Is it possible to get a free copy of the desktop client for a staff member to utilize? They would like to use it in conjunction with the web-based version currently in use by the students. If not, what pricing model is offered to K-12 schools?
Hi @tvredeve, thanks for the post. We don’t currently offer a desktop version for free but we do offer discounted licenses to educators and students if they find that they are in need of a desktop version.
I personally would recommend starting off with the online version and building some fundamental skills first and once you or your staff have reached the point where you are approaching the limits of the online version, then going for the free trial of the desktop version to make sure that it meets your needs. That way you can get the most out of the trial and be sure that it is what you need.
After that, if you would like to make a purchase you can do so via one of our reseller partners to get the biggest discount possible along with localized tech support if needed. Details on where to look for a reseller can be found here: Find a SketchUp Reseller – Connect With a SketchUp Partner | SketchUp
Now to address the elephant in the room. At one point we did offer a desktop version for free for non commercial use. We no longer support that version and it may represent a security vulnerability as it has not been updated for a number of years. You may also run into bugs and crashes as it was designed to run on older operating systems and hardware. As a result of that we do not offer it for download anymore nor can we vouch for the safety of any third party sites offering the installer for download.
Hopefully that makes sense and you can find what version of SketchUp you need for your unique situation, be it SketchUp for Schools or Pro.
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