Is SketchUp no longer Google

Welcome to our exploration of SketchUp's status in relation to Google. Once a part of the tech giant's suite of tools, SketchUp has since embarked on a new chapter. Join us as we delve into the journey of this popular 3D modeling software and discover its current standing in the world of design and technology.

What will you find in this article?

Does Google SketchUp still exist?
What has replaced Google SketchUp?

Contents

1 Does Google SketchUp still exist?
2 What has replaced Google SketchUp?

Does Google SketchUp still exist?

Does Google SketchUp still exist? The original Google SketchUp indeed no longer exists as it was known. The software began as a general-purpose 3D content creation tool, allowing users to design and model anything from coffee pots to skyscrapers. Google acquired SketchUp in 2006 and later sold it in 2012 to Trimble Navigation, a company that specializes in surveying, navigation, and mapping equipment.

Since the acquisition by Trimble, the software has been rebranded and is now simply known as SketchUp. Under Trimble’s ownership, SketchUp has continued to evolve with a focus on architectural, engineering, and construction applications.

Here are some key points about the current state of SketchUp:

Ownership: Trimble Inc. has owned SketchUp since 2012.
Versions: SketchUp is available in multiple versions, including a free version, SketchUp Free, which is web-based, and a paid version, SketchUp Pro, which comes with additional features and capabilities.
Applications: The use of SketchUp has expanded beyond simple models to complex architectural and interior design projects, urban planning, and more.
Community: SketchUp maintains a dedicated community of users and an extensive library of 3D models called 3D Warehouse.
Extensions: A robust library of third-party plugins and extensions is available, enhancing the functionality of SketchUp for specialized tasks.

In conclusion, while Google SketchUp as a brand has ceased to exist, the software itself, now known as SketchUp, remains active and continues to be developed and used by a broad range of professionals and hobbyists in various fields.

What has replaced Google SketchUp?

Trimble SketchUp is the direct successor to Google SketchUp. After being developed by @Last Software and then acquired by Google in 2006, SketchUp was sold to Trimble Inc. in 2012. Since the acquisition, the application has been rebranded as Trimble SketchUp, and it continues to be a popular 3D modeling tool used for a wide range of applications from architectural designs to animations.

Under Trimble, SketchUp has seen several updates and improvements, including:

Enhanced 3D modeling capabilities: New tools and features have been added to make 3D modeling more efficient and user-friendly.
Integration with other Trimble products: SketchUp has been integrated with other Trimble offerings, such as Trimble Connect, to facilitate better collaboration and project management.
Expanded material library: Users now have access to a larger database of materials and components to use in their designs.
Introduction of SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro: SketchUp has been divided into two main versions – a free, web-based version known as SketchUp Free, and a more advanced, paid version called SketchUp Pro.

The free version is suitable for hobbyists or those who need basic 3D modeling capabilities, while SketchUp Pro offers advanced features for professional users, such as:

Advanced drawing and editing tools
Enhanced import/export options
Access to LayOut – a tool for creating 2D presentations and documentation from 3D models
Integration with virtual reality applications

SketchUp Make, the offline version of the free SketchUp software, was the last version released by Trimble before shifting entirely to a subscription-based model with SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro. Today, Trimble continues to develop SketchUp with a focus on improving user experience, expanding functionality, and fostering a community of users who contribute to an extensive library of 3D models available in the 3D Warehouse.

Why did Google get rid of SketchUp?

Google's Divestment of SketchUp

Google's decision to sell SketchUp was influenced by various factors, primarily focusing on the alignment of its business strategy and core product offerings.

Shifting Focus: Google's core business has always been search and advertising. Over time, the company started focusing more on consumer services and products that could directly tie into its advertising business model. SketchUp, being a niche software for 3D modeling, did not fit well with Google's broader business strategy.
Integration with Google Earth: One of the reasons Google acquired SketchUp in the first place was to populate Google Earth with 3D buildings created by users. Once Google Earth had a substantial amount of 3D content, the strategic value of keeping SketchUp within Google's ecosystem diminished.
Resource Reallocation: Companies often assess their product lines to determine where to allocate resources for the best return on investment. Google might have decided that the resources dedicated to SketchUp could be better utilized in other areas that were more aligned with its strategic goals.
Limited Synergy: Although SketchUp had a strong user base, it did not have significant synergies with Google's other products and services, making it an outlier within the company's portfolio.

