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Compare SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp 
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (43.4% of reviews)
Small-Business (75.5% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
$129.00 1 Seats Per Year
SOLIDWORKS
Star Rating
(603)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (43.4% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about SOLIDWORKSSketchUp
Star Rating
(1,304)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (75.5% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
$129.00 1 Seats Per Year
Browse all 3 pricing plansSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that SOLIDWORKS excels in 3D/solid modeling tools with a score of 9.7, making it a preferred choice for professionals needing advanced modeling capabilities. In contrast, SketchUp, while user-friendly, scores lower at 9.1, which may limit its appeal for complex projects.
- Reviewers mention that SOLIDWORKS offers superior rendering tools with a score of 8.0, which is essential for creating high-quality visualizations. SketchUp, however, has a lower rendering score of 7.7, indicating that its visual output may not meet the expectations of users requiring detailed presentations.
- G2 users highlight that SOLIDWORKS provides robust CAD-CAM import features with a score of 9.1, facilitating seamless integration into manufacturing workflows. SketchUp, on the other hand, lacks this level of compatibility, which could hinder users looking for comprehensive CAD solutions.
- Users on G2 report that SOLIDWORKS has a more extensive library of 3D models and components, scoring 8.9 in categorization and search capabilities. SketchUp's library features, scoring 7.9, may not offer the same depth, potentially limiting design options for users.
- Reviewers say that SOLIDWORKS shines in its collaboration features, particularly in documentation and annotating, with scores of 8.9 and 8.6 respectively. SketchUp's collaboration tools, scoring lower at 7.5 and 7.4, may not support team projects as effectively.
- Users report that SOLIDWORKS has a more complex setup process, reflected in its ease of setup score of 7.7, compared to SketchUp's 8.9. This could be a deciding factor for users who prioritize quick deployment and ease of use in their software selection.
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Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
SOLIDWORKS
No pricing availableSketchUp
Go Subscription
$129.00
1 Seats Per Year
Design & collaborate anywhere.
- Web & iPad based 3D Modeling Platform
- Unlimited Cloud Storage on Trimble Connect
- Community Support and SketchUp Help Center Access
Free Trial
SOLIDWORKS
No trial information availableSketchUp
Free Trial is available
Ratings
Meets Requirements
8.8
501
8.5
1,119
Ease of Use
8.6
505
8.8
1,136
Ease of Setup
8.0
77
8.9
251
Ease of Admin
7.9
46
8.3
103
Quality of Support
8.1
442
8.1
891
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.3
46
8.6
100
Product Direction (% positive)
8.6
498
8.2
1,106
Features by Category
Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)Hide 18 FeaturesShow 18 Features
Not enough data
7.3
315
Design
Not enough data
8.9
297
Not enough data
7.8
295
Not enough data
8.7
296
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
7.9
271
Not enough data
7.6
220
Collaboration
Not enough data
6.8
222
Not enough data
8.3
293
Not enough data
7.1
269
Not enough data
7.5
259
Construction
Not enough data
7.5
239
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
6.6
216
Not enough data
6.7
200
Not enough data
6.5
189
Generative AI
Not enough data
6.3
117
Not enough data
6.2
117
Not enough data
6.4
118
CAD to CAM
9.1
38
Not enough data
8.9
38
Not enough data
8.9
38
Not enough data
CNC Programming
8.7
34
Not enough data
8.6
34
Not enough data
8.4
33
Not enough data
Machining
8.6
35
Not enough data
8.7
35
Not enough data
8.8
35
Not enough data
Design
Not enough data
6.8
261
Not enough data
6.8
262
Not enough data
8.2
265
Not enough data
6.4
258
Not enough data
6.9
258
Move
Not enough data
6.5
258
Not enough data
7.4
259
Not enough data
8.4
262
Store & Manage
Not enough data
6.6
245
Not enough data
7.5
253
Not enough data
7.6
252
Generative AI
Not enough data
6.1
244
Not enough data
6.2
243
Design
9.4
89
8.7
303
9.4
89
8.9
304
9.3
86
8.9
304
8.0
86
7.7
291
Edit
8.4
84
8.1
294
8.2
77
9.1
302
9.3
84
8.8
301
8.2
72
8.3
288
Collaboration
8.5
82
7.4
263
9.0
82
7.5
262
8.4
77
7.3
241
Library
8.8
24
Not enough data
8.3
24
Not enough data
8.2
25
Not enough data
8.4
20
Not enough data
CAD
8.9
21
Not enough data
9.4
26
Not enough data
9.0
26
Not enough data
Integration
8.4
23
Not enough data
9.5
24
Not enough data
8.5
21
Not enough data
Data
9.1
23
Not enough data
8.5
22
Not enough data
8.1
22
Not enough data
8.8
22
Not enough data
8.0
20
Not enough data
8.5
21
Not enough data
Logistics
9.0
23
Not enough data
File Support
8.7
55
Not enough data
8.5
41
Not enough data
8.4
46
Not enough data
File Editing
7.5
49
Not enough data
8.6
53
Not enough data
Software Integrations
7.5
43
Not enough data
8.8
52
Not enough data
Software Type
7.6
42
Not enough data
8.5
47
Not enough data
Generative AI
6.8
14
Not enough data
6.7
14
Not enough data
File Options
8.8
38
Not enough data
9.1
37
Not enough data
9.1
37
Not enough data
9.3
38
Not enough data
8.2
30
Not enough data
8.1
36
Not enough data
Tools
9.5
37
Not enough data
9.0
35
Not enough data
9.1
37
Not enough data
Design
9.4
37
Not enough data
Design
7.7
11
Not enough data
7.7
11
Not enough data
Tools
9.2
12
Not enough data
8.8
12
Not enough data
Library
8.1
12
Not enough data
Platform
8.5
12
Not enough data
7.9
11
Not enough data
Customization
7.6
11
Not enough data
8.2
11
Not enough data
Design
9.2
53
Not enough data
8.9
53
Not enough data
