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Google Sketchup

SketchUp
SketchupLogo.png
Sketchup car.png
A model of a car made in SketchUp.
Original author(s) @Last Software
Developer(s) Trimble Navigation (previously Google and @Last Software)
Initial release August 2000; 16 years ago (2000-08)
Stable release(s)
Windows, 64-bit 17.1.174
Windows, 32-bit 16.1.1450
macOS 17.1.173

November 17, 2016; 2 months ago (2016-11-17)

Operating system Windows 7 and later
OS X 10.9 and later
Available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Type 3D computer graphics
License
Website www.sketchup.com
Windows, 64-bit 17.1.174
Windows, 32-bit 16.1.1450
macOS 17.1.173

November 17, 2016; 2 months ago (2016-11-17)

SketchUp (formerly Google Sketchup) is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro.

SketchUp is currently owned by Trimble Navigation, a mapping, surveying, and navigation equipment company. The program's authors describe it as easy to use. There is an online open source library of free model assemblies (e.g. windows, doors, automobiles), 3D Warehouse, to which users may contribute models. The program includes drawing layout functionality, allows surface rendering in variable "styles", supports third-party "plug-in" programs hosted on a site called Extension Warehouse to provide other capabilities (e.g. near photo-realistic rendering), and enables placement of its models within Google Earth.

SketchUp was developed by startup company @Last Software of Boulder, Colorado, co-founded in 1999 by Brad Schell and Joe Esch.

SketchUp debuted in August 2000 as a general-purpose 3D content creation tool, and was envisioned as a software program "that would allow design professionals to draw the way they want by emulating the feel and freedom of working with pen and paper in a simple and elegant interface, that would be fun to use and easy to learn, and that would be used by designers to play with their designs in a way that is not possible with traditional design software. It also has user friendly buttons to make it easier to use."

The program won a Community Choice Award at its first tradeshow in 2000.

Google acquired @Last Software on March 14, 2006 for an undisclosed sum, attracted by @Last Software's work developing a plugin for Google Earth.


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