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This 3D modeling software tutorial was created based on the 2015 version of the software (Windows version). All of the operations described can also be performed on the Mac version of the software. Furthermore, you do not need Sketchup Pro, the professional and paid version of SketchUp software to create models for 3D printing. In seconds, Enscape transforms your CAD data into a dynamic 3D model, navigable in real-time, allowing you to instantly communicate your design intent to your client. Enscape links to your CAD program, so you can experience every change you make, the moment you make it.
I recently got myself the 2017 iPad Pro (10.5″). This was a conscious decision. The Pro line packs so much GPU power that the A10X SoC is actually faster than the A12 in the iPhone XS Max in 3D performance while driving only slightly more pixels. Along with strong GPU, it also packs 120 Hz display which is god-send when it comes to 3D modeling
The logic’s clear: Whatever work’s on Apple’s highest-end iPhone should work on this too. As I found out over the course of writing this feature, that assumption was accurate. The iPad Pro 10.5 delivered stellar performance in all the apps tested. Wherever limitations existed, they weren’t hardware-bound. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best 3D modeling apps on iPad Pro.
Preview model topology, UVs, and textures with our 3D viewer and model inspector before you purchase. Everything you’re looking for. From low-poly video game 3D assets to real-world photogrammetry scans, 3D models from every conceivable category. Browse all 3D model categories. Today’s technical standards. Preview model topology, UVs, and textures with our 3D viewer and model inspector before you purchase. Everything you’re looking for. From low-poly video game 3D assets to real-world photogrammetry scans, 3D models from every conceivable category. Browse all 3D model categories. Today’s technical standards. This render engine is very compatible with SketchUp. It is widely used in most of the best 3D.
Read: Best Games Optimized for iPad Pro: Special Edition
Best 3D Modelling Apps For iPad Pro
1. Sketchup Viewer
Who it’s for: Users who want to take a look at Sketchup models and present them
Let’s start with the easy stuff first. Sketchup Viewer isn’t a 3D modeling tool in the strictest sense. It doesn’t actually let you create new models. What it does do, however, is give you a great, interactive platform to showcase models made in Sketchup. Google sold its iconic modeling software top Trimble several years ago. But even though the IP changed hands, Sketchup remains a great entry-level modeling tool that places emphasis on ease-of-use.
Sketchup Viewer makes things even more simple. You get an interface with a variety of movement tools in the side panel. These include pan, orbit, and look around. The onscreen gestures will change your perspective differently depending on the movement tool you’ve selected. This makes it possible to display the model at exactly the angle that you want, and also to go into model interiors.
The display hidden lines option allows you to gain a finer appreciation of the shapes being used in the model and their alignment, though at the cost of making some models look a bit “busy” because of all the lines.
Read: Green Screen Apps For iPad Pro in 2019
AR functionality can spice up presentations Open source app store software.
Lastly, Sketchup viewer makes great use of the iPad Pro’s back camera through its AR view. You can point your camera towards any flat surface and Sketchup viewer will try to place a scaled version of the model on top. We had mixed results with this feature, although we did try it out at night-time with the lights on. Scaling and perspective weren’t perfect Nevertheless, you do get a sense of what your model would look like in the real world.
Pros:
- Multiple display options make it easy to present Sketchup models
Cons:
- Can’t use it to actually edit Sketchup models
Download SketchUp Viewer
2. Shapr
Who it’s for: Professionals who want a full-fledged modeling solution running on their iPad
The Apple Pencil is one of those good-to-have, yet optional tools. Of course, the pressure sensitivity makes handwriting look more natural and allows for complex artwork. And the general experience of using the Pencil to jot down notes–which get saved on iCloud–is just nice. It would definitely enhance precision in 3D modeling apps.
Apple Pencil required: and that’s a good thing
What macbook should i buy for music production. Honestly, I was surprised to see that Shapr3D actually requires an Apple Pencil to function. Seriously, try tapping the interface with your finger and nothing will happen. Forcing you to use Pencil is both a good and bad thing. It’s bad because, clearly, you’re locked of using Shapr unless you’ve spent the extra $99 on the Pencil peripheral.
