Always a bummer when we have to budget something out of our lives when we like it and are familiar with it.
As others have said, it appears you might be able to install your classic license, hopefully you can figure that out.
If you can’t I’ll say this: in terms of CAD software that can be installed locally, SU is hands down the most budget friendly option out there. For someone who is as irresponsible with their credit cards as myself, its not even a contest.
Good luck with Blender. I’ve always been jealous of people who are able to learn it. It is such a powerful tool that has many, MANY applications, but I’ve never been able to get through more than some introductory tutorials.
It is worth noting that the classic license (even at the price Last Software sold it for) was affordable for both hobbyists and beginning professionals.
If I recall correctly, Last Software used to sell its standard licenses for around $550, whereas Google was selling them for about $380 in 2008; so, inflation doesn’t explain everything—especially given the significant price hikes we’ve seen in recent years… And that’s not even mentioning the cost of professional software back in the 80s…
For example, Rhino’s price has remained the same for over a decade, hasn’t it?
Finally, it is worth noting that inflation is noticeable in certain products, such as energy and food, but completely absent today in high-tech goods. Prices are therefore the result of policy, or pioneering research.
I went and looked at your “Lets talk about price” thread and, IMO, this does not really address the problem. Here are my comments:
First off, we would be going backward to the 2015 version. This version would not work with many of the plug-ins which, IMO, are very necessary.
My guess is that it would not work with many/most of the items in the 3D Warehouse.
What would the $120 year support really cover? What kind of updates would you get?
What all would really be included in the 2015 version? (see the first bullet)
Given the things in the other bullet points I just added, why would I want to spend that much money on something that is already out of date?
I think Trimble needs a way to evaluate what percentage of their user base uses SketchUp for “hobby” purposes and whether an annual fee to keep up with the updates would be worth spending money for and, even more importantly, how much they would be willing to pay. Again, IMO there are a lot of us out there and the previous pricing of the Classic license was more reasonable. Again, this is just MO. I was happy before with the Classic license and thought the cost was far more reasonable than the current options.
As I said, I have/was using SketchUp for over 10 years and really enjoyed it. Once I lost my “sponsor” and no longer had a way to generate income for using it, the pricing has become a primary issue for me.
Inflation explains purchasing power. Value is a different discussion. Blender has come a long way, and AI tools like MCP servers are making complex tasks much easier. It’s understandable that users are comparing today’s subscription with today’s alternatives.
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Actually they are kind of working this direction. This year I went from Studio to Pro Scan. I don’t need rendering functionality with V-Ray but I do need Scan Essentials. It saves me a couple hundred bucks a year this way, I was really happy to see Trimble make this an option.
So, I guess I’ll just have to sound like a jerk here even though I don’t want to: is a couple hundred bucks really that tough to come by? You don’t think you could generate $500/year with SketchUp work?
If you can, I would recommend finding a place to publish 10-20 SketchUp models you’ve done as a portfolio. Even if that’s just a link to a 3D warehouse collection you have. Offer your services before buying a license and make sure to inform interested parties you require a 50% deposit prior to a project starting (this was VERY difficult for me to commit to, but I found 90% of clients are fine with it). Don’t use the “gig” sites like UpWork, those are a race to the bottom and really a Pro license should be covered with your first job.
I admit I balk every year at subscription renewal time, particularly now that I am retired. But, it divides out to about $7.63 / week or the cost of one fancy coffee at the corner coffee stand. The questions would be, what alternatives do you have for your needs, and do you use it enough to rationalize one cappuccino per week? I find I get a lot of mileage for the cost.
Well when you “age” and no longer have a connection to the business world, you no longer have an avenue to generate an income. I am neither an architect or an artist and anything I try to do is 100% for my fun.
Thanks to guys like DaveR and Tim, I’m finally using LO more robustly with SU for my architectural projects. With proper file management, which I’m still learning, I’m able to produce Working Drawings that look great, are quick to produce and meeting submittal requirements.
Truthfully, one decent project fee pays for the subscription, which is easily less than a draft person’s cost.
I’m going to pivot away from “it isn’t that expensive” because there’s enough of that on this forum and we don’t know everyone’s situation.
The free version exists for hobbyists who find its functionality satisfies their needs, but it sounds like for you that is not the case. That’s a bummer.
There are a lot more free CAD platforms out there these days, the majority being web-based. If you’re like me and prefer something on your actual PC, Blender and Fusion 360 are two options for sure.
It can be frustrating to have to learn a new platform, I liken it to being in an elderly body whose brain has memories of a younger, more athletic one: you know what you used to be able to do and you were good at it, now you’re having to adapt and its making you slower with results you would normally not accept.
Hopefully you are still able to find a use for SketchUp and keep in touch via these forums. Maybe you’ll even find a reason to revert back to a Pro license.
The cost (higher than Rhino’s, for example) and the reason(s). I think the subscription model remains—and will continue to be—a problem. It has too many drawbacks.
Sorry for the delay. I read your post a few days ago, but I didn’t have the chance to answer. I understand you use SketchUp for non-commercial use. Just to study, just for fun. And that you don’t plan to pay for a subscription.
