Users can attach a description to their 3D models, and site visitors can search those descriptions to find specific content. Google is also introducing what it calls the 3D Warehouse, a repository for sharing 3D content. SketchUp Pro customers also receive two years' free technical support via e-mail and can use the product for commercial purposes. SketchUp Pro, which Google is selling for $495, includes the Sandbox Tools for organic modeling of terrain and the Film & Stage Tools.

Schell, who was cofounder of Software, says the free version of SketchUp is not 'some watered-down thing intended to frustrate users so they buy something else.' Licensed for personal use only, it offers basic 3D modeling tools but lacks 'workflow features,' Schell says: support for export to different file formats (DWG, DXF, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, VRML and FBX), AVI and MOV export capability, and large-format printing.

The move followed much speculation about whether Google's intention was to make SketchUp a free product - a path it took with previous acquisitions of Keyhole (the predecessor to Google Earth), the Picasa photo organizer and a blogging tool from Pyra Labs. Late last night, Google launched Google SketchUp, a free version of the SketchUp 3D modeling product it acquired with its purchase of Software last month. 'It's a good day for 3D,' says Google's Brad Schell.

Google Launches Free Version of SketchUp 26 Apr, 2006 By: Sara Ferris As predicted by some, the Internet giant makes the 3D modeling tool available to all, but says it 'has no intention of getting into the CAD space'

Sketchup free version