Why did Google sell SketchUp

In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble Navigation, a company that provides advanced location-based solutions. The decision to sell arose from Google's strategy to focus on core products and services. Although SketchUp had been successful under Google's ownership, becoming one of the most popular 3D modeling tools, it was not a central part of Google's long-term product suite. Trimble, with its focus on applications for professional markets, was better suited to further develop SketchUp's capabilities, particularly for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This sale allowed Google to concentrate on its primary business areas, while giving SketchUp a home with a company whose expertise aligned closely with the tool's user base.

What will you find in this article?

What has happened to Google SketchUp?
Is SketchUp from Google still free?

Contents

1 What has happened to Google SketchUp?
2 Is SketchUp from Google still free?

What has happened to Google SketchUp?

Google SketchUp, once a popular 3D modeling software developed by Google, has undergone significant changes over the years. Here's a brief overview:

Acquisition by Trimble: In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble, a company that provides technology for different industries including construction, agriculture, and transportation.
Rebranding: After the acquisition, Google SketchUp was rebranded simply as SketchUp. As part of Trimble, the software has continued to grow and evolve.
Development: Trimble has actively developed SketchUp, releasing new versions with updated features and improvements to the user experience.
Subscription Model: More recently, SketchUp has moved to a subscription-based model. While there is still a free version, known as SketchUp Free, the full-featured version requires a paid subscription.
SketchUp for Web: There's a web-based version of SketchUp, which allows users to work on their models directly in a browser without having to install any software.
3D Warehouse: The 3D Warehouse, a platform where users can share and download 3D models, continues to be a part of the SketchUp ecosystem, providing a valuable resource for users.
SketchUp Extensions: The software supports an extensive range of plugins and extensions, enabling users to customize and enhance their workflow.

Despite these changes, SketchUp remains a widely-used tool for architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture, and video game design, among other applications. The software's ease of use and friendly interface continue to attract a broad user base, from professionals to hobbyists.

Is SketchUp from Google still free?

Is SketchUp from Google still free??

SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software that was originally developed by @Last Software in 2000, which Google acquired in 2006. However, in 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble Inc., a company that has continued to develop and expand the software.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Trimble offers a version of SketchUp that is free for personal use, known as SketchUp Free. It is a web-based application that runs in a browser, and while it offers basic functionalities, it does not include the full range of features available in the paid versions of SketchUp.

Here are some key points about the free version of SketchUp:

1. Web-Based: SketchUp Free is accessible through a browser, which means there is no need to download software, making it convenient for users who prefer online tools.

2. Capabilities: It provides fundamental 3D modeling tools suitable for hobbyists, students, and beginners who are learning the basics of 3D design.

3. Trimble Connect: Users can save their projects to the cloud using Trimble Connect, a service that allows for the storage and sharing of 3D models.

4. Limited Features: The free version has limitations compared to SketchUp Pro, which includes advanced features such as additional import/export options, advanced rendering, and the ability to create complex geometries.

5. Licensing: The free version is intended for non-commercial use, whereas professionals and organizations typically require a subscription to SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Studio for commercial purposes.

6. Education: An education version is available for students and educators, providing access to SketchUp Pro at a reduced cost or for free, depending on the licensing agreement with the educational institution.

In summary, while SketchUp is no longer owned by Google, a free version, SketchUp Free, is still available for personal use with certain limitations. For users requiring advanced features and commercial use, paid subscriptions to SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Studio are necessary.

Is Google SketchUp same as SketchUp?

Is Google SketchUp same as SketchUp?

Initially, one might think that Google SketchUp and SketchUp are two different products, but in fact, they refer to the same 3D modeling software, albeit at different points in its history. The confusion arises from the fact that the software's branding has changed over time due to changes in ownership.

1. History and Ownership

Google SketchUp was the name used when the software was under the ownership of Google. Google acquired SketchUp from its original developers, @Last Software, in 2006.
In 2012, Trimble Inc. acquired SketchUp from Google. After this acquisition, the software was simply referred to as SketchUp.

2. Functionality

The core functionality of SketchUp as a 3D modeling tool has remained consistent despite the change in ownership.
Both versions allow users to create, modify, and share 3D models for a variety of applications including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and video game design.

3. Versions and Features

During its time with Google, the software included a free version known as Google SketchUp and a paid version with additional features called SketchUp Pro.
Under Trimble, the software continues to provide a free version, now called SketchUp Free, which is web-based, and the more advanced, paid version known as SketchUp Pro.

