SketchUp review

SketchUp is the most approachable 3D design tool here, and for many builders and remodelers it is enough to model a job and produce drawings for the client and crew. The Go plan, at $10.75 a month billed annually, runs on the web and iPad only, so construction users should look at Pro at $33.25 a month, which adds the desktop modeler, LayOut for 2D documentation, PreDesign climate insight, the Extension Warehouse with over 1,000 extensions, and improved IFC and DWG compatibility. Studio, at $71.58 a month and Windows only, adds Revit import, point cloud modeling and photorealistic rendering. Trimble also sells construction-specific plans: Pro Scan for scan-to-3D work and Pro Civil Contractor for stakeout and excavation through Trimble Siteworks. The limit is that SketchUp is a surface modeler rather than parametric BIM, so drawings and schedules need more manual upkeep on large projects.

Who it is for

Builders, remodelers and designers who want fast 3D models and simple construction drawings at a low monthly price.

Price

Go from $10.75 a month per user billed annually (web and iPad); Pro with desktop and LayOut $33.25 a month.

Annual $10.75 USD per month / per user / billed annually
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Desktop 3D modeler and LayOut for 2D design documentation in the Pro plan
• Over 1,000 extensions through the Extension Warehouse
• IFC and DWG compatibility, with Revit import in Studio
• Point cloud modeling with Scan Essentials in Studio and Pro Scan
• Pro Civil Contractor plan that connects models to the Trimble Siteworks ecosystem

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest entry price of the desktop modelers on this list
• Strength: Quick to learn for builders who sketch and model their own jobs
• Strength: Specialty plans for scan-to-3D and civil stakeout work
• Weakness: Go plan is limited to web and iPad, with no desktop modeler or LayOut
• Weakness: Not a parametric BIM tool, so schedules and drawings do not update the way Revit or Archicad do
• Weakness: Studio, Pro Scan and Pro Advanced Workflows run on Windows only

Key facts

• Plans: Go, Pro, Studio, Pro Scan, Pro Civil Contractor, Pro Advanced Workflows
• Pro price: $33.25 a month per user, billed annually
• Studio price: $71.58 a month per user, billed annually
• Refunds: Annual subscriptions within 14 days of purchase or renewal

Where it ranks

SketchUp is No. 3 in our Best Construction Design Software verdict.