And long before the two were even thought of, AutoCAD had been the giant in the CAD realm (and still is). The first version of Rhino came to the market in October 1998, or just about two years before SketchUp came into existence. If for some reason you are not fond of SketchUp or simply want to learn new things to hone your skills in the CAD business, there are plenty of alternatives listed below. It’s also the computer program of choice to put models within Google Earth. In addition to its core engine’s modeling and rendering functions, its Extension Warehouse compiles more than 690 extensions for the software.

As far as functionality is concerned, SketchUp offers about every feature every modeler could ever need. Users, including manufacturers, are encouraged to upload their newly created models too. The website says that there are at least 4,000,000 models uploaded so far to the library. The software even has its own online library of ready-to-use models, the 3D Warehouse, filled with freely downloadable files that users can further edit and improve. The features are pretty comprehensive because it comes with many capable modeling tools suitable for various design purposes, including but not limited to, architectural, interior, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, video games, film, and landscape. It comes in two different versions: one is the web-based application or the SketchUp Free, while the other is a premium version fitted with additional functionalities called the SketchUp Pro. Although it is neither the only software available nor the best one for all purposes, SketchUp has always been one of the most widely used pieces of software, both by beginners and professionals. SketchUp (formerly known as Google SketchUp) has become almost synonymous with 3D CAD software.

Apps like sketchup