3D Modeling,SketchUp is highly popular 3D modeling software that can be used for architectural renderings, animations, and 3D printing.
SketchUp began life at @Last Software in Colorado as an architectural rendering tool. In 2006, Google purchased the company and began folding SketchUp into its plans with Google Earth.
SketchUp came in two versions, SketchUp and SketchUp Pro.SketchUp Pro ran around $495. Students and educators could obtain a free license for SketchUp Pro after verification.
Google later set up the 3D Warehouse, where users could exchange 3D models. Although Google did some experimentation with extensions, the tool remained mostly suitable for architectural renderings and Google Earth.
In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to the navigation company, Trimble Navigation Limited. Trimble maintained the free/pro pricing model. Make is the free version of the tool, and SketchUp Pro runs $695 as of this writing, with an educational discount available for students and teachers.
SketchUp Make comes with a free trial of SketchUp Pro, so users can try before they commit to the purchase. users can make 3D models, but SketchUp Make is highly restricted in the ability to import or export models. SketchUp Make is licensed for purely non-commercial uses.