SketchUp vs SOLIDWORKS

by Gralio Feb 10, 2025

SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS are both 3D modeling software, but they cater to different needs. SketchUp is best for quick conceptual design and visualization, while SOLIDWORKS is geared towards detailed engineering and manufacturing. Choose SketchUp for ease of use and quick design iterations, and SOLIDWORKS for complex product design and analysis.

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 2797 reviews and 60 websites, saving 16 hours, 2 minutes of reading.

SketchUp

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SOLIDWORKS

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About

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.

SOLIDWORKS is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used by engineers and designers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. SOLIDWORKS is known for its user-friendliness and caters to various industries, with a strong focus on manufacturing. It helps businesses design better products faster by streamlining the design process and improving collaboration.

Summary

Main difference

SketchUp is better for creating quick and easy 3D models and visualizations, especially for conceptual design, while SOLIDWORKS excels in creating detailed engineering drawings and simulations for manufacturing. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and quick design iterations, whereas SOLIDWORKS offers advanced features for complex product design and analysis.

Relative strengths of SketchUp (compared to SOLIDWORKS)

Easier to learn and use, especially for beginners, with an intuitive interface.
Extensive library of pre-made models and plugins via the 3D Warehouse.
Stronger focus on visualization and conceptual design, with easy integration with rendering software.

Relative weaknesses of SketchUp (compared to SOLIDWORKS)

Limited capabilities for complex engineering analysis and simulations compared to SOLIDWORKS.
Performance issues can arise with large or complex models.
Less suited for manufacturing and production processes than SOLIDWORKS, which offers tools like CAM.

Who should use SketchUp VS. SOLIDWORKS

SketchUp is an intuitive 3D modeling software praised for its ease of use and versatility. Ideal for individuals and businesses of all sizes, it's particularly popular in the AEC industry and related fields. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, extensive 3D model library, and integration with other software. However, some have noted limitations with complex shapes and performance issues with large models.

SOLIDWORKS is user-friendly CAD software for engineers and designers. It excels at 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. Users praise its intuitive interface and extensive features, while some note performance issues with large assemblies and high costs. A great option for those seeking robust design tools, but consider alternatives if budget is a concern.

Best fit for small to medium businesses, but also applicable to large enterprises.
A strong fit for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, as well as related fields like interior design and woodworking.

Best fit for small, medium, and large businesses seeking robust 3D modeling.
Ideal for Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Education, and more.

SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS 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

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

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports creating 2D drawings from 3D models, including section views and annotations.
2D Sketching

Supported

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

Supported

SOLIDWORKS allows creating 2D sketches for defining part geometry.
Design Sharing

Supported

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

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports design sharing with various stakeholders via the Share and Markup feature.
3D modeling

Supported

SketchUp allows creating and editing 3D models.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS allows creating and editing 3D models, including parts and assemblies.
Dimensioning

Supported

SketchUp supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for both 2D drawings and 3D models.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.
Design review tools

Partially supported

SketchUp supports design review via Trimble Connect, but lacks direct commenting features.

Partially supported

Design review is supported via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform integration.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.11

Neutral sentiment

-0.78

Strongly negative sentiment
Customer Service

+0.09

Neutral sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.86

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.68

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

-0.2

Neutral sentiment

-0.54

Rather negative sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.4

Rather positive sentiment

+0.17

Neutral sentiment
Scalability

-0.09

Neutral sentiment

-0.54

Rather negative sentiment

SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS Pricing

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

No data

User sentiment

Strongly negative

-0.78

We couldn't find a pricing page for SOLIDWORKS.

SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS review insights

2797 reviews analysed from and

Users love

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.

User-friendly interface, easy to learn and use
Extensive features and customization options
Strong 3D modeling and 2D drawing capabilities
Wide range of add-ons and plugins for simulation, rendering, etc.
Large and active user community and readily available resources

Users dislike

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.

Performance issues and crashes, especially with large assemblies
Steep learning curve for advanced features, such as surfacing
High cost and subscription model, prohibitive for some users
Difficulty with file compatibility between versions
Limited capabilities for certain tasks like mesh and curve modeling

SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS Ratings

Glassdoor

3.9/5

(1518)

Company health

Employee growth

5% increase in the last year

No data

Web traffic

7% decrease in the last quarter

No data

Financing

August 2022 - $1B

No data

How easy is each to learn for a mechanical engineer?

SketchUp is generally considered easier to learn for a mechanical engineer, especially for initial 3D modeling and visualization tasks. Its intuitive interface and large community support contribute to a shorter learning curve. While SOLIDWORKS is also user-friendly for basic tasks, its more advanced features and focus on manufacturing workflows can present a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with CAD software. Both have readily available resources, but SketchUp's ease of use often makes it the preferred choice for beginners.

Which product is better for collaborating on complex assemblies?

SOLIDWORKS is better for collaborating on complex assemblies. While SketchUp is easier to use, SOLIDWORKS offers more robust features for managing large and complex designs, especially within the manufacturing context. Although users note performance issues with large assemblies in SOLIDWORKS, its dedicated tools for product data management and design validation make it more suitable for collaborative engineering projects. SketchUp, with its focus on visualization and ease of use, is better suited for conceptual design and presentations.

What are the advantages of SketchUp?

SketchUp's advantages lie in its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to learn and use, especially for beginners or those transitioning from other 3D modeling software. It also boasts a vast and active community, providing ample learning resources, plugins, and a massive library of pre-built models via the 3D Warehouse, accelerating the design process. SketchUp is also praised for its versatile 3D modeling capabilities applicable to various design tasks and its effective integration with other software, particularly for rendering.

What are the disadvantages of SketchUp?

SketchUp's disadvantages include difficulty creating complex or organic shapes without plugins, limited rendering capabilities without plugins, performance issues with large models (slowdowns and crashes), inconsistent cross-platform experience (Windows vs. Mac), and a subscription model/pricing that can be a barrier for some users.

Alternatives to SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS

Revit

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.

Solid Edge

Solid Edge is a suite of software designed to help businesses create and manage product designs. It offers tools for 3D modeling, simulating product performance, and managing the manufacturing process. Solid Edge aims to be user-friendly and affordable, making it suitable for mid-sized companies looking for a comprehensive product development solution.

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.

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.

ZWCAD

ZWCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software for professionals in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. It's known for its user-friendly design and compatibility with industry-standard file formats, making it a popular alternative to more expensive CAD software. ZWCAD offers a range of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and data management, helping businesses streamline their design processes from concept to production.

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.

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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