SketchUp Pro 6

Australian Macworld’s buying advice. If you’re interested in using Google’s SketchUp as a 3D modeller, start with the free version. If you get comfortable with the program’s 3D drawing environment, and you need to export your models to formats not...

Powerful 3-D drawing tools ; Free version of modeling package available (SketchUp 6) ; Ability to integrate architectural renderings with Google Earth

Pro version needed for exporting to pro CAD programs ; Pro version needed to generate 2-D presentations ; Requires plug-ins for anything beyond basic shading and lighting effects ; Support from Google available only with Pro version ; 3-D drawing...

Google’s SketchUp Pro 6 is an enhanced version of its free SketchUp 6 program. The free version features the application’s powerful 3-D functionality, while the pro version adds two main features necessary for professional modelers. One is an expanded...

PhotoMatch, useful display styles with additional editing and mixing capabilities. Extensive learning tools. Rapid model creation, and scripting tools.

Care needs to be taken when building models. Effective use of Photo Match restricted to compatible digital images. No Vista support.

SketchUp Pro 6 offers little over version 5 - though as a free upgrade it's hard to complain. Overall, SketchUp Pro can be a great way for 3D artists to quickly produce previz versions of projects - although some creatives will be content with free...