SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software that has gained immense popularity among architects, engineers, designers, and hobbyists alike. It provides a user-friendly platform for creating, editing, and sharing 3D models.
But have you ever wondered who makes SketchUp? Let’s dive into the story behind this powerful software.
The Birth of SketchUp
SketchUp was originally developed by a startup company called @Last Software. It was founded in 1999 by Brad Schell and Joe Esch, who aimed to create an intuitive 3D modeling tool accessible to everyone. Their vision was to democratize the world of 3D modeling and make it more approachable for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Initially, SketchUp was released as a desktop software exclusively for the Windows platform. Its unique selling point was its simplicity combined with powerful functionality. The developers focused on creating a tool that allowed users to quickly sketch out their ideas in 3D space without the steep learning curve that traditional CAD software often demanded.
Google’s Acquisition
In March 2006, Google acquired @Last Software and brought SketchUp under its wing. This acquisition marked a turning point in SketchUp’s journey, as it gained substantial exposure and resources through Google’s vast network.
With Google’s backing, SketchUp underwent significant improvements and updates over the years. The development team expanded rapidly, allowing them to enhance the software’s capabilities further while maintaining its user-friendly interface.
Trimble Navigation Takes Over
In June 2012, Google decided to sell SketchUp to Trimble Navigation Limited – a leading provider of advanced location-based solutions. This move allowed Google to focus on its core products while ensuring SketchUp would continue to thrive under Trimble’s stewardship.
Under Trimble’s ownership, SketchUp has continued to evolve and innovate. The software has seen numerous updates, introducing features like advanced rendering, enhanced collaboration tools, and compatibility with various file formats. Trimble’s commitment to maintaining SketchUp’s accessibility and user-friendly nature has been evident throughout its ownership.
SketchUp Today
As of today, SketchUp remains a popular choice for professionals across multiple industries. Its versatility makes it suitable for architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture, construction planning, and even video game design.
SketchUp’s success can be attributed to its intuitive interface, powerful tools, and extensive 3D model library known as the 3D Warehouse. This online platform allows users to access a vast collection of pre-built models shared by the SketchUp community.
In Conclusion
So who makes SketchUp? While it was originally developed by @Last Software, it was later acquired by Google and is now under the ownership of Trimble Navigation Limited. Through these transitions, SketchUp has continuously evolved into one of the most popular 3D modeling software available today.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly yet powerful tool to bring your 3D ideas to life, SketchUp is definitely worth exploring. Its rich feature set combined with its accessible interface make it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.