Blender vs SketchUp

Blender is a free, open-source desktop suite for 3D creation on Linux, macOS and Windows. It covers modeling, sculpting, UV editing, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, video editing and game asset creation. Modeling tools include modifiers, UV unwrapping and mesh editing; sculpting includes 20 brush types, multi-resolution work, dynamic topology and mirrored sculpting. Animation features include rigging, a pose editor, non-linear animation and forward and inverse kinematics. Users can draw in 2D in a 3D viewport and combine 2D and 3D work. The built-in Cycles renderer supports CPU and GPU rendering, real-time viewport previews, PBR shaders, HDR lighting and VR rendering. Blender also includes camera and object tracking with masking and live scene previews. Advanced users can customize the application and build tools or add-ons through its Python API. Blender is licensed under the GNU GPL and owned by its contributors. It can run without installation or an internet connection, including from a USB stick or desktop folder.

SketchUp is 3D modeling software with parametric modeling, animation tools, rendering, and 3D-print export. It runs on the web, iOS, and Windows, though Studio’s advanced visualization and BIM workflows are Windows-only. A free browser-based plan includes Trimble Connect storage and 3D Warehouse access, but is not for commercial use. SketchUp for Schools is free with an eligible Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account and works on Chromebooks or other internet-connected computers. Its education tier includes lesson plans, 3D printing, community support, and storage through Google Drive or OneDrive. Paid plans add different capabilities: Go includes web and iPad access, Pro includes desktop modeling and 2D documentation, while Studio adds point-cloud modeling and rendered animations. Go Annual costs $10.75 a month billed annually; Pro Annual costs $33.25 a month billed annually. Users can share and collaborate through Trimble Connect, and Extension Warehouse offers more than 600 extensions. SketchUp is part of Trimble and was founded in 2000.