Free & open source alternatives to SketchUp

3 free 3D modeling for architecture and interiors apps to use instead of SketchUp by Trimble

The best free alternative to SketchUp is Sweet Home 3D. Draw a floor plan, drag in furniture and see it in 3D instantly; the easiest option.

Other great options: Blender and FreeCAD.

Quick pick: For quick interior layouts: Sweet Home 3D. For modeling and great renders: Blender. For dimensioned technical design: FreeCAD.

Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.

Official ways to use SketchUp for free

SketchUp Free runs in the browser and is free for personal, non-commercial use.
SketchUp for Schools is free for K-12 students through the school's Google or Microsoft account.

Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.

3 best alternatives to SketchUp

Sweet Home 3D

CAD, 3D & statistics

Open sourceEasy to use

Draw a floor plan, drag in furniture and see it in 3D instantly; the easiest option.

Open-source interior design software: draw a floor plan, drag in furniture and see it in 3D instantly. Good for homeowners planning a layout themselves.

Very easy, floor plans turn into 3D right away
Large furniture catalog

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux · Web

Sweet Home 3D details Official website ↗

Blender

CAD, 3D & statistics

Open sourceTechnical setup

The most powerful for modeling and photorealistic renders; importing .skp needs a plugin.

A complete open-source 3D suite: modeling, sculpting, animation, photorealistic rendering and video editing. It can replace 3ds Max, Maya or Cinema 4D for many jobs.

Handles nearly every kind of 3D work
High-quality Cycles renderer
Huge community and plenty of tutorials

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux

Blender details Official website ↗

FreeCAD

CAD, 3D & statistics HealthGood (85/100)35,243

Open sourceTechnical setup

Precisely dimensioned models and architectural BIM.

Open-source parametric 3D modeling for mechanical design, architecture (BIM) and 3D printing. Version 1.0, released in late 2024, is much more stable.

Parametric modeling, 2D drawings generated from 3D models
BIM tools for architecture, STL export for 3D printing

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux

FreeCAD details Official website ↗

Quick comparison

App	Type	Platforms	Ease of use	GitHub stars
Sweet Home 3D	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux, Web	Easy to use	—
Blender	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux	Technical setup	—
FreeCAD	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux	Technical setup	35,243

Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to SketchUp?

The most popular picks are Sweet Home 3D, Blender and FreeCAD. For quick interior layouts: Sweet Home 3D. For modeling and great renders: Blender. For dimensioned technical design: FreeCAD.

What is the difference between SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro?

SketchUp Free runs on the web, can't install extensions, has no LayOut for construction drawings, and is limited to personal, non-commercial use.