Is Sketchup still free-use? Where to find free blender models?

[rainripples]

Hi there!
I want to experiment with 3D backgrounds-so some questions...
1) Is Sketchup's 3D warehouse still free-use?
because I don't want to get into ownership arguments, also the free version online does not allow me access to the 3D warehouse.

2) Know where I could get free backgrounds/models? Because I'm considering using blender since the downloaded version of Sketchup is paid...

Thanks, and have a great day!
-RR

[dawgofdawgness]

My computer is actually too old to handle SketchUp, so I can't help you there

I use a website called Roomsketcher- it definitely doesn't give you as much as SketchUp does, but it's good for simple backgrounds.
With RS you can drag the camera around the model so you can get shots of different angles in your building.

[Ringarune]

From what I remember sketch up make is free to download and last I checked I could get to the 3D warehouse from there, who knows though, maybe they changed it.

Also just a note about the free to download version. From what I understand it's a personal use product and therefore is not for commercial use, basically that you can't make money from your product if you use it. Of course I can't say I'm that well versed with these types of legal things, but just a fair warning to look into that kind of stuff and research if you want to make ad rev or whatnot.

[dots]

^yep, 3d warehouse is free and sketch up make is free to download as well. i use it time to time.

and if you're looking to play around with more 3d software, you can download maya for free if you're a student. but like the free version of sketchup, it's not for commercial use.

[ratique]

Just google for the warehouse and download models directly. I don't know if there is a direct access from within sketchup, I sure never used it.