10 Best Sketchup Alternatives in 2024
If you are looking for the best design software for you, in this post we break down the top 10 SketchUp alternatives. Don't miss out!
When looking to create interior design renders online, SketchUp tends to pop up as one of the top software solutions. This program is a 3D modeling tool created for professionals and hobbyist designers to help them bring their projects to life. However, this program is not the right tool for everyone, as it might be too complex, too expensive or just not to your taste. If that is your case, there are a variety of SketchUp alternatives for your consideration.
In this blog post we dive into the capabilities, features and cost of 10 of the best SketchUp alternative options. Join us as we help you find the best design tool for you.
Planner 5D
Planner 5D is an intuitive design tool that allows users to create detailed floor plans and 3D visualizations. This tool is ideal for both beginners and professionals due to its user-friendly interface and extensive library of objects. It is a functional and powerful SketchUp alternative, available for everyone, on all devices and operative systems.
Render created by James Atkinson on Planner 5D.
Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
- Extensive Library: Offers a vast selection of furniture, decor items, and materials to customize your designs.
- AR Capabilities: Integrates augmented reality for a more immersive design experience.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Function: Compatible mobile devices can use the AR feature to visualize designs in the real environment.
- Collaboration and sharing: Planner 5D facilitates project collaboration by allowing designs to be shared with collaborators or clients, who can view and comment on the projects in real-time.
- Special tools: Compared to other rendering programs, Planner 5D offers design consulting services (with a whole team of interior designers at your disposal), as well as tools for artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and more. The goal is to make interior design easier and more accessible than ever before.
- Cross-Platform: Available on web browsers, iOS, and Android devices, allowing for design on the go. This makes it a good sketchup iPad alternative for professionals working out of the office. But also, it is the preferred choice for many Samsung, HTC, Xiaomi or Sony users, making it a great sketchup alternative for Android users.
Cost: Planner 5D is great if you are looking for a free sketchup alternative, as it is available as a free version with limited features. For advanced tools and a more extensive object library, there are premium subscription plans starting at $4.99 per month.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD by Autodesk is a leading CAD software often used by architects, engineers, and designers for precise 2D and 3D drafting. It can be a good alternative to SketchUp as it allows users to create professional and quality renders.
Features:
- Precision drafting: Advanced tools for highly detailed and accurate 2D and 3D designs.
- Customization: Extensive customization options with support for various plugins and APIs.
- Collaboration Tools: Facilitates teamwork with cloud storage and sharing options.
- Extensive File Support: Supports numerous file formats, ensuring compatibility with other design software.
Cost: AutoCAD is a premium tool with a higher price point. Subscriptions start at $2,030 per year, making it a significant investment for serious professionals.
Revit
Revit, also by Autodesk, is a powerful BIM (Building Information Modeling) software that provides comprehensive tools for planning, designing, managing, and constructing buildings and infrastructure. It can be a solid sketchup alternative for professionals working in architecture, interior design or overall construction.
Features:
- BIM Capabilities: Facilitates integrated design, documentation, and analysis processes.
- Collaborative Design: Supports multi-user environments, allowing for real-time collaboration.
- Visualization: Offers advanced visualization tools to create detailed and realistic renders.
- Parametric Components: Enables the creation of intelligent building components that automatically update with changes.
Cost: Revit is another high-end tool with subscriptions starting at $2,910 per year. It is best suited for professional use in larger architectural and engineering projects.
Blender
Blender is a free SketchUp alternative, open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entire 3D pipeline, including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking.
Features:
- Comprehensive toolset: Includes tools for modeling, sculpting, animation, and rendering.
- Realistic rendering: Comes with Cycles, a powerful unbiased path-tracer engine for realistic rendering.
- Extensibility: Highly customizable with support for various plugins and scripts.
- Community support: Backed by a large and active community that provides tutorials, plugins, and forums for support.
Cost: Blender is a completely free open source SketchUp alternative, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious designers who need powerful 3D capabilities.
ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD by Graphisoft is another robust BIM software solution aimed at architects. It provides tools for both 2D and 3D design, allowing for a comprehensive approach to building design and documentation. Hence it is one of the top alternatives to SketchUp for professionals.
Features:
- BIM integration: Full BIM capabilities that streamline the design and documentation process.
- Team collaboration: Supports teamwork with tools for multi-user collaboration.
- Visualization: Advanced visualization tools for creating high-quality renders.
