Who Owns SketchUp: Unveiling the Current Rights Holder

Timur Köklü

Dec 28, 2023 — 12 min read

SketchUp is widely recognized as a powerful 3D modeling software that serves a variety of industries ranging from architecture to animation. Originally developed by @Last Software in 2000, the program quickly distinguished itself for its user-friendly interface and wide-ranging capabilities. After its initial launch and subsequent growth in popularity, Google acquired SketchUp in 2006, further integrating the tool into their suite of applications and enhancing its features.

Ownership of SketchUp changed hands again in 2012 when Trimble, known for its advanced positioning solutions, purchased the software from Google. Trimble has continued to evolve SketchUp, maintaining its status as a go-to solution for professionals who require a 3D modeling software that is both robust and accessible.

Key Takeaways

SketchUp was created by @Last Software in 2000 and was later acquired by Google, followed by Trimble.
It serves as a 3D modeling software with a wide range of features and capabilities.
The software has a strong market presence and is utilized in multiple industries for its versatility and ease of use.

Ownership History

SketchUp's ownership history reflects a journey through innovation and strategic acquisitions. It started with a small company's vision and evolved through tech giant stewardship to its current holding by a specialized enterprise in geospatial technology.

Founding and @Last Software

SketchUp was initially created by @Last Software, a company co-founded in 1999 by Brad Schell and Joe Esch in Boulder, Colorado. The company focused on developing a user-friendly 3D content creation tool which quickly became popular among design professionals.

Acquisition by Google

In 2006, Google acquired SketchUp from @Last Software, enhancing the software's capabilities and integrating it with Google Earth. This phase amplified SketchUp's visibility and user base, as Google launched a free version that attracted a wider audience.

Current Ownership by Trimble Inc

Trimble Inc, headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, took ownership of SketchUp in 2012 from Google. Under Trimble's guidance, SketchUp continues to be developed with a strong emphasis on advanced features suitable for professional applications in architecture, engineering, and construction.

SketchUp Products

SketchUp offers a range of 3D modeling products tailored to different user needs and platforms, including free and paid versions that cater to hobbyists, professionals, and businesses alike.

SketchUp Free

SketchUp Free is the simplest version of SketchUp, a web-based application that runs directly in a browser. This version allows users to engage in basic 3D modeling without the need for software installation. Designed for casual or personal use, it enables users to explore design ideas and visualize projects.

SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro is the full-featured desktop application, available for both Windows and macOS. It offers advanced CAD tools suitable for professional design tasks in architecture, engineering, and construction. SketchUp Pro comes with additional functionalities, including the ability to create complex geometries and layered structures.

SketchUp Shop

Targeted at makers and DIY enthusiasts, SketchUp Shop is a subscription-based application that provides a suite of powerful yet user-friendly drawing and modeling tools. It offers more features than SketchUp Free, including the ability to export and print designs, making it a stepping stone for those looking to advance in 3D design.

SketchUp Studio

SketchUp Studio is the most comprehensive suite of tools provided by SketchUp. This robust package includes all functionalities of SketchUp Pro, along with additional features such as advanced environmental analysis and a higher level of interoperability intended for professionals who require the utmost from their 3D modeling software.

Features and Capabilities

SketchUp is renowned for its robust suite of design tools catering to professionals involved in architecture, engineering, and the entertainment industry. The software's core strength lies in its intuitive user interface equipped with powerful 3D modeling capabilities, extensive plugin support, and seamless interoperability with other industry-standard software.

3D Modeling Tools

SketchUp's 3D modeling toolset is tailored to simplify the creation of complex geometries. It excels in surface rendering and drawing layout, enabling users to quickly materialize ideas with precise contours and surfaces. Dynamic components offer a versatile way to work with 3D models, as each element can contain embedded attributes that respond to user interactions or changes within the model.

Extensions and Plugins

Users have access to an array of extensions and plugins from the Extension Warehouse, bolstering the software's functionality. Whether enhancing the workflow, improving rendering, like with the V-Ray plugin, or extending BIM capabilities, these add-ons allow for the customization of SketchUp to suit specific project needs. GIS integration plugins significantly enhance the working with geographical data within models.

Integration with Other Software

SketchUp provides impressive compatibility and integration with other software systems, facilitating a smooth workflow between different stages of design and analysis. It operates harmoniously alongside BIM tools like Revit as well as other Autodesk products, making it a versatile part of the design process from conceptualization to final renderings and beyond. The integration extends SketchUp’s application into various design and planning ecosystems.

Uses and Applications

SketchUp is a versatile 3D modeling software utilized across various industries, streamlining processes from concept to completion. Its user-friendly interface and robust toolset empower professionals to create detailed models and visualizations.

Architecture and Construction

Architecture: In the realm of architecture, SketchUp serves as an indispensable tool for creating precise architectural designs and visualizing structures before the actual construction begins. Its integration with various plugins and tools aids architects in enhancing their designs with environmental context and building codes.

