Download this app from Microsoft Store for Windows 10. See screenshots, read the latest customer reviews, and compare ratings for Snip & Sketch. Sketch with tools that behave like the real thing — pencils, pens, markers, erasers,. The FAQs issued with Trimble's announcement of SketchUp Make (a new name for what was commonly referred to as 'free SketchUp') is this statement: SketchUp Make is the new name for our basic version. It's available today and still free to use.
With 3D modeling, there's practically no limit to what one can design. While there are numerous 3D modeling tools, a few are as easy to use as SketchUp. Basically, anyone with love for 3D modeling can design free SketchUp models.
SketchUp offers a host of modeling tools, and many designers and architects prefer this tool because of its gentle learning curve andSimplicity
SketchUp files are in the native .skp format. However, the software supports the exporting of files in other formats. Although SketchUp is an easy tool to use, designing 3D models can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to large projects. In this case, many designers and professionals prefer to incorporate ready-made models into their projects.
There are numerous sites that offer ready-made SketchUp models. However, not all these sites offer free SketchUp models. After exhaustive research, we at Scan2CAD have created this article featuring 13 sites where you can download SketchUp models for free
Now there are more than 13 sites with free SketchUp models but we have put together a list of trusted sites where you can access models for free. This list is in no particular order, so let's dive right into it.
1). TurboSquid
The first site on our list is TurboSquid. This site welcomes you with a nice and beautiful looking landing page, with an easy to navigate interface. You can scroll down to find categories and subcategories where you would find a lot of free SketchUp models.
TurboSquid also offers premium SketchUp models, therefore if you don't find what you are looking for in the free section, you have more options in the premium section. There are more premium SketchUp models than free SketchUp models on this site.
Your journey to a reservoir of free SketchUp models on this site is pretty straightforward. You may go for the very first option on the TurboSquid homepage, which is the search option. Or you can scroll down to find the categories that interest you.
To download a free SketchUp model, you'll have to sign up if you don't already own a TurboSquid account. The models you download will be sent to your TurboSquid account, and you can access it from there.
2). 3D Warehouse
The next site on this list is 3Dwarehouse. This site is directly connected to the SketchUp application. In the application, you will find a repository of both 2D and 3D models This repository is the 3Dwarehouse.
Unlike other sites on this list, you can access the free SketchUp models of this site directly from the SketchUp application. However, like most sites on this list, there are thousands of free 3D models available on this site.
3Dwarehouse comes with a simple and direct interface, the 3Dwarehouse, is more or less a SketchUp warehouse. There is a search bar at the top of its homepage to make your search easier. Also, at the left of the search bar is a categories tab, here, you can select your category of interest.
Like TurboSquid, to download a free SketchUp model from this site, you'll need to sign in, if you don't already own an account. Click on the user logo on the top right hand on the 3Dwarehouse homepage to sign in, or after selecting a model of interest, you will be automatically directed to a Trimble sign-in page to be able to download the model you want.
3). CGTips
Architects and designers would find CGTips very interesting. This is because, not only do you have access to free SketchUp models, there are a host of other useful resources on this site, such as tutorials and design tips and tricks.
The CGTips homepage has a lot of options on its navigation tab, one of which is the boldly written free download tab. To access free SketchUp models, all you need to do is hover over the free download tab and select the SketchUp models option. Here, you'll find a host of free SketchUp models.
To download your model of interest, you have to sign in with a Google account. The file you download would be in a zip format, and you'll need to unzip with the password the site provides.
4). CADdetails
CADdetails provides architects and designers with 3D models of specific products, this way, visualizing products in 3D environments is possible. This site comes with a straightforward and easy to navigate website.
At the top of the CADdetails homepage, there is a navigation tab that contains five tabs, one of which is the BIM models tab. For accessing free SketchUp models, the BIM models tab is our tab of interest.
Click on the BIM models tab, search for the SketchUp model of your desire and click on the model to download. However, like most sites on this list, you need to sign up and log in to be able to download free SketchUp models.
5). CGTrader
CGTrader is a site I like to refer to as a reservoir of 3D models. Although a bulk of the models on this site are not free, there are still a host of quality free SketchUp models you can find on this site.
This site welcomes you with a simple user interface. All you need to do to access free SketchUp models is, enter the search for SketchUp models in the search bar on the CGTrader's homepage. You'll see a lot of 3D models, both the free models and models with price tags. You see only free SketchUp models, click on the free option on this page.
