Is SketchUp Make 17 Free?
SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software that allows users to create and modify digital models of objects. It is widely used by architects, designers, and hobbyists due to its user-friendly interface and powerful features. However, many people wonder if they can get SketchUp for free.
The Evolution of SketchUp
To understand the current availability of SketchUp Make 17 for free, let’s take a brief look at its history. SketchUp was originally developed by @Last Software in 2000 as a general-purpose modeling tool. In 2006, Google acquired the software and released a free version called Google SketchUp.
Google SketchUp
During its time as Google SketchUp, the software was available in two versions: SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro. The free version offered basic functionality and was ideal for beginners or casual users. On the other hand, SketchUp Pro was a paid version that included advanced features for professional use.
- SketchUp Free: This version provided essential tools for creating 3D models but lacked some advanced capabilities found in the Pro version.
- SketchUp Pro: The paid version offered additional features like LayOut (for creating presentations) and Style Builder (for customizing styles).
The Trimble Era
In 2012, Trimble Navigation acquired SketchUp from Google and formed a new company called Trimble Inc. After this acquisition, Trimble introduced significant changes to the software’s pricing structure.
SketchUp Make vs. SketchUp Pro
In Trimble’s pricing model, they continued offering two versions of SketchUp: SketchUp Make and SketchUp Pro. However, the availability of SketchUp Make for free became limited.
SketchUp Make: This version was initially available for free and provided a robust set of features for non-commercial use. It was intended for hobbyists, educators, and students who wanted to learn 3D modeling without incurring any cost.
SketchUp Pro: The Pro version remained a paid option and Targeted professionals who required advanced tools and commercial usage rights.
The Transition to Subscription Model
In November 2017, Trimble made a significant change to the pricing structure of SketchUp. They discontinued the free version known as SketchUp Make 17 and replaced it with a subscription-based model called SketchUp Free.
SketchUp Free: This new offering provided core features similar to the previous SketchUp Make but required users to sign up for a Trimble ID. It was accessible through a web browser rather than being installed directly on the user’s computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while SketchUp Make 17 used to be available for free, it has been replaced by SketchUp Free, which operates under a subscription-based model. However, it’s important to note that Trimble still offers a trial version of SketchUp Pro and various subscription plans tailored for different user needs.
If you are looking for an introduction to 3D modeling or want to explore the capabilities of SketchUp without committing to a paid subscription, then SketchUp Free is an excellent option to get started!