SketchUp has long been one of the most popular and widely-used 3D modeling software tools. Originally created by startup company @Last Software in 2000, SketchUp was acquired by Google in 2006 and quickly grew into an essential app for architects, interior designers, engineers, makers, and hobbyists.
In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble Inc. The software continues to have a large user base, with its simple interface, short learning curve, and compatibility with many file types. However, some users are now looking for alternatives to SketchUp for various reasons.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 SketchUp alternatives based on features, user experience, rendering capabilities, file exporting, and other factors. Whether you’re dissatisfied with SketchUp or just looking to experiment with other 3D software, read on to discover the leading options in 2023.
- Blender
Blender is a popular open source 3D creation suite that covers modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and video editing. It offers an immense range of tools and functionality, making it a top choice for professional 3D artists.
However, Blender also works quite well for architectural visualization and product design. It can take some time to learn, but with its node-based interface and keyboard shortcuts, Blender provides extensive control over 3D projects.
Key Features:
- Completely free and open source
- Modular node workflow
- Fast modeling tools
- Powerful rendering engine
- Animation and physics engine
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Autodesk Fusion 360
Fusion 360 by Autodesk is a cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE software that combines industrial and mechanical design, engineering collaboration, and machining capabilities in one package. It enables users to iterate fast on product designs while leveraging simulation tools, generative design, and manufacturing/production workflows.
For those switching from SketchUp, Fusion 360 offers familiar push/pull modeling along with more advanced tools. It also allows users to collaborate and share files online. The free plan has limited capabilities, but paid subscriptions unlock the full feature set.
Key Features:
- CAD, CAM, and CAE in one platform
- User-friendly direct modeling
- Integrated simulation and rendering
- Collaborative cloud workspace
- Works with Mac and Windows
- Generative design technology
- FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source parametric 3D modeler with a complete set of tools for CAD, MCAD, CAx, CAE, and product design. It works natively across Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The interface uses panels and workbenches to provide just the tools you need for a specific modeling task.
FreeCAD is highly extendable through its Python-based architecture. While not as fast or refined as some commercial options, it provides SketchUp users a capable free replacement. The learning curve can be longer than SketchUp, but it enables powerful parametric 3D modeling for product design.
Key Features:
- Fully parametric modeling
- MOD app ecosystem for extendability
- Feature-based architecture
- Open source and free
- Part design, assembly, and drafting workbenches
- STL export for 3D printing
- Onshape
Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that lets product teams collaborate across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It pioneered the concept of radically interoperable design workflows with its unique “no files” system. Rather than emailing CAD files back and forth, everyone on a team works from a single data set in the cloud.
Onshape offers the flexibility of dimension-driven sketches combined with robust downstream workflows for drawing production, data management, and manufacturing. Its Professional plan also includes advanced large assembly performance, sheet metal design tools, and enterprise administration features.
Key Features:
- Cloud-native SaaS platform
- Unlimited real-time collaboration
- Integrated data management
- Simultaneous editing by multiple users
- Secure access on any device
- Graphical version history
- SketchList 3D
SketchList 3D is an online 3D modeling and visualization tool created as an easy-to-use SketchUp alternative. Through its visual drag and drop interface, SketchList 3D makes it simple to construct 3D floorplans, create scaled furniture models, and design commercial spaces.
Unlike SketchUp, SketchList 3D runs fully in the web browser using WebGL. This allows for easy sharing and viewing of 3D designs without any software installs. Paid subscription plans provide additional workspace, unlimited models, custom textures, and presentation mode.
Key Features:
- Web-based 3D modeling
- Intuitive drag and drop editor
- Model custom floorplans and furniture
- Custom brand and texture options
- Real-time collaboration
- Presentation mode and 3D walkthroughs
- TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a free, easy-to-use app for quick 3D design and modeling. As a simplified CAD program, it uses simple geometric shapes, boolean operations, and grouping/copying objects to build up 3D models. An intuitive drag and drop workspace makes TinkerCAD accessible for beginners and younger users.
