22 BEST Sketchup Alternatives in 2021

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Last Updated: 21 January 2021

SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program. The tool comes with a 3D gallery that lets you search for models and share among other users. However, this tool is not without flaws, as it is hard to use tools for more complex modeling even with the help of a plugin. Moreover, it will crash when rendering a lot of patch vertex surfaces.

Here is a curated list of Top tools that are capable of replacing Sketchup. This list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

1) AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that architects, engineers, and construction professionals rely on to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. You can edit and create drawings in AutoCAD on virtually any device.

Features:

Create, edit and view, drawings on virtually any device
Helps you to access any DWG file in AutoCAD with Autodesk's cloud
Reduce eye strain with contrast improvement
Allows you to display all nearby measurements in a drawing
Create, edit, and view CAD drawings
Remove multiple objects with easy selection and object preview.

2) 3Ds Max

3DS Max is a powerful 3D modeling and animation software. It can be used by game developers, visual effects artists, and graphic designers to create high-quality scenes, and engaging VR experiences.

Features:

This tool allows you to create and render striking scenes with integrated Arnold Renderer.
You can scale your workflow with automated processes.
You can use vertex, Edge, and face information to make changes in your models.
Efficiently create organic and parametric objects with a polygon subdivision surface.
Create sophisticated particle effects such as water, spray, snow, and fire.

3) planner5d

Planner 5D is another important 3D alternative tool that enables you to create realistic interior and exterior designs in 2D/ 3D modes.

Features:

It allows you to use the Snapshots feature to capture your design as a realistic image
Both 2D and 3D views as you design from various angles
The intuitive and user-focused interface which offers an easy design process without any tutorials or instructions
Apply custom colors, patterns, and materials to furniture
Be a part of a growing community. Upload and customize projects

4) pCon.planner

Pcon planner is a replacement for Sketchup, which allows you to create stunning images. It also provides your customers with a comprehensive overview of your plan.

Features:

Add CAD models in different formats (DWG, SKP, 3DS, etc.)
Helps you to become creative
Allows you to generate stunning images
Provide your customers with a comprehensive overview of your plan
Great designs deserve to be seen from every perspective
Directly access extensive material catalogues through pCon.planner
Allows you to create high-quality 3D graphics

Link: https://pcon-planner.com/en/3d-room-planner/

5) Solidworks

SolidWorks is a computer-aided design tool or Software that runs on Microsoft Windows. The tool allows you to implement existing feature attributes and parameters from one feature to another

Features:

This tool allows you to compare what geometry is different between two designs using Geometry comparison, View synchronization or Face synchronization
You can compare properties between two SolidWorks document
This tool provides support to select loops, faces, edges, and features based on geometric criteria
It allows you to locate, manipulate and change features within a model according to their parameters
Solidworks offers an analysis tool to find thin and thick regions in part documents
It allows you to streamline parts, assembly documents and create simplified configurations automatically

Link: https://www.solidworks.com

6) BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a modern CAD alternative. It helps you to focus on building a cost-effective CAD tool. It is a highly compatible tool that is available as a perpetual license that you can by once and uses forever.

Features:

Allows you to optimize your 2D drawings and 3D models
View and modify the distance between two entities without starting a command
Collaborate with your peers inside your BricsCAD session.

Link: https://www.bricsys.com/en-eu/bricscad/

7) nanoCAD

NanoCAD is an easy-to-use CAD application that helps you to delivers a great user experience by providing high performance, a classic interface, and native. This engineering design tool has been built to deliver design and project documentation for all industries.

Features:

nanoCAD implements an efficient, and easy to learn, classic-style CAD user interface
It uses the industry-standard DWG (*.dwg) file format natively
It includes an extensive set of tools for creating and editing 2D/3D objects
The nanoCAD scripting engine helps you to automate everyday routine tasks
The tool also offers plot settings dialog allows you to set multiple plot areas, and create multi-page plots

Link: https://nanocad.com

8) FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler. It primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to modify your design easily.

Features:

Runs as a command line application
Parametric associative document objects
Built-in Python console
Graphical creation of planar geometry.
Fully customizable/scriptable Graphical User Interface

https://www.freecadweb.org

9) shapr3D

Shapr3D runs locally with the same engine as SolidWorks. You can create with unparalleled performance, complete offline functionality, and CAD compatibility.

