Google launches Mac version of SketchUp

Google launches Mac version of SketchUp

Google has pioneered the concept of releasing commercial level applications for free. They acquire a company and releases basic versions of their products for free for their users. This has enabled their fans to get access to some awesome applications like Picasa and now SketchUp.

In March this year, the search engine giant acquired @Last Software which developed the 3D sketching program SketchUp. Google later released a free version of this application for the windows platform for free.

The company has now gone one step ahead and is now offering a free Mac version of SketchUp. This application can be used by designers, architects and others interested in 3D structures. The free version offers numerous functionalities including real-time shadowcasting and ability to experiment with color and texture.

Users can also use a library of pre-drawn components to incorporate in their projects. Google SketchUp for Mac requires:

Mac OS X, G4/400MHz or faster; 128MB RAM; 80MB hard disk drive space; QuickTime 5.0 or later and Web browser for multimedia tutorials; and OpenGL-compliant video card.

The company also offers a paid version called SketchUp Pro 5 for commercial usage. It offers extended functionalities like exporting ability in 3DS, DWG, DXF and OBJ models. SketchUp Pro 5 costs $495 for a single-user license.

Checkout: SketchUp for Mac