Revit vs SketchUp

by Gralio Feb 09, 2025

Revit and SketchUp are both 3D modeling software, but they cater to different needs. Revit excels in complex building projects, offering powerful BIM features, while SketchUp prioritizes ease of use and quick visualization, making it ideal for simpler designs and conceptual work.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 3531 reviews and 60 websites, saving 20 hours, 7 minutes of reading.

Revit

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SketchUp

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About

Revit is advanced design software for professionals involved in building projects. It allows architects, engineers, and construction teams to work together on a single, detailed 3D model of a building. This helps everyone stay coordinated, spot problems early, and make better decisions. Any changes made to the model are automatically updated everywhere, keeping documents consistent and reducing errors. Revit is a powerful tool for designing, planning, and constructing better buildings.

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

Summary

Main difference

Revit is a robust Building Information Modeling (BIM) software ideal for complex architectural and construction projects requiring advanced features like constructability studies and 4D simulations. SketchUp is easier to learn and use, making it better suited for conceptual design, interior design, and simpler 3D modeling tasks where ease of use and visualization are paramount.

Relative strengths of Revit (compared to SketchUp)

Superior BIM capabilities for complex projects
Advanced features for construction planning and analysis
Seamless integration with other Autodesk products

Relative weaknesses of Revit (compared to SketchUp)

Steeper learning curve and complex interface
Higher cost and subscription model
Performance issues with large models

Who should use Revit VS. SketchUp

Revit is collaborative design software ideal for architects, engineers, and construction professionals working on building projects. Users praise its collaboration features and integrations with other Autodesk products. However, some find importing external files challenging. Revit enables teams to work together on detailed 3D models, enhancing coordination and reducing errors.

SketchUp is user-friendly 3D modeling software praised for its intuitive interface and versatile design capabilities. It's a great choice for visualizing projects, creating detailed 2D drawings, and sharing designs effectively. Users love its ease of use and extensive 3D Warehouse, but some find complex shapes challenging without plugins.

Best fit for small, medium, and enterprise businesses.
Ideal for construction and real estate projects.

Best fit for small to medium businesses seeking intuitive 3D modeling.
Ideal for architecture, interior design, construction, and related fields.

Revit and SketchUp features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

Revit allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models, useful for construction projects.

Supported

SketchUp supports creating 2D drawings using the integrated LayOut tool.
2D Sketching

Supported

Revit supports 2D sketching with features like Drafting Views and detailing tools.

Supported

SketchUp allows 2D sketching, but primarily focuses on 3D modeling. LayOut offers more advanced 2D drafting.
3D modeling

Supported

Revit fully supports creation and editing of 3D models.

Supported

SketchUp allows creating and editing 3D models.
Revit integration

Supported

Revit integrates with other Autodesk products and third-party applications.

Supported

SketchUp integrates with Revit via several import/export methods, including IFC.
Real-time rendering

Partially supported

Revit supports real-time rendering via third-party plugins like Enscape and D5 Render.

Partially supported

SketchUp supports real-time rendering via plugins like D5 Render and Enscape.
Design Sharing

Supported

Revit supports design sharing with various stakeholders through integrations like BIM 360 and features like Shared Views.

Supported

SketchUp allows sharing designs with stakeholders via links, Trimble Connect, and 3D Warehouse.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.63

Rather negative sentiment

-0.11

Neutral sentiment
Customer Service

+0.78

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.09

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.51

Rather positive sentiment

+0.86

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

-0.19

Neutral sentiment

-0.2

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

-0.5

Rather negative sentiment

+0.4

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

-0.07

Neutral sentiment

-0.09

Neutral sentiment

Revit and SketchUp Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.63

See full Pricing page

SketchUp offers flexible subscription plans for 3D modeling software, with options for individuals, professionals, studios, and educational institutions. They offer monthly and annual billing options (annual pricing shown here), with discounts for annual subscriptions. All plans include access to features such as 3D modeling tools, a library of 3D models, and collaboration features.

Plans

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.11

See full Pricing page

Revit and SketchUp review insights

3531 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Excellent collaboration features.
Workshare feature is excellent.
Seamless integration with other Autodesk products.
Numerous integrations and seamless app connectivity.

