Popular 3D design program is now available

New features and familiar convenience

The popular 3D design program SketchUp has an added bonus. The software is now also available for iPad. According to Dutch distributor Design8, this is an asset for the still growing group of SketchUp users.

Last spring, SketchUp introduced the new version for iPad. "That adds quite a lot," begins Robert van Dee of Design8. "We were often asked by customers if there wasn't a version available for the iPad. So this innovation is really something users were waiting for." 

Currently, the app is only available on the iPad. "SketchUp is very user-friendly and so is the iPad. So the combination made sense, but an application for a tablet requires very different development than for desktop. The 3D core of the software had to be rebuilt to be made suitable for iPad. That this has now been achieved is a milestone."

Making on-the-spot adjustments

The biggest advantage of the program on the iPad is obvious. It can easily be taken to the customer. "Users could of course present a model, but now it is also possible to make adjustments on the spot. Drawing in a frame on location or making a note is now a breeze."

SketchUp for iPad is part of the SketchUp subscription, so existing customers can use it right away. "The program has been well received. Of course there are occasional questions, but that's what we are there for. We can guide users through the process."

SketchUp for iPad is different from the desktop version. Van Dee: "It includes several features that are not standard in SketchUp. For example, there is the Markup mode, which makes it easy to create notes. This is extremely suitable for collaboration in the Cloud. The Auto Shape feature instantly converts a shape drawn with an Apple Pencil into 3D. In its way, the user can draw a kind of circle that then becomes a 3D cylinder."

Model come to life

Presenting is extra easy thanks to Augmented Reality. "With the camera function, you present the 3D model in real context, so it really comes to life. The camera can also be used to capture textures and apply this in the SketchUp model. Think of a brick wall or the wood grain of a window frame." 

Trimble Connect is also included, which allows for quick collaboration with colleagues and other stakeholders. Everyone always has access to the latest files and latest updates with this. No more endless emailing back and forth of outdated files!

"Of course, the iPad version includes the basic SketchUp tools. Drawing tools, but also materials, tags, creating scenes, presenting images, shadows and more. We recommend playing around with this version of SketchUp. It is actually a kind of digital sketchbook, a digital blueprint. This makes it a great tool for interior designers and architects. But also for professionals on the construction site. Large construction companies use SketchUp for site layout. What needs to be done is drawn in the computer, and project managers can then use the iPad to make adjustments. With the iPad, they can easily indicate where, for example, equipment should be placed. Everyone can then see that in the model, from the equipment department to the porter at the gate. Very practical."