SketchUp Free v SketchUp Pro

Features of SketchUp Free vs Pro

So, you are looking at finding the best plan for you using SketchUp, it can be daunting when faced with so many 3D modelling software, then dozens of plans, each a new realm of opporunity.

There are two ways you can find out what the best plan for you and your projects will be.

  1. Speak to one of our UK based experts, each with extensive knowledge of the 3D modelling world, supporting hundreds of digital designers everyday. Click here to give us a call. Their goal is to point you in the right direction based on your modelling needs.
  2. Your second option is to check out the SketchUp plans below, a short but sweet representation of our web based SketchUp plan, all the way up to SketchUp studio.
  • Free
  • Best Seller
    SketchUp Pro (Paid)
  • SketchUp Studio (Paid)
  • SketchUp Go
Features (Free Vs Pro) Free
Best Seller
SketchUp Pro (Paid)
SketchUp Studio (Paid)SketchUp Go
Features (Free Vs Pro)
FREE
not permitted for commercial use
£301
/year
£645
/year
£103
iPad/Web Browser Only
UsageWeb OnlyDesktop & WebDesktop & WebWeb Only
License for commercial use
Usable Offline
Cloud StorageUnlimited (Trimble Connect)Unlimited (Trimble Connect)
SupportCommunityEmail and phone from your UK reseller, CommunityEmail and phone from your UK reseller, CommunityCommunity
ViewerAR Mobile ViewerAR Mobile Viewer
XR Headset ViewingHololens, WMR, Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, SteamVR Hololens, WMR, Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, SteamVR
File Format SupportStandardProfessionalProfessionalStandard
ExtensionsCore Ruby API & Extension Warehouse Core Ruby API & Extension Warehouse
3D WarehouseLimited DownloadsUnlimited Downloads Unlimited DownloadsUnlimited Downloads
2D Documentation ToolLayOutLayOut
Custom Styles, Custom Materials, OutlinerAdvancedAdvanced
Dynamic ComponentsCreate & EditCreate & Edit
PreDesign
V-Ray
Scan Essentials
Find out moreFind out more

SketchUp Pro:

Layout

LayOut is an extra application that comes with SketchUp Pro allowing you to create professional presentations of your SketchUp Pro models in an instant. With LayOut you can place SketchUp Pro models in multiple views on a template and provide graphic elements such as titles, arrows, dimensions, logos and photos for printing or screen presentations. LayOut brings the “feel” of SketchUp into 2D space in an incomparably beautiful way. 

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse contains millions of models created in SketchUp that you can import straight into your own model. Need an oven for the kitchen you’re designing? A car for your driveway? A rhino for your zoo? Find it all in 3D Warehouse, the world’s biggest library of free 3D models. You can also find a model from a trusted manufacturer. With manufacturer partners like Herman Miller, Formica, Thermador and many others, 3D Warehouse is the best place to find a model of a specific, real-world object. Now when you specify an oven for a kitchen, you can be sure you’re working with accurate geometry, not to mention beautiful models. 

Extensions

SketchUp Pro opens up to a whole new world of game changing extensions – from photo-realistic rendering software such as V-RayEnscape, and SU Podium to general industry productivity plug-ins like DibacProfile Builder and PlaceMaker. All of which can help save you hours of work and supercharge your design projects. 

StyleBuilder

StyleBuilder is an extra application that comes with SketchUp Pro that allows you to create your own sketchy-edge style. Use your favourite pen, pencil or marker and scan the lines. StyleBuilder will then convert these lines back to SketchUp lines, creating your own unique style. 

MobileViewer

Because your SketchUp models may reside in different places, the SketchUp MobileViewer allows you to access your models from 3D Warehouse, Trimble Connect, and Dropbox. The free mobile app gives you the ability to open SketchUp models on your phone that are attached to email messages, directly from your mail app. 

sketchupprosubscription

SketchUp Studio Licence:

The SketchUp Studio Licence is for design teams that want to advance their workflows. Draw in 3D using our 3D modelling software, import and model on point cloud data from a variety of file formats and generate high quality photoreal renders, and share your designs. Windows only.

SketchUp Studio Subscription:

V-Ray 5 for SketchUp and Scan Essentials are now included in your SketchUp Studio subscription. Start your project off by importing and modelling on robust point cloud data and finish it using incredible, high-quality studio renders. 

A SketchUp Studio subscription is assigned to one individual and can only be used by that registered user. It cannot be shared between colleagues. The individual can authorise their subscription on two computers that they use – but can only use one at a time (typically a work computer/desktop and a laptop).

To access your subscription, you must sign in with Trimble ID. Each user account can only be associated with one individual person. You cannot create a generalised user account that is shared by more than one person. This is what we refer to as a “named user”.

sketchupstudiosubscription

Frequently Asked Questions: SketchUp Free VS Pro

How can I buy Sketchup Pro?

Elmtec is a leading reseller for SketchUp in the UK and Ireland. You can purchase an educational or commercial SketchUp Pro subscription here.

What’s the difference between an educational and commercial license?

Accredited education institutions can purchase SketchUp Pro EDU licenses so students gain access to the software. The licenses cannot be used for commercial (for-profit) work of any kind, so Research and Facilities/Planning departments within educational institutions do not qualify. Educational licenses have the full functionality of SketchUp Pro commercial licenses, and expire after one year. For a list of options available to schools, colleges and universities, please take a look here.

What’s the difference between SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Free?

The key thing to note is that SketchUp Free is browser based only, and it cannot be used for any commercial work at all. If you are using SketchUp commercially, you will need to purchase a subscription of SketchUp Pro. If you’re not using Pro, you’re missing out on a range of features designed for producing professional-grade work, including LayOut, Trimble Connect, AR Viewer for mobile and numerous file import/export options. To see a full list of the differences between SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro, please see here.

About Elmtec

Elmtec have been the UK distribution partner for SketchUp since 2010, and service a network of UK and Irish resellers. We have over 22 years’ experience within the digital design community.

Contact Us

T: 01844 263 750
E: sales@elmtec.co.uk
W: www.elmtec.co.uk/sketchup