SketchUp Pro vs SketchUp Studio - what are the differences?

Publication date: 31-01-2025  |  Update date: 30-01-2025  | Author: Piotr Kurpiewski

SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio differ in the number of available tools. In SketchUp Studio, you can use the entire package offered by SketchUp Pro as well as additional extensions: V-Ray, Scan Essentials, and Sefaira. When choosing a version, consider what you will be using the program for. If you only care about creating photorealistic visualizations, opt for SketchUp Pro and purchase V-Ray separately. In this case, it is a more advantageous solution than purchasing a SketchUp Studio license.

As users, we have become accustomed to the lack of the possibility of purchasing a perpetual license for SketchUp. Since November 2020, the classic version of the software is no longer available for purchase. It has been replaced by time-based subscriptions. This is currently a popular business model which, according to the manufacturer Trimble, allows for continuous support, improvement of the program, and more frequent introduction of enhancements.

Time-based subscriptions provide access to the latest software versions, continuous technical support, and easy license management on multiple computers. They also guarantee lower initial costs. Apart from the free version SketchUp Web (more about it in our article SketchUp for free!), Trimble offers three paid plans:

• SketchUp Shop;
• SketchUp Pro;
• SketchUp Studio.
• 
  

SketchUp Shop

SketchUp Shop is web-based software. This means that it is used exclusively in a web browser. There is no additional desktop application, so all that is needed to use it is a computer with Internet access.

The capabilities of the Shop version, however, are quite limited. It does not support extensions, including V-Ray, and some advanced features typical for more advanced platforms. However, it is the cheapest version allowing commercial use, available for as little as $119 EUR annually.

SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro is the most popular version of the classic desktop software equipped with essential tools for professionals. It supports the installation of plugins that expand its functions, including creating photorealistic visualizations with the V-Ray engine.

The subscription plan also guarantees technical support and access to the latest software versions. In addition to SketchUp, it includes: LayOut (technical documentation), PreDesign (environmental influence), and browsers: Mobile Viewer (mobile device viewer) and VR Viewer (virtual reality viewer).

The annual subscription price for the SketchUp Pro package is $349. This is significantly higher than the SketchUp Shop plan but corresponds to the capabilities of the tools provided.

SketchUp Studio

SketchUp Studio offers all the benefits available in the Pro version plus additional extensions: V-Ray, Scan Essentials, and Sefaira. This is the highest subscription plan available for $749 annually, aimed at the most advanced users.

Thanks to V-Ray, it is possible to enrich the basic SketchUp geometry with realistic materials, convincing lighting, and models, allowing for the preparation of photorealistic visualizations. You can read all about the advantages of this software in our article: Vray - What is it? Check out our guide!

Scan Essentials is a complete solution for handling point clouds generated in the scanning process. The extension allows for easy and efficient importing, browsing, and using models when creating geometry. More information about this tool can be found directly on the SketchUp website: www.sketchup.com/products/scan-essentials.

Sefaira is used for performing early-stage design analysis for better building performance. Thanks to this extension, you quickly receive approximate data regarding energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, thermal comfort, daylight, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If this topic interests you, I refer you to the product page: www.sketchup.com/products/sefaira.

Summary

As you can see, the difference between the SketchUp Pro and Studio packages basically lies in the greater number of available tools, specifically extensions: V-Ray, Scan Essentials, and Sefaira. If your only interest is software for photorealistic visualizations, it will be more advantageous to choose the SketchUp Pro subscription and purchase V-Ray separately from the Chaos Group website.

And if you would like to learn more about V-Ray, then be sure to see our course SketchUp 2021 Pro - Vray 5 from the basics.