by Playfuls Staff |
28th April 2006
Google has recently launched yet another cool program available for free download and no registration required – Google
SketchUp, which the company had acquired when they bought @Last software. [more]
The free version of SketchUp offered by Google is a smaller replica of the 3D modelling tool initially offered by @Last software and is meant only for personal use.
The application allows people to make use of some simple tools in order to design rough versions for various 3D models such as houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects or even space ships. The 3D models can be then placed in Google Earth, posted on the
3D Warehouse site - a repository for SketchUp 3D models - or printed.
Google also offers a commercial version for the software – SketchUp Pro 5 – which provides more tools for professional designers, such as more complex concepts, import and export options for various file formats as well as the possibility to create interactive presentations. Users of SketchUp Pro 5 will also be able to print to high-resolution devices, place their models in Google Earth and post them to the 3D Warehouse.
In any case, the application has plenty of tutorials and documentation and the interface is very intuitive and easy to understand without brushing up on help materials.
Aside from that, anyone interested can also view or download several examples of already-made 3D models from the application's official website.
