SketchUp

Sketch Up is a MacOS 3D modeling application that's used for a variety of digital design purposes. Drawings for architecture, landscaping, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, and video game designs can easily be fully rendered in the paired-down app.

The app comes in both a Free and monthly subscription based Pro version, depending on the user's needs and level of experience with 3D computer modeling.

Sketch Up includes drawing layout functionality, surface rendering, and even supports third-party plug ins to provide neat capabilities provided from other developers. With the app, it's easy for experienced users to create nearly photorealistic 3D renderings of objects, people, and other complex geometric shapes.

Interestingly, the Sketch Up app allows users to place their models within the Google Earth environment. Users can even geo-tag their locations and have them interact with other models in the API map environment.

For both the Free and Pro versions, registered users can get access to an open library where other Sketch Up users upload and downloaded 3D models across platforms. Users are able to easily port, submit, and edit their designs for the ultimate collaborative environment.

In some ways, Sketch Up 3D Warehouse mimics the functionality of an online code repositories like Github. Drafts can be saved, merged, and multiple users can push their changes safely to a version-controlled project. In fact, even companies can have their own product lineup on the 3D Warehouse site.

Of course, most drawbacks with the Sketch Up program are inherent features of the free version of the product. The free version doesn't have the same capabilities, textures, and handy drawing tools that the fully paid software does. Most frustratingly, it can be difficult to create rounded surfaces when users only have access to a variety of straight line tools.