Ideas are best conveyed from your mind to paper. Through writing and drawing, one can express their thoughts and visualizations, explain them to people, and hopefully turn these concepts into reality. Before, the process of creation involves traditional pen-and-paper drawings, but the technology present today allows people to achieve their ideas closer to reality. One of the best fruitful technology applications regarding design is three-dimensional (3D) modeling.
3D Modeling Explained
As its name implies, 3D modeling is a computer graphics technique that involves generating a three-dimensional representation of any object on a surface.
Indeed, 3D modeling is revolutionizing the way people design. Thanks to 3D modeling, one can transform their ideas into reality, but more precise than sketches on paper. Compared to 2D models, 3D figures can provide more accurate and in-depth details to help architects, engineers, developers, and other professionals of creative industries accomplish their desired outcomes.
Several programs and software are present for 3D modeling today. While these applications have 3D modeling in common, their notable distinctions are their features and functionalities. If you want to create the best 3D models, SketchUp is one software that won’t let you down.
What Is SketchUp Pro?
SketchUp, formerly known as Google Sketchup, is essentially a three-dimensional modeling software. It facilitates sketching and importing models for numerous creative projects, such as video game creation, animation, building construction, interior design, and 3D printing, to name a few.
The excellent versatility of SketchUp is what sets it apart from other 3D modeling software in the market. Users can take advantage of an extensive collection of features and plugins that can be adapted and utilized to any purpose with ease.
Upon installing SketchUp, you’ll be able to access the exclusive features of the software free for a limited time. The free SketchUp version is typically offered for educational purposes only. Because of the compelling qualities of SketchUp, creators are lining up for their upgraded version called the SketchUp Pro software, which is available in a paid subscription.
SketchUp vs. SketchUp Pro: The Differences
Since SketchUp Pro is an enhanced, paid version of SketchUp, it will possess additional features for improved design, use, and compatibility. If you’re planning to spend USD$299 annually for SketchUp Pro, then you should identify its features that the baseline version doesn’t have:
| Feature | SketchUp (Free) | SketchUp Pro (USD$299) |
| Platform Used | Web only | Desktop and Web |
| Offline Availability | No | Yes |
| Modeling and Rendering Ability | Web-based 3D modeler | Robust desktop 3D modeler |
| Cloud Storage Capacity | 10 GB cloud storage | Unlimited cloud storage |
| Viewing Channels | Mobile model viewing using the SketchUp Viewer app | VR model viewing and walkthrough using Oculus, HTC Vive, or Microsoft HoloLens |
| File Import and Export Capability | Basic | Professional |
| Products needed |
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| Available Support | Community | Community, email, and phone |
Do You Need A SketchUp Pro?
SketchUp Pro is the perfect computer-aided design (CAD) solution for enterprises and organizations with different departments coordinating with one design. It enables them to streamline their workflows and make better presentations. Which would be worth it: the SketchUp Pro, SketchUp Free, or other 3D modeling software?
When choosing a CAD solution for your projects, it’s essential to look at different key features that can make your work faster and more efficient. A competitive 3D modeling software shouldn’t only possess powerful tools and options that you can play with, but also:
- Workflow and collaboration features
- Efficiency and capability
- Built-in applications
- Ease of use and short learning curve
- Excellent design presentation features
The good news is that SketchUp Pro can accommodate all these features seamlessly.
Bottom Line
Giant future technologies are emerging one by one as early as today, 3D modeling and printing being one of them. If your company is looking for a competitive 3D modeling solution with powerful features at a fair price, SketchUp Pro is the software to try. If you already have the free version, it’s high time to avail of the upgraded version.