But it’s good because, as we’ve found out, Pencil is kinda required if you want to make anything more than the crudest of models: finger tap and drag just isn’t precise enough. Shapr costs an eye-popping $300 per year. It may possibly be the most expensive app on the App Store. Don’t worry I didn’t buy it. The app comes with a 14-day trial. We’d expect nothing less, considering the huge outlay for the full version.
The trial’s fully-featured and it showcases how Shapr is different from the competition right from the outset. CAD’s traditionally been thought of as complex by necessity, something you have to spend months learning. Similar to SketchUp (and unlike other desktop CAD solutions), Shapr generates 3D surfaces, not solid objects. This makes it a bit easier to highlight object dimensions.
Read: 10 Places to Get Amazing Wallpapers for iPad Pro
Shapr is the iPad Pro CAD tool
We couldn’t find anything wrong with Shapr. The price might seem steep, but it’s actually quite reasonable by enterprise CAD standards. The performance was phenomenal. The iPad Pro has a Pro Motion 120 Hz high refresh rate display. It can display twice as many frames per second as your standard mobile display. If you thought 60 Hz was smooth, well this is a whole different ball game. Apart from making UI interactions feel smooth, I’ve always felt that Pro Motion was a bit gimmicky until seeing it implemented in Shapr.
Pro Motion is supported in Shapr and the resulting interface smoothness is jaw-dropping. When rotating an object, the program responds to your swipes instantaneously. It feels like you’re actually rotating an object, instead of just swiping your Pencil across a touchscreen. Together with the Apple Pencil 2’s improved latency, the moment-to-moment modeling experience in Shapr is mesmerizing. Modeling isn’t just something that has to be done: it’s a joy to work on.
Pros:
- Real, full-fledged CAD suite for iPad Pro
- Makes full use of Pro Motion and the Apple Pencil for great UI interactions
Cons:
- Very high subscription cost
Download Shapr
3. Umake
Who it’s for: Users who want a simpler, yet still robust alternative to Shapr
Umake is like Shapr and Sketchup, but a bit simpler. This is reflected in the cost, too. With an annual subscription of just over $100, it’s not cheap by any means, but a lot more affordable than Shapr and, well, almost any PC CAD solution. Umake doesn’t let you do quite as much as Shapr. However, its multiple perspective views make it a viable option, even in complex use cases like architecture modeling. Instead, it focuses on ease of use.
Umake’s tutorials can turn you into an expert in 15 minutes
Umake tries to help you hit the ground running with some surprisingly intuitive tutorials. You get brief video explanations of what each function does. After about 15 minutes, you’ll have familiarized yourself with most of the key UI functions and you’ll be all set to start modeling. Unfortunately, this is where things get a bit ugly. Umake has a 14-day trial but it requires you to set up payment and then cancel later.
If you forget, you’re in for some hefty charges. Without doing that, Umake only lets you use viewer mode. But even with usability this limited, it’s easy to see why Umake’s such a great option. Just like Shapr, it features native support for Pro Motion, so you get incredibly smooth and responsive UI interactions (and a better Pencil sketching experience). And the tutorials, as we mentioned, go a long way towards simplifying the CAD experience. This, in turn, broadens the market a little. If you’re looking to dabble in some 3D modeling but can’t afford a premium solution, you could just get a month’s subscription to Umake for $20 and sketch away to your heart’s content.
Pros:
- Easy to use, with intuitive tutorials
- Native Pro Motion support
Cons:
- Trial limits you to viewer mode unless you add a payment method
Download Umake
Closing Words
Each of these 3D modeling tools makes a great case to get an iPad Pro, whether you do professional CAD work or just dabble in 3D modeling. Although SketchUp Viewer doesn’t actually let you create models, it gives you a great platform to showcase premade SketchUp models. You could pass the iPad around a conference table with SketchUp viewer loaded up and get everyone’s eyes on the model.
Shapr is prohibitively expensive for most people, but the $300 annual subscription is small money for enterprise users. For that amount, you get one of the most feature-rich CAD solutions on mobile, making full use of the iPad Pro’s unique strengths.
And if you want a Pro-centric modeling tool but aren’t quite ready to splurge on Shapr, Umake is a fine point of entry. A slightly more limited toolset is offset by a lower purchase price and native Pro Motion goodness makes it a treat to use.
