Best 3d Sketching Software

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With its expansive feature set, advanced 3D modeling tools and online forums having everything from tutorials to discussions, SketchUp Pro is unquestionably the best home design software out there.

  1. Best 3d Sketching Software Free
  2. Best 3d Sketching Software Tutorial
  3. Best 3d Sketching Software Downloads

Drawing has gone advanced with a computer screen as its canvas. From artists to designers, every one into digital artistry needs some kind of tool to get the desired output. There are plenty of drawing tools (paid and free) available these days that not just help you draw sketches, diagrams or illustrations, they also enhance your drawing skills.

  1. Therefore, we will introduce a variety of 3D modeling software to help you get the best STL files visualizing your imagination, both for beginners and professionals. Here in this article presents 5 best suitable software, providing you enjoyable 3D printing experience via a simple user interface, easy-to-use operation, and smart settings.
  2. Similar to Autodesk Maya, Houdini is another industry-standard tool that ranks as one of the best 3D modeling software packages available. It uses a different methodology than Autodesk Maya, using a node-based procedural style of production that affords artists a huge amount of control.
  3. Solid Works Solid Works is a 3D CAD software that comes with tons and tons of powerful features making it one of the best 3D modeling software. It is a program that is developed by Dassault Systemes and runs on Windows. If you are new to three-dimensional modeling and design crafting, this software is not for you.
  4. Check out the 10 best free 3D modeling software tools for beginners in 2021. 3D modeling is a skill that is not exactly easy to acquire. Most CAD software will give you great results, but before you get to produce that awesome 3D model you dream about, you'll have to traverse a steep learning curve.

While there is premium drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, there are also many free alternatives that are no-less good in producing the desired results. The free drawing programs can either be downloaded or can be accessed online for free. These tools are equipped with professional-level editing tools, built-in effects, offer easy integration with other tools, and more.


So, if you are looking for the best free drawing software for your next project, here's a comprehensive list for you.

Microsoft Expression Design 4

Specially built for professionals and developers, Expression Design 4, helps you to create graphics for the web, user interfaces of applications, and for any other platform.

Features:

  • Responsive interface for easy to design vector graphics.
  • It offers a range of dynamic drawing tools for ultimate control while designing.
  • Seamless integration with other applications related to the Expression Studio Suite.
  • It helps you to manage the work environment easily.
  • Option to import PSD files designed using Photoshop.

It also allows you to export designs which can be later used in applications supported by Silverlight.

Price: Free

Microsoft Paint 3D

Paint 3D is an upgraded version of the classic paint that features more new brushes and tools to unleash your creativity. It allows you to make both 2D and 3D models offering a view from all angles.

Features:

  • Offers Magic Select tool that creates stickers for your 3D models by creating cut-outs from your favorite images.
  • Option to choose from realistic textures, filters, and lighting variances to adorn your creations in the best way.
  • It allows you to explore thousands of 3D models from the Remix 3D group, upload and showcase your work on Remix3D.com.
  • Option to use the 3D doodle tool to draw a sketch that transforms into 3D instantly.

Moreover, it also allows you to display your work of art to others by exporting a video of your work.

Price: Free

Adobe Spark

Coming from the leader in digital graphics management, Adobe Spark allows you to create effective social images, web pages, and mini videos instantly.

Features:

  • It allows you to choose from a range of free and professionally designed fonts.
  • Option to explore images on the web or select from your own collections stored on Google Photos, Dropbox, Lightroom, and more.
  • Discover a wide range of high-quality fonts, colors, and layouts.
  • Lets you view your published work get views and likes from viewers.
  • Option to share your story on social media platforms or via email.

Best of all, your creations are automatically synced on the web or the iOS apps to be viewed later.

Best 3d Sketching Software Free

Price: Free version available; Plans start from $9.52.

Adobe Illustrator Draw

With Adobe Illustrator Draw, you can draw attractive free-form vector designs on your mobile device. The program allows you to create production-level drawings on the go.

