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Construction & Architecture · head to head

SketchUp vs SketchUp Pro

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction & Architecture

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Construction & Architecture

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/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; SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 2D documentation, SketchUp Pro covers Visualization.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and SketchUp Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and SketchUp Pro differ
AttributeSketchUpSketchUp Pro
Starting priceFree$33.25/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Windows, macOS, Web, iPad
Founded19782000

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

  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • V-Ray
  • Enscape
  • Lumion

Only in SketchUp Pro

  • Visualization
  • Documentation
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • AutoCAD
  • Google Earth
  • SSL encryption
  • Data backup

Both cover

  • 3D modeling
  • LayOut
  • Revit
  • Windows support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

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

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot SketchUp
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot SketchUp
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot 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

SketchUp Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro review.

Which should you pick?

Choose SketchUp if

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

Choose SketchUp Pro if

  • You need visualization.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want documentation.
SketchUp Pro review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or SketchUp Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or SketchUp Pro?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $33.25/month for SketchUp Pro.
Does SketchUp or SketchUp Pro run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SketchUp Pro starts at $33.25/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 SketchUp Pro is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that SketchUp Pro cannot?
SketchUp covers 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation, Extension warehouse. SketchUp Pro covers Visualization, Documentation, Cloud collaboration, Layout integration. Both handle 3D modeling, LayOut, Revit, Windows support.
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