In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble Inc., a company that deals with navigation, surveying, and mapping equipment, which was more in line with SketchUp's core user base of architects, designers, and engineers. This move allowed SketchUp to continue to grow under a company whose focus was more aligned with the product, while Google continued to concentrate on its main business areas.

Is Google SketchUp same as SketchUp?

Is Google SketchUp the same as SketchUp?

Google SketchUp and SketchUp are indeed related, but they are not the same product as of today. The differences between the two can be understood in terms of ownership and development over time. Here's a brief overview:

Google SketchUp was the name of the product when it was owned by Google. Google acquired @Last Software, the original creators of SketchUp, in 2006. During this period, Google developed the software, integrating it with other Google services like Google Earth.
In 2012, Trimble Inc. acquired SketchUp from Google. Since the acquisition, the product has been known simply as SketchUp. Under Trimble, SketchUp has continued to evolve, with a focus on professional applications in design, architecture, and construction.
While Google owned SketchUp, there was a free version commonly referred to as Google SketchUp Free. This version was popular among hobbyists and casual users. After the acquisition, Trimble transformed the free version into SketchUp Free, which is a web-based application, differing from the desktop version known as SketchUp Pro.
SketchUp under Trimble has seen significant improvements and the addition of new features, including advanced rendering capabilities, better integration with other CAD tools, and an expanded 3D warehouse of models.
Another notable change is the licensing model. While Google SketchUp was once available as a freely downloadable desktop application, Trimble’s SketchUp Pro uses a paid subscription model, although a free version still exists with limited functionality.

In summary, while Google SketchUp and SketchUp refer to the same core application, their ownership and development paths have diverged since 2012. The current version of SketchUp, managed by Trimble, offers advanced features and different licensing options compared to the Google era.

Is sketchup no longer google reddit

Is SketchUp No Longer Google?

Yes, SketchUp is no longer a part of Google. The popular 3D modeling software was originally developed by @Last Software in 2000, but it was acquired by Google in 2006. SketchUp became known for its ease of use and wide application in everything from architectural design to animation.

However, in 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble Inc., a company known for its work in GPS technology and other ventures related to construction and agriculture. Since the acquisition, Trimble has continued to develop and expand the capabilities of SketchUp.

Here's a brief timeline of SketchUp's history:

2000 - SketchUp was created by @Last Software.
2006 - Google acquired SketchUp, integrating it with services like Google Earth.
2012 - Trimble Inc. purchased SketchUp from Google.

While under Google's ownership, SketchUp saw significant growth in user base due to its integration with Google Earth and Google Maps, allowing users to create 3D models of buildings and structures and place them within the map service. However, since Trimble's acquisition, SketchUp has been further developed with a focus on professional applications, particularly in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

SketchUp's Presence on Reddit

On Reddit, SketchUp has a dedicated community where users share their work, ask for advice, discuss updates, and troubleshoot issues. This community can be found on the subreddit r/SketchUp. Here, enthusiasts of all levels—from hobbyists to professionals—gather to support one another and share information about the software.

In this community, discussions about SketchUp's ownership and evolution are commonplace. Users often reminisce about the Google era, while others focus on the current features and development under Trimble. The subreddit is also a place where you can find news about the latest versions of SketchUp, plugins, resources for learning, and other related topics.

In conclusion, while SketchUp is no longer a part of Google, its legacy as a user-friendly 3D modeling tool continues. Under Trimble, it remains a widely-used application in various industries, and the community on Reddit is a testament to its enduring popularity and the ongoing dialogue about its development and application in the world of design and beyond.

We leave you with one last piece of advice for having made it this far: Keep exploring other software options to find the tool that best suits your needs and skill level. Goodbye.

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