SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling software platform owned by Trimble Inc., serving architects, builders, designers, and construction professionals with Web, iPad, and Desktop tools, a 4M+ asset library, and a 1M+ user community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersWestminster, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What SketchUp does
SketchUp operates a freemium-plus-subscription go-to-market model combining product-led growth with enterprise field sales. Free and low-cost SketchUp Free and SketchUp Go tiers drive bottom-up adoption among individuals and small teams, while SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio tiers monetize professionals and enterprises. Education pricing and a global Authorized Training Center network support long-term user pipeline development, and SketchUp AI is offered through a credit-based monthly add-on subscription. Distribution is primarily direct via sketchup.trimble.com and app stores, supplemented by the Trimble Partner Network, Trimble Marketplace, and the 3D Warehouse and Extension Warehouse marketplaces. Enterprise sales leverage Trimble's established AEC sales force and procurement relationships, with participation in industry events such as the AIA Convention and 3D Basecamp Summit providing demand generation. SketchUp is a wholly-owned product division of Trimble Inc., a private technology company that acquired SketchUp in 2012.
SketchUp firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SketchUp
- Legal name
- Trimble Inc.
- Website
- https://sketchup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- SketchUp is a 3D modeling software platform owned by Trimble Inc., serving architects, builders, designers, and construction professionals with Web, iPad, and Desktop tools, a 4M+ asset library, and a 1M+ user community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SketchUp industry classification
Industry- Product category
- 3D Design Software
- NAICS
- Industrial Design Services (541420), Drafting Services (541340)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- 3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing (IMAAACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Architecture & Construction Scale Models (Additive) (IMAAAFAL)
Keywords
Where SketchUp is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Westminster
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
SketchUp business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Subscription (Software Licenses): SketchUp generates primary revenue through subscription-based licensing with multiple tiers: SketchUp Free (limited features, free), SketchUp Go, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio. Subscriptions provide access to core software across Web, iPad, and Desktop platforms, with higher tiers including advanced features like Photoreal Materials, 2D documentation with LayOut, and access to 4M+ pre-built 3D models. AI features (AI Render, AI Assistant) are available with included credits and higher limits through additional subscription.
- Extension and Add-on Sales: Third-party extensions available through Extension Warehouse include both free and paid extensions. Developers can distribute paid extensions, with SketchUp potentially taking a marketplace commission on sales.
- Education and Training: SketchUp offers education pricing for students, educators, and institutions. User certification programs through Authorized Training Centers provide additional revenue opportunities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | SketchUp Free - Free tier with basic features |
| Subscription | Monthly | SketchUp Go - Mobile-focused subscription |
| Subscription | Annual | SketchUp Pro - Full-featured professional subscription |
| Subscription | Annual | SketchUp Studio - Enterprise advanced workflows |
| Subscription | Monthly | SketchUp AI Subscription - AI features credit-based access |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
SketchUp product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SketchUp develops and sells a professional 3D design software ecosystem for creating, communicating, and collaborating on 3D models. The core SketchUp application is offered on Web, iPad, and Desktop with a proprietary modeling engine featuring push-pull extrusion, supported by integrated tools for 2D documentation (LayOut), cloud collaboration (Trimble Connect), reality capture (Scan Essentials), asset and extension marketplaces (3D Warehouse and Extension Warehouse), and an AI suite for rendering and 3D geometry generation. The product is sold primarily to architects, builders, designers, and construction professionals through subscription tiers ranging from a free version to enterprise-grade Studio.
Product overview
SketchUp is a comprehensive 3D design software ecosystem comprising the core SketchUp application along with multiple integrated products and modules. The core SketchUp product provides intuitive, professional-grade 3D modeling trusted by architects, builders, and designers. Supporting the core are desktop, web, and iPad variants for different workflows; LayOut for 2D documentation and presentation; Trimble Connect for cloud collaboration; Scan Essentials for reality capture processing; 3D Warehouse for asset libraries; and Extension Warehouse for third-party extensions. AI capabilities are delivered through SketchUp AI (AI Render, AI Assistant). The platform offers a Ruby API and Desktop SDK for developer extensibility. Recent additions include Anthropic Claude AI connectors for natural language control.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SketchUp Pro: Professional 3D modeling subscription for desktop, web, and iPad with advanced features and collaboration tools.
