Google SketchUp 8.0.11752

With 3D modeling software, you can construct anything you want, but it takes time and patience to learn how to use such a program. Most of them are filled to the brim with options, settings and complex features. Google SketchUp offers a whole new approach in this regard. It is easier to use, so you can get started right away. It is linked with other Google services, making it possible to download new models for free, share your own work with the rest of the world and much more.

The software's setup file is almost 37 Mb large, which may take longer to download, but considering that other similar programs are much larger and they come on multiple DVDs, waiting for this download to finish is definitely worth it and it will not cost you a dime.

You may create any model you want in a 3D environment, which takes up most of the software's interface. You can look in any direction and zoom in or out by using the mouse wheel or with the aid of the options on the toolbar. Basic navigation will be a bit confusing or uncomfortable at first, but it will not take long to get used to the controls. If you need a good tip, you should know that zooming in will take you to the exact location of the mouse cursor, so you should be mindful where you place it.

Unlike other similar programs, Google SketchUp is kept clean and simple. There is only one toolbar on the main window, with only a handful of options, represented by large, colored icons. You can use them to select an object or part of it, draw lines, rectangles and other shapes, move them and perform other actions. It should be obvious what the Paint Bucket tool can be used for. Besides colors, it will also fill a polygon with various textures. After selecting the tool, a small window will show up where you can select one of many texture categories, like bricks and cladding, asphalt and concrete, stone, metal, carpeting and more. You may also change their colors and perform other editing tasks on the same window.

The best part of Google SketchUp, which makes it different from other software, is the fact that it lets you import new items fast and easy, by using the options on the toolbar. You can insert a location from anywhere in the world, to use it as the "ground" in the 3D environment. This can be done by selecting an area with a rectangle tool, in a Google powered map. It is also possible to import textures from photos, using the same Google powered map, but in street view. While in this mode, you can, for example, use the rectangle tool to capture a building's facade and use it on your own 3D model.

Entire 3D models can be inserted as well, from Google 3D warehouse. You will find anything, from people or celebrities to buildings and vehicles. You can, of course, use a search engine to find anything you need. It would not be Google otherwise. Once you find what you are looking for, an image of the object will be displayed, as well as its position on a Google map. You will also find similar or related objects next to this display. You can download the object by clicking the Download button, beneath the image. When the process is complete, the object will be loaded into your project immediately and you can place it anywhere you want.

A selected model or the whole project can be previewed in Google Earth. You will be taken automatically to a location, according to the model or location inserted into your project. In this way, you can improve Google Earth by creating and sharing new 3D buildings. It is also possible to create them by using Google building maker. Like the other features, this one can be used on a separate window, after clicking an option on the toolbar. You will find various key points, for all sorts of buildings, on a Google powered map. Clicking one of these points will display an option for creating a building. Once you get started, you will have access to various pictures of that building, from different angles, making it easy to create a 3D model after it.

Pros:
Google SketchUp makes it much easier to create 3D models than other similar software. It lets you download and import new textures, models and more. Due to its clean design, even inexperienced users can start building 3D models. Like other Google software, SketchUp is free and it will not take long to have it up and running on your computer.

Cons:
The software can slow down your system if you have older hardware.

Google SketchUp enables you to create and shape your own world. With its various features, you can share your work, use real world models and textures and much more.

Google SketchUp has been reviewed by Frederick Barton on 11 May 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated Google SketchUp 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential