BricsCAD
Octave (formerly Bricsys)
€330–€1,176 / year
Trimble
SketchUp
$10.75–$68.25 / month · 3D · DWG via DXF interchange
Verdict
Dan named this one, and it belongs here — but as a different animal. SketchUp is a direct-modelling tool for spatial design: massing, concept, interiors, anything you want to think through in three dimensions quickly. It is the fastest way to get an idea into 3D that exists. It is not a drafting package and it will not replace AutoCAD for producing coordinated 2D construction documents. Pair, do not substitute.
What it costs, honestly
Billed annually: Go $10.75/mo (iPad and web only), Pro $33.25/mo (desktop modeller, LayOut, 1000+ extensions), Studio $68.25/mo (Revit importer, point cloud, V-Ray — Windows only). Specialised Pro tiers: Pro Scan and Pro Civil Contractor $41.58/mo, Pro Advanced Workflows $45.75/mo. Students and educators $55/yr; universities $30–$50/yr by seat count. SketchUp for Schools is free with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.
For scale: AutoCAD is ≈ $2,095 / year, subscription only, with no perpetual option at any price.
What it gets right
- Unmatched speed from idea to 3D model — the learning curve is close to flat
- Enormous extension ecosystem via the 3D Warehouse and Extension Warehouse
- LayOut handles presentation drawings well at the Pro tier
- Free for schools with an education account
What to watch out for
- Subscription only — the old perpetual SketchUp Pro is long gone
- Studio is Windows only
- Not a 2D drafting replacement; DWG is an import/export path, not native
- Sold as $/month but billed annually — the monthly figure is not a monthly commitment
Pricing and specifications: https://sketchup.trimble.com/en/plans-and-pricing