Best free CAD program for your projects

By Kim Komando

October 14, 2017

Are you a budding 3-D designer looking for a free alternative to computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD? Maybe you don’t want to spend money yet on professional software since all you need is a simple design for that toolshed you’re going to build over the weekend. Or maybe you just have a knack for sculpting and you love creating 3-D sculpture doodles in your spare time as a hobby. Well, I found a free tool that should fit that need to a T.

SketchUp Make

SketchUp Make is a free tool that lets you quickly create 3-D designs and models. With an intuitive push-and-pull system and a robust tutorial program, even beginners can start creating their own images in no time at all. It’s a fun and easy gateway to the wonderful world of 3-D modeling.

SketchUp 3D Warehouse

Looking for a specific design for inspiration? With 3-D Warehouse, the world’s largest source of free 3-D models, you can find any 3-D model imaginable. And since it’s publicly sourced, you can upload your designs or use anyone’s shared designs too.

SketchUp Extensions

SketchUp also supports extensions for endless customization. With its Extension Warehouse, there are hundreds of SketchUp add-ons to choose from. For any modeling brainteaser you might encounter while using SketchUp, there will always be a tool for it. Ready to create your first 3D model? Read on to get SketchUp Make download instructions.

Download instructions

To get SketchUp Make, click the download button below or click here to go to its download page. Before you can download SketchUp, it will ask you what you’re planning on using it for. Since we’re focusing on personal use, just select Personal Projects, enter an email address (sorry, it’s required) then check the license agreement to start the download. SketchUp Make is compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10 and Macs running macOS Yosemite and later. Note: Once you get that killer 3D design all squared up, you don’t want to risk losing it, do you?  You need to backup that data to quickly and reliably. We recommend our sponsor IDrive. With IDrive, you can backup all your PCs, Macs and mobile devices into ONE account for one low cost.  As a listener of my show you can save even more! Click here to save 50 percent on 2 TB of cloud backup storage!

Download free high-resolution Audubon bird prints

Speaking of images, do you want to get high-quality images of birds? Click here and I’ll show you how.

Tags: cloud backup, computer, devices, Microsoft Windows 7