Affordable, intuitive 3D modeling tool with extensive shading and sizing options for diverse creative projects
Affordable, intuitive 3D modeling tool with extensive shading and sizing options for diverse creative projects
Vote (69 votes)
Program license Trial version
Developer Trimble
Version 14.1.1282
Works under Windows
Vote
(69 votes)
Developer
Trimble
Works under
Windows
Program license
Trial version
Version
14.1.1282
Pros
- Accessible to beginners and has professional tools
- Easy to export and share images in both 2D and 3D formats
- Comes with many textures, colors, and designs loaded in the program
Cons
- Circles and domes often look jagged
- Lacks some fundamental CAD tools
SketchUp 2014 is a 3D modeling program with many tools for both beginners and professionals. Unlike some other 3D programs that are full of jargon, this software mostly uses nontechnical language so that it's accessible to any user. You can create sketches and models for anything from cars to buildings and more.
Features
SketchUp 2014 contains over 100 tools and features to help bring your 3D sketch to life. If you're an architect or want to learn about 3D modeling, then this program should have all the tools you need. This program was built to be accessible to beginners without sacrificing the advanced tools that professionals need.
You'll find tools for adding color, texture, shading and more. From simple designs to realistic frameworks, SketchUp is able to create models that can be used as product prototypes or building plans. There are drawing tools, many textures to choose from like glass and metal and even filling tools so that you can easily finish the model.
Warehouse
Building sketches and models from scratch can be tedious. It might be necessary if you're making something unique or custom, but there's no reason to do it for common items like a faucet or door.
That's where the SketchUp 2014 Warehouse comes in. This is a database of 3D models that you can choose from to either add to your design or to customize yourself. Many of these models are common household items, but there are also some unique designs like laser blasters and whole buildings. This makes it much easier to build up complex designs and saves you time when it comes to adding common items to your 3D environment.
Exporting and Sharing
SketchUp 2014 makes it simple to export and share your designs. For those who wish to export, you can either export a flat 2D image for easy printing or viewing in other programs or a 3D model. The 3D models can be imported by other CAD programs so that you can do more work on the model. You can often open these files in animation programs as well if you want to make the model move.
There are also sharing features to easily upload the file to popular websites. With the push of a button you can upload to your favorite social media outlet. You can even share the file directly with friends through email with the sharing feature.
Circles and Domes
You can make basic shapes like with any other 3D modeling program. For some reason SketchUp 2014 has problems with making circles and domes. You will notice that they usually look off. There will typically be jagged edges or the texture may not fill properly.
This doesn't happen all the time, but it's frequent enough to bring up. There doesn't seem to be any fix for it. Just be aware of this and make clients aware that the product or design won't have that jagged look once it's in production.
Adding Text
Adding text either as a note or as part of the design is very easy. Simply select the type of font you want and where you want to add the text. This allows you to write notes for things to change when the model is exported, developer notes so that others understand what they are looking at or as signage in the model.
Pros
- Accessible to beginners and has professional tools
- Easy to export and share images in both 2D and 3D formats
- Comes with many textures, colors, and designs loaded in the program
Cons
- Circles and domes often look jagged
- Lacks some fundamental CAD tools
Pros
- 3D drawing is much easier
- Layout is attractive and intuitive
- Exports to CAD format
- Won't sap up a lot of processing power
Cons
- No free version available
- Can be a steep learning curve involved
Millions of PC users from all across the globe use their computers to run software programs that help them model and sketch for video games, cartoons and more, and Sketchup 2014 is one of the more affordable programs to help.
Overview of Sketchhup 2014
With a plethora of gaming engines available to the public for free, more and more people are getting into the creative process of using 3D modeling software to create landscapes, characters and even entire immersive universes. The issue, however, is that these programs can be expensive, and so Sketchup Pro (2014) burst onto the scene offering the same sort of functionality at a discounted rate. You still have to buy the program, as the free trial doesn't really give you much. Though it's a more affordable alternative than other programs on the market.
Sketchup was created in 2014 by Trimble and comes in at around 84mb in size. For a PC download that helps you model 3D images and more, this is quite small in size. It will work on all Windows systems except really old ones like 2000. But for newer models, even W10, it should work just fine.
How Sketchup 2014 Works
When you initially open this program, you're going to find that it looks a lot like Photoshop in the way its design and interface are laid out. Although the tools are specific to 3D modeling rather than touching photos up, the aesthetic may seem very familiar.
If you've never used a program like this, the learning curve can be steep. You have File, Edit, View, Camera, Draw, Tools and Window features at the top of the program, and an open landscape where you can draw your own models, import different models, and work to create something truly unique. You can then render out and add to your game engine or another program without any issue.
Sketchup 2014 Features
Aside from the CAD format export feature, which will help you add your 3D models to other programs, you also get access to Google's geographic resources, which helps you find many more models on which you can extrapolate and make them your own. This program offers all sorts of shading and sizing options that will help you model anything you want.
It's a great program for character modeling, but creating actual landscapes is a breeze, thanks to the “straight line” feature that helps you really create large, attractive models of buildings, roads, bridges, and other landscape features. Overall, it's a program that can really let you explore your creativity once you have the hang of it.
Pros and Cons of Sketchup 2014
Pros
- 3D drawing is much easier
- Layout is attractive and intuitive
- Exports to CAD format
- Won't sap up a lot of processing power
Cons
- No free version available
- Can be a steep learning curve involved
