Hello, I'm new here
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Hello everyone. This seems like a great site for sketchup users and I want to thank the creators for this first off. I bought sketchup 5 years ago and never got deep into it. I just recently dusted it off as I was commissioned to do a rendering that is more architectural. What's the difference with version 5 verses the current version of Sketchup? I'm not looking to do anything too serious right now but I am just curious to know if upgrading is essential or if my 5 has more or less than the free download from Google. Thanks in advance.
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Hi,
Why not download v8 Free. You'll find lots of new features!
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Would it be possible to upgrade the pro license to v8? If so, this would be the way to go, eh?
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@unknownuser said:
Hi,
Why not download v8 Free. You'll find lots of new features!
Does this mean that the free v8 has more features than retail @Last Software v5? I'm doing a search for comparison info. If anyone have any links it would be appreciated.
I also would like to know if there's a student workbook like this one: http://www.tutorialspdf.com/sketch-up-5-0-tutorial/
This is such a great manual that really helped me a lot. If there's something like this for the newer version I would like to read it.
Thanks again. -
Some of the HUGE differences is that Sketchup 7/8 will import DWG files with the free version. Does require a plugin, but you can do all of your 3D in CAD/Architectural Desktop and then import the solids directly into Sketchup.
Then add your materials for a real-time walkthrough.I have not used some of those earlier versions, but sketchup 8 has a outer-shell tool that will join two solids and automatically erase all of the inside faces.
Also, the "sandbox" tool is great for creating organic objects like boulders, mounding, mountains, etc. -
There is some performance improvement with each new release but there was some incredible improvement with SU 7.1. If that is an issue, I already suggest downloading at least the free version of SU 8.
As for features, there aren't any additional ones in the free version (compared to v. 5 Pro) except that outer shell tool but for the Pro version, if you are planning to use it more for professional work, there have been lots of things added ever since.
One more concern maybe; there are lots of newer plugins that are not backward compatible (and with some new, additional ruby stuff, some are expected to work even only SU 8 in the near future).
Make sure however that you check out the newer version before you consider upgrading your pro license. I see you (also) have XP which may mean that your computer is not the latest generation either. Every new version needs a little bit of newer OpenGL version so an older video card may not perform the best.
And of course, welcome to the forums!
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Thanks for your replies. I downloaded SU 8 yesterday and I'm having a blast with it. What really helped me with the v8 free version over SU 5 is the ability to model from a photograph. It so happens that my current project is from a photo of a church building to be renovated and expanded in the front. The match new photo feature helped tremendously. I'm almost finished with the exterior. I also like the model of a person for scaling purposes. Looks like I'll be using v8 for now. When I can afford it, I will upgrade. In the meantime I will continue to learn more of the basics. Thanks again.
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@gaieus said:
There is some performance improvement with each new release but there was some incredible improvement with SU 7.1. If that is an issue, I already suggest downloading at least the free version of SU 8.
As for features, there aren't any additional ones in the free version (compared to v. 5 Pro) except that outer shell tool but for the Pro version, if you are planning to use it more for professional work, there have been lots of things added ever since.
One more concern maybe; there are lots of newer plugins that are not backward compatible (and with some new, additional ruby stuff, some are expected to work even only SU 8 in the near future).
Make sure however that you check out the newer version before you consider upgrading your pro license. I see you (also) have XP which may mean that your computer is not the latest generation either. Every new version needs a little bit of newer OpenGL version so an older video card may not perform the best.
And of course, welcome to the forums!
Thank you Gaieus. I find that sometimes upgrading can be overrated. I may not have the latest hardware but my machine is no kitten (I run Flight Simulator X with no problem. Anyone who knows this sim knows it is a cpu and graphics hog) My full specs are:
Intel Core Quad CPU
Q6600 @ 2.40Ghz 2.39Ghz.
3.25Gb of RAM
Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT 512mb.
Windows XP pro with SP2I will not upgrade until I really need to cross that bridge....or have extra money.....whatever comes first. Some upgrades are actually downgrades. So far my video card has not failed me yet.
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Ah, stupid me, yes, certainly PhotoMatch was an addition in v. 6 and I completely forgot.
And yes, those specs are quite enough for SU.
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