In this article, we will discuss whether the SketchUp Viewer app is free or not.
Introduction to SketchUp Viewer
SketchUp Viewer is a powerful tool that allows you to view, share, and collaborate on 3D models created with SketchUp. It provides a convenient way to showcase your designs to clients, colleagues, or friends without requiring them to have SketchUp installed on their devices.
Features of SketchUp Viewer
The SketchUp Viewer app offers a range of features that enhance the viewing experience of your 3D models:
- Interactive Navigation: With SketchUp Viewer, you can explore your models from different angles and perspectives. You can zoom in, zoom out, rotate, and pan effortlessly using touch gestures or mouse controls.
- Measurements: The app enables you to measure distances, angles, and areas within your models. This feature is particularly useful when presenting designs to clients who need accurate dimensions for planning purposes.
- Annotations: You can add text notes or annotations directly onto your models using the Markup tool.
This allows you to highlight specific details or provide additional information for better understanding.
- Section Planes: With the Section Plane tool, you can cut through your model virtually and visualize its interior. This helps in analyzing complex structures or demonstrating design concepts effectively.
- Lights and Shadows: SketchUp Viewer simulates natural lighting conditions by rendering shadows cast by objects in your model. This adds realism and depth to your presentations.
The Free Version
SketchUp Viewer is available for both desktop and mobile devices. While the viewer itself is free to download, there are some limitations in the free version:
- The free version allows you to access and view models created with SketchUp, but it doesn’t provide editing capabilities.
- Some advanced features like augmented reality (AR) viewing, virtual reality (VR) support, and integration with other software platforms are only available in the paid version of SketchUp Viewer.
Pricing Options
If you require additional functionalities beyond what the free version offers, you can choose from the following pricing options:
SketchUp Viewer Subscription:
This subscription plan unlocks all the premium features of SketchUp Viewer, including AR and VR support. It is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
SketchUp Pro Subscription:
If you are a professional designer who needs full access to SketchUp’s modeling capabilities along with SketchUp Viewer’s features, you can opt for a SketchUp Pro subscription. The price starts at $299 per year.
Conclusion
In summary, while the SketchUp Viewer app itself is free to download and use for viewing 3D models, certain advanced features and editing capabilities require a paid subscription. Depending on your requirements, you can choose between a standalone SketchUp Viewer subscription or a comprehensive SketchUp Pro subscription that includes both modeling and viewing functionalities.