Construction: For the construction industry, SketchUp facilitates the creation of 3D models that aid in planning, evaluating, and executing construction projects with greater accuracy, enabling a seamless transition from design to build.

Film and Game Development

Film: Within the film industry, SketchUp's ability to generate detailed 3D computer graphics is essential for pre-visualization, set design, and planning complex scenes. It helps in crafting immersive environments that serve as the backdrop for storytelling.

Game Development: For video game development, SketchUp provides a platform for developers to quickly prototype environments and assets. Its efficiency in modeling and the ease with which it handles 3D computer graphics make it a popular choice for creating intricate game worlds.

Interior and Landscape Design

Interior Design: Professionals in interior design utilize SketchUp to visualize room layouts, furniture arrangements, and décor choices, offering clients tangible representations of their proposed interior spaces.

Landscape Architecture: In landscape architecture, SketchUp aids designers in crafting outdoor spaces, from private gardens to public parks. The software enables the visualization of plant arrangements, terrain, and hardscape features, helping to plan functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes.

Community and Resources

SketchUp provides a robust ecosystem for users to engage and enhance their experience. This section explores the key communal assets and resources available to SketchUp users.

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a pivotal resource provided by SketchUp, acting as a comprehensive library where users can access and share a wide variety of 3D models. Whether someone is looking for furniture, vehicles, or architectural elements, they can find it here. For those seeking recognition, the Community Choice Award offers an opportunity for standout designs to be highlighted within the community.

SketchUp Forum

The SketchUp Forum serves as a platform for dialogue and support among users. From newbies seeking advice to professionals sharing tips, the forum is a testament to the collaborative spirit that SketchUp fosters. It also serves as a historical record, preserving discussions that date back to milestone releases like SketchUp 2013, which introduced significant improvements and features.

Extension Warehouse

Extension Warehouse is SketchUp's haven for customization, where users can discover plugins that extend the software's capabilities. It offers a variety of tools tailored to specific needs, designed by developers who are part of the SketchUp community. From rendering to productivity, these extensions empower users to tailor their experience to their unique workflow.

Comparative Analysis

This section delves into the standing of SketchUp within the industry by examining its position against key competitors and its relevance within the ever-evolving realm of modern design.

Against Competitors

SketchUp's niche in the 3D modeling software landscape is contested by a variety of rivals, the closest being Autodesk 3ds Max, Vectorworks, and Altium Designer. Each of these competitors offers a distinct blend of features tailored to their target audiences. For instance, Autodesk 3ds Max captures a significant segment of the market with its 42.32% share, highlighting its popularity among professionals for complex rendering and animation tasks. Conversely, SketchUp holds its own with a simplified interface that appeals to product designers and educators. With a market share of 3.66% for SketchUp Pro, it shows a focus on usability and accessibility, making 3D modeling more approachable for a wider audience.

Relevance in Modern Design

In the sphere of modern design, technology and software play pivotal roles. SketchUp has been a game-changer by making sophisticated design tools more accessible to non-professionals. It has proven particularly valuable in the domains of architectural design and urban planning, where intuitive modeling can significantly expedite the design process. Integration with various technologies, such as VR/AR, enhances SketchUp's relevance in an industry that increasingly relies on these tools for visualization and presentation. Despite the emergence of more advanced tools, SketchUp’s ease of use remains a significant selling point, especially for educational purposes and small-scale design projects.

Market Presence

SketchUp's robust market presence is exemplified by its widespread use in education and across various industries. As a versatile 3D modeling tool, it caters to professionals and learners by providing a platform for CAD and BIM projects, among others.

Education and Training

Educational institutions across the globe have integrated SketchUp into their curricula to teach students about design, architecture, and spatial recognition. This 3D modeling software is preferred for its user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible for learners at different levels. Its impact on education is also evident in its availability in various countries, with a significant percentage of its user base located in the United States.

Industry Adoption

Architects and designers widely adopt SketchUp for its effectiveness in creating detailed 3D models and its compatibility with CAD and BIM workflows. It has become an industry standard in fields like architecture, construction, and interior design. Companies using SketchUp have been identified across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, reflecting its substantial influence in the North American and European markets. The tool's functionality in these professional settings ranges from preliminary sketches to advanced 3D modeling and planning.

Technological Evolution

The technological trajectory of SketchUp illustrates a significant shift from basic design concepts to highly sophisticated modeling capabilities, particularly in the spheres of 3D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD).

From 2D to 3D

Initially, design software was predominantly focused on two-dimensional (2D) representations, providing a flat view of architectural sketches and engineering drawings. With the advent of SketchUp, introduced by @Last Software in 2000, there was a vivid transition to three-dimensional (3D) modeling. This tool empowered architects, engineers, and filmmakers to craft detailed 3D designs with ease, transforming how professionals conceived and communicated their projects.

