Google Inc. has released SketchUp, a free version of 3D modeling tool for personal use that can be used for creating viewing and editing designs. SketchUp is designed for amateurs and hobbyist unlike Google’s earlier offering SketchUp Pro 5 for design professionals like architects, designers, builders, art directors and game developers. Both SketchUp and SketchUp Pro 5 enable users to place models in Google Earth and additional features are also provided for professional users.
"The new Google SketchUp is for the do-it-yourselfer, the hobbyist — really anyone who wants to build 3D models for use in Google Earth. Go ahead and model that new kitchen, or deck, landscape your virtual garden, or impress your teacher with a roller coaster or medieval castle. When you’re finished, place your model in Google Earth. There! The beginning of a virtual world. Warning: don’t start messing with this stuff after dinner because your first experience could be an all-nighter… making an idea come to life in 3D can be very addicting," said Brad Schell, Product Management Director of SketchUp.
Both the versions of SketchUp has 3D warehouse that enables users to upload, search, browse, view, and download SketchUp models. Like Google search, users can enter keywords and the 3D warehouse shows all the options.
