SketchUp for iPad: Design on-site, on the go, and in the office

Architects are working outside of the workplace more than ever before. Design professionals aren’t confined to their workstations, and their 3D tools shouldn’t be too. This is true whether they are holding a client conference over Zoom, visiting a project site, or sketching on the train.

With the release of its new mobile app, SketchUp for iPad, one of the most well-known 3D modellers in the world, SketchUp sought to meet this “new normal” for designers. SketchUp for iPad allows designers to work in 3D anywhere thanks to its straightforward user interface, easy drawing tools, and direct connectivity with the cloud collaboration platform Trimble Connect. Let’s look more closely.

The popular modelling tool SketchUp has been adapted for the iPad by Trimble, and it serves as a “bridge” for designers and architects who want to go from 2D to 3D modelling.

The software may be used with multitouch gestures or with input devices like keyboards, mouse, and the Apple Pencil and is compatible with all iPad models (including the iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro). Particularly with Apple Pencil support, sketching becomes more “intuitive.”

The software employs Trimble Connect, Trimble’s cloud-based collaboration platform, natively integrated with 5G connectivity. Multiple users can stay on the same page and switch between the various versions of SketchUp away from the iPad thanks to the real-time updating of files created or edited on the iPad app.

*Image Source: https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-ipad*

Additionally, there are a few shortcuts that save designers and architects time when completing monotonous modelling jobs. A new machine-learning function called Autoshape can turn sketches into customizable 3D designs.

The ability to layer notes and illustrations on top of 3D models in markup mode makes it possible to quickly gather feedback during design reviews or client meetings.

In addition to allowing users to integrate satellite images and topography data of current site locations, SketchUp for iPad also allows users to apply picture textures using the iPad camera and view 3D creations in the real world using augmented reality.

New tools purpose-built for iPad

The SketchUp team realised the chance to innovate while creating a professional-grade design tool for a gadget as amazing as the iPad. They created an app with all of the essential modelling tools that SketchUp users are familiar with and love, but it was also designed for the increasingly mobile, networked workflows of today.

SketchUp for iPad comes with a variety of special features that make it possible for users to create and collaborate while on the go, in addition to flexible modelling inputs and cross-device file syncing:

Autoshape Feature
Markup mode
Augmented reality viewing
Real-world tools like Add Photo Texture