The short answer: SketchUp Free is a browser-only modeller for personal projects - commercial work needs a paid plan. SketchUp Pro adds the desktop apps, LayOut for 2D documentation, extensions, offline work and professional file exchange.
Free vs paid plans at a glance
| Feature | Free (web) | Go | Pro | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial use | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works in the browser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| iPad app | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Desktop app / offline work | - | - | ✓ | ✓ Windows only |
| LayOut (2D documentation) | - | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extensions (Profile Builder, Skatter…) | - | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Point cloud / advanced visualisation | - | - | - | ✓ |
| Trimble Connect cloud storage | 10 GB, one project | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| File formats | SKP, JPG, PNG in; SKP, PNG, STL out | Adds DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, DEM, STL and more | Adds IFC, PDF and print-ready formats | Adds RVT and point-cloud formats |
| Monthly AI credits | - | 100 | 150 | 200 |
Trying SketchUp before you buy
SketchUp has a free 7-day trial that includes everything in SketchUp Studio - download it here and model with the full toolset before deciding. If you are weighing plans for a team, talk to us and we will help you pick the right mix.
Which should you choose?
Hobbyists and personal projects: SketchUp Free covers browser-based modelling at no cost, as long as the work is non-commercial.
Professionals: SketchUp Pro is the standard - desktop performance, LayOut consent documentation and plugins. See SketchUp Pro.
Scan-heavy and visualisation workflows: SketchUp Studio adds point-cloud support on top of everything in Pro. See SketchUp Studio.
Students and educators get their own discounted licences - see education licences.
Free vs Pro questions
Can I use SketchUp Free for client work?
No - SketchUp Free is licensed for personal, non-commercial projects only. Commercial work needs Go, Pro or Studio.
How limited is SketchUp Free really?
You get the browser modeller with 10 GB of Trimble Connect storage, one project and up to five collaborators. Imports are limited to SKP, JPG and PNG, exports to SKP, PNG and STL, and there are no extensions, no LayOut, no AI credits and no support entitlement - personal use only. It's a genuinely useful sandbox; it's just not a professional kit.
Does the free trial have all features?
Yes - and more: the 7-day trial includes everything in SketchUp Studio, so LayOut, extensions, V-Ray and Scan Essentials are all there to evaluate. No credit card needed.
What happens when the trial ends?
Your models stay yours - they remain available through SketchUp for Web, and nothing is charged because no card is taken up front. Activate a subscription to keep editing them in Pro. See plans and pricing.