Software Gadgets

SketchUp is a very popular -- but very expensive -- commercial program for drawing 3-D objects that is actually easy and fun to use. Google bought the company and has released a freeware version of the program that has most of the features of the (still payware) Pro version. The only major features that the free personal version of SketchUp seems to lack are the following:

* Print and export raster images at higher-than-screen resolution.
* Access to the following 3D export formats: DWG, DXF, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, VRML and FBX. [These allow the images created in SketchUp to be imported to CAD applications -- RSS]
* Export animations and walkthroughs as MOV (Mac) or AVI (Windows) files.
* Use the Sandbox Tools (for organic modeling of terrain, etc) and the Film & Stage Tools (for pre-viz work).

The free version has lots more than enough features for everyday person use, however. Here's what the Google SketchUp site has to say:

Google SketchUp (free) is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling program whose few simple tools enable you to create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects – even space ships. You can add details, textures and glass to your models, design with dimensional accuracy, and place your finished models in Google Earth, share them with others by posting them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies. Google SketchUp (free) is a great way to discover if 3D modeling is right for you.

And here is the list of features included in the freeware version:

Google SketchUp (free) includes tools for drawing and modifying geometry, moving around your model (orbiting, zooming, panning), as well as adding textures like brick, wood, shingles and glass. It also provides dimension and text tools that enable you to communicate accurate lengths and widths, as well as printing capability so you can work directly from your plans. SketchUp (free) includes support via our Help Center.

SketchUp (free ) includes these tools:

* Drawing and modifying geometry: Polygon, FollowMe, Offset, and Intersect with Model.
* Construction: Dimension, Tape Measure, Protractor, Section Slice, Layers, Area & Length Calculation

Using SketchUp (free), you can:

* Draw, modify, measure, rotate, and scale geometry.
* Place section slices to view and work on model interiors.
* Add pre-made textures to your models, or create new ones.
* Add pre-made components like trees, cars, doors and windows, and people to your models, or create new components.
* Soften and smooth faces.
* Cast real-time shadows for any location on earth.
* Simulate movie camera placements.
* Perform walk-throughs.
* Create presentation tours.
* Import 2D images (.jpg, .png, .tif, .tga, .bmp) and 3D models (.3ds, .dem, .ddf, .dwg, .dxf, .skp).
* Export your models to Google Earth.
* Export 2D images of your models (.jpg, .bmp, .png, .tif).
* Print your models.
* Create add-on programs using the Ruby programming language.

All I can say is "Wow!" Okay, I can also say "I wish it had a feature that made up for having absolutely no talent." If you do have even a little talent, however, you will be able to do amazing things with the free version of Google SketchUp. After all, I've been able to amaze myself with doing very simple things easily which means someone with some talent and skill should be able to go crazy with this program.

Rating: 5.0 Stars
Operating System: Windows 2000 and XP (Mac OS X version promised)
License: Freeware
Price: Free for Personal Use
Version Reviewed: 5.0.245
Web Site: http://sketchup.google.com/index.html
See Screenshots