Read: Best Note Taking Apps For iPad Pro 2019
Sketchup is a 3D modeling and designing software that can be used on a desktop PC or via a web browser. One reason why the software is notable is due to its user-friendly interface.
Likewise, it is also a hub of different tools that makes working easier.
Here’s how Sketchup works:
- You sign up and activate your account by subscribing.
- Launch the software and pick a model template. Many built-in model templates are featured.
- Start designing
With Sketchup, you can design in 3D but still store the work in 2D for easier comprehension. Sketchup integrates with Trimble connect so you can store your works in the cloud and also work with others.
In addition, you can import or export CAD & IFC files to other 3D design software programs. Plus, Sketchup is officially available for Windows and Mac operating systems only.
Sketchup features a variety of pricing plans for different uses cases including:
For Personal Use
- Free Plan – $0
- Shop Plan – $199 per year
- Pro Plan – $299 per year
For Professional Use
- Shop Plan – $199 per year
- Pro Plan – $299 per year
- Studio Plan – $1199 per year
Higher Education
- Students Plan – $55 per year
- Educators Plan – $55 per year
Primary & Secondary School
- Schools Plan – Free (Needs Microsoft Education or G-Suite account)
- Pro Plan – Free (Needs state grant)
However, Sketchup’s Free and Shop plans are accessible only on the web. If you need to install the software on your PC, you have to opt for its Pro or Studio plans.
Unfortunately, Sketchup cannot meet all the needs of 3D designers. So, without further ado, let’s show you the 15 best Sketchup alternatives.
115 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2020
15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2020
1. Autodesk Fusion 360
This is a cloud-powered 3D design software that supports CAD, CAE, and CAM files. With Fusion 360, you can sketch and model in different forms, including paramedic modeling, mesh modeling, direct modeling, freeform modeling, etc.
Like Sketchup, this software enables you to store designs in 2D, and with cloud rendering, you can create photo-realistic images.
However, Sketchup is accessible on the cloud and desktop while Fusion 360 works on the cloud; hence, you can’t use it without an internet connection.
Nevertheless, Fusion 360 is effortless to use even though it is cloud-based. As an Autodesk product, its support is top-notch, and it integrates easily with other Autodesk products.
Autodesk Fusion 360 Pricing
Apple keyboard image. Autodesk Fusion 360 pricing is straightforward with monthly, annual, and triennial options. they include:
- 1 Month Plan – $60 per month
- 1 Year Plan – $495 per year
- 3-Year Plan – $1,335 per year
Verdict: There are more subscription options on Sketchup, but Fusion 360’s 3-year plan is an ideal money-saver. Also, you get access to all features with any of the plans, unlike Sketchup.
2. nanoCAD
From the description, you can decipher what this software focuses on, and that’s 3D designing with CAD (.dwg) files. It falls a tad short of Sketchup which supports CAD & IFC files amongst others.
However, this Sketchup alternative is more of a suite as it features multiple programs including the nanoCAD, nanoCAD Plus, nanoCAD Pro, nanoCAD 3Dscan, etc.
Its user interface is friendly, which makes this software ideal for beginners. The command set and reusable blocks featured further complement this.
With the DWG file support, you can share and use files created with nanoCAD with other CAD 3D designing software programs.
nanoCAD Pricing
The primary nanoCAD software is free to use, but others are premium.
- NanoCAD – Free
- NanoCAD 3DScan – Custom pricing
- NanoCAD Construction – $260
- NanoCAD Mechanica – $300
- NanoCAD Pro – $290
- NanoCAD Plus – $180
Verdict: For beginners, this free software at no cost is a great option. It is more reliable than the Sketchup Free plan as it has fewer limitations. However, if you want other functionalities, paying for the separate software programs can be cumulatively expensive.
3. Autodesk Maya
Here is a second software program from Autodesk that makes our list of the best Sketchup alternatives.
![Sketchup Sketchup](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XDgsvhRjfiU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Autodesk Maya is used primarily for 3D animation, but it also works great for modeling, rendering, and simulation. The software features intuitive tools that can be used to make very realistic effects.
