How to download Google SketchUp for free
The software commonly known as Google Sketchup is a program used to design and create high-impact 3D objects in a rather intuitive and simple way to use even for novice users and without any experience with 3D drawing software.
An excellent software that allows you to design and draw a wide range of objects, from the project to build a shelf to more complex 3D projects of an entire building.
You can apply materials, and lots of already created objects easily available through free component libraries. In this guide, we will show you how to use it online or download it for free.
Google Sketchup has now become Trimble Sketchup
First of all, a small clarification, although the software is still known as Google Sketchup since in 2007, Google took over the software house that had conceived it and included it among Google’s tools, from April 2012 the production company was taken over by Trimble Navigation. Since then, Google is no longer the owner of the program.
The free version, is the basic version, has some limitations compared to the PRO version as far as importing and saving some 3D model formats is concerned. For the rest, the free version has all the features of the paid version, allows you to save the project and export it as a rasterized graphic file in png format. If you don’t have professional needs, you just want to design a DIY furniture or decide how to furnish the kitchen, the free version is much more than you can hope for.
Sketchup in free version, online directly from browser
Having made the necessary clarifications, at this point we begin by saying that it is no longer possible to download the latest version of Sketchup free. The free version has been transformed into a browser application, it opens in a window without having to download anything. At this address: https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-free clicking on the red button ” Start modelig now ” will start directly the application that you can start using immediately.
In order to save or download what we have just drawn we will have to register for free by entering a working email to which a link will be sent to activate the account. At this point, after logging in, you can use all the features of the free version how to use the models in the 3D Warehouse, save the project, download it as an image file (png), as a model for Sketchup (SKP) or as a model for 3D printer (STL).
From this point of view, the online version, compared to the previous ones, has some advantages such as the export of 3D models that was previously absent. It also allows you to become familiar with the program, judge potential and limits and use it for what we need, without installing anything and regardless of the operating system. In contrast, it needs a good connection.
Can I still download Google Sketchup for free to use it offline?
As we have already said it is no longer possible to download the latest free version of Sketchup, at this address https://www.sketchup.com/try-sketchup it was possible, declaring personal use and indicating an email address, to obtain a downloadable copy but currently does not work, but if you do not have the possibility or do not want to use the online version, you still have alternatives.
On the Sketchup download page, you can download the Sketchup 2018 PRO version, which is fully functional for 30 days, but after 30 days it stops working. Fortunately, it is still possible to download the previous version Sketchup Make 2017 (which replaced Google Sketchup Free and has now been replaced with the online version), available only for Mac OSX or Windows 64bit operating systems while for Windows 32bit the 2016 PRO version is available. Both versions, even if dated, still have all the main functions enabled.
All versions can be found at this address: https://www.sketchup.com/download/all. In a statement on the support forum, Trimble states that the free downloadable version Sketchup Make 2017 will still be available for download but there will be no further development of the software, there will be no official support in the future as full compatibility with downloadable items from libraries is not guaranteed.
Which version of free Sketchup to choose?
Which version to choose. It depends on your needs. If you are a beginner or just curious and want to approach the creation of a 3D project for the first time, probably the online version is the one for you, you can eventually decide to install the offline version at a later time. If you don’t have the option or don’t want to use the free online version of Sketchup or want to use plugins, then you’ll have to opt for a downloadable version.
A final note, although the previous versions are no longer officially supported, there is a large community of users who create and provide free add-ons, plugins and support to exploit the full potential of the software to obtain almost professional results.
