We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Software

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is SketchUp®?

By Kenneth W. Michael Wills
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 7,646
Share

First conceptualized by @Last Software and subsequently marketed by Google, Sketchup® is a 3D software application for a diverse range of design professionals. Used by architects, graphic designers, engineers, game developers and even filmmakers, the software application enables users to create 3D representations of designs. Innovative features are at the core of the program to include mimicking the feel of freehand drawing with a pencil and paper. Google offers the program in both a free version and a paid professional version of which the later offers additional functionality geared towards professional usage. Additionally, Google provides an online platform for educators to collaborate with students in building designs as well as the Google Warehouse, which allows users to share designed models.

Utilizing a patented push/pull technology, the software is built on a modeling environment that allows users to draw designs in a two-dimensional format, much like an artist would with a pencil and paper. Familiarity of the process allows designers to draw out perimeters, lines, objects and outlines with ease using drawing tools. Three-dimensional design is then accomplished through editing tools built into the software, allowing the user to push and pull the lines drawn into the design. Using these editing tools, a complete 3D representation of the design is achieved, which is useful for making blueprints or manufacturing products.

Acquisition of the Sketchup® program by Google was completed in March of 2006. The deal was spurred by @Last Software's development of a plugin for Google Earth™. Thereafter, Google released various new versions of the software, often introducing new features and improvements or improving upon existing ones. Through subsequent developments, Google readied the program for integration into Google Earth™, allowing users to place models into the mapping software. Such developments eventually enabled Sketchup® users to make use of geo-location with the Google Earth™ environment.

Other important developments introduced by Google include both the platform for educators and the 3D Warehouse. Collaboration is at the center of both platforms with the 3D Warehouse enabling users to share models through search functionality and download capabilities. Users collaborating in the Educators Community give students and teachers the ability to build and share 3D models for a wide range of subjects to include history, mathematics and science. Features of the Educators Community include discussion rooms, tutorials, lesson plans for teachers, and a showcase of models developed by students. Purposefully created to extend the usage, application and capabilities of Sketchup®, Google encourages participants in the Education Community to contribute to the ongoing development of the program.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-sketchup.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.