Side by side
Chief Architect vs SketchUp
Both stand on cabinet design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Choose Chief Architect Premier for residential or light commercial design that combines 3D modeling, construction documents, changing cost estimates, and visual presentations. Look elsewhere if you need a usable saving or export workflow during a trial, or if your computer does not meet the listed desktop requirements.
Visit Chief Architect
Free plan iPhoneWebWindows
SketchUp offers a free browser-based option and paid plans with different design workflows. Check the plan details for platform limits, commercial use, and annual billing before choosing.
Visit SketchUpThe facts
| Chief Architect | SketchUp | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | iPhone, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Chief Architect Premier: $1,995 a year | See the plans |
| Plans published | 2 | 16 |
| Maker | Not published | SketchUp |
| Website | chiefarchitect.com | sketchup.trimble.com |
| On cabinet design software | #2 of 14 | #1 of 14 |
Chief Architect: what it does well
- Creates construction documents as users build a 3D model.
- Materials lists update as designs change.
- Offers 360-degree views, virtual tours, and walkthrough videos.
- Imports and exports AutoCAD DXF and DWG files.
- As-Built uses LiDAR to create room models on supported devices.
What to know first
- No free plan; pricing starts at $1,995/yr.
- Trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours.
- Premier requires 16 GB RAM minimum and Apple M1 or newer for Mac.
- Internet access and license authentication every 14 days are required.
SketchUp: what it does well
- Exports designs for 3D printing.
- 3D Warehouse provides millions of models and materials.
- Extension Warehouse offers more than 600 extensions.
- Schools plan includes lesson plans and cloud storage.
What to know first
- Free plan is not for commercial use.
- Studio advanced visualization and BIM workflows are Windows-only.
- Annual subscriptions generally auto-renew for an equal term.
Alternatives to Chief Architect Alternatives to SketchUp The whole list