Some of these tools include Bifrost and Arnold. Bifrost is ideal for very stunning effects with its Graph Editor; there are ready-to-use 3D graphs to save you time. Arnold is perfect for seamless GPU and CPU rendering.
A win for Autodesk Maya against Sketchup is that the software is officially available for Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. Additionally, Maya integrates with MotionBuilder, 3ds Max, and other Autodesk products just like Fusion 360.
Autodesk Maya Pricing
Like Autodesk Fusion 360, Maya has monthly, annual, and triennial subscription options.
- Monthly Plan – $205 per month
- 1-Year Plan – $1,620 per year
- 3-Year Plan – $4,375
Verdict: Clearly, Autodesk Maya is a more expensive 3D design software than Sketchup.
4. Blender
Blender is a free Sketchup alternative. As a multi-functional and powerful 3D design software, you can use it for any form of 3D design. In fact, it enables modeling, animation, rendering, composition, motion tracking, and more.
Notably, Blender features digital sculpting tools with up to 20 different brushes and support for masking and dynamic topology.
A unique tool Blender feature is the Grease Pencil Object. With this tool, you can carry out freehand drawing in the 3D space. If you are skilled in 2D, you will find Blender easy to use because it facilitates 2D and 3D designing.
Apart from being free to use, it is also open-source, unlike Sketchup. So, you can further improve it by modifying its source code. Furthermore, Sketchup is limited to Windows and Mac while Blender extends its support to Linux and Steam.
Verdict: As a free to use software, you can save money with Blender. This gives it a considerable edge over Sketchup, considering its multiple features.
5. Modo
From Foundry, we have the Modo Creative 3D software – a noteworthy Sketchup alternative. It can be used for 3D modeling, rendering, and texturing.
For modeling, Modo features MeshFusion Boolean Tools which enables a very flexible modeling operation. Also among the tools are options for retopology and sculpting.
Modo will work very well for UV creation as it supports UDIM workflows. It also supports different shading systems, and there are several realistic materials in the software library you can use; all you have to do is drag and drop.
Modo Pricing
The Modo pricing scheme is structured like Sketchup.
For Individual
- Modo Perpetual – $1,888 for lifetime
- Modo Maintenance – $419 per year
- Modo Subscription – $62 per month ($629 per year)
For Business & Enterprise
- Custom pricing
For Education
- FirstYearFree – Only for first-year university students
- ClassroomLicense – Custom pricing
Verdict: The perpetual plan gives Modo a big advantage over Sketchup, although the yearly and monthly options are relatively expensive.
6. Curvy 3D
Curvy 3D is a 3D designing software that was developed basically for sculpting. It is an innovative software that makes 3D drawing not just simple, but also fast.
Some of its features aside sculpting include sketch-based modeling, mesh editing, volumetric merge, and UV. Likewise, it integrates with Project Dogwaffle.
A fallback with the Curvy 3D software is that it is officially available for Windows compared to Sketchup which supports both Windows and Mac Operating Systems.
This software is recommended as a Sketchup alternative for beginners. If you are already an advanced 3D designer, you can do less with Curvy 3D; hence, you are better off with other Sketchup alternatives.
Curvy 3D pricing
To use Curvy 3D, you don’t have to pay for a monthly or yearly subscription like it is with Sketchup. You only pay a one-time amount to purchase the software. The cost is $123.75, but the developers are currently running a 25 percent discount that reduces the price to about $99.
Verdict: Curvy 3D is very affordable, a lot cheaper than Sketchup; however, Sketchup has more 3D features than Curvy 3D.
7. LibreCAD
If you are switching from Sketchup because you need a specific 2D design software, LibreCAD is a recommended option to use.
Though it is a 2D based software, it can also be used for 3D modeling by adjusting the source code as the software is open source. In fact, LibreCAD’s source code is on GitHub.
Also, it is a CAD program so the created files can work on other CAD software programs, even if 3D based. Sketchup supports up to 11 languages, but LibreCAD beats that with support for more than 30 languages.
You don’t have to pay to use LibreCAD as the software is available free. Also, the software is officially available for Windows & Mac. Also, Linux users can access only some versions.