Models can be exported as STL files for 3D printing or shared online via the TinkerCAD community. While TinkerCAD lacks the advanced tools and precision of SketchUp, its block-based interface provides a nice introduction to thinking and designing in 3D space.
Key Features:
- Free web-based 3D CAD
- Intuitive block-based building
- Quick geometry editing
- User-friendly UI for beginners
- Download/share STL files
- Gallery and printing services
- Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a professional CAD app designed from the ground up for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. Through multitouch gestures and Pencil drawing, it provides an incredibly fluid 3D modeling experience on mobile devices. The simple UI paired with powerful CAD tools makes Shapr3D perfect for architects, designers, and engineers.
Models start with precise 2D drawings that can be extruded into 3D form. Advanced features like surface modeling, manufacturing utilities, and rendering integration enable sophisticated workflows. Files can be exported to common CAD formats for additional editing and production.
Key Features:
- Streamlined CAD app for iPad Pro
- Multitouch and Apple Pencil input
- Technical drawing and 3D surfacing
- Powerful modeling and editing tools
- Engineer-grade precision
- DWG, STL, IGES, SAT export
- Moment of Inspiration (MoI)
Moment of Inspiration (MoI) offers a fast and flexible 3D modeling experience focused on creating organic, sculptural forms. The software provides a robust toolset for 3D design using polygons or NURBS surfaces. Combined with a selection of modeling operations, MoI enables users to quickly shape intricate designs.
MoI’s workflow and UI contain several similarities to SketchUp, making it easier to transition to the software. Users praise MoI’s snappy performance when working with complex models and high polygon counts. If your work involves sculpting, product design, or machining prototypes, MoI is worth exploring as a SketchUp alternative.
Key Features:
- Specialized tools for organic shapes
- Fast NURBS and polygon modeling
- Intuitive SketchUp-like UI
- Powerful viewport rendering
- Boolean, fillet, and offset operations
- Output STL, OBJ, DXF, and more
- BricsCAD
BricsCAD is a DWG-compatible CAD software that contains 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and building design functionality. It offers an extensive set of features comparable to AutoCAD, including precise 3D solids, surface operations, and rendering tools. Models integrate with other BIM and CAD workflows for refined documentation.
In addition to a familiar UI, BricsCAD provides proprietary tools like the Quad cursor and intelligent dimensioning for rapid 2D/3D design. It supports over 100 CAD file types including common exports like STL, OBJ, FBX, and solid PDF. BricsCAD offers a viable route for SketchUp users seeking a more capable commercial CAD platform.
Key Features:
- DWG file compatibility
- Quad cursor for efficient 2D drawing
- Powerful 3D surfacing and solids
- Familiar UI with intelligent tools
- Rendering, animation, and documentation
- Custom entity design with LISP
- FormIt
FormIt from Autodesk is a lightweight 3D modeling and conceptual design tool made for architecture and building design. Using direct manipulation, users can create extruded plans, designs, and massing diagrams. Professional features like Sun Path Visualization provide analysis during early design stages.
FormIt supports rapid iteration through its sketch-based surfaces, real-time presentations, and ability to import maps or traced overlays. Users can sync files across devices through cloud storage and collaborate via Autodesk 360. FormIt offers an easy entry point to 3D building modeling after SketchUp.
Key Features:
- Conceptual building design
- Push/pull geometry editing
- Massing and solar analysis
- Documentation and presentation
- Cloud collaboration
- Works across Windows and iPad
Choosing an Alternative to SketchUp
SketchUp has retained users for many years due to its accessible interface and flexibility for architectural presentations. However, other solutions now provide powerful 3D modeling and design with fewer limitations.
Before switching to alternatives like Blender or Fusion 360, evaluate your specific 3D workflow and modeling needs. Look for tools that align with your skill level, industry focus, and desired file types.
Leverage free trials and educational pricing to test out paid tools like Onshape, MoI, and Shapr3D. For open source software like Blender, be ready to invest sufficient time learning the ins and outs.
By selecting an alternative 3D software that fits your current goals, you can expand your capabilities beyond SketchUp into new 3D modeling realms. The expertise gained will springboard future career growth while enabling the designs you envision today.
