Google Sketchup is a free 3D drawing downloadable software by Google. There is a Pro version available with more features for $495. One of its main purposes is to create 3D models of real-life building and then put them on Google Earth, but you can create any type of 3D image with it.
There are lots of shaping, texturing and coloring tools, as well as several backgrounds to choose from - note, once you choose a background for a project, you are stuck with it, so choose carefully.
Files export as:
2D Graphic- PNG, JPEG or TIF
3D Model - Google Earth file (.kmz) or COLLAGA file (.dae)
The Pro version of course, has several more export options, including CAD.
Workspace:
I highly recommend watching the available tutorial videos. Even with the videos, it just takes a lot of practice to get used to the software and all of the potential it has to offer. Here are my first 2 attempts after watching the tutorial videos.
Luckily, if you don't have the time or skill to create new images on your own from scratch, there is actually a 3D Warehouse where you can find, and import models to modify.
Strengths:
This is a very powerful tool that has a lot of potential if you have time time to learn it. You can create nearly any 3D model you can dream of with this program for free. It also has animation features.
Weaknesses:
The tutorials are focused more toward the Pro version, so once you open the free version, there is a little bit of learning curve to go through. It is also more focused on buildings and architecture, so the tools and resources are geared that type of drawing.
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