Softwr

Construction & Architecture · head to head

PlanGrid vs SketchUp

PlanGrid logo

PlanGrid

Construction & Architecture

Construction productivity software for the field

From
$39/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction & Architecture

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SketchUp has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: PlanGrid autodesk states PlanGrid is no longer available for purchase by net-new customers, with new buyers directed to Forma Build; SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • They diverge on capability: PlanGrid covers Blueprint management, SketchUp covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PlanGrid and SketchUp actually diverge.

Attributes where PlanGrid and SketchUp differ
AttributePlanGridSketchUp
Starting price$39/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)
Founded19821978

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction & Architecture).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in PlanGrid

  • Blueprint management
  • Issue tracking
  • Photo documentation
  • Punch lists
  • RFI management
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Procore
  • Box

Only in SketchUp

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

PlanGrid

  • Giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photosnot SketchUp
  • Capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job sitenot SketchUp
  • Managing organization licences for a construction document appnot SketchUp

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot PlanGrid
  • Product design and prototypingnot PlanGrid
  • Interior design planningnot PlanGrid
  • Real estate visualizationnot PlanGrid

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

PlanGrid

  • Autodesk states PlanGrid is no longer available for purchase by net-new customers, with new buyers directed to Forma Build
  • PlanGrid access is now sold only through Forma Build, so pricing is set by the Forma Build subscription rather than PlanGrid itself
  • Mobile users must access PlanGrid projects through the Autodesk Forma mobile app rather than a standalone PlanGrid app
  • The PlanGrid desktop app requires Windows 10 or higher
  • The Admin Console for managing users and licences is a separate site restricted to designated organization admins

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

Pricing, plan by plan

PlanGrid

$39/month
  • Build$39/month
    • Sheet management
    • Issue tracking
    • RFIs
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Advanced analytics
    • Custom integrations
    • Priority support

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Which should you pick?

Choose PlanGrid if

  • You need blueprint management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want issue tracking.
PlanGrid review

Choose SketchUp if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp review

Questions people ask

Is PlanGrid or SketchUp better?
Neither clearly leads. PlanGrid starts at $39/month and SketchUp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PlanGrid or SketchUp?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $39/month for PlanGrid and Free for SketchUp.
Does PlanGrid or SketchUp run on more platforms?
PlanGrid runs on Web, Ios, Android. SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PlanGrid starts at $39/month.
What is PlanGrid best used for?
PlanGrid is most often used for giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photos, capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job site, managing organization licences for a construction document app. Of those, giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photos and capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job site are not what SketchUp is typically brought in for.
What can PlanGrid do that SketchUp cannot?
PlanGrid covers Blueprint management, Issue tracking, Photo documentation, Punch lists. SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Both handle Web support.
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