TAG | Google ups SketchUp to version 7 |
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| by Stephen Withers | |
| Tuesday, 18 November 2008 | |
      
SketchUp is designed to make it relatively easy to build 3D models. The arrival of dynamic components makes some parts of that job even easier. For example, a staircase dynamic object might 'know' about the allowable separation between treads, so the steps are automatically added or removed to suit the height. Furthermore, that staircase object could contain custom attributes and metadata that allow it to automatically calculate the cost of the currently displayed configuration. Dynamic objects may also respond to mouse clicks, perhaps changing shape, colour or size. SketchUp 7 allows searching the Google 3D Warehouse of user-contributed models from within the component browser, and preserves the authorship of models that are incorporated into other designs. Among the new features in SketchUp Pro 7 are LayOut 2 for creating presentations (including slideshows and high-resolution prints) from SketchUp models, and the ability to create custom dynamic components. It is also capable of generating reports (HTML or CSV) from metadata within a model, and the Style Builder feature allows the generation of images with a hand-drawn look. SketchUp 7 is a free application for Windows XP or Vista, and Mac OS X 10.4.x and later. SketchUp Pro 7 costs $US495, or $US95 for an upgrade from an earlier version. Student licences, which which last for one year from the date of purchase, are $US49.
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