Features:

  • Sports a straightforward yet advanced interface featuring a range of unique drawing tools.
  • It allows you to pick from five integrated vector brushes.
  • Lets you save your shapes and color themes from the new Capture app to the Creative Cloud Libraries for fast access.
  • Option to send your creations to your desktop and edit them as vector paths.
  • It makes it easy for you to draw a 3D environment into your 2D sketches using integrated graphs and perspective grids.
  • Option to publish an ongoing work in Behance and get immediate feedback inside Draw.
  • It allows you to record motivating shapes from any location using the Capture function on your mobile device.

In addition, it offers the option to draw using pressure-sensitive stylus devices like Apple Pencil, Wacom devices, Adobe Ink, and more.

Price: Free; $1.99/month for additional storage.

GIMP

GIMP is the best in the class, free and open-source graphics editor that's perfect for a graphic designer, photographer, or even a scientist. It's equipped with a set of advanced tools, 3rd party plugins and customization options that further boost your productivity.

Features:

  • It features a customizable user interface that's easy to use and can be used for various tasks.
  • Sports a full-screen editing mode to help you edit large photos, easily.
  • It offers a range of enhancement tools to correct any imperfections in the photos.
  • Supports a wide variety of hardware devices like input devices (scanners, etc.).
  • It helps you tweak the application's controls making it possible to initiate certain events as you move the mouse.

Moreover, it supports a wide range of formats that include JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF.

Price: free and open-source.

Inkscape

If you are looking for a free professional vector graphics editor, then there could be no better choice than Inkscape. This free and open-source software works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Features:

  • It allows you to create objects using drawing tools, shape tools, text tools, embedded bitmaps, and the cloning facility.
  • Lets you manipulate objects using the transformation functions, Z-order operations, by grouping objects, creating layers, and aligning and allotting commands.
  • It helps you fill and stroke your drawings using color selectors, color picker tools, copy/paste function, gradient editor, pattern fills, and more.
  • It offers you the option to edit nodes, convert to a path, simplify paths, traces, bitmaps, and more.

Support for text like the text on a path, text on the shape, etc., full anti-aliased display, alpha transparency for display, perfectly compatible SVG format file editing, or live to watch and edit the document, are some of its other major features.

Price: Free and open source.

Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint takes a digital painting to a whole new level with its natural brush feel, compatibility with all devices, and with thousands of customizable brushes.

Features:

  • It offers a set of sophisticated and traditional tools that include customizable pen sensitivity for moderate strokes, integrated stabilizer for smoother lines, and more.
  • Includes unlimited customizable brushes such as watercolor, oil painting, etc.
  • Option to make your own brushes or simply download from a collection.
  • Supports a 64-bit OS and multi-core processor that makes the most your device for you to work on high-resolution files with as much as 10, 000 layers.
  • Helps you to create comics and manga using pencils, storyboarding, background, effects, inking, etc.
  • Lets you scan and print your work straight from the software.
  • It allows you to import and export files in a range of standard formats that includes, PSD, BMP, JPEG, TGA, PNG, and TIFF.

Option to publish your work on social media, export the creations in Kindle and EPUB format, use modern fill tools, range of advanced color palates, rulers for precise drawing, or pre-installed 3D models are some of its other significant features.

Price: Free trial available; plans start from $49.99.

Krita

A free and open-source drawing software, Krita's entire purpose is to offer affordable drawing tool to all. It offers tools for concept art, for painters into texture and matte painting, and for comics and illustrations.

Features:

  • It offers a clean and responsive user interface that allows you to move and customize the dockers and panels.
  • It allows you to create your own shortcuts for the frequently used tools.
  • Features more than 100 professionally designed and preloaded brushes.
  • Equipped with integrated vector tools to create comic panels.
  • Option to customize your brushes using more than 9 brush engines.
  • Lets you easily create smooth textures and patterns.
  • It allows you to import brushes and texture packs from other painters.

