Mac software > All Reviews > Software > Graphic design > 3D/animation > Google SketchUp 7.1 review

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 Google SketchUp 7.1 review

It doesn’t get as much attention as some Google applications, but SketchUp is now a mature and very usable application

Karl Hodge

Manufacturer: Google
Pros: Lots of free models and documentation; easy to learn; outputs to Collada DAE
Cons: Not many export features in standard version
Price: Free (Pro version $449 [£275])
We rate this 4 out of 5.Star rating:

Creating 3D models can be baffling for beginners. Like any family of applications, from word processors to image editors, 3D modelling tools have their own shared features, toolsets and formats that must be learned first.

That’s why Google Sketchup is such a superb introduction to 3D. It’s about as simple as 3D can be made, comes with a massive catalogue of ready-made models, and the documentation is comprehensive. Oh, and the standard version is free.

SketchUp was originally conceived as a tool for creating 3D models and buildings for Google Earth. That remit has long since been lapped and surpassed. In the current iteration, version 7.1, the program opens with a wizard that enables you to start with a basic modelling template, architectural design, engineering design, plan view or a training template, for absolute beginners.

Once you’re in the main program, either in plan or full 3D view, you can go to the online 3D Warehouse, and place any one of thousands of ready-made models into your scene. The Instructor window tells you how to manipulate models once loaded, from simple commands like zooming in and out, to more complex modelling features.

It’s at this point that SketchUp loses a point from its rating. Finished models in the free version can only be exported in Google Earth or Collada interchange formats. The latter format should be good enough to get your work into other pacakges – but Google has a set of native export filters for 3DS and OBJ that have deliberately been left out. You can output to 2D formats, TIFF, PNG or JPEG for touching up in your preferred image editor though.

MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For Google Sketchup 7.1

Reevoo Reviews For Google Sketchup 7.1

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

Are you into iPhone gaming?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest news from Tech Advisor

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.