Skip to main content

Google Offers Up Free 3D Drawing Tool

Google, which last month acquired a small start-up called @Last Software and their popular drawing software SketchUp, today announced via their company blog they were rebranding the software Google SketchUp and releasing it for free. SketchUp Pro 5, a commercial edition used by design professionals, will continue to be made available as well.

Google SketchUp, said the search company, is targeted towards those who want to build 3D models for use in Google Earth. It can also be used standalone. Simple tools built into the program allow one to create models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions and many more things. One can add textures and glass to models, design with

Editors' Recommendations

Digital Trends Staff
Digital Trends has a simple mission: to help readers easily understand how tech affects the way they live. We are your…
Save $100 on this compact, multi-purpose home 3D printer
The AnkerMake M5C 3D printer on a white background.

Crutchfield has one of the best 3D printer deals today with $100 off the AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer. It usually costs $400 but right now, you can buy it for just $300. It’s the ideal introduction to the world of 3D printing while it’s available at such a great price. Here’s what you need to know about it or you can simply choose to buy by tapping the button below.

Why you should buy the AnkerMake M5C
The AnkerMake M5C may not feature on our look at the best 3D printers but it’s a great entry point. It’s robust yet compact so it’s easier to find room for it at home. In just 15 minutes, you can get the M5C assembled and ready to use. A dedicated AnkerMake app makes it simple to pick something from the library of 3D models to print straight from your phone, while there’s also a PC/Mac app too.

Read more
The best cooler for the 7800X3D isn’t as powerful as you’d think
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D held between fingertips.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best CPU for gaming, and it's incredibly efficient, which means for most PC users who aren't looking to transcode video or create 3D renders, it's the best CPU overall. As efficient as it is, though, you do still need to cool it, and if you want it to run cool and quiet, you need a relatively capable one. But which is best?

You could just buy the best air cooler or AIO cooler available, and that will work absolutely fine. Really well, in fact. But you don't need to. Thanks to its relatively modest TDP, the 7800X3D doesn't actually need a monster cooler to run quietly and run well. You can save a lot of money by going with something more modest.
A single tower is all you really need

Read more
Glasses-free 3D gaming can be amazing — but only if it’s done right
Lies of P on Samsung's glasses-free 3D gaming monitor at CES 2024.

Glasses-free 3D is making a comeback. And please -- don't roll your eyes and write this off as a gimmick just yet.

I saw two similar 3D gaming monitors at CES last week that used this technology and tracked your eyes to fool you into seeing depth in a 2D screen. It's pretty convincing stuff, especially for games. I really want to see this technology come to fruition, but based on what I've seen so far, it needs to be done the right way if it hopes to get people's attention. The term "3D" has left a bad taste in people's mouths, and if this new wave of monitors wants to undo that, it needs to make a good first impression.
A tale of two methods
Samsung Has a 3D Gaming Monitor That Doesn’t Need Glasses | CES 2024

Read more