- User-friendly interface: Intuitive interface that enhances productivity and eases the learning curve.
Cost: ArchiCAD collaborate is priced similarly to other professional BIM tools, with licenses starting at $153.33 + tax per month. It’s a substantial investment aimed at professional architects and design firms.
Chief Architect
Chief Architect is a professional home design software that’s popular among architects, builders, and interior designers. It offers a robust set of tools specifically for residential design, which make it a solid SketchUp alternative.
Features:
- Comprehensive home design: Includes tools for kitchen, bath, and interior design.
- 3D visualization: High-quality 3D rendering capabilities for realistic home visualizations.
- Automated building tools: Tools for automatic generation of building elements like roofs, stairs, and foundations.
- Materials list: Generates a materials list to estimate project costs accurately.
Cost: Chief Architect offers various versions tailored to different needs, with subscription prices starting at $166.25/month.
Rhino
Rhino, or Rhinoceros 3D, is a versatile 3D modeling software known for its ability to handle complex geometries. It’s widely used in architecture, industrial design, and even jewelry design. Given its versatility, it is one of the top SketchUp alternatives.
Features:
- Advanced modeling tools: Excellent for creating precise and detailed 3D models.
- Compatibility: Supports a wide range of file formats for seamless integration with other design tools.
- Customizability: Highly customizable with support for plugins and scripting (RhinoScript, Python).
- Visualization: Strong rendering capabilities with native tools and support for external render engines like V-Ray and Maxwell.
Cost: Rhino is available for a one-time purchase of $995, making it a cost-effective option for those needing advanced 3D modeling capabilities without recurring fees.
3ds Max
3ds Max by Autodesk is a powerful 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software widely used in architecture, game design, and film production.
Features:
- Modeling and texturing: Advanced tools for creating detailed models and applying textures.
- Animation: Comprehensive animation tools for character rigging and motion.
- Rendering: Includes the Arnold renderer for high-quality, photorealistic renders.
- Plugin Support: Extensive plugin ecosystem to extend functionality.
Cost: 3ds Max is a premium tool with subscription pricing starting at $1,875 per year. It’s best suited for professionals needing high-end modeling and rendering capabilities.
Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is a free, open-source interior design application that helps you draw house plans and arrange furniture. It is also a top SketchUp linux alternative, often recommended by Linux users.
Features:
- User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive, making it ideal for beginners.
- Furniture library: Includes a variety of furniture and decor items to customize interiors.
- 2D and 3D views: Allows to simultaneously view and edit in 2D and 3D for a comprehensive design experience.
- Online version: Offers an online version for easy access without installation.
Cost: Sweet Home 3D is free, with additional furniture libraries and rendering options available for purchase. It’s a great budget-friendly option for basic interior design.
SketchList 3D
SketchList 3D is a woodworking design software specifically tailored for custom cabinetry, furniture, and woodworking projects.
Features:
- Custom woodworking tools: Designed specifically for creating detailed woodworking projects.
- Drag-and-drop interface: Easy-to-use interface for quickly assembling parts and components.
- Cut lists and reports: Automatically generates cut lists and material reports to streamline production.
- Rendering: Offers realistic 3D rendering to visualize finished projects.
Cost: SketchList 3D is available for a starting one-time purchase price of $200. It’s ideal for woodworkers and cabinet makers looking for a specialized design tool. But, if you are looking for a free alternative to SketchUp for woodworking, SketchList 3D does offer a free trial.
Conclusion
In summary, each of these SketchUp alternatives offers unique features tailored to different aspects of architectural design, rendering and 3D modeling. Whether you’re a professional architect, interior designer, woodworker or hobbyist designer, there’s a tool that fits your needs and budget. By exploring these options, you can find the perfect software to bring your creative visions to life.
Renders created by Rachel L, Ely Bnd, Ana G, Moonface, Андреа Gabrielle y Alexandra Cooper on Planner 5D.
FAQ
What’s the best SketchUp alternative?
Depending on your particular needs, good SketchUp alternatives include Revit for BIM, Blender for free 3D modeling, or Planner 5D for ease of use.
Is there a free version of SketchUp?
Yes, SketchUp Free is available online via web browser.
Is SketchUp still relevant?
Yes, SketchUp is widely used for 3D modeling amongst design and architecture professionals and hobbyists.
Is Revit better than SketchUp?
Revit is better for BIM and complex architectural projects; but SketchUp is more accessible and simpler for basic modeling and design.
