Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SketchUp VS ArcSite

Compare SketchUp VS ArcSite and see what are their differences

SketchUp logo SketchUp

3D for Everyone

ArcSite logo ArcSite

Field professionals across the globe are using ArcSite as a Mobile CAD App to make handwritten field notes a things of the past. Get started today!
  • SketchUp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-18
  • ArcSite Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23

SketchUp features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SketchUp has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible to beginners as well as professionals. Its simplicity helps users quickly learn the software without extensive training.
  • Extensive Library
    The 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-made models and components, enabling users to enhance their designs without having to create everything from scratch.
  • Versatility
    SketchUp is suitable for a wide range of applications, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering, making it a versatile tool for various professionals.
  • Affordability
    SketchUp offers a free version that provides sufficient features for hobbyists and small projects. Paid versions are also relatively affordable compared to other professional CAD software.
  • Third-Party Extensions
    There are numerous plugins and extensions available that enhance SketchUp's functionality, allowing users to customize the tool to better fit their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of SketchUp

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While SketchUp is powerful for basic and intermediate designs, it lacks some advanced features found in other high-end CAD software, which may be necessary for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    SketchUp can experience performance issues and slow down when handling very large or highly detailed models, which can be a limitation for projects requiring high detail.
  • Rendering Quality
    The built-in rendering capabilities of SketchUp are relatively basic. For high-quality, photo-realistic rendering, users often need to rely on third-party plugins like V-Ray or Lumion.
  • 2D Drawing Limitations
    SketchUp is primarily a 3D modeling tool and its 2D drawing capabilities are not as robust as specialized 2D drafting software, making it less ideal for creating detailed 2D technical drawings.
  • Interoperability
    Although SketchUp supports various file formats, there can be compatibility issues when integrating models with other CAD software, which may require additional conversion steps.

ArcSite features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    ArcSite is designed with an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface that makes it accessible for users at all technical skill levels.
  • Mobile Accessibility
    The application is available on iOS devices, allowing users to create and edit drawings on-the-go.
  • Precision and Accuracy
    ArcSite offers high levels of precision and accuracy in its drawing tools, making it suitable for detailed architectural and engineering plans.
  • Cloud Collaboration
    Users can store their drawings in the cloud, facilitating collaboration and version control among team members.
  • Integration with Other Software
    ArcSite integrates with various other software platforms, including CAD programs and project management tools, enhancing its utility.
  • Templates and Libraries
    The app provides numerous templates and symbol libraries, which can save time and streamline the design process.
  • Customer Support
    ArcSite offers robust customer support, including tutorials, FAQs, and direct assistance, ensuring users can resolve their issues promptly.

Possible disadvantages of ArcSite

  • Cost
    ArcSite is subscription-based and can be relatively expensive, especially for small businesses or individual users.
  • Limited to iOS
    The app is only available on iOS, which limits its accessibility to users who strictly work on other operating systems such as Android or Windows.
  • Feature Overload
    For some users, the wide range of features may be overwhelming, especially for those who only need basic functionalities.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, mastering all the advanced features and functionalities can take some time and effort.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as lag or crashes, particularly when working with very large or complex drawings.
  • Dependency on Internet
    While cloud collaboration is a pro, it also means that a stable internet connection is required to make the most out of ArcSite's features.
  • In-app Purchases
    Certain advanced features may require additional in-app purchases, which could increase the overall cost.

Analysis of SketchUp

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SketchUp is a robust and versatile software for 3D modeling, especially in fields like architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Its ease of use combined with advanced features makes it a valuable tool for both hobbyists and professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SketchUp is considered a good tool for various reasons. It offers an intuitive interface that is accessible to beginners while still providing powerful tools suitable for professional designers. The software supports a wide range of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize and enhance its functionality. Additionally, SketchUp has a large, active community that shares models, tips, and tutorials, making it easier for new users to learn and for experienced users to discover new techniques.

Recommended for

  • Architects
  • Interior designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Product designers
  • Educators and students
  • Hobbyists interested in 3D modeling

SketchUp videos

SketchUp 2019 | My HONEST Review

More videos:

  • Review - Watch This Before You Get Started With SketchUp (2019 Update)
  • Review - SKETCHUP 2019 - REVIEW. REACTION. RANT.

ArcSite videos

MagicPlan vs ArcSite: Best App for Floor Plans and Customer Proposals (Full App Reviews)

More videos:

  • Demo - The Easiest iOS Floor Plan Creator! (ArcSite Product Demo )
  • Review - Sketching your first floor plan in ArcSite (Easy-to-learn CAD app for iOS)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SketchUp and ArcSite)
3D
90 90%
10% 10
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
Online Services
0 0%
100% 100
3D Modeling
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SketchUp and ArcSite

SketchUp Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
SketchUp offers a free web-based application, SketchUp Free, and three paid subscription plans: SketchUp Shop, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio – each tailored to provide increased functionality.
Source: aircada.com
10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
SketchUp is a user-friendly 3-D model software program that specializes in creating architectural and interior layout models. SketchUp is popular for its intuitive interface, speedy modelling gear, and massive library of extensions.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
2) Wide array of plugins: SketchUp's core functionalities can be vastly expanded through its rich ecosystem of plugins. Whether it's advanced Rendering, simulation, or specialised Modelling tools, there's likely a plugin available to cater to users' specific needs, ensuring that SketchUp remains versatile across diverse projects.
Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
Sketchup is another popular interior design program. Sketchup is a professional and useful 3D design program. Even for specialists, the interface is rather sophisticated and takes some time to get used to. For a powerful 3D modeling experience, professionals use Sketchup.
Source: www.reddit.com
15 Best Maya Alternatives
One of the advantages of using SketchUp is access to hundreds of expertly-developed extensions. These extensions are available in the SketchUp Warehouse and will save you the considerable time you would spend creating the products and models yourself.

ArcSite Reviews

We have no reviews of ArcSite yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SketchUp seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SketchUp mentions (5)

  • Google needs to create a product called Google Gone!
    What! It just switched owners, that's all. Go to sketchup.com. Source: about 2 years ago
  • design build programs
    Not exactly sure what you're asking for but maybe.... SketchUp? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Help for Mom's Condo
    I know sketchup.com a little and searched earlier for something, found https://www.closetfactory.com/entertainment-centers/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Basement remodel.
    I've heard good things about sketchup.com but it costs. If you are going to buy materials (cabinets, fixtures, etc) primarily form a single source I would check with them. I thought that Home Depot had a virtual design center, but it seems you need to physically go in. IKEA has a good design tool that I've used in the past - very advance and free. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • product dissapearing?
    There is no "license" for SU Pro. You use your email address and password that you used when you bought it. Have you installed the program? Log into sketchup.com with your user name and password. Then start SU on your computer. Source: over 3 years ago

ArcSite mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ArcSite yet. Tracking of ArcSite recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SketchUp and ArcSite, you can also consider the following products

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Morpholio Trace - Morpholio Trace is widely called to be the dream software of the designers and architect.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

DWG FastView - DWG FastView for Windows is a lightweight dwg/dxf drawing viewer and editor produced by Gstarsoft, no need of dwg format conversion, vector graph magnified without distortion and full compatible with AutoCAD DWG/DXF.

Sweet Home 3D - Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps to draw the plan of house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.

Drawing Desk - Drawing Desk Draw Paint Color, Doodle and Sketch Pad created and published 4Axis Technologies for Android and iOS devices.