Extending SketchUp

SketchUp already offers a lot of options when it comes to enhancing models. Other SketchUp products and features like LayOut, Style Builder, 3D Warehouse already provide additional tools to elevate models created in SketchUp. If those options don’t have what you need, here are a few more products and features.

Note: The features in this section may require a specific Sketchup subscription or a separate purchase.

PreDesign for SketchUp

PreDesign for SketchUp can help during the research phase when designing a building or starting a building renovation project. With PreDesign, designers can:

  • Obtain climate information earlier in the design process.
  • Get inspiration and ideas to better incorporate environmental considerations into a design.
  • Generate content to help convince stakeholders on the merit of a design strategy.

 

PreDesign for SketchUp is included in both Pro and Studio subscriptions.

Sefaira

Sefaira is a powerful tool used for providing building performance analysis of the geometry created in SketchUp. Sefaira can help provide meaningful metrics like:

  • Energy use and carbon emissions.
  • Thermal comfort.
  • Daylight Factor, Direct Sun Exposure, and Annual Daylight outputs.
  • Architectural impact on HVAC system requirements.

 

Sefaira is available as a separate subscription and is not included as part of any Sketchup subscription plan.

V-Ray for SketchUp

V-Ray can help bring a model to life, transforming a model from 3D into fully realized works of art using high quality rendering of the images and animations.

V-Ray for SketchUp is available as part of a Studio subscription.

Scan Essentials for SketchUp

Scan Essentials provides the ability to import, view and interact with point cloud data in the SketchUp modeling environment. The imported point cloud can be used within SketchUp to model the scanned as-built condition, provide accurate visual context to your existing sketchup model, and to collect accurate measurement data.

Scan Essentials is available as part of a Studio subscription.

SketchUp and Revit

Autodesk Revit is a popular program used to deliver construction documents and permit sets for large architecture projects. Sketchup files can be exported to Revit in a variety of ways. SketchUp’s Revit Importer, available with a Studio subscription, can also easily import Revit files into a SketchUp model.

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