- SketchUp for Web
- SketchUp for iPad
- SketchUp Studio
- SketchUp Free
- SketchUp Labs
- SketchUp Campus
Products and services
- SketchUp (Core) Primary 3D design software for creating, communicating, and collaborating on 3D models, used by architects, builders, and designers worldwide to turn creative ideas into buildable 3D models.
- LayOut Documentation and presentation tool for creating 2D drawings from SketchUp 3D models, enabling scaled documentation, construction drawings, and client presentations.
- SketchUp for Web
- SketchUp for iPad
- Trimble Connect
- Scan Essentials
- Extension Warehouse
- 3D Warehouse
- SketchUp AI AI-powered features including AI Render for photorealistic visualization generation from text/image prompts and AI Assistant for generating 3D geometry through natural language commands. Available via subscription with credit-based access.
- Claude AI Connector for SketchUp Anthropic Claude AI connector enabling natural language control of SketchUp for design studios, animation pipelines, and creative professionals, using the open Model Context Protocol (MCP) to automate file handoffs and coordination work.
- SketchUp for Education
Quantifiable outcome
- Join over a million industry professionals who dream, design, and create with SketchUp
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use SketchUp
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SketchUp technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability6 records
Feature7 records
SketchUp partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Anthropic (Claude AI)coreAnthropic has partnered with SketchUp to provide Claude AI connectors enabling users to control SketchUp through natural language commands. The integration automates manual file handoffs and coordination work in design and additive manufacturing workflows. Anthropic joined the Blender Development Fund as a Corporate Patron committing €240,000 annually. Educational partners including RISD, Ringling College, and Goldsmiths University receive access to Claude and the full connector set for testing.
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)minorRhode Island School of Design has signed on as an early partner to test Anthropic's Claude connectors integrated with creative tools including SketchUp, with real creative workflows and provide feedback on the integrations.
- Ringling College of Art and DesignminorRingling College of Art and Design is an early partner for testing Anthropic's Claude AI connectors with SketchUp and other creative tools, providing feedback on real-world creative workflows.
- Goldsmiths, University of LondonminorGoldsmiths, University of London has partnered with Anthropic and SketchUp to test Claude AI connectors with real creative workflows in educational settings.
- Trimble ConnectcoreSketchUp integrates deeply with Trimble Connect, the cloud-based collaboration platform that enables teams to access, review, and collaborate on projects from anywhere. Trimble Connect is part of Trimble's broader construction technology ecosystem.
- TrimblecoreSketchUp is owned and operated by Trimble Inc., a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds. SketchUp is positioned within Trimble's 3D Modeling & BIM solutions portfolio alongside Tekla Structures, Sefaira, and other Trimble construction technology products.
- SketchUp Authorized Training CentersminorGlobal network of Authorized Training Centers providing SketchUp certification programs, official training courses, and professional development for users seeking to master SketchUp skills.
- SketchUp Resellers/PartnersminorGlobal network of SketchUp resellers and partners providing local sales, support, and implementation services for SketchUp products in regions outside primary markets.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SketchUp competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bentley Systems: Bentley Systems provides infrastructure engineering software (OpenBuildings, MicroStation) competing with SketchUp in the AEC space. It targets enterprise infrastructure and construction projects, overlapping with SketchUp's Trimble-aligned construction segment.
- Autodesk: Autodesk is the dominant AEC software incumbent with AutoCAD, Revit, and Forma serving architecture, construction, and engineering workflows. It is the primary competitor SketchUp faces in the AEC market, with deeper BIM functionality but a steeper learning curve—SketchUp differentiates on ease of use and conceptual design speed.
