Replies

1. 
   RickL | Apr 27, 2006 07:05pm | #1

   The free one is a light duty version and no comparison to the $500 bells and whistles model.

   WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

   So what's the difference between Google SketchUp (free) and SketchUp Pro 5? Lots, actually:

   - Pro users are able to print and export raster images at higher-than-screen resolution.

   - Pro users have access to the following 3D export formats: DWG, DXF, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, VRML and FBX.

   - Pro users are able to export animations and walkthroughs as MOV (Mac) or AVI (Windows) files.

   - Pro users get the Sandbox Tools (for organic modeling of terrain, etc) and the Film & Stage Tools (for pre-viz work).

   - Pro users have access to free email tech support for two years after they buy SketchUp Pro.

   - Finally, only SketchUp Pro is approved for commercial use; the Free version is licensed for personal use only.

   The Pro version of SketchUp still costs US$495/469€/315£, and it's still available for try-out and sale on our website, or by calling Nancy, Chris, Tom, Jen or Steve (in the US); Matthew ( in the UK); João (in the EU), or any of our dozens of international distributors and resellers. If you'd like to check out Google SketchUp (free), or if you know anyone else who might like to, here's where to do it.

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 27, 2006 07:20pm | #3

   Rick, thanks for the clarification.  Now, the hard question:  Will the Sandbox Tools re-model our front yard, including the overly-tall grass?  ROFL!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   tangomike | Apr 27, 2006 11:28pm | #5

   Rick,
   It might be a stretch to suggest that the free version is "no comparison" to the Pro version. Here's why:- with Free I can import 2D and 3D formats, export of 3D is in Pro only, but how many people require the export functions? Probably a lot, but I'm not one of them so this feature is incremental as best. It's also worth pointing out that even in the free version you can export the 3D format kmz.
   - animations and walkthroughs... never used them.
   - organic modeling is pretty cool.
   - free email support? Big whup.What Google did is essentially release this as a "if you make money from it then you should pay for it" license. There is really very little in the way of significant feature differentiation. I really don't know how you can suggest that the free version is "light duty" when it's only crippled in the export and animation capabilities. Sounds to me like you paid $500 for it and are trying to make yourself feel better about it :)

   Edited 4/27/2006 9:35 pm ET by tangomike

2. 
   forestgirl | Apr 27, 2006 07:19pm | #2

   Thanks for letting us know, Mike.  This "lite" version is probably more digestible for us newbies.  I see they have video tutorials too.  Cool.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

3. 
   gj13 | Apr 27, 2006 07:33pm | #4

   Looks pretty good.  We'll use it to lay out a new storage system for our garage.  Thanks.