Verdict: Compared to Sketchup, LibreCAD is ideal because it is free. However, it is primarily used for 2D modeling though it can be adjusted to 3D.
8. Rhino
Another best Sketchup alternative is Rhino. With a coordinated user interface and construction aids, Rhino is one of the easiest-to-use 3D designing software programs.
Some of the things you can do with Rhino include modeling, editing, 3D capture, rendering, and analysis. There are Mesh tools and also developer tools if you wish to contribute to its development.
Rhino might not beat Sketchup in terms of in-depth functions and overall features, but it is a reliable and versatile 3D modeling software. The software, like Sketchup, is available for Windows and Mac but also available for iOS.
Rhino Pricing
Here are the pricing options featured on Rhino for the most recent version (Rhino 6):
For Commercial Use
- Single User – $995
- Upgrade – $495
- Bundle (Rhino & Flamingo) – $1,295
Note: Flamingo is a separate 3D software from the developers of Rhino.
For Students
- Single User – $195
- Upgrade – $95
- Academic Rhino Proctor – $285 per year
For Schools
- 30 Users – $975
- Upgrade – $295
Verdict: Rhino payments are for a lifetime while Sketchup takes a yearly subscription, so Rhino is more affordable.
9. Art of Illusion
Art of Illusion is a simple and easy-to-use 3D rendering and modeling software program.
With the Art of Illusion software, you can make skeleton-based animations or still images. Besides, it incorporates subdivision modeling tools such as Object Editor and Procedural Texture Editor.
Likewise, it supports significant plugins such as the ImageFilter, TextureMapping, Material Mapping, and Translator plugins.
Art of Illusion beats Sketchup in terms of compatibility. The software can be downloaded and used on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Unix. Furthermore, the source code is readily accessible because it is open-source software.
No payment is required to make use of Art of illusion; the software can be downloaded for free with a GNU license.
Verdict: Like most 3D software discussed herein, Art of illusion is free and thus cheaper than Sketchup. However, the software is not as stable as Sketchup, and the support is poor.
10. Cheetah 3D
If you are looking for a Sketchup alternative for Macs, Cheetah 3D is a good option.
This software works for 3D modeling, character animation, rendering, UV unwrapping, and texture painting. It is a software built for Mac only; there’s no version for Windows or Linux PCs.
It has a user-friendly and customizable layout. Moreover, it supports drag and drop, multi-object selection, and you can use tags to assign special features.
Cheetah 3D features NGon-Booleans and has a large range of polygon tools and parametric polygon objects. For rendering, there is a fully integrated ray-tracer with HDRI backgrounds. It also works for mapping and texture painting is carried out via Live OpenGL.
Cheetah 3D Pricing
To use Cheetah 3D, you have to purchase a user license.
- Single User – $99
- Upgrade – $49
Verdict: Looking at the pricing, it’s clear that Cheetah3D is cost-friendly compared to Sketchup. The software is ideal for Mac users, but not an option for Windows users.
11. TurboCAD
TurboCAD is a software for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, so it is ideal for both beginners and professionals. It features a customizable user interface, and it is easy to use thanks to its featured alignment aids.
Some of the tools featured on TurboCAD include drawing tools, dimension tools, modification tools, scaling tools, etc. You can carry out surface modeling with this software, and the Quick Pull tool makes it even easier.
Nevertheless, this Sketchup alternative is available for Windows, Mac, and also mobile devices.
TurboCAD Pricing
There’s a wide range of pricing plans featured on TurboCAD, which include:
- TurboCAD Platinum – $1,499.99
- TurboCAD Professional Bundle – $1,099.99
- TurboCAD Deluxe Bundle – $299.99
- TurboCAD Professional Annual – $399.99 per year
- TurboCAD Platinum Annual – $499.99 per year
- TurboCAD Professional – $999.99
- TurboCAD Deluxe – $199.99
- TurboCAD Designer – $59.99
- TurboCAD Platinum Bundle – $1,599.99
Free Sketchup 3d Models
Verdict: TurboCAD has reliable features, and it is suitable for 3D modeling, just like Sketchup. Also, you have more pricing options with TurboCAD, but the prices are higher compared to Sketchup.
12. FreeCad
The FreeCAD software is described as a 3D parametric modeler, and it is an open-source software.