Direct peers
- Graphisoft (ArchiCAD): Graphisoft's ArchiCAD is a direct competitor in architectural CAD, offering BIM-grade modeling for architects. It competes with SketchUp Pro/Studio in the architectural design vertical but focuses more heavily on production documentation than conceptual design.
- Vectorworks: Vectorworks (by Nemetschek) provides CAD and BIM software for architecture, landscape, and entertainment design, directly overlapping SketchUp's core AEC and landscape architecture use cases with comparable mid-market positioning.
- Chief Architect: Chief Architect provides 3D architectural CAD software for residential and light commercial design. It is a direct peer in architectural 3D modeling, particularly for home design and residential builders—overlapping with SketchUp's interior design and residential architecture use cases.
- McNeel (Rhinoceros 3D): Rhinoceros 3D is a NURBS-based 3D modeling tool widely used by architects, industrial designers, and engineers for complex free-form geometry. It is a direct peer in professional 3D design, with a steeper learning curve but stronger capability for advanced surfacing.
Emerging players
- Planner 5D: Planner 5D is a consumer-friendly 3D home design platform with freemium and Pro tiers, directly competing with SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro for individual users, home designers, and small studios through browser-based workflows.
- Coohom: Coohom is a cloud-based 3D space planning and interior design platform competing with SketchUp's interior design and consumer/prosumer use cases. It offers AI-driven rendering and is gaining traction in furniture and home improvement verticals.
- Blender: Blender is an open-source 3D creation suite used by designers, architects, and visualization professionals. While primarily animation-focused, it increasingly competes with SketchUp for conceptual visualization and rendering in AEC and interior design workflows, especially with AI plugins.
Others
- Trimble Tekla Structures: Tekla Structures is Trimble's BIM software for structural engineering and construction, operating alongside SketchUp within Trimble's portfolio. While not a direct SketchUp competitor (it targets downstream structural detail rather than conceptual design), both are integrated within the Trimble ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SketchUp social profiles
Digital presenceSketchUp financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SketchUp leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
SketchUp subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
SketchUp funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SketchUp M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SketchUp
What does SketchUp do?
SketchUp develops and sells a professional 3D design software ecosystem for creating, communicating, and collaborating on 3D models. The core SketchUp application is offered on Web, iPad, and Desktop with a proprietary modeling engine featuring push-pull extrusion, supported by integrated tools for 2D documentation (LayOut), cloud collaboration (Trimble Connect), reality capture (Scan Essentials), asset and extension marketplaces (3D Warehouse and Extension Warehouse), and an AI suite for rendering and 3D geometry generation. The product is sold primarily to architects, builders, designers, and construction professionals through subscription tiers ranging from a free version to enterprise-grade Studio.
Is SketchUp a public or private company?
SketchUp is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was SketchUp founded?
SketchUp was founded in 2000. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is SketchUp based?
SketchUp is headquartered in Westminster, United States, in the North America region.
How does SketchUp make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Subscription (Software Licenses) is the primary driver. The others are extension and Add-on Sales and education and Training.
Who are SketchUp's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bentley Systems and Autodesk. Direct peers are Graphisoft (ArchiCAD), Vectorworks, Chief Architect and McNeel (Rhinoceros 3D). Emerging players are Planner 5D, Coohom and Blender. Trimble Tekla Structures is listed as an others.
Does SketchUp have an API?
Yes. SketchUp provides a Ruby API for extension development, allowing developers to create custom tools, automate workflows, and integrate external data. The platform also offers a Desktop SDK for reading and writing SKP files (request access required). Additionally, SketchUp has partnered with Anthropic to provide a SketchUp Connector for Claude, enabling natural language control of SketchUp through Claude's AI interface via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Developer documentation is at developer.sketchup.com.
What industry is SketchUp in?
SketchUp's product category is 3D Design Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAACAA, 3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAAAFAL, Architecture & Construction Scale Models (Additive). Its NAICS code is 541420 and its SIC code is 7372.