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Software · head to head

SketchUp vs Chief Architect

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Chief Architect logo

Chief Architect

Software

Professional home design and construction software

From
$695/perpetual
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; Chief Architect chief Architect Premier is $229 per month or $1,995 per year, with the monthly option costing 27% more than annual
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, Chief Architect covers 2D and 3D design.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and Chief Architect actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and Chief Architect differ
AttributeSketchUpChief Architect
Starting priceFree$695/perpetual
Pricing modelfreemiumone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Windows, Mac
Founded19781991

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray
  • Enscape

Only in Chief Architect

  • 2D and 3D design
  • Floor plan creation
  • Construction documentation
  • Material lists
  • SketchUp
  • CAD
  • Google Drive
  • SSL encryption

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • Revit
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

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

Chief Architect

  • Producing construction documents, elevations and 3D renderings for residential architecturenot SketchUp
  • Automatic generation of framing, roofs and material lists from a building modelnot SketchUp
  • Kitchen and bath design with manufacturer cabinet catalogsnot 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

Chief Architect

  • Chief Architect Premier is $229 per month or $1,995 per year, with the monthly option costing 27% more than annual
  • Software rentals have been replaced with subscriptions and access to the software ends at the conclusion of the current billing period once cancelled
  • The $995 upgrade price for existing legacy licence holders applies to the first year only, after which standard rates apply

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Chief Architect

$695/perpetual
  • Standard$695/perpetual
    • 2D and 3D design
    • Floor plan creation
    • Construction documentation
  • Architectural$1595/perpetual
    • Advanced architectural tools
    • BIM capabilities
    • Rendering

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 Chief Architect if

  • You need 2d and 3d design.
  • You work on Windows, Mac.
  • You also want floor plan creation.
Chief Architect review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or Chief Architect better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and Chief Architect at $695/perpetual, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or Chief Architect?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $695/perpetual for Chief Architect.
Does SketchUp or Chief Architect run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). Chief Architect runs on Windows, Mac.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Chief Architect starts at $695/perpetual.
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 Chief Architect is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that Chief Architect cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Animation, Extension warehouse. Chief Architect covers 2D and 3D design, Floor plan creation, Construction documentation, Material lists. Both handle Rendering, Revit, Windows support.
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