SketchUp - 3DModels.org https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/ Forum Hum3D Discussion Board en-GB Thu, 18 Jun 2026 02:41:20 +0000 wpForo 60 How to get Sketchup for free as an architecture student https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/how-to-get-sketchup-for-free-as-an-architecture-student/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:55:43 +0000 Hey community!

I'm a 3rd year architecture student and we've been assigned a major project that requires using Sketchup for visualizing our building concepts. The problem is I can't really afford the full subscription right now.

Does anyone know if there's a free version for students or any legitimate way to get it without paying the full price? Our professor just told us to "figure it out" which isn't super helpful.

Any advice would be appreciated!

]]> SketchUp Grinderve https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/how-to-get-sketchup-for-free-as-an-architecture-student/ SketchUp for iPad free alternatives https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-for-ipad-free-alternatives/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:30:47 +0000 I've been using SketchUp for years on my PC for simple 3D modeling projects. I love how intuitive it is, especially for more architectural and "boxy" designs. Recently moved to a smaller apartment and now I'm primarily using my iPad for creative work.

I tried the SketchUp app trial but can't justify the $119 price tag for Go just for occasional hobby projects. I've experimented with Shapr3D but the workflow feels quite different and I'm struggling to adapt.

Has anyone found a good free or low-cost alternative to SketchUp that works well on iPad? Or should I just bite the bullet and adapt to Shapr3D's interface? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

]]> SketchUp Vanobex https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-for-ipad-free-alternatives/ SketchUp or Blender for architectural modeling? https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-or-blender-for-architectural-modeling/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:30:42 +0000 Hey folks! I recently got assigned to create 3D models from 2D floor plans at my job. I'm completely new to architectural modeling and need some advice. I've been looking at SketchUp and Blender as my main options. Which one would be better for converting floor plans and creating detailed 3D visualizations? I'm willing to invest time in learning but want to make sure I'm choosing the right software. Thanks in advance for any help!

]]> SketchUp Virtuorows https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-or-blender-for-architectural-modeling/ Rhino vs SketchUp for architectural projects and interiors https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/rhino-vs-sketchup-for-architectural-projects-and-interiors/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:55:10 +0000 I've hit a crossroads with my software choices and need some advice. I recently started my own boutique architectural practice (just me and one junior designer) primarily handling residential and small commercial projects. We're struggling with software workflow efficiency.

I've been a longtime SketchUp user for concept design, but as our projects have become more complex, the files are getting massive (2-3GB) and running painfully slow, especially when clients request ornate details and custom fixtures. I experimented with Rhino for a recent project and was impressed with the speed and clean modeling environment.

My concerns: Rhino seems to lack the extensive plugin ecosystem SketchUp has for things like railings, stairs, and windows. Plus, finding ready-to-use assets for Rhino is challenging - I spend hours re-texturing imported models. But SketchUp's performance issues are costing us valuable time.

For those using either or both professionally: which do you recommend for a small practice like mine, and how do you handle the limitations of each? Is there a workable hybrid approach? Appreciate any insights from real-world experience!

]]> SketchUp Alfredchaiz https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/rhino-vs-sketchup-for-architectural-projects-and-interiors/ Any Sketchup reviews from the real users here? https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/any-sketchup-reviews-from-the-real-users-here/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:13:11 +0000 I've been considering learning a 3D modeling program to help with my projects, and Sketchup keeps coming up. It seems like a good idea, but I'm worried about the time investment to learn it. Is it really worth the extra effort to learn and then use these tools? I'd love to hear real experiences rather than what professional content creators say on YouTube.

]]> SketchUp Reporterpl https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/any-sketchup-reviews-from-the-real-users-here/ SketchUp tutorials for complete beginners? where to start? https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-tutorials-for-complete-beginners-where-to-start/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:09:43 +0000 I've just been hired for a position that requires SketchUp knowledge, but I've literally never used it before. My job starts in a week and I need to get up to speed ASAP. I'm completely new to 3D modeling in general. What's the fastest way to learn the basics? Any good free resources you'd recommend? I'll be using it for woodworking design projects. Thanks in advance for any help!

]]> SketchUp ShardGazer https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-tutorials-for-complete-beginners-where-to-start/ SketchUp vs AutoCAD for architecture and landscape design https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-vs-autocad-for-architecture-and-landscape-design/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:05:38 +0000 I've been using SketchUp for a while now and can create basic structures and buildings with it. I'm pretty comfortable with the interface and workflow. Recently started a new position where they use AutoCAD for everything - all existing drawings and infrastructure plans are in AutoCAD format.

I'm wondering what's the best approach here: should I invest time in learning AutoCAD from scratch, or try to convert/redraw everything in SketchUp? AutoCAD seems much more technical but also more professional. Those of you who use both, what would you recommend for someone in my situation? Which one do you prefer for professional work?

]]> SketchUp Olymper https://forums.3dmodels.org/sketchup/sketchup-vs-autocad-for-architecture-and-landscape-design/