Is SketchUp still free

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How do I get full SketchUp for free?
Did SketchUp used to be free?

Contents

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2 How do I get full SketchUp for free?
3 Did SketchUp used to be free?

How do I get full SketchUp for free?

How do I get full SketchUp for free?

Unfortunately, the full version of SketchUp Pro is not available for free legally. SketchUp Pro is a premium 3D modeling software with advanced features that are not included in the free version. However, there are a few ways to use SketchUp or similar functionality without incurring costs:

1. SketchUp Free: Trimble, the company that develops SketchUp, offers a free, web-based version of SketchUp. It is a simplified version of the full software but still provides basic 3D modeling tools. It's ideal for personal use, hobbyists, and beginners in 3D modeling. You can access it by creating an account on the SketchUp website and using it directly in your web browser.

2. SketchUp Make: SketchUp Make was the free desktop version for non-commercial use. However, it has been officially replaced by SketchUp Free. The last version of SketchUp Make was released in 2017, and while it's not available for download from the official site anymore, you might find it on third-party websites. Be cautious of potential security risks when downloading software from unofficial sources.

3. Educational Use: If you are a student or educator, you might be eligible for a free educational version of SketchUp Pro through the SketchUp for Schools program. This version is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be used for commercial projects.

4. Trial Version: SketchUp Pro offers a 30-day free trial that gives you full access to all of the features of the program. This can be an excellent way to learn the software or complete a short-term project. After the trial period ends, you would need to purchase a license to continue using the software.

5. SketchUp Alternatives: If you are looking for free software with capabilities similar to SketchUp Pro, you might consider other 3D modeling programs such as Blender, FreeCAD, or LibreCAD. These are open-source and free to use for both personal and commercial purposes.

It is important to respect the terms of service and licensing agreements for any software you use. Using software without a proper license, or in violation of its terms of service, can lead to legal issues and penalties. Always obtain software from reputable sources and adhere to the usage guidelines set by the software provider.

Did SketchUp used to be free?

Did SketchUp used to be free?

Yes, SketchUp did indeed start as a free version when it was first introduced. SketchUp was developed by @Last Software and released in August 2000. The platform gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and versatile tools that catered to a wide range of design professionals and hobbyists.

Evolution and Ownership Changes:

In 2006, Google acquired @Last Software and with it, SketchUp. Under Google's ownership, the software continued to be available for free as Google SketchUp.
Google also released a paid version known as SketchUp Pro, which included additional features and functionalities intended for professional use.
In 2012, Trimble Navigation (now Trimble Inc.) acquired SketchUp from Google. Trimble continued to offer a free version known as SketchUp Make for non-commercial use.
However, in 2017, Trimble announced the end of SketchUp Make and introduced a web-based application called SketchUp Free, which is the freemium version of SketchUp for non-commercial use.
The desktop client, known as SketchUp Pro, became entirely paid software with a subscription model, targeting professionals who require advanced features.

Current Offering:
As of my knowledge cutoff date in 2023, Trimble offers several versions of SketchUp:

SketchUp Free: A simplified, web-based version of SketchUp available for personal use at no cost.
SketchUp Shop: A paid, web-based version with additional features targeted at makers and DIY enthusiasts.
SketchUp Pro: A comprehensive suite of desktop applications for professionals, including advanced tools and features.
SketchUp Studio: An even more advanced version, which includes additional tools such as those for energy analysis and more.

In summary, while SketchUp began as a free desktop application and maintained a free version through various ownership changes, the current free offering has shifted to a web-based platform with the desktop version becoming a paid service for professional use.

Is SketchUp free for hobbyists?

Is SketchUp Free for Hobbyists?

Yes, SketchUp Free is available for hobbyists who are looking for a user-friendly and versatile 3D modeling tool without the need for a commercial license. Here are some key points about the free version of SketchUp:

Web-Based Application: SketchUp Free is a web-based platform, which means it can be accessed through a browser without the need to download software to your computer. This makes it convenient for hobbyists to work on their projects from any location with internet access.
Core Functionality: The free version offers core 3D modeling tools that are quite sufficient for personal use, allowing hobbyists to create, edit, and view 3D models.
Trimble Account: To use SketchUp Free, users need to create a Trimble account, which is a simple process and grants access to the software.
Save and Share: Users can save their projects to the cloud, courtesy of Trimble Connect, and share their models with others if desired.
SketchUp Shop: For those who want more features than the free version offers, there is SketchUp Shop, a paid subscription that provides additional tools and capabilities suitable for hobbyists who are looking for a bit more power in their 3D modeling software.

