Free 3-D Modeling Tool

Whether you want to model a new product concept, add dimension to your presentations and marketing materials, or simply create a plan to re-arrange your office, the free Google Sketch-up program will fit the bill.

At its simplest, Sketch-up lets you pan and zoom 3-D drawings. You can also draw shapes and instantly pull them into 3-D. To help you get up and running quickly, Google provides a large series of video tutorials that cover basic concepts as well as teach you how to use all of the Sketch-up tools. Intermediate and advanced tutorials are also provided.

Jump start your project by using one of the objects created by the Sketch-up community. They’re available in Google’s 3D Warehouse. In fact, even if you don’t use Sketch-up, you may find something useful in the warehouse.

Sketch-up is available for Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X (10.4+). Give it a try.