and visualized without breaking a sweat.
4.5/5
Environment lighting has also seen an upgrade, now powered by HDR and EXR image files, contributing to accurate lighting as well as setting the stage as a background image through the skydome. When paired with the new photorealistic materials, you'll be best-equipped to make the most of SketchUp.
Improvements have been made to the reliability of data round-trips and predictability of file imports/exports, largely due to advances in IFC improvements, though this feature is currently only available to Pro subscribers.
Setup:
Lastly, SketchUp enthusiasts will rejoice at the return of Live Components, pre-built, configurable objects that make model generation a breeze by adjusting parameters. You'll find over 200 components in the 3D Warehouse.
Beginners and professionals will be up and running in no time at all.
Feature score: 4/5
4.5/5
Interacting with SketchUp is a delight, thanks to its simplicity. I remember using it to create 3D models from 2D CAD plans, which was a significant speed boost compared to 3ds Max at the time. The software's push/pull feature has always been a highlight as it expedites the creation of models with minimal mouse maneuvers.
Features:
Aside from the core toolset, SketchUp also offers plenty of video and web tutorials for assistance, along with easy-to-follow documentation.
A good set of features, but visualisation tools don't compare to dedicated renderers.
Performance score: 4/5
3.5/5
Support is delivered in two ways with SketchUp: the Trimble SketchUp Assistant AI chatbot and a technical support team. The chatbot proved surprisingly helpful when I asked questions about specific aspects of SketchUp.
User experience:
For any more specific issues, you can fill out an online support form to diagnose and resolve your problem. Keep in mind that the support team is only available from Monday through Friday, 1 a.m. MST to 5 p.m. MST.
Very enjoyable to use and easy for beginners to pick up.
Support score: 4/5
4/5
SketchUp is a versatile tool, ideal for any type of designer. Architects, interior designers, product creators, and furniture manufacturers stand to reap the benefits of this easy-to-use software boasting intuitive tools.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating || --- | --- | --- || Value score: | Competitively priced compared to competitors | 4.5/5 || Setup: | A cinch for beginners and veterans alike | 4.5/5 || Features: | A good set of features, but visualization tools aren't as advanced as dedicated renderers | 3.5/5 || User experience: | A joy to use and easy for beginners to pick up | 4/5 |
- In the digital design world, SketchUp's free status, reminiscent of yesteryears, serves as a reminder of the passing time.
- Originally owned by Last Software, SketchUp was recognized for its user-friendly tools and free pricing, though it didn't make the top 3D modeling software guide, given the fierce competition in the industry.
- Now in its 2025th version, SketchUp features improvements in visualization, layout, usability, and modeling. It's time to see what the newest version has to offer!
- With an annual subscription of $349/£301, SketchUp is a cost-effective option compared to other design packages, and you might even find a discount code to lower the price.
- SketchUp is beginner-friendly; tools are intuitive, accessible, and don't require a steep learning curve, yet they possess the power to accommodate complex creative projects.
- The interface in SketchUp is user-friendly, boasting visual clarity and communication of each tool's purpose through icon graphics and the careful use of color.
- Model templates are an essential part of the SketchUp experience, offering presets that determine many aspects of the model, catering to various disciplines like architecture, construction, urban planning, and landscaping.
- SketchUp has focused on visualization improvements in version 2025, featuring more realistic materials and environments, though dedicated renderers like VRay and Thea Render offer more sophisticated options through plugins.