Moreover, it offers a drawing guide to help you with straight lines and vanishing points, loaded with filters, groups, vectors, etc., option to highlight a section of the drawing, support for full-color management, and more.

Price: Free and open source.

Vectr

If you are looking for a free graphics program, your search might well end here. It helps you to design vector graphics effortlessly. This cross-platform tool is straightforward yet dynamic that helps you to bring your designs into reality.

Features:

  • Fast and easy to learn as it requires no learning curve.
  • It allows you to share a Vectr document with anyone to collaborate in real-time.
  • Option to scale designs to any size with blur-free logos, cards, brochures, and presentations.

Best of all, the software is eternally free and can be used on the web, or can be downloaded on your desktop.

Price: Free

MediBang Paint Pro

With MediBang Paint Pro, you can draw anytime, anywhere and on virtually any device. This free software is lightweight that allows you to create digital paintings and comics, and comes with a range of tools like brushes, fonts, pre-designed backgrounds, etc.

Features:

  • It allows you to paint on your mobile phone, easily.
  • Option to transfer your creations across devices with ease.
  • No hassle of carrying a storage device or using the hard drive space.
  • It offers more than 800 tones/backgrounds, 50+ brushes, and 20 fonts.
  • Features all the MediBang created artwork in a library.

Best of all, you can use it the cloud to collaborate with writers, sketchers, colorist, and inkers as a team and even share your work with them.

Price: Free

Gravit

Gravit is a graphic design and drawing software that comes loaded with features and is compatible with all major platforms. It allows you to unleash your creativity with tools that are quick and adaptable, and are especially suited for professional designers.

Features:

  • It offers a range of precision vector tools that lets you play with lines and points, make shapes, and give structure to your creation.
  • It allows you to create mockups and wireframes for web and mobile with the help of anchors, symbols, shared styles, and more.
  • It helps you to create professional brand visuals.
  • Offers built-in templates and libraries to create flyers, banners, business cards, etc.
  • Option to design images for social media.
  • Offers editing options like filters, blending, color and light adjustments, and more.

Smart control points, precise Pen and Bezigon tools, option to add multiple fills, RGB, HSB and CMYK colors, complete control on your typography or varying import/export options are among many of its other big features.

Price: Free version available; Upgrade available at $51.15.

Corel Painter

Corel Painter 2020 is a digital art and painting program that's specially designed for professional artists. Known for its Natural-Media and exclusive digital art brushes in sync with stylus movements and canvas textures, is one of the best drawing software in the category.

Features:

  • Loaded with amazing brushes, dabs stencils, brush library, glowing brushes, thick paint and more.
  • It offers 900+ brushes, plenty of rush controls, and 36 brush categories.
  • It comes with 6 fresh color harmonies, enhanced contextual and high-standard menus, user guides and grids, flow maps, textures, and more as tools.
  • No experience required with the auto-painting panels.
  • Option to use image, textures, and patterns as clone sources.
  • It allows you to use Cloner brushes to photo paint.

Best of all, the software focuses on performance with automatic performance optimization, modified interface, tracking the brush strokes, compatibility with Photoshop, and more.

Price: Free trial available; Upgrade available at $392.96.

Autodesk Sketchbook

Autodesk focuses primarily on creativity with sketching being the center point of the creative process. For that purpose, it offers a range of advanced drawing tools that help you with fast conceptual sketches or complete done artwork.

Features:

  • It offers a responsive user interface that stays incognito until you are ready to use your drawing tools.
  • Controls 100mpx engine while maintaining focus on traditional drawing.
  • It offers a Scan Sketch function that allows your camera to be used as a scanner.
  • Works across all devices making it easier for you to draw on the go.
  • Equipped with inks, markers, pencils, and more than 190 customizable brushes for adding shapes and textures.
  • It offers traditional rulers and ellipse guides for perfect lines.

