SketchUp Make Review

SketchUp Make 2015 is a 3D modeling and CAD software system that tries to change the way people see such software, and the idea is to create a free version that is intuitive, integrated, and powerful.

Many of the most popular industry standard CAD programs on the market are incredibly overpriced, including such examples as 3DSMax and Cinema4D. SketchUp, on the other hand, is an entirely free package that offers nearly the same exact utility as those more expensive options. Not only that, but in-app creations can easily be shared thanks to the app's integration with Google Maps and Google Earth.

3D modeling software tends to be a bit overcomplicated for the standard user, and a lot of that stems from the complex jargon that is used by those apps. That problem doesn't exist in SketchUp because the system is designed for those even with no experience. The system also includes several hints, tips, and tricks for taking full advantage of the powerful tools at your disposal.

One of the most intuitive aspects of the software is the innovative 'snapping' feature, which basically helps create shapes in regular patterns. As you create a shape, even freehand, the app will start to detect what is being drawn, and it will essentially auto-complete the process when it detects the end points are close.

Many users might assume that since SketchUp is free and requires little or no skill that the software lacks basic function, but that couldn't be further from the truth. All the most popular drawing and filling tools are right at the fingertips of the user, and the toolbar contains a number of other options for manipulating the workspace. Hints are also constantly popping up to help the user on the way.

The app uses a semi-modular style of organization, so the user can open certain palettes and swatches to increase productivity in the workspace. An interesting palette filled with preset content is the 'Materials' pane, which includes textured swatches like metal, glass, and vegetation. That palette includes roughly 100 different swatches, and there are dozens of other palettes to use.

After the creations are completed within the app, they can be shared with the world thanks to the app's integration with Google Earth and Google Maps. Users can easily upload images of 3D creations to the 3D Web Warehouse created by Google specifically for that purpose, and geotags can be placed in creations thanks to the Google Maps integration.

Free software does tend to have some downsides, and the same is true for SketchUp. There are some issues with the Push/Pull tool when attempting to manipulate domed objects, but straight lines are no trouble. Professionals might notice a lack of the more advanced techniques and tools they require for top-tier work, but the standard user won't miss those features.

SketchUp Make 2015 attempts to change the trend toward expensive and bulky 3D modeling and CAD software by offering an alternative that is free, intuitive, and highly integrated with both Google Earth and Google Maps.

Unlike the pricey industry standard CAD software suites out there, including Cinema4D and 3DSMax, SketchUp provides simple utility in a package that costs nothing. Users have the option of sharing their in-app creations with the world through either Google Earth or Google Maps.

Many of the most professional 3D modeling apps out there use complicated jargon that the typical user won't understand, but SketchUp doesn't have that problem at all. This software is meant to be incredibly intuitive, and there are a number of guides and hints that will help any user with the modeling process. Drawing circles, squares, and other shapes is made easier thanks to the 'snapping' process, which is essentially a guided drawing aid for those sorts of shapes. The app predicts what shape is being created, and when the end points are nearly complete, it will 'snap' the shape into place.

Despite the intuitive nature of SketchUp and the fact that is costs nothing to use, there is a surprising amount of function in the software. The typical filling and drawing tools that most people are familiar with are available in a toolbar across the top of the app, and there are constant hints popping up for whatever you're working on.

There are a number of other options that can be seen by clicking through the menus, or extra palettes can be placed on the workspace to help save time. One of the most amazing palettes in SketchUp is 'Materials', which includes preset swatches such as glass, metal, and vegetation. There are more than 100 such swatches on that palette alone. There is also a helpful Shadow palette, which makes it easy to bring natural shadows to your creations.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of SketchUp is the integration with Google Earth and Google Maps. By emailing or uploading images of you 3D designs to Google's 3D Web Warehouse, you can share those creations with anyone. If you'd prefer to use Google Maps, you can geo-tag any creations using the integrated software.

As with all free pieces of software, there are some downsides. For instance, the Push/Pull tool doesn't seem to work well with domed surfaces, but it has no problem with straight lines. There is also a lack of some of the highest-level functions that only professional CAD artists would require. Fortunately, this software isn't aimed at true professionals. It is meant for the amateurs who want to try their hand at 3D modeling in a comprehensive CAD app.

Trendsetters might leave you believing that you need expensive 3D modeling software like Cinema4D or 3DSMax. Google Sketchup presents you with a free and simple alternative that even lets you post your creations over Google Earth. Some 3D modeling software costs boatloads of cash, and it has a steep learning curve. Sketchup takes all that technical jargon and throws it out the window. You have plenty of valuable tips and guides that take you throughout the process.

Google Sketchup lets you draw circles, rectangles and shapes. Along with that, Sketchup can give you accurate predictions about the endpoints for where and when you want them. It saves you the time of having to mess around, and even despite the ease of use, that does not mean that functionality will be limited. Google Sketchup becomes an exemplar of how simplicity does not have to impact the flexibility of use. You have the normal filling and drawing tools that you might expect, and there is also an accessible toolbar that fits over the top of the screen. As you use Sketchup, hints from the instructor will pop up to guide you on how to use the software.

You can access other options through the menu system, and you can choose extra palettes found on your work space, which will help you wade through the various menus. One area of particular interest is the "Materials" palette. It has more than 100 preset swatches that includes glass, vegetation and metal. You may also want the Shadow Settings palette because it lets you draw realistic shadows.

The most fun comes from the export of your Sketchup drawings and Google Earth. For example, you can send your 3D designs via email or you could upload them to a free storage in the 3D Web Warehouse of Google. Whenever you add a geo-location, you will be given a snapshot. At that point, your model will have data included like color aerial imagery and 3D terrain data. Sketchup does have its problems, however; the most obvious involves domed surfaces. You hit the Push/Pull tool, and this becomes a cumbersome burden. It will pull and push straight lines. As a free software, Google Sketchup lacks some of the advanced features that professional 3D modelers will need for their work, so this may not be the best choice for everyone.

What Google Sketchup was intended for was giving a simpler approach to 3D graphic design. The modeling is more ideal for those beginners of CAD technology who still want to learn how it works. Google Sketchup is a great software that will get you more acquainted with 3D modeling software, and it can serve as a good place to learn more about it.