6). SketchUp Texture Club
SketchUp Texture club, as the name implies is a club for SketchUp textures. However, there is a 3D model section where you can access free SketchUp models. According to its about page, this site is centered on education, information, and 3D visualization.
To access free SketchUp models, you need to sign up for a free account. However, for premium 3D models, you can sign up for a premium account, which you need to pay a yearly fee for. With the premium account, you can have a vast number of options to choose from.
Click on the 3D models tab at the top of the Sketchup Texture Club homepage. Here, you can find numerous categories, you can either select a category of your choice or search for the free SketchUp model of your interest.
7). Open3Dmodel
Open3Dmodel, as the name suggests, is open to everyone. It is an open resource for free 3D models. This site welcomes you with a very simple interface. You can find numerous categories available on its homepage, you can either use the search bar, click on the .skp file type or click on any category of your choice.
Unlike most sites on this list, you do not need to register to access and download free SketchUp models. All you need to do is click on the model you want, click on the download link, and voila, you've got your free SketchUp model.
With over 73845 free 3D models, this site is almost overwhelming and can leave you spoilt for choices.
8). Free 3D
Free 3D comes with a very beautiful, easy to navigate user interface, and a well-structured category section. It is also a site where freelance designers can showcase their designs and get jobs.
To access free SketchUp models, you could either make use of the search bar or click on any category of your choice. Like the Open3Dmodel, you can download the model of your choice directly, with no need for registration or sign-ins. Just click on the desired model and click on the download button, and that's it.
Free3D is a mixture of free 3d models and premium models. And to access the not free models you can click on the model, add to cart, sign up, pay and download easily.
9). GrabCAD
GrabCAD is a very popular platform, especially for CAD designers and architects. As it is boldly written on its homepage, GrabCAD is the largest online community, boasting a very large number of engineers, designers, and manufacturers. With an online community of over 7 million members and over 4 million free files, GrabCAD is indeed the largest online engineering community.
GrabCAD has a very simple and easy to navigate user interface, making it easy for you to browse through its large library. To access free SketchUp models, click on the library option at the top left-hand corner of the GrabCAD homepage, search for the SketchUp model of your choice and click to download.
However, like most sites on this list, you need to sign up, to have access to the download link of the free SketchUp models.
10). CADnav
CADnav comes with a pretty straightforward and easy to navigate user interface. Its homepage tells you a lot about the vast amount of options available to designers or design enthusiasts. According to the CADnav About page, CADnav is an online 3D library.
With over 50,000 free models, designers and CAD enthusiasts are sure to spend time on this website. To access free SketchUp models, you can either select from a large number of categories under the 3D model section, or click on the SketchUp(.skp) file type under the 'Sort by 3D format' at the right hand of the homepage.
Like a few sites on this list, you can download free SketchUp models directly, without registrations and sign-ins, all you need to do is click on the model of your choice, agree to CADnav T&C and you're good to go.
11). 3Dexport
3D export welcomes you with a beautiful user interface. The color mixture on this homepage is pretty awesome. Although 3Dexport is a marketplace for 3D models, you can also get free SketchUp models from this site.
In addition to free 3D models, this site offers CG textures and tutorials. To access free SketchUp models on this site, click on the free 3D model's section at the top of the homepage. Search for the model of your choice, select the 'free products only' option, click on the model, and click on the download button to download.
However, to get access to the download link you need to sign up.
12). CADblocksfree
With a wide range of free 2D and 3D models, CADblocksfree is a good option for SketchUp enthusiasts. This site offers a large number of 3D models categories to pick from. Additionally, it is basic and easy to navigate.
To access free SketchUp models, click on the free 3D models at the top of the CADblocksfree homepage. Select the category you want, or you can go directly to .skp files by clicking on the .skp file format option, under the file format category.
And like a few sites on this list, you can download free SketchUp models without having to register or sign in.
Download Sketchup Free
13). Sketchfab
With a plain, simple, and interactive interface, Sketchfab is the last site on this list. With a large community of creators and designers, Sketchfab boasts a large number of 3D models. Although it is renowned for selling 3D models, it also boasts of a large number of free 3D models.
To access free SketchUp models, you can hover over the explore tab, click on the downloadable option, this way, you can view all the downloadable models. Search for the model of your choice or select from a long list of categories.
Note that like to download any model on this site, you need to create an account.
SketchUp is a one of the most powerful tools that anyone can learn, it's as essential as a word processor. SketchUp is very helpful for anyone from Architects to house wives and from dentists to entrepreneurs.
