Google SketchUp 6 Review

What the reviewers like:
Experts rave about Google SketchUp's intuitive, elegant design. SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool for creating anything in 3D, from a deck for your home to designing a skyscraper, and it can integrate easily with Google Earth. Owners like the online user groups and are happy to find useful downloadable software that is free.

What the reviewers don't like:
Google SketchUp is not suited to professionals, experts add. The reason: SketchUp can't accommodate curved surfaces.

Google SketchUp 6 review highlights

We found the most convincing reviews for Google SketchUp at CNet and Macworld, which test the software. We also found a brief review at About.com.

Google SketchUp is a free, easy-to-use software download that's excellent for beginners, say experts. With it, you can draw any 3D object or pull objects from an ever-expanding warehouse of images to use in your sketches. There are also user guides, video tutorials and highly active forums if you get stuck. SketchUp integrates well with Google Earth, so that you can see how your design fits into your neighborhood. On the downside, the software can't create curves, which is bound to frustrate. SketchUp 6 is available for Windows 2000/XP/Vista, and for Mac OS X (10.4+). If you want more flexible home design software, consider Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite 8.0 (*est. $100).

Also see full report: Home Design Software

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. CNet.com
Google SketchUp review
Susan Glinert
May 4, 2006

CNet reviewer Susan Glinert gives Google SketchUp excellent marks. She likes that the software is free, elegant, intuitive and uses flexible 3D modeling tools. On the downside, she says that you can't "push or pull curved surfaces easily."

2. Macworld
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SketchUp 6 review
Graeme Aymer
August 28, 2007

Graeme Aymer gives Google SketchUp good marks. He says that it's easy to use, powerful, stable and fun. He adds that though basic, Google SketchUp is also capable of "immensely complex compositions." On the downside, SketchUp lacks powerful options for creating curved lines, which will disappoint professionals.

3. About.com
Google SketchUp 3D Modeling Software
Marziah Karch
Not Dated

About.com's Guide to Google, Marziah Karch, gives SketchUp good marks because it's easy to use. She especially likes that SketchUp integrates well with Google Earth. On the downside, SketchUp is difficult to fine-tune, she adds, making it best for beginners.

4. Ymholiad.com
3 Free Online Kitchen Design Softwares
Paul Marek
Feb. 2008

Paul Marek looks at three free online design programs, including Google SketchUp. He reports that SketchUp is easy to use and understand, but still takes several hours to learn. He says that it is a powerful 3D modeling package for creating anything in 3D and may be more than you need.

Also see full report: Home Design Software