SketchUp

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software developed by Trimble, with the core concept of “making 3D modeling as natural as sketching with a pencil”. It significantly lowers the threshold of 3D design through a minimalist interface and intuitive push-pull modeling tools (such as drawing lines to create surfaces and extruding to create bodies), and is suitable for quickly building solution prototypes in the fields of architecture, interior design, and landscape. Its unique advantage lies in the balance between professionalism and ease of use. 80% of users can master basic operations within 3 hours.

File Structure

SketchUp’s file structure is mainly composed of file format, storage path and model organization level, as follows:

Main design file (.skp)

Default save format, contains complete editable model data (geometry, materials, layers, etc.), and is the core file directly operated by users. ‌

Backup file (.skb)

Automatically generated when the software crashes, used to restore unsaved progress. Need to be manually renamed to .skp format to edit (the file extension needs to be displayed in the system settings). ‌

Template file (.skp)
Temporary file (.tmp)

May be generated when the program is abnormal, and needs to be converted through SketchUp’s “Open > Save as .skp”. ‌

Pros

Extreme usability ‌

Intuitive operation‌: Adopting the modeling logic of “drawing lines to form surfaces”, with few tool buttons and in line with design intuition, beginners can master basic modeling in 1-2 days‌.
**Free entry‌: **The web version provides complete basic functions and zero-cost entry‌.

Efficient workflow‌

Fast modeling‌: Push-pull tools and component libraries (such as 3D Warehouse) enable minute-level solution construction‌.
Real-time visualization‌: The 2025 version adds a PBR material system and AI texture generation, and the model texture is close to the rendering effect‌; the 2024 version of the ambient light occlusion function enhances the sense of spatial hierarchy‌.

Ecological scalability‌

Plug-in ecology‌: SUAPP, Enscape and other plug-in libraries cover deep needs such as surface modeling and construction drawing output‌.
Cross-platform collaboration‌: Supports importing DWG/OBJ formats, and interoperability with software such as AutoCAD and Revit‌.

Cons

Insufficient modeling depth ‌

**Precision limitations‌: **Weak surface modeling capabilities (such as poor NURBS support), complex special-shaped structures need to rely on plug-ins‌.
**Shallow information depth‌: **Lack of BIM parameterization capabilities, unable to directly connect to the construction stage‌.

Effect output bottleneck ‌

**Strong rendering dependence‌: **Native rendering effects tend to be “cartoon-like”, and high-quality output requires the use of third-party tools such as V-Ray‌.
Weak animation function‌: Roaming animation production efficiency is lower than professional tools such as 3ds Max‌.

Compatibility and stability issues ‌

Closed file format‌: .skp format is easy to lose material/layer data when communicating with other software‌.
Crash risk‌: High freeze rate for large models (>500MB), cache needs to be cleaned regularly‌

Application Scenario

SketchUp is suitable for scenarios such as conception and preliminary design in the field of architectural design, space planning and decorative layout display in interior design, site model construction and landscape element presentation in landscape design, as well as simple scene construction and concept design in the early stages of game, animation, film and television production. Its simple and easy-to-use operation and intuitive modeling method can quickly transform creativity into visual models.