Pengertian SketchUp

SketchUp is...

SketchUp is a free 3D modelling application from Google. It allows you to create accurate diagrams of your designs in a true 3D environment.

Program function 

SketchUp from @Last Software has been driven by the growing need among design professionals for a more intuitive and accessible 3D modeling program. The core of SketchUp is an interface in which the user simply draws the edges of the desired model in 3D space and the software automatically “fills” the shapes to create 3D geometry.


History of SketchUp

There was a small company named @Last Software at Boulder, Colorado. The company was co-founded by Brad Schell and Joe Esch. And then they create SketchUp in August 2000. The tagline was ‘3D for everyone’. And we know that it is really 3D for everyone.
@Last Software then developed a plug in for Google Earth and SketchUp. Attracted by this integration of SketchUp with Google Earth, Google decided to acquire this company on 14 March, 2006. "'What's New? Well, about the biggest thing ever: we've been Googled,'" wrote Brad Schell. 
January 9, 2007 saw the release of SketchUp 6 featuring some new tools along with a Beta version of Google SketchUp LayOut.
On September 1, 2010 the latest version of SketchUp 8 was released. It has the improvements like geo location, match photo, color imagery and building maker integration.

Pros and Cons of SketchUp
 
PROS / Extremely intuitive layout makes SketchUp Pro one of the easiest CAD programs to use.
CONS / SketchUp Pro lacks many architectural tools like a house wizard and wall tool.
  
Interface and other tools

Design Tools

Design Tools

CAD drawing software typically comes with models and symbols to get you started. What makes SketchUp Pro unique is your access to Trimble's 3D Warehouse, which is full of thousands of models you can download. So although you don’t get as many models built into the software, you'll have access to plenty of shared files and a growing number of designs. SketchUp Pro has other built-in features such as textures, lighting effects and animations for when you present your designs. Plugins are available for advanced photorealistic rendering in addition to the built-in rendering styles. There are few architectural tools, however; a wall tool and house wizard are two noticeable omissions that would have given this software an even more powerful edge.

Editing Tools

Like the best CAD software, SketchUp Pro has the best editing tools and features. The focus of SketchUp's features are mainly geared toward 3D designing, but SketchUp Pro still has the same tools as 2D CAD software. Useful features include color and text editing and a layer manger. Editing is even easier due to the number of icons and toolbars you can add to the navigation. Style, measurement and layer toolbars make editing easier as you can quickly switch between functions and apply styles faster.

User Interface

Ideally, computer-aided design software should be as intuitive as drawing with pen and paper. SketchUp Pro is one of the easiest programs to maneuver around on our CAD software list. Tool palettes are completely customizable, and you can add, remove or rearrange palettes around however you like in the software. Instead of lists of features, large icons indicate tools which makes them fast and easy to find. Features like the setup manager, macro recordings and import capabilities also make working with SketchUp Pro more convenient. SketchUp Pro does have a command line, but you may have to spend some time researching the forum and manual to learn how to best use it. The command line is not the most user-friendly feature of this software unfortunately.

Software yang sejenis dengan sketchup

1. AutoCAD

2. ArchiCAD
3. 3D Studio Max
4. Revit Architecture
5. Mental Ray