3D Learning Hub
See all categories
Contents:

Battle of software 2023: SketchUp vs Blender

Introduction

It is time for our second battle of software. We recently wrote about Fusion 360 vs Solidworks, but today, we are getting prepared for another battle: SketchUp vs Blender.

Can these 3D programs be used for the same purposes? Which one is better for architectural work and visualisation, or for artistic projects? Let’s see the advantages of both of these 3D programs. Then, you will be able to choose the best software for your future project.

Let this new battle begin. Blender vs SketchUp, which one will you choose?

SketchUp

SketchUp is a little bit more oriented for architectural work. Indeed, if you work in architecture or real estate, it will be better for you to choose SketchUp to make your architectural models. 3D modeling is actually taking more and more space in architecture, check out our top 10 of the best 3D modeling software for architecture.

Thanks to this program, you will be able to make 2D drawings or 3D models easily using all of its intuitive tools. Find out the best Sketchup alternatives.

sketchup

Blender

Blender is a well-known CAD software, it is a very powerful mesh-based direct modeling software, and not a parametric one. Blender is even used by professionals to develop video games or animation. Do you need to work on visual effects? You can easily start to create your 3D model in Blender. It is quite similar to software such as Mudbox or ZBrush, it is quite complete and not really suitable for beginners. Blender is also a good software for character design. 

If you need to create 3D printable models, Blender is for you. Indeed, this software is including CAD features to repair your meshes. It is allowing to avoid bad surprises once parts come out of 3D printers!

blender

Which software do you choose?

But what software will entirely match your requirements? Choosing the right 3D modeling software is essential while starting a 3D project. It can be for 3D printing of just for 3D visualization, you will have to make the best choice possible. If you are an architect or interior designers looking for the best architectural design, you won’t need the same software as designers looking for animation features.

You will necessarily have to take a lot of aspects into account, like the price, the operating systems and the powerful features offered by both of these programs.

Let’s see a little bit more in detail what are the differences between these two programs. Once your choice is be made, thanks to this article, you will be ready to create your 3D model and then upload it on our online 3D printing service in order to 3D print it!

SketchUp vs Blender: What are the differences?

Features

SketchUp, which is more a program made to give life to your architecture projects has nice textures and lighting effects. But it can also enable you to make great animations or technical 2D drawings. While using SketchUp, you will have an intuitive vector drawing, which allows the user to make vector smart, rotating and scaling with precision.  

You can also integrate two different applications: SimLab and Trimble

Blender has more features but is also a little bit more difficult to use if you are not an experienced 3D modeling user. It also has more tools and features related to animation and video-games. Indeed, this program has a High-End Production Path Tracer, and camera and object motion tracking. It also has nice simulation tools and GPU rendering, which is particularly great for animation. This program is amazing for artistic use, with great software tools such as sculpting and fast modeling.

Another convenient thing you need to know: Blender has a customizable user interface! While using Blender, you can also integrate other 3D graphic design programs and pipeline tools.

Price

Here is what might be one of the most important things that software users are taking into account while choosing their program. On this point, you will have two offers:

Blender is free, if you want to use this software, you will just have to download it. But there are also some paying options, like services for companies, or small teams.   

With SketchUp, you will have different versions, if you want a free version, get SketchUp Free, for the education you will have SketchUp for Schools and finally, the most complete one, the SketchUp Pro version.

Who are they for?

What kind of users are these programs made for? Small or large companies? Beginners or experienced users? SketchUp has a is quite easy to use for beginners. You can also choose a SketchUp model to start with, as there is quite a large collection of models inside their famous 3D warehouse. Blender can be a little bit more difficult to use, as you have to know exactly what you want to create while starting your project.

SketchUp is more adapted to large or medium companies, while Blender is actually great for small teams or freelancers.

Do you need a little help to begin with one of these programs? There are a lot of tutorials currently available online. At Sculpteo, our experts also took the time to make special tutorials for you in order to prepare your 3D model for 3D printing with Blender or SketchUp.

Operating system

Last but not least: you need to check if the software you want to use if compatible with your operating system. Indeed some software is not available for Mac or for Windows, for example, which can be a big problem. SketchUp is actually available for Windows and Mac, while Blender is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Are you a mac user? Check out our top 16 of the best 3D modeling software for Mac!

SketchUp and Blender are great CAD programs and they both have their advantages. Your choice will definitely depend on your project and on your use of their CAD editing tools. We hope that this second battle of software helped you to make your choice and that you now know a little bit more about these two CAD programs!

There are a lot of different 3D software available on the market, for example, check out our top 25 of the best free CAD software for more information!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more battle of software and information about the 3D printing world.

Related Topics

Get the latest 3D printing news delivered right to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about the latest 3D printing technologies, applications, materials, and software.