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SketchUp vs Chief Architect: catalog facts
SketchUp	Chief Architect
Best for: Architects, builders and designers modelling buildings and spaces	Best for: Builders, remodelers and designers producing residential home plans
Paid Paid subscription with a free trial.	Paid Subscription at $1,995 per year or $229 per month, with a downloadable trial.
macOS	Windows, macOS
Approachable modelling for architecture and interiors Covers concept sketches through construction models All 3 strengths for SketchUp Approachable modelling for architecture and interiors Covers concept sketches through construction models Geo-location for site and landscape work	Automatic generation of roofs, foundations and framing Produces dimensions, schedules and materials lists from the model All 4 strengths for Chief Architect Automatic generation of roofs, foundations and framing Produces dimensions, schedules and materials lists from the model Focused specifically on residential design Trial version available
Requires a paid subscription Closed source	Expensive subscription aimed at professionals Specialised for homes rather than general-purpose CAD
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for SketchUp sketchup.trimble.com/en Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Chief Architect chiefarchitect.com Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.