Moreover, it also offers the option to export your drawings in all major formats such as PSD, JPG, TIFF, PNG, and BMP.

Price: Free version available; License priced at $85/Year.

Conclusion

While art requires skills and focus, it also requires the best tools to finish with perfection. Since there are plenty of drawing programs available out there, it may get overwhelming to choose the one best suited to your needs. Our comprehensive list features some of the best free drawing software for those looking for advanced tools at no cost. Make sure that you know your requirements before you choose a tool for your purpose. So, pick one tool of your choice and bring your design concepts to reality.

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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 โ€“ $0
  • Shop Plan โ€“ $199 per year
  • Pro Plan โ€“ $299 per year

For Professional Use

  • Shop Plan โ€“ $199 per year
  • Pro Plan โ€“ $299 per year
  • Studio Plan โ€“ $1199 per year

Higher Education

  • Students Plan โ€“ $55 per year
  • Educators Plan โ€“ $55 per year

Primary & Secondary School

  • Schools Plan โ€“ Free (Needs Microsoft Education or G-Suite account)
  • Pro Plan โ€“ 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 2021

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2021

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

Autodesk Fusion 360 pricing is straightforward with monthly, annual, and triennial options. they include:

  • 1 Month Plan โ€“ $60 per month
  • 1 Year Plan โ€“ $495 per year
  • 3-Year Plan โ€“ $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 โ€“ Free
  • NanoCAD 3DScan โ€“ Custom pricing
  • NanoCAD Construction โ€“ $260
  • NanoCAD Mechanica โ€“ $300
  • NanoCAD Pro โ€“ $290
  • NanoCAD Plus โ€“ $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.

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 โ€“ $205 per month
  • 1-Year Plan โ€“ $1,620 per year
  • 3-Year Plan โ€“ $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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ $1,888 for lifetime
  • Modo Maintenance โ€“ $419 per year
  • Modo Subscription โ€“ $62 per month ($629 per year)

For Business & Enterprise

  • Custom pricing

For Education

  • FirstYearFree โ€“ Only for first-year university students
  • ClassroomLicense โ€“ 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

Best 3d Sketching Software Tutorial

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):

Desktop vm software. For Commercial Use

  • Single User โ€“ $995
  • Upgrade โ€“ $495
  • Bundle (Rhino & Flamingo) โ€“ $1,295

Note: Flamingo is a separate 3D software from the developers of Rhino.

For Students

  • Single User โ€“ $195
  • Upgrade โ€“ $95
  • Academic Rhino Proctor โ€“ $285 per year

For Schools

  • 30 Users โ€“ $975
  • Upgrade โ€“ $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

Best 3d Sketching Software Downloads

To use Cheetah 3D, you have to purchase a user license.

  • Single User โ€“ $99
  • Upgrade โ€“ $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 โ€“ $1,499.99
  • TurboCAD Professional Bundle โ€“ $1,099.99
  • TurboCAD Deluxe Bundle โ€“ $299.99
  • TurboCAD Professional Annual โ€“ $399.99 per year
  • TurboCAD Platinum Annual โ€“ $499.99 per year
  • TurboCAD Professional โ€“ $999.99
  • TurboCAD Deluxe โ€“ $199.99
  • TurboCAD Designer โ€“ $59.99
  • TurboCAD Platinum Bundle โ€“ $1,599.99

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

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 โ€“ $379 ($280 for an upgrade from Amateur License)
  • Amateur License โ€“ $99
  • 3DCprinting License โ€“ $49
  • Floating License โ€“ $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.

Software

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 โ€“ Free
  • Pro Plan โ€“ $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.

Wrap Up โ€“ Best Sketchup Alternatives

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.

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.

Author: Sam Zaman

Sam loves to write on technology & related stuff. Ecommerce, mobile and internet marketing equally drive her interest. Likes gardening and experimenting with new recipes. An avid reader and absolutely mad @bout donuts :)




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