SketchUp
Design & BIM
Trimble's 3D modeling software, known for being far easier to pick up than a full BIM platform like Revit, which is why it shows up everywhere from architecture firms to a contractor's own design-build sketches.
What it does
SketchUp trades some of Revit's deep parametric building intelligence for a much gentler learning curve, letting someone without formal CAD training build a real 3D model quickly. Its companion tool, LayOut, turns that 3D model into 2D construction documents, and higher tiers add point cloud and scan-to-3D workflows for modeling existing conditions. It can import and export Revit models and standard formats like IFC and DWG, so it fits into a project's workflow rather than replacing the rest of it.
Key features
- An approachable 3D modeling interface that doesn't require the steeper learning curve of a full BIM platform
- LayOut, a companion tool for turning a 3D model into 2D construction documents
- Point cloud and scan-to-3D workflows on its higher tiers for modeling existing conditions
- Import and export compatibility with Revit models and industry-standard formats like IFC and DWG
How it's actually used
- A design-build contractor sketches a remodel concept in SketchUp to show a homeowner before committing to full construction drawings
- A field team imports a point cloud scan of an existing building into SketchUp to model conditions that were never fully documented on paper
SketchUp Tutorial
Good to know
- Pricing:
- Subscription-based across several tiers, from a lighter web and iPad plan up through professional desktop and point cloud focused tiers.
- Website:
- https://sketchup.trimble.com
Reviewed 2026-09. Costs, timelines, and licensing details vary by location and change over time. Treat these as a starting point, not a quote.
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