4. Integration with Other Google Services

While part of Google, SketchUp featured integration with Google Earth and Google Maps, allowing users to place their 3D models in real-world coordinates.
Some of these integrations have been reduced or modified since Trimble's acquisition.

5. Community and Resources

Both Google SketchUp and SketchUp have supported a large community of users and have offered extensive resources such as tutorials, forums, and an extensive 3D warehouse where users can share and download models.

In summary, Google SketchUp and SketchUp are essentially the same core application, but with different branding corresponding to different eras of ownership. The software has evolved and adapted, with Trimble Inc. continuing to develop and expand its capabilities since taking over from Google.

What is the purpose of Google SketchUp?

Google SketchUp, now known as SketchUp after its acquisition by Trimble Inc. in 2012, is a 3D modeling software designed for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design. The primary purpose of SketchUp is to provide users with an intuitive and accessible interface to create and edit 3D models efficiently.

Here are some of the key purposes and uses of SketchUp:

Architectural Design: Professionals use SketchUp to conceptualize and visualize architectural projects. It allows for quick modeling of buildings and structures, enabling architects to make changes easily and present ideas effectively.
Interior Design: Interior designers use SketchUp to layout spaces, experiment with decor elements, and visualize the final interior spaces for homes, offices, and other environments.
Landscape Architecture: Landscape architects and designers use SketchUp to model outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and urban planning projects.
Engineering: Engineers use SketchUp for creating models of mechanical components, structures, and systems, which can be used for analysis, planning, and construction.
Film & Video Game Design: SketchUp serves as a tool for creating detailed 3D scenes, sets, and backgrounds for film production and video game development.
Education: SketchUp is also widely used in educational settings, allowing students to learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and design in various fields.
Makers & Hobbyists: The DIY community and hobbyists use SketchUp for planning and visualizing personal projects, such as woodworking, 3D printing, and home renovations.

Moreover, SketchUp offers a free version called SketchUp Free, which is web-based and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. There is also a professional version, SketchUp Pro, which includes advanced features such as additional exporting capabilities, more sophisticated rendering, and the ability to create complex geometries.

The software's ease of use, combined with a robust community and a comprehensive library of components called 3D Warehouse, makes it an excellent tool for both professionals and enthusiasts who want to bring their 3D ideas to life.

Why did google sell sketchup reddit

Background on Google's Acquisition of SketchUp
Google acquired SketchUp, a 3D modeling software, back in 2006. The intention behind this acquisition was to integrate SketchUp's capabilities with Google Earth, allowing users to model 3D buildings and structures to be placed on Google Earth's maps.

Reasons Behind Selling SketchUp

Shift in Focus: Google's core business has always been in the digital space, particularly in search, advertising, and data-driven services. Over time, Google decided to shift resources into areas that aligned more closely with its strategic goals.
Financial Decision: As with any corporation, Google periodically reviews its product portfolio to ensure that investments are in line with the company's financial objectives. Maintaining and developing a niche software like SketchUp may not have been seen as the best allocation of resources.
Lack of Synergy: While SketchUp was popular among architects and designers, it may have lacked integration with Google's other products and services. Google tends to prioritize projects that can be woven into their ecosystem.

Reaction on Reddit
Discussions on Reddit regarding the sale of SketchUp to Trimble Navigation in 2012 reflected a mix of surprise and speculation. Users on platforms like r/architecture and r/technology discussed the implications of the sale for the future development of SketchUp and how it would affect the user community.

Impact on SketchUp
Since the sale, SketchUp has continued to evolve under Trimble Navigation's ownership. The focus has shifted towards the professional market, particularly in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. The change in ownership has led to the development of new features and improvements, tailoring the software to better serve its core user base.

In summary, Google's decision to sell SketchUp was likely driven by a combination of factors including strategic realignment, financial prioritization, and product synergy. The Reddit community, as a hub for professional and enthusiast discussions, served as a platform for users to express their views and concerns about the future of SketchUp post-sale. Under new ownership, SketchUp has continued to grow and adapt to the needs of its users, demonstrating that the sale did not mark the end of its development but rather a new chapter in its history.

We leave you with one last piece of advice for having made it this far: Research Google's strategic refocusing on core products and services during the time of the sale for a deeper understanding of their decision to sell SketchUp. Goodbye.

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