Its featured parametric modeling function is ideal for modeling, so you can edit the designs by simply changing parameters from the model history. Sketchup doesn’t support this, but instead, it uses dynamic components.
Furthermore, FreeCAD uses more file formats than Sketchup with support for OBJ, DXF, SVG, STL, STEP, and IGES. A unique FreeCAD feature is the robot simulation module for easy robot movements and robot 3D modeling.
You can also issue Python commands within the software environment via the built-in Python console. From the description “FreeCAD” you can decipher that this software is free to use. Hence, you can use it on Windows, Mac, and Linux amongst other operating systems.
Verdict: FreeCAD is one of the best Sketchup alternatives because it is free and has a range of important features.
13. 3DCoat
![3d modeling software, free download 3d modeling software, free download](https://learn.g2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sketchup.png?width=600&name=sketchup.png)
3DCoat is a Sketchup alternative that is suitable for easy texturing, digital sculpting, ultimate retopo tools, and fast UV mapping.
The software works for physically based rendering with up to 16k texture size. There are several blending methods with multiple paint layers. Retopology is comfortable with 3DCoat as the software has pre-defined edge loops and manual retopo tools.
It supports Operating Systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. Interestingly, 3DCoat has more support for integrations than Sketchup. Through the app links, you can connect this software with several others, including Blender, Cinema4D, Unity 3D, Modo, Maya, 3dsMax, and many more.
3DCoat Pricing
Here are the pricing plans for 3DCoat licenses:
- Professional License – $379 ($280 for an upgrade from Amateur License)
- Amateur License – $99
- 3DCprinting License – $49
- Floating License – $568 ($189 for an upgrade from Professional License)
Verdict: Support for more integration gives 3DCoat an upper edge above Sketchup. Not to mention, its pricing plans are affordable, considering they are one-time payments.
14. Sweet Home 3D
Want a Sketchup alternative for drawing house plans? Sweet Home 3D is a 3D drawing software for interior and architectural designs. It allows you to customize house plans and designs with varieties of textures and furniture pieces.
The software uses a drag and drop system for arranging designs which makes it simple-to-use. With light controls and effects, you can create photorealistic videos and images.
Supported operating systems for Sweet Home 3D include Windows, Mac, Solaris, and Linux; more OS support than Sketchup. Also, like Sketchup, it is accessible via a web browser.
Sweet Home 3D Pricing
Sweet Home 3D is available for free with about 100 furniture pieces and 26 textures. However, there’s also a paid version of the software with more furniture pieces and textures which can be purchased from the Amazon app store. This paid version costs $14.99.
Verdict: Though both are 3D software programs, Sketchup and Sweet Home 3D are relatively different in usage. Sweet Home 3D is a more affordable option, but it is limited to interior home designing.
3d Crafter
15. Shapr3D
Our list of the best Sketchup alternatives will not be complete without Shapr3D. In every way, it is a 3D modeling mobile app, unlike Sketchup.
The app was developed to work primarily with iOS, specifically with the Apple iPad. It features a responsive modeling user interface and works seamlessly with the Apple pencil.
There are transformation tools, boolean commands, snaps, and other items. It supports CAD, OBJ, STL, and other files, so you can continue designing on PC with 3D programs that support CAD files.
Shapr3D Pricing
Shapr3D features only two pricing options:
- Basic Plan – Free
- Pro Plan – $25 per month ($240 month for annual payment)
Verdict: With simple and affordable pricing, Shapr3D is cost-friendly but doesn’t compare to Sketchup as both platforms are ideal for different device platforms.
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Wrap Up – Best Sketchup Alternatives
Sketchup 3d Modeling Free
Listed above are the 15 best Sketchup alternatives.
Out of the list, Fusion 360 from Autodesk stands out as the most recommended. When you look at its features, both platforms are not too dissimilar. But, Fusion 360 works faster as it is cloud-powered, and it is relatively more comfortable to use.
Sketchup 3d Modeling Software
Also, being an Autodesk product, it gives room for extra functionalities when used with other Autodesk products. The last and most obvious reason is that Fusion 360 is more affordable, although pricing plans vary from time to time.