Adapting to New Technologies

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have revolutionized multiple sectors, including video game design and architectural visualization. SketchUp moved in tandem with these advancements by integrating VR capabilities, granting users the experience of immersing themselves within their own creations. Further advancements in SketchUp's technology accommodated new technologies, including CAD, which further refined the precision and utility of 3D models in professional workflows.

Language and Accessibility

SketchUp has emphasized the importance of language and accessibility, ensuring that the software is usable and understandable across a diverse user base. They have incorporated features and support systems to meet the needs of international and accessibility-minded users.

Multilingual Support

SketchUp supports multiple languages for its global user base, which includes English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Korean. The software's wide range of language offerings also extends to Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Chinese, embodying its commitment to embracing and serving a worldwide community.

Global Availability

The global availability of SketchUp is underlined by its accessibility features. SketchUp puts in efforts to align with various accessibility standards, making the software more approachable for users with specialized needs, such as color blindness features to enhance usability. Furthermore, the SketchUp community can access resources like the SketchUp Help Center, which provides additional support and demonstrates SketchUp's dedication to continuous accessibility improvements.

SketchUp in the News

SketchUp's ownership has been a topic of interest in technology news and blogs, reflecting its enduring popularity and active use in the design community. SketchUp, initially developed by @Last Software, was acquired by Google in 2006. The software was recognized for its user-friendly interface and extensive functionality in 3D modeling.

In 2012, Google sold SketchUp to Trimble, a company focusing on navigation, surveying, and mapping equipment. This event was significant in the technology industry and prompted discussions regarding the strategy behind the sale and purchase. For instance, industry bloggers speculated that the sale might relate to Google's ongoing efforts to enhance 3D data through StreetView's LiDAR point cloud data capture.

More recently, discussions have arisen concerning the future of SketchUp after news broke out about Trimble being bought by an unexpected buyer—the First Hawaiian Bank. This development once again propelled SketchUp into the limelight, igniting active conversations about the implications for the software.

Ownership Timeline:
- 2000: SketchUp created by @Last Software.
- 2006: Google acquires SketchUp.
- 2012: Trimble acquires SketchUp from Google.
- 2023: Trimble ownership transitions to First Hawaiian Bank.

The entities involved in these transactions reveal the shifting landscape of technology assets and the strategic importance of 3D modeling tools like SketchUp. Despite changes in ownership, SketchUp remains a robust and active platform committed to serving professionals in architecture, design, and construction.

SketchUp Milestones

SketchUp's journey began in 1999 when it was founded by Brad Schell and Joe Esch. The following year, in August 2000, they introduced SketchUp as a 3D content creation tool tailored to design professionals' needs.

By 2006, SketchUp had caught the attention of a tech giant; Google acquired @Last Software. This transition led to the rebranding of the software as Google SketchUp. Under Google’s ownership, SketchUp saw significant development, including integration with Google Earth.

A notable ownership change occurred in 2012, when Trimble, a company providing technology for different industries, acquired SketchUp from Google. While the reasons behind Google's decision to sell SketchUp involve speculation, it is suggested that Trimble intended to enhance its portfolio of technology solutions.

Founded: @Last Software in 1999
Launch Year: SketchUp in 2000
Google Era Begins: Acquisition in 2006
Trimble Acquisition: Transition in 2012

SketchUp's association with Google contributed to its popularity, but its continued success can also be attributed to Trimble's commitment to maintaining its ease of use for professionals across various industries.

Although not directly associated with German entities in its development or ownership, SketchUp has a broad international user base, with numerous global communities and forums that include German-speaking users who contribute to the platform's growth and evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries about SketchUp's ownership, the transitions it has undergone, and how these changes affect its development and use.

What company currently holds ownership of SketchUp?

Trimble Inc. is the company that currently owns SketchUp, offering a range of subscriptions with varying features for users.

How has SketchUp's ownership changed over time?

Originally developed by @Last Software, SketchUp's ownership transitioned to Google in 2006 before being acquired by Trimble Inc. in 2012.

For what reasons did Trimble acquire SketchUp from Google?

Trimble acquired SketchUp from Google to enhance its portfolio in the 3D modeling tools space, acknowledging its popularity and potential for growth in architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

Are there differences between Trimble SketchUp and the version previously owned by Google?

While Google focused on broadening accessibility, Trimble has honed SketchUp's capabilities to better serve professional markets, especially in design and construction-related fields.

What are the implications of Trimble's ownership on the development and features of SketchUp?

Under Trimble's ownership, SketchUp has seen focused developments aimed at integrating it with Trimble's other technology offerings, providing industry-specific solutions.

How does Trimble's business model for SketchUp differ from Google's approach?

Trimble operates SketchUp with a more targeted business model, focusing on professional user requirements and offering specialized paid subscriptions, unlike Google's broader, more consumer-oriented approach.