SketchUp Make was the free, personal-use version of SketchUp's desktop 3D modeling software, while SketchUp Pro is the full-featured, paid professional suite designed for commercial and advanced design projects. While Make offered a substantial portion of SketchUp's modeling capabilities, it lacked crucial professional tools and functionalities found exclusively in Pro. It's important to note that SketchUp Make has been discontinued since 2017.
Historical Context: SketchUp Make (Discontinued)
SketchUp Make was the last free, standalone desktop version of SketchUp available for non-commercial and personal use. It provided an excellent entry point into 3D modeling for hobbyists, students, and DIY enthusiasts.
- Core Functionality: SketchUp Make contained most of the fundamental modeling tools and capabilities that are also present in SketchUp Pro. Users could create, edit, and texture 3D models with relative ease.
- Key Limitation: A significant difference was the absence of advanced features like Solid Tools in SketchUp Make. These tools are specifically designed for working with solid objects, enabling precise operations like subtracting, trimming, or intersecting geometric solids, which is particularly useful for applications such as 3D printing and manufacturing.
- Commercial Use: It was explicitly not licensed for commercial purposes.
SketchUp Pro: The Professional Standard
SketchUp Pro is the comprehensive, subscription-based professional package that includes the desktop 3D modeler along with a suite of complementary applications and services. It is designed to meet the rigorous demands of architecture, engineering, construction, interior design, and other professional fields.
- Complete Feature Set: Pro includes all the modeling tools available in Make (and its current free web version), plus a host of advanced functionalities and dedicated applications.
- Professional Tools: Crucially, it includes Solid Tools for creating watertight, manufacturable 3D models, as well as robust import/export options for various CAD and 3D file formats.
- Integrated Workflow: SketchUp Pro is part of a larger ecosystem that facilitates a complete design and documentation workflow.
Key Differences at a Glance
The table below highlights the primary distinctions between SketchUp Make (historically) and the current SketchUp Pro offering:
| Feature / Aspect | SketchUp Make (Discontinued) | SketchUp Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued (last version 2017) | Currently available via subscription |
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription (annual or multi-year) |
| Target Audience | Personal, hobbyists, non-commercial use | Professionals, commercial projects, educational institutions |
| Commercial Use | Not permitted | Permitted and encouraged |
| Core Modeling Tools | Most fundamental tools included | All fundamental tools included, plus advanced features |
| Solid Tools | Absent (difficult for 3D printing, complex solids) | Included (essential for precise solid modeling and 3D printing) |
| LayOut | Absent (no 2D documentation tools) | Included (for creating professional 2D drawings and presentations) |
| Style Builder | Absent | Included (for creating custom SketchUp styles) |
| Import/Export | Limited file formats (e.g., SKP, JPG, PNG) | Extensive file formats (e.g., CAD DWG/DXF, 3DS, OBJ, FBX, XSI, VRML) |
| Extensions/Plugins | Basic support, some professional extensions might not function | Full support, access to a vast Extension Warehouse |
| Support | Community forums | Dedicated technical support, community forums |
| Collaboration | Basic local file sharing | Advanced cloud collaboration, Trimble Connect integration |
Why SketchUp Pro is Preferred for Professionals
Professionals opt for SketchUp Pro due to its comprehensive capabilities that streamline the entire design process:
- Robust 3D Modeling: Access to Solid Tools and other advanced features allows for the creation of intricate, accurate, and manufacturable 3D models.
- Professional Documentation with LayOut: LayOut enables users to create detailed 2D construction drawings, presentations, and scaled prints directly from their 3D models, ensuring consistency and accuracy in project documentation.
- Extensive Interoperability: Broad import and export options facilitate seamless integration with other CAD software, rendering engines, and BIM workflows.
- Customization and Efficiency: The ability to develop custom styles with Style Builder and leverage a wide array of extensions from the Extension Warehouse enhances productivity and tailored workflows.
- Commercial Licensing: It provides the legal framework for businesses and professionals to use the software for profit-generating work.
Current Free Alternatives
While SketchUp Make is no longer available, users looking for a free version for personal or hobbyist use can utilize SketchUp Free, which is a web-based application. However, SketchUp Free offers a more limited feature set compared to the legacy desktop Make version and significantly fewer capabilities than SketchUp Pro.