Features:

Direct modeling with Apple Pencil
Combine separate bodies efficiently using Subtract, Union, and Intersect
Develop stronger prototypes efficiently using Shapr3D's intuitive tools
Send your work directly to your desktop CAD for granular editing
Build a highly flexible creative workflow
Move, rotate, mirror, and scale models with handily visualized guides.
Work on your designs anywhere

Link: https://www.shapr3d.com/features

10) Solid Edge

Solid Edge uses synchronous technology to help you accelerate product design, helps you to do revisions faster, and improve design data re-use. It supports 2D drafting, best-in-class sheet metal design, flexible part, and assembly modeling, and it offers unmatched mobility.

Features:

It allows you to combine the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of the parametric design.
Drawing layout, detailing, annotation and dimensioning controls
Superior assembly performance
Allows you to build a complete sheet metal design system
Streamline P&ID workflow process with database-driven access to pipe specifications.

Link: https://solidedge.siemens.com/en/solutions/products/3d-design/

11) librecad

LibreCAD is a free computer-aided design application for 2D design. It works on Linux, macOS, Unix, and Windows OS.

Features:

Developed by an experienced team and supported by a friendly community
LibreCAD started as a project to build CAM capabilities
It's available in more than 30 languages
Ideal for preparing 2D drawings.

Link: https://librecad.org/#features

12) CorelCAD

CorelCAD seamlessly implement changes to 3D designs using XVL Studio 3D CAD Corel edition, the integral add-on for CorelDRAW® Technical Suite 2019. It also provides critical functionality and benefits not offered with the basic XVL Studio software included with CorelDRAW Technical Suite 2019.

Features:

Extensive 3D CAD file support
Intuitive 3D CAD to illustration
Advanced animation tools
Output and share visualizations in 3D and 2D
Intuitive 3D CAD to illustration

Links: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/technical-suite/xvl-studio/

13) Draftsight

DraftSight 2019 is a feature-rich 2D and 3D CAD solution. This tool is a strong competitor of SketchUp. This is an easy tool to create, format, and arrange layers to ensure your design is organized and conforms to layering standard.

Features:

2D Design & Documentation
Quick modify to move, rotate, copy, and scale entities with one command.
Import existing blocks from your libraries or create new blocks that can be used as repeated elements in your designs.
Helps you to increase your efficiency with features like PDF Underlay to reference your PDFs

Link: https://www.draftsight.com

14) MicroStation

MicroStation offers advanced parametric 3D modeling capabilities. It allows infrastructure to deliver data-driven, BIM-ready models.

Features:

Design with true 3D parametric modeling
Helps you to ensure the proper application of organizational and project-specific standards and content
Create precise drawings using a comprehensive set of a drafting tool
You can view and work with design information from others in real time
Confidently work in the right context for each project with the required settings and standards automatically applied

Link: https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/modeling-and-visualization-software/microstation

15) Vectorworks

Vectorworks Architect offers capabilities such as 2D drawing, 3D modeling, and Building Information Modeling (BIM). This tool is designed to help architects.

Features:

Allows you to sketch, draw, and model in a fully integrated BIM workflow.
It allows building 3D construction site models, drawing site blueprints, and designing digital walk-through presentations.
All-in-one solution for landscape design and planning.
It helps you to create and document any design according to your imagination.

Link: https://www.vectorworks.net/en-US/architect

16) ZW3D

ZW3Dis CAD/CAM solution, which is integrated designed for the whole process of product development, features the fastest kernel for Solid-Surface Hybrid Modelling, non-solid mold parting, and smart CNC machining strategies.

Features:

ZW3D supports translating non-native CAD data of different 3D modeling systems.
Innovative Solid-Surface Hybrid Modelling to Maximize Design Flexibility
Specified Application Functions to Fit Different Industries
Offers robust parametric modelling and direct editing

Link: https://www.zwsoft.com/zw3d

17)ConceptDraw

Concept draw is a new way to create and manage to go from idea to implementation. It is a 3D editing business diagramming, idea management, and project management platform.