SketchUp is mainly a simple and easy to learn 3D modeling software (it should be noted that there's a release of SketchUp called SketchUp Layout and it's used in 2D planner drawings), Architects use it to create fast and accurate 3D models for buildings, game designers use it to create 3D models, furniture designers and carpenters rely on it to design furniture pieces, interior designers also use SketchUp, many housewives use SketchUp to design furniture for their homes, many entrepreneurs use SketchUp to create 3D models for their next big project.
This article will present and compare between various free online outlets that beginners can rely on to start learning SketchUp, so sources presented in this post are full structured courses that beginners to start from and follow along, so you won't find a link to a single video or a forum reply.
SketchUp Website
SketchUp Website is the first free outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp through video tutorials; you don't need to register to have access to the tutorials. The available tutorials are well-structured and organized for beginners.
Structure: The training is divided into 6 sections (levels); each section is divided into a group of tutorials that covers certain topic in SketchUp. The training doesn't only cover the beginner's topics in SketchUp but it also covers many of the intermediate and advanced topics.
Interface: The interface is very simple; just go to the website and select the section you're interested in and you're ready to go.
Now to the pros and cons:
Pros
- Free.
- The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
- The training covers many of the intermediate and advanced topics.
- The training covers SketchUp Layout.
Cons
- The only drawback that might face some is that the tutorials are video only, so if you want to revise something you'll have to re-watch the entire video segment.
Verdict: This should be the start for any SketchUp beginner, as you won't only be able to start learning the tools but they'll be able to escalate with your skills using the training at SketchUp website.
Alison
Alison is the second outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp for free through video tutorials. You'll need to register in order to have access to the video training.
Structure: The course is divided into 5 modules; each module is a video tutorial that covers certain topics in SketchUp, the last module (5th module) is an assessment module. There you'll have a multiple choice exam that will test your understanding of the topics covered by the course and if you pass it you'll be eligible for a certificate, but I've to warn you that the certificate will cost you money depending on the format you request (10 Euros for the PDF format).
Interface: The interface is very simple, you click on the module you want to start and you'll be directed to a new window with the video tutorial.
Now, to the pros and cons:
Is Sketchup Free Worth It
Pros
- Free.
- The course is well-structured and organized for beginners.
- You can pay to get the certificate which might be encouraging for some.
Cons
- The course covers and old release of SketchUp, though that might not be a problem for beginners.
- The course doesn't cover intermediate or advanced topics in SketchUp.
Verdict: This outlet is suitable for beginners who're willing to get a certificate at the end of the course.
Wood Working with SketchUp
Wood Working with SketchUp is the third outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp for free through video tutorials; you don't need to register in order to have access to the video tutorials available on the website.
Structure:The training is divided into 5 sections; each section has a group of tutorials that cover certain topics in SketchUp. One of the unique things about this outlet is that there are many SketchUp tips that are listed in a separate section.
Interface: The interface is very simple as seen below; the tutorials are listed under each other, you just click on the course you're interested in and you're ready to go.
11). 3Dexport
3D export welcomes you with a beautiful user interface. The color mixture on this homepage is pretty awesome. Although 3Dexport is a marketplace for 3D models, you can also get free SketchUp models from this site.
In addition to free 3D models, this site offers CG textures and tutorials. To access free SketchUp models on this site, click on the free 3D model's section at the top of the homepage. Search for the model of your choice, select the 'free products only' option, click on the model, and click on the download button to download.
However, to get access to the download link you need to sign up.
12). CADblocksfree
With a wide range of free 2D and 3D models, CADblocksfree is a good option for SketchUp enthusiasts. This site offers a large number of 3D models categories to pick from. Additionally, it is basic and easy to navigate.
To access free SketchUp models, click on the free 3D models at the top of the CADblocksfree homepage. Select the category you want, or you can go directly to .skp files by clicking on the .skp file format option, under the file format category.
And like a few sites on this list, you can download free SketchUp models without having to register or sign in.
Download Sketchup Free
13). Sketchfab
With a plain, simple, and interactive interface, Sketchfab is the last site on this list. With a large community of creators and designers, Sketchfab boasts a large number of 3D models. Although it is renowned for selling 3D models, it also boasts of a large number of free 3D models.
To access free SketchUp models, you can hover over the explore tab, click on the downloadable option, this way, you can view all the downloadable models. Search for the model of your choice or select from a long list of categories.
Note that like to download any model on this site, you need to create an account.