Intuitive and user-friendly interface, easy to learn.
Versatile 3D modeling capabilities suitable for various design tasks.
Extensive 3D Warehouse with pre-made models and components.
Large and active community with ample learning resources and plugins.
Good integration with other software, especially rendering applications.

Users dislike

Importing and working with external non-Revit tools needs improvement.
Importing geometry from non-Revit formats needs improvement, even from AutoCAD.
Revit doesn\'t allow you to open newer files if you are using an older version.
No option for downgrading Revit files.

Difficult to create complex or organic shapes without plugins.
Rendering capabilities are limited without plugins.
Large models can cause performance issues, including slowdowns and crashes.
Inconsistent experience across different operating systems (Windows vs. Mac).
Subscription model and pricing can be a barrier for some users.

Revit and SketchUp Ratings

Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

Glassdoor

3.9/5

(1518)

Company health

Employee growth

3% increase in the last year

5% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% increase in the last quarter

7% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

May 2020 - $0

August 2022 - $1B

How do Revit's collaboration features compare to SketchUp's, especially for large models?

Revit excels in collaboration for large models due to its Worksharing feature, enabling multiple users to work on the same model simultaneously while centralizing changes. SketchUp, while offering collaboration through Trimble Connect and file sharing, can struggle with performance on large models, making real-time collaboration less efficient. Revit's inherent design for BIM projects also contributes to better coordination across disciplines compared to SketchUp's more generalized 3D modeling approach.

Which product offers a smoother transition for users already familiar with Autodesk products?

Revit offers a smoother transition for users familiar with Autodesk products due to its seamless integration with other Autodesk software. This integration simplifies workflows and reduces the learning curve compared to SketchUp, which, while user-friendly, lacks this inherent compatibility within the Autodesk ecosystem.

What are the advantages of Revit?

Revit's advantage lies in its robust Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, enabling better design coordination, constructability analysis (4D simulations), and error reduction through a single, shared 3D model. This makes it particularly well-suited for complex construction projects where collaboration and precise planning are critical, unlike SketchUp which focuses on easier 3D modeling but less on BIM features. Revit also offers seamless integration with other Autodesk products, streamlining workflows for users already within the Autodesk ecosystem.

What are the disadvantages of Revit?

Revit's main disadvantages include difficulty with importing and exporting non-Revit files, incompatibility between different Revit versions, and a steep learning curve due to its complexity. Some users also report performance issues with large models. Additionally, negative sentiment surrounds Revit's pricing, which can be a barrier for some users.

Alternatives to Revit and SketchUp

Coohom

Coohom is a cloud-based 3D design software specializing in home design, making it easy to create realistic visualizations. It offers tools for quick floor plan design, 3D modeling, and high-quality rendering, particularly useful for kitchen and bath design. This software is used by both individual designers and businesses to streamline the design process and improve client presentations. Coohom boasts a large user base and a strong reputation within the industry.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a design and drafting software to create 2D and 3D models. It offers industry-specific tools for fields like architecture and manufacturing. AutoCAD stands out with its web and mobile apps, enabling work from anywhere. It promises increased productivity through specialized features and a familiar interface.

Foxit eSign

Foxit eSign is a cloud-based electronic signature service designed for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to prepare, send, sign, track, and manage legally-binding documents electronically. You can automate your document workflow with features like reusable templates, bulk sending, and integrations with popular business apps. Foxit eSign prioritizes security and compliance, providing audit trails and tamper-proof archiving for your signed documents.

Tekla Structural Designer

Tekla Structural Designer is advanced software designed for construction professionals to plan and design buildings. This software allows users to create detailed 3D models of structures and analyze their stability and strength. Tekla Structural Designer helps improve collaboration between different teams on a project, minimizes costly errors, and increases overall efficiency.

Lumion

Lumion is 3D rendering software designed for architects and designers. It lets you turn basic 3D models from programs you already use into realistic images and videos. Lumion is known for being easy to use and for producing high-quality results quickly. You can use it to create presentations, explore design ideas, and help clients visualize what a finished project will look and feel like.

Archicad

Archicad is a building information modeling (BIM) software used by architects, interior designers, and planners to design and manage building projects. This software allows for detailed modeling, automated documentation, and improved collaboration between different teams involved in a project. Archicad is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful tools that cater to projects of all sizes. It also offers features like realistic rendering and mobile model visualization.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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