What Company Currently Owns SketchUp?
SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software that has gained a significant following among architects, designers, and hobbyists. However, many people are unaware of the company that currently owns SketchUp. In this article, we will explore the history of SketchUp’s ownership and reveal the current owner of this powerful software.
The Origins of SketchUp
SketchUp was initially developed by @Last Software, a small startup based in Boulder, Colorado. The software was first released in August 2000, with its primary focus on providing an intuitive and easy-to-use platform for creating 3D models. The simplicity of SketchUp quickly gained popularity within the architectural community.
Google’s Acquisition
In 2006, Google acquired @Last Software and took ownership of SketchUp. This acquisition allowed Google to expand its presence in the 3D modeling space and further enhance its existing mapping services. Under Google’s ownership, SketchUp continued to evolve and introduced new features such as integration with Google Earth.
Trimble Navigation Limited Takes Over
In 2012, Trimble Navigation Limited purchased SketchUp from Google as part of their strategic expansion into the geospatial industry. Trimble is a leading provider of advanced location-based solutions that enable professionals to optimize their workflows. With their expertise in positioning technologies, Trimble saw great potential in integrating SketchUp into their portfolio.
Trimble’s Commitment to SketchUp
Since acquiring SketchUp, Trimble has made significant investments in the software’s development and support infrastructure. They have expanded its capabilities with features like real-time collaboration and improved compatibility with other industry-leading software.
- Bold text: Trimble’s commitment to SketchUp has resulted in a more robust and versatile tool for architects, designers, and creators.
- Bold text: Their focus on enhancing interoperability has made SketchUp an essential part of many professionals’ workflows.
- Bold text: Trimble has also introduced subscription-based pricing options, providing users with more flexibility in accessing the software.
The Future of SketchUp
Under Trimble’s ownership, SketchUp continues to thrive as one of the most popular 3D modeling tools available. Its user-friendly interface, extensive library of extensions and plugins, and strong community support have contributed to its success.
With ongoing updates and improvements, SketchUp remains at the forefront of innovation in the 3D modeling industry. Whether you are an architect, designer, or hobbyist, SketchUp offers a powerful platform to bring your ideas to life.
In conclusion, Trimble Navigation Limited is the current owner of SketchUp. Their dedication to advancing the software’s capabilities has solidified its position as a leading 3D modeling tool. If you haven’t tried SketchUp yet, now is the perfect time to explore its vast potential!