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Construction & Architecture · head to head

SketchUp vs Autodesk Construction Cloud

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction & Architecture

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Autodesk Construction Cloud logo

Autodesk Construction Cloud

Construction & Architecture

Unified platform for construction project delivery

From
$85/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SketchUp has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux; Autodesk Construction Cloud autodesk Construction Cloud has been rebranded as Autodesk Forma and the ACC product names have changed, so existing documentation and training refer to superseded names
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, Autodesk Construction Cloud covers Document management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and Autodesk Construction Cloud actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and Autodesk Construction Cloud differ
AttributeSketchUpAutodesk Construction Cloud
Starting priceFree$85/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Web, Ios, Android
Founded19781982

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 SketchUp

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

Only in Autodesk Construction Cloud

  • Document management
  • Model coordination
  • Project management
  • Cost management
  • Field execution
  • AutoCAD
  • Navisworks
  • Civil 3D

Both cover

  • Revit
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot Autodesk Construction Cloud
  • Product design and prototypingnot Autodesk Construction Cloud
  • Interior design planningnot Autodesk Construction Cloud
  • Real estate visualizationnot Autodesk Construction Cloud

Autodesk Construction Cloud

  • Managing construction documents, RFIs and submittals across a project teamnot SketchUp
  • Preconstruction bid management, takeoff and estimatingnot SketchUp
  • Model coordination and clash detection between design disciplinesnot SketchUp

Where each one falls short

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

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

Autodesk Construction Cloud

  • Autodesk Construction Cloud has been rebranded as Autodesk Forma and the ACC product names have changed, so existing documentation and training refer to superseded names
  • All three bundles (Model Management, Preconstruction and Construction Operations) are sold by Get a Quote with no published price
  • Capability is split across separate bundles, so a firm needing preconstruction and construction operations buys two bundles
  • Pricing is described as user, project and account-based rather than a single published per-seat rate
  • The money-back guarantee is limited to 30 days
  • Expert support hours are 24 hours a day Monday to Friday, so weekends are not covered

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Autodesk Construction Cloud

$85/month
  • Autodesk Docs$85/month
    • Document management
    • Model coordination
    • Design collaboration
  • Autodesk Build$175/month
    • Project management
    • Quality control
    • Cost management
  • Full PlatformFree
    • Complete ACC access
    • All products
    • Enterprise features

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Autodesk Construction Cloud if

  • You need document management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want model coordination.
Autodesk Construction Cloud review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or Autodesk Construction Cloud better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and Autodesk Construction Cloud at $85/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or Autodesk Construction Cloud?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $85/month for Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Does SketchUp or Autodesk Construction Cloud run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). Autodesk Construction Cloud runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Autodesk Construction Cloud starts at $85/month.
What is SketchUp best used for?
SketchUp is most often used for 3d architectural design and visualization, product design and prototyping, interior design planning, real estate visualization. Of those, 3d architectural design and visualization and product design and prototyping are not what Autodesk Construction Cloud is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that Autodesk Construction Cloud cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Autodesk Construction Cloud covers Document management, Model coordination, Project management, Cost management. Both handle Revit, Web support.
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