Sketchup

**richkat** · #1 10-08-2016, 08:03 AM

Do a lot of you guys use Sketchup? I got the trial version (free) just to play with, it's cool, but i was wondering, do you use the free version or the full pro version? I mean $700 is a lot to pay for something I'm using as just a hobby! How much do you loose when the trial is over?

**Vermin_King** · #2 10-08-2016, 08:22 AM

I know there are several here that use it, and I was thinking of picking it up.

Hopefully we will hear more

**busoramas** · #3 10-08-2016, 08:57 AM

there are several plugins you can use for the trial version, b.e. unfold (very usefull for paper modeling) and file exporters.

regards

**nebeltex** · #4 10-08-2016, 11:54 AM

I don't use "sketchup".... I use drawings and math to scale. Many programs of late produce "junk" models. There is no valid "short-cut" to quality.

**Revell-Fan** · #5 10-08-2016, 01:02 PM

You don't need the pro version. I've been using the free version for several years and they serve me well. I use SU 8 for modeling and SU 6 for exporting into *.kmz(4) if I have to (that file type can be read by Pepakura). The flattery plugin is very useful:
Flattery Papercraft Tools

**richkat** · #6 10-08-2016, 02:20 PM

Thanks guys for input. My reason for even getting it is to help me design a patio cover for my house. The back of my house has a lot of steps (?) and odd angles and I thought it might help me figure out what I need.........Rich

**gillman** · #7 10-11-2016, 09:06 AM

I just got an e-mail from Sketchup, apparently they're launching an online version of the software. http://to.sketchup.com/hJw4IfO00C000WHIS020J0m It says it's a beta.

**willygoat** · #8 10-11-2016, 10:07 AM

OMG Sketchup is finally online!!!!! I've been using it in my Zoological Architecture classes in my room for 3 years. When I go to the zoo with my Zoo Career Academy kids, we only have Chromebooks and tablets. This means that we couldn't use Sketchup at the zoo. Now, hopefully we can.

Thanks for the find.

Rich- The free version is more than powerful enough to help model a patio cover. There are some neat plugins/extensions that allow you to put in studs and roof trusses. The "Medeek Truss Plug-In" is great. there is a free trial download of it. I forget how much it costs for the full version, but I used the trial to model my hallway at home for a remodel project.

**mauther** · #9 10-11-2016, 10:15 AM

I use the old Google Sketchup 6, free version. This is the only version I know that is compatible with Pepakura. The new versions don`t "see" the textures and the model appear in blank.

I don`t like the new "Trimble Sketchup". They are more "heavy" and its layout is less friendly for beginners. Try version 6 of the old Google SketchUp. I recommend.

Greetings from Brazil!

Mauther

**richkat** · #10 10-11-2016, 10:36 AM

Thank guys........Rich