Features:

The next generation of ConceptDraw Software
Building plans designer.
Drawing and diagramming solutions.
Rapid flowchart technology.
Drawing tools.
Live objects technology.
Communication & presentation facilities

Link: https://www.conceptdraw.com

18) Chief Architect

Chief Architect software brings home design projects to life. Automated building tools for home design and interior design, & bath design make it easy to create construction drawings, CAD details, and 3D models.

Features:

Chief Architect is the leading design tool for architects, builders, and remodels
Offers custom backdrops
Smart roof technology solves complicated roof systems.
Perspective and orthographic 3D camera tools.
Export 360° spherical views.

Link: https://www.chiefarchitect.com

19) ProgeCAD

ProgeCAD is a cost-effective 2D drafting and 3D Modeling CAD software that supports industry popular DWG & DXF file formats. The tool offers the best performance 32bit and 64bit operating systems.

Features:

Improved support of PointCloud with ReCap
3D prints on curved solid parts printing in hidden visual style.
Publish the redesigned user interface, new features in the print settings
Table cells can contain formulas that help you to do calculations related to the values in other table cells
Monitoring of a list of with notifications sent when some variable on the list is modified.

Link: https://progecadindia.com/features-of-progecad-2020-professional.php

20) coohom

Coohom helps you to create 3D models and apply them in cutting Edge AR, VR, floor planning, and high-quality rendering solutions. It enables your customers to visualize their products.

Features:

Cost-effective, high quality, at scale
Enable your customers to visualize their product
Drag and drop models that help to generate 2D and 3D room settings.
It helps you to replace traditional photography
Products are made up of many textures and components.

Link: https://www.coohom.com

21) Lumion

Lumion is 3D rendering software made for architects and designers. It can help you quickly bring it to life and show it in its local context. You can dress a model with materials.

Features:

You can spend on design, less on the process of rendering.
Get stunning results ideal for client presentation meetings, design development, architectural marketing, and more.
3D model in the context of the real world with thousands of high-quality objects and compelling materials.
You can learn to create animations, images, and without any training.

Link: https://lumion.com/index.html

22)BRL-CAD

BRL-CAD is a powerful open-source, cross-platform modeling system. This 3D auto-cad Software offers interactive geometry editing, high-performance for rendering and geometric analysis, and a system performance analysis.

Features:

Help you to make better CAD system.
100% FREE with people all over the world
Constructive solid geometry
Offers graphical display window

Link: https://brlcad.org

23) ActCAD 2020 Professional

ActCAD 2020 professional tool is very simple and easy to uses. It offers native support for all DWG, DXF files. It also provides block Library with over 5000 standard symbols.

Features:

Easy to use interface and commands
Use the latest IntelliCAD 9.2 Engine
In-built PDF to DXF Converter
Block library with over 5000 standard symbols
Perpetual licenses
Self license transfer
USB dongle and network license options available
Artisan professional 3D renderer
Ribbon and classic menu style interfaces available

Link: https://actcad.com/ap/actcad.php

24) ArCADia

ArCADia 3D automation tool provides complete control and security at all stages of design while streaming and accelerating implementation.

Features:

The system supports and coordinates all participants throughout the design process
It offers security and control at all stages of design while and accelerating implementation.
implementation.
ArCADia applications have IFC format support, which helps the user to collaborate with other programs such as Allplan, Archicad, or Revit.

Features: https://arcadiabimsystem.com/

25) cove.tool

Cove.tool is a software product that grew from tools and processes developed. It helps you to manage energy in real time.

Features:

Get an accurate energy model
Manage energy reporting in real time
Update your existing 3D model
Import geometry to get a rapid feedback as the design progresses
Best suited for specific building location

Link: https://www.covetool.com

26) CityEngine

CityEngine is an advanced 3D modeling software. It is used for creating interactive and immersive urban environments in less time than traditional modeling techniques.

Features:

Build entire 3D cities
Helps you to design urban environments
Master 3D content creation
CityEngine is a stand-alone desktop application which can import any geospatial vector data

Link: https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-cityengine/overview

27) Turbocad

TurboCAD Deluxe is 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and rendering software. Easily adjust the interface to access hundreds of drawings, modification, dimensioning, and annotation tools. It helps you to render designs for powerful presentation, share with AutoCAD and more