8.7
53
Not enough data
7.4
53
Not enough data
Tools
7.9
47
Not enough data
7.9
48
Not enough data
7.3
41
Not enough data
Work
7.3
35
Not enough data
7.6
36
Not enough data
8.1
42
Not enough data
7.9
38
Not enough data
8.4
41
Not enough data
Environment
8.3
47
Not enough data
8.3
45
Not enough data
8.2
42
Not enough data
8.6
46
Not enough data
Plan
Not enough data
7.3
145
Not enough data
7.3
142
Not enough data
6.5
139
Not enough data
6.9
134
Design
Not enough data
9.0
159
Not enough data
7.9
159
Not enough data
7.5
148
Not enough data
8.0
157
Analysis
Not enough data
7.2
133
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
7.4
134
Library
Not enough data
8.1
454
Not enough data
7.4
460
Rendering
Not enough data
7.3
450
Not enough data
7.6
446
Not enough data
6.9
442
Not enough data
7.4
432
Not enough data
7.3
408
Not enough data
6.5
392
Integrations
Not enough data
6.4
366
Not enough data
7.9
419
Generative AI
Not enough data
6.2
238
Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
9.3
12
Not enough data
7.9
12
Not enough data
9.4
12
Not enough data
8.8
12
Not enough data
7.6
12
Not enough data
File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
8.2
12
Not enough data
8.2
12
Not enough data
7.6
12
Not enough data
8.1
12
Not enough data
7.5
12
Not enough data
Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
8.2
11
Not enough data
8.2
11
Not enough data
7.7
11
Not enough data
8.3
11
Not enough data
Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
8.2
12
Not enough data
8.3
11
Not enough data
8.0
11
Not enough data
8.5
11
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp are categorized as General-Purpose CAD and Sketching
Unique Categories
SOLIDWORKS is categorized as Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD), Simulation & CAE, CAD Viewers, 3D Printing, PCB Design, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), CAD Libraries, and CAD Data Exchange
SketchUp is categorized as Urban Planning and Design, Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D Modeling, and Architectural Rendering
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
SOLIDWORKS
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
SketchUp
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
22.6%
Design
12.1%
Automotive
6.5%
Medical Devices
5.9%
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
5.9%
Other
47.0%
Architecture & Planning
47.0%
Design
16.9%
Construction
11.1%
Civil Engineering
2.4%
Higher Education
1.3%
Other
21.2%
Most Helpful Reviews
SOLIDWORKS
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Yevgen G.
Verified User in Higher Education
1. User friendly interface including - clear structure; - intuitively proper location of tools; - good help system; - customizable toolboxes. 2. Comprehensive functionality including - open platform with hundreds of add-ins; - add-ins present CAD,...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Steve F.
Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
I have been using CAD systems since 1985 when they were still 2D wireframe programs. I have been an engineer for over 20 years. I have used every CAD system there is...AutoCAD, Inventor, Cadkey, KeyCreator, MasterCam, IDEAS, Anvil, Catia, SurfCam and...
SketchUp
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Anthony P.
Verified User in Architecture & Planning
Simplicity and Speed. The program starts up quickly and developing ideas is very fluid.
Most Helpful Critical Review
Verified User in Design
Basically, everything so far. I've been at this for 6 hours and so far I've barely managed to draw the shape of my yard with accurate measurements and now trying to complete the shape of my house, and it's impossible. The interface is clunking, so...
Yevgen G.
Verified User in Higher Education
1. User friendly interface including - clear structure; - intuitively proper location of tools; - good help system; - customizable toolboxes. 2. Comprehensive functionality including - open platform with hundreds of add-ins; - add-ins present CAD,...
Anthony P.
Verified User in Architecture & Planning
Simplicity and Speed. The program starts up quickly and developing ideas is very fluid.
Steve F.
Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
I have been using CAD systems since 1985 when they were still 2D wireframe programs. I have been an engineer for over 20 years. I have used every CAD system there is...AutoCAD, Inventor, Cadkey, KeyCreator, MasterCam, IDEAS, Anvil, Catia, SurfCam and...
Verified User in Design
Basically, everything so far. I've been at this for 6 hours and so far I've barely managed to draw the shape of my yard with accurate measurements and now trying to complete the shape of my house, and it's impossible. The interface is clunking, so...
Discussions
What is SOLIDWORKS used for?
3 comments
YP
SOLIDWORKS IS USED FOR MULTIPLE WORK LIKE 2D & 3D CAD MODELING, ASSEMBLY MODELING, SHWWET METAL MODELING, SURFACE MODELING, RENDERING, SIMULATION, 3D...Read more
To stop or cancel an ongoing command, use the 'abort' or 'terminate' command.
2 comments
GP
The sentence does not contain any translatable content as it is an imperative instruction.Read more
best use o this software
2 comments
OS
Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches.Read more
Using SketchUp MAKE in your business?
2 comments
DB
I have Make on my work computer, but I use it to view content from 3D Warehouse. I use the models in a program called CET Designer. I am not ready yet to...Read more
What is the best way to use sketchup in other software programs?
2 comments
SJ
Hey,
So my work requires me to export Sketch Up files in other software domains. I generally consult the BIMDeX company for exporting the files from Sketch...Read more
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