While SketchUp Free is a great option for hobbyists, it is important to note that the free version does not include the full suite of features found in the professional versions, SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Studio. These paid versions offer advanced features such as additional import/export options, advanced rendering, and LayOut, a tool for creating professional documents and presentations with your 3D models.

In summary, SketchUp Free provides a solid foundation for hobbyists to engage in 3D modeling without financial commitment, while additional, more advanced features are available through the paid versions for those who need them.

Is SketchUp Make 2017 still free?

Is SketchUp Make 2017 still free?

As of my last update, SketchUp Make 2017 was the last free desktop version of SketchUp available for non-commercial use. Trimble, the company behind SketchUp, transitioned to a subscription-based model for their newer versions, which they call SketchUp Free, a web-based application. However, the 2017 Make version remained available for download on their official website, although it was no longer actively updated or supported.

Here are key points regarding SketchUp Make 2017:

1. Availability: While SketchUp Make 2017 can still be found on some third-party websites, it's important to download software only from official or reputable sources to avoid the risks of malware or pirated software.

2. License Limitations: SketchUp Make 2017 is licensed only for non-commercial use. This means it is intended for personal projects, hobbies, or educational purposes, rather than for professional or commercial work.

3. No Updates or Support: Since SketchUp Make 2017 is an outdated version, it does not receive updates. This might pose compatibility issues with new operating systems or hardware. Additionally, official support for this version is not provided, so users rely on community forums or existing documentation for troubleshooting.

4. Functionality: Despite being an older version, SketchUp Make 2017 includes a robust feature set suitable for many 3D modeling tasks. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D models.

5. Alternatives: For those who prefer a free SketchUp option with current support, SketchUp Free (the web-based version) is available. Additionally, there are other free 3D modeling software alternatives like Blender or FreeCAD for users who require more advanced features or commercial-use licensing.

In conclusion, while SketchUp Make 2017 remains free for personal use, individuals seeking the most current version of SketchUp without cost are directed to the web-based SketchUp Free. Those who opt to continue using SketchUp Make 2017 should be mindful of the potential limitations regarding updates, support, and licensing terms.

Is sketchup still free reddit

As of my last update, SketchUp Free, the web-based version of SketchUp, remains free to use with certain limitations. It replaced SketchUp Make, which was the previous free desktop version. The free version is often suitable for hobbyists or those just learning the software. Here are the main points you should know about SketchUp Free:

1. Web-Based: SketchUp Free operates in a web browser, meaning you don't need to download and install any software on your computer.

2. Features: The free version provides basic functionality, which can be enough for simple modeling tasks. However, it lacks some of the advanced features and tools found in SketchUp Pro.

3. File Storage: With SketchUp Free, you can save your projects to the cloud using Trimble Connect, but local saving to your computer is not available as it is with the Pro version.

4. Usage: SketchUp Free is intended for personal use only. Commercial use requires a subscription to SketchUp Pro.

5. Licensing: While SketchUp Free is indeed free, the Pro version operates on a subscription model with an annual fee.

6. Extensions: The free version does not support the extensive library of third-party extensions available to SketchUp Pro users, which can significantly expand the software's capabilities.

7. Support: Access to customer support is limited with the free version, whereas SketchUp Pro subscribers have access to more comprehensive help services.

8. Updates: SketchUp Free receives updates as they are released, ensuring users have access to the latest tools and improvements without additional cost.

9. Community: The SketchUp community, including forums such as Reddit, is an excellent resource for free users to seek help, tips, and share their work with others.

10. Education: SketchUp offers a free version for educational purposes, which has more features than the regular free version but still less than SketchUp Pro.

It is important to note that the availability and features of SketchUp Free may change over time, and for the most current information, users should check the official SketchUp website or community forums like Reddit.

We leave you with one last piece of advice for having made it this far: Yes, SketchUp Free is still available as a web-based application. Ensure you have a compatible web browser for the best experience. Goodbye!

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