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Sketchup for ipad capture your creativity on the go

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  • Existing Subscribers: Download the app by signing into your Trimble Subscription Portal → My Products → Download SketchUp for iPad.
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SketchUp for iPad – Your Ultimate 3D Tool

SketchUp for iPad is the new, versatile way to create, edit, and view 3D models whether you’re on a job site, on the go, or in the office. With support for Apple Pencil, multi-touch gestures, and mouse and keyboard, you can harness the power of 3D your way. Quickly draw, swipe, and click to bring the form to your creative vision.

SketchUp for iPad in practice

We knew sketching on an iPad would be a game-changer for various workflows, so we were eager to get the inside scoop from several of our SketchUp for iPad beta users.

Our lucky betas fancy everything from exploring designs on a job site to being able to jot down early-stage concepts quickly. Other notable callouts include easily reviewing and marking up designs from team members, studying the details of a design, and cutting down the back-and-forth time it takes to go from RFI to an on-site solution. We’re going to pause here and let you read for yourself a hot sampling of the inbound we’ve received from the SketchUp-verse.

Here’s what some of the beta users had to say:

    “I have been using SketchUp for iPad in multiple ways. It helps me quickly transition from hand sketches to digital concepts during the early design phase. During development, I seamlessly switch between iPad and desktop, refining ideas as needed. I also leverage Markup mode with Apple Pencil to annotate directly on 3D models, making it invaluable for meetings with clients, contractors, and collaborators. Additionally, on construction sites, I no longer need to sit down with contractors to explain details using a laptop. Instead, I use my iPad, making the process fluid and efficient.”

    João Queiroz e Lima

    Designer

      “We use SketchUp for all our architecture projects and frequently bring models into the field to support contractors during construction. SketchUp for iPad offers enhanced viewing capabilities, allowing me to zoom into specific sections and take precise measurements using Apple Pencil. This has significantly improved communication with general contractors, who find the digital models far more detailed and intuitive than traditional paper plans. The iPad’s mobility and flexibility make it a perfect tool for on-site design work, offering a seamless alternative to carrying a laptop.”

      Guy Wydouw

      Designer

        “I use SketchUp daily in the film industry, and now, with SketchUp for iPad, I can take my work anywhere—on the train, on set, or in meetings. Previously, I would sketch designs by hand and jot down dimensions on paper. Now, I can collaborate directly with the Director on my iPad, drastically reducing my design time—saving nearly half a day’s work. The iPad UI is also incredibly efficient, with dropdown menus that maximize my workspace. SketchUp for iPad has completely streamlined my workflow.”

        Luke Whitelock

        Designer

        Enhancing Design Workflow with SketchUp for iPad

        How do you use SketchUp for iPad in your workflow?

        We’ve been exploring and experimenting with SketchUp for iPad in our workflow, and the possibilities are endless. I use SketchUp for iPad during the initial conceptual design phase. To unleash your creativity at the start of a concept, you need tools that are easy to use – tools similar to sketching on a physical piece of paper, and SketchUp for iPad is precisely this. 

        My workflow typically starts by importing a geo-referenced location to get the scale correct, and from there, I create massing models. This helps me and the team understand the building’s scale and the surrounding context. And, since there’s a seamless integration between desktop and iPad, I can work across both on the same project. 

        Another SketchUp for iPad use case is carrying out detailed studies of aspects of a particular design. For example, I can import an image clip or floor plan and extrude objects, or focus on one area and detail it out. 

        I’m also excited about being able to easily import 3D Warehouse models into my iPad designs, which has helped speed up my workflow. 

        What benefits have you gained from using SketchUp for iPad in your workflow?

        It’s been liberating. I enjoy the mobile aspect because I can take my design work anywhere. The past couple of years has brought a new perspective to how we work and fast-tracked our ability to work away from the office. Work needs to be easily transportable, and with SketchUp for iPad, it is.

        On top of all of that, this completely new interface incorporates robust, intuitive modeling capabilities developed specifically for iPad . SketchUp for iPad has the professional features you need with the simplicity you desire. Explore the highlights:

        Experience SketchUp in a new way

        To solve the trickiest design problems, you need the right tools. Here’s why SketchUp and iPad are the perfect (design) pair:

        • work on the go whether you’re connected to high-speed internet or working offline.
        • create in 3D with the ease of drawing by hand without sacrificing precision using Apple Pencil.
        • access your projects anywhere with iPad’s inherent mobility.
        • And share your way via AirDrop, text, email, or sync files to your favorite storage app.

        We’ve also got all of your core modeling bases covered with a few old friends you’ll be happy to see – Entity Info, Shadows, Styles, Materials, Add Location, Tags, Scenes, Image export, Animation export, access to 3D Warehouse…and so much more. After all, this is the SketchUp you know and love, just on an iPad.

        Powerful Features of SketchUp for iPad

        Autoshape: This new machine-learning feature enables you to turn doodles into 3D shapes instantly. Even better, you can pull in Live Components: parametrically configurable objects that redraw themselves in real-time. Talk about a time saver!

        Markup mode: Are you a person that likes to edit designs with a red pen? Well, we’ve got your back. Using Apple Pencil, you can mark up and sketch over top 3D models with different styles, colors, and strokes. When you’re ready to turn those redlines into reality, you can iterate quickly in 3D using the Apple Pencil.

        AR viewing: Experience your projects in the context of the real world with iPad’s powerful augmented reality viewing capabilities. While in AR, you can cycle through any pre-saved scenes and explore your model at a fully immersive 1:1 scale.

        Draw your way: Create in 3D with Apple Pencil, mouse & keyboard, or multi-touch gestures. Whatever works best for you!

        Add Photo Texture: Bring inspiration from the real world into your projects using your iPad’s built-in camera. Take a picture, and apply it as a texture to any surface in your model. Simple.

        Great news. SketchUp for iPad is available to anyone with a paid subscription. Yup, you read that right: Go, Pro, Studio, Higher Education, and Non-Profit subscribers can start creating SketchUp models on an iPad today!

        Always connected. 

        Trimble’s cloud-based project management solution, Trimble Connect, is now available at your fingertips. With Trimble Connect, you can work on whatever device you need – from SketchUp Pro, SketchUp for iPad, and SketchUp for Web. You’ll always have access to the latest file, so whenever work calls, you’ll be prepared to answer.

        Getting started

        Once you’re in the app, check out the ‘Learn’ tab on the left-hand side of the Home screen. We’ve developed in-app tutorials to help get you up to speed, fast. Whether you’re just starting, or you’ve been around the SketchUp block a time or two, you’re sure to pick up some helpful iPad modeling tips. 

        Want to learn even more about the features and how to get started? Check out our Help Centre for the full scoop.

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