Forger vs SketchUp

Forger is an iOS application for digital 3D sculpting and texture painting. Its mesh workflow includes multiresolution sculpting, volume-based quad-dominant remeshing, auto-retopology, sculpt layers, masks, and vertex colors. Apple Pencil input supports pressure sensitivity and configurable styles. Forger imports OBJ, Alembic, and C4D files, and exports OBJ, STL, USD, and C4D files; exporting a scene to Cinema 4D requires a subscription. The free version has no time limit, but saves only three scenes and requires a subscription for scene export. Free users must register with Maxon after a 14-day grace period. Forger entered limited maintenance mode on September 10, 2025, after which Maxon said there would be no further updates, bug fixes, or changes. Support was available until that date, or through an existing subscription term if later. Subscription users could re-download it by contacting support.

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.