SketchUp is a one of the most powerful tools that anyone can learn, it's as essential as a word processor. SketchUp is very helpful for anyone from Architects to house wives and from dentists to entrepreneurs.
SketchUp is mainly a simple and easy to learn 3D modeling software (it should be noted that there's a release of SketchUp called SketchUp Layout and it's used in 2D planner drawings), Architects use it to create fast and accurate 3D models for buildings, game designers use it to create 3D models, furniture designers and carpenters rely on it to design furniture pieces, interior designers also use SketchUp, many housewives use SketchUp to design furniture for their homes, many entrepreneurs use SketchUp to create 3D models for their next big project.
This article will present and compare between various free online outlets that beginners can rely on to start learning SketchUp, so sources presented in this post are full structured courses that beginners to start from and follow along, so you won't find a link to a single video or a forum reply.
SketchUp Website
SketchUp Website is the first free outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp through video tutorials; you don't need to register to have access to the tutorials. The available tutorials are well-structured and organized for beginners.
Structure: The training is divided into 6 sections (levels); each section is divided into a group of tutorials that covers certain topic in SketchUp. The training doesn't only cover the beginner's topics in SketchUp but it also covers many of the intermediate and advanced topics.
Interface: The interface is very simple; just go to the website and select the section you're interested in and you're ready to go.
Now to the pros and cons:
Pros
- Free.
- The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
- The training covers many of the intermediate and advanced topics.
- The training covers SketchUp Layout.
Cons
- The only drawback that might face some is that the tutorials are video only, so if you want to revise something you'll have to re-watch the entire video segment.
Verdict: This should be the start for any SketchUp beginner, as you won't only be able to start learning the tools but they'll be able to escalate with your skills using the training at SketchUp website.
Alison
Alison is the second outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp for free through video tutorials. You'll need to register in order to have access to the video training.
Structure: The course is divided into 5 modules; each module is a video tutorial that covers certain topics in SketchUp, the last module (5th module) is an assessment module. There you'll have a multiple choice exam that will test your understanding of the topics covered by the course and if you pass it you'll be eligible for a certificate, but I've to warn you that the certificate will cost you money depending on the format you request (10 Euros for the PDF format).
Interface: The interface is very simple, you click on the module you want to start and you'll be directed to a new window with the video tutorial.
Now, to the pros and cons:
Is Sketchup Free Worth It
Pros
- Free.
- The course is well-structured and organized for beginners.
- You can pay to get the certificate which might be encouraging for some.
Cons
- The course covers and old release of SketchUp, though that might not be a problem for beginners.
- The course doesn't cover intermediate or advanced topics in SketchUp.
Verdict: This outlet is suitable for beginners who're willing to get a certificate at the end of the course.
Wood Working with SketchUp
Wood Working with SketchUp is the third outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp for free through video tutorials; you don't need to register in order to have access to the video tutorials available on the website.
Structure:The training is divided into 5 sections; each section has a group of tutorials that cover certain topics in SketchUp. One of the unique things about this outlet is that there are many SketchUp tips that are listed in a separate section.
Interface: The interface is very simple as seen below; the tutorials are listed under each other, you just click on the course you're interested in and you're ready to go.
Is Sketch Free
Now, the pros and cons:
Pros
- Free.
- The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
- There are many SketchUp tips.
Cons
- The training covers an old version of SketchUp.
Verdict: The outlet is very suitable for beginners who are interested in wood work, as the tutorials are more targeted towards that section.
Harwood Podcast Network
Harwood Podcast Networ is the fourth outlet where beginners can start leaning SketchUp for free through video tutorials; you don't need to registers in order to have access to the video podcast.
Structure: There are 62 video podcast that covers every aspect of SketchUp. The big problem with this outlet is that the video tutorial covers a very old version of SketchUp.
Interface: The interface is very simple as seen below; the videos are listed after each other, you click on the tutorial you want and you're ready to go.
Google Sketchup Free Online
Now, the pros and cons:
Pros
- Free.
- Covers many of the topics in SketchUp.
Cons
- This tutorial covers a very old version of SketchUp.
Verdict: There are better outlets that beginners can rely on to start learning SketchUp.
Bottom Line
The recipe for learning SketchUp
- The official SketchUp website is the best place for any beginner to start learning SketchUp.
- If you're willing to get a certificate at the end of your course, then Alison is your way to go.
- For those who are interested in wood work, then you've to start with Wood Working with SketchUp.
Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in SketchUp.
