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Construction · head to head

SketchUp vs Viewpoint Vista

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Viewpoint Vista logo

Viewpoint Vista

Construction

Enterprise construction ERP software

From
$600/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; Viewpoint Vista now sold by Trimble as part of Trimble Construction One rather than as an independent Viewpoint product
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, Viewpoint Vista covers Project management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and Viewpoint Vista actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and Viewpoint Vista differ
AttributeSketchUpViewpoint Vista
Starting priceFree$600/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Web, Windows
Founded19781976

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

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 Viewpoint Vista

  • Project management
  • Accounting
  • Equipment management
  • Job costing
  • HR management
  • QuickBooks
  • Sage
  • ADP

Both cover

  • 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 Viewpoint Vista
  • Product design and prototypingnot Viewpoint Vista
  • Interior design planningnot Viewpoint Vista
  • Real estate visualizationnot Viewpoint Vista

Viewpoint Vista

  • Construction ERP covering job costing and financialsnot SketchUp
  • Payroll and HR for a contractor workforcenot SketchUp
  • Service management and dispatch for service contractorsnot SketchUp
  • Equipment and jobsite trackingnot SketchUp
  • Integrating with ProjectSight and other Trimble construction toolsnot 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

Viewpoint Vista

  • Now sold by Trimble as part of Trimble Construction One rather than as an independent Viewpoint product
  • Pricing is not published; the vendor asks for a phone call or a contact form
  • Built for construction contractors, so its accounting assumes job costing rather than general ledger work

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Viewpoint Vista

$600/month
  • Professional$600/month
    • Project management
    • Accounting
    • Equipment management
  • EnterpriseFree
    • HR management
    • Advanced analytics
    • Custom workflows

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 Viewpoint Vista if

  • You need project management.
  • You work on Web, Windows.
  • You also want accounting.
Viewpoint Vista review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or Viewpoint Vista better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and Viewpoint Vista at $600/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or Viewpoint Vista?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $600/month for Viewpoint Vista.
Does SketchUp or Viewpoint Vista run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). Viewpoint Vista runs on Web, Windows.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Viewpoint Vista starts at $600/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 Viewpoint Vista is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that Viewpoint Vista cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Viewpoint Vista covers Project management, Accounting, Equipment management, Job costing. Both handle Windows support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SketchUp: How much does SketchUp cost?

SketchUp publishes three core annual plans, priced per user and billed annually: Go at $10.75 per month, Pro at $33.25 per month and Studio at $68.25 per month.

Source
Viewpoint Vista: How do I get pricing information for Trimble Vista?

Trimble Vista uses a customized pricing model requiring direct contact. Customers can contact sales at 1-800-333-3197 or fill out a contact form specifying whether they are exploring, scheduling a demo, requesting pricing, or seeking support.

Source
SketchUp: Is there a free version of SketchUp?

There is a 7 day free trial of the core features. SketchUp is also free for K-12 use when accessed with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.

Source
Viewpoint Vista: Does Trimble offer a free trial or demo for Vista?

The product page encourages visitors to 'Book a Demo' but does not specify whether a free trial is available without speaking to sales. Interested parties are directed to contact the sales team.

Source
SketchUp: What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and Studio?

Studio adds a Revit importer, point cloud modelling, photorealistic visuals, animations and panoramas on top of Pro. Studio runs on Windows only, while Pro is available on web, iPad and desktop.

Source
Viewpoint Vista: Can I access Vista as a cloud solution or does it require on-premises installation?

The product page indicates Vista can be 'available on-premise or on the cloud' for Enterprise offerings, suggesting deployment flexibility, but specific details on deployment options are not provided.

Source
SketchUp: What does SketchUp Go include compared with Pro?

Go is limited to iPad and web, with premade furnishings and materials, cloud storage, a mobile viewer and real time sharing. Pro adds desktop modelling, the LayOut documentation tool and access to over 1000 extensions.

Source
Viewpoint Vista: What are the main features included in Trimble Vista?

Vista features include job-cost accounting, automated invoicing, and workforce management. Existing customers can access support and resources through the Customer Portal.

Source
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