SketchUp

I rely heavily on SketchUp, a 3D modeling program, to design my woodworking and 3D printing projects. It helps me visualize what I plan to make and it allows me to experiment with any new design ideas I may come up with. This saves me time and improves accuracy of measurements whenever drawings on a piece of paper just won't cut it. I feel that this also saves me on material costs in the long run too.

For a while, I was always trying to get my hands on the latest versions I could find. But I realize that not much changes at all in each newer version. The old version 8 is still freely available online and I believe 2017 is floating around somewhere. These free versions serve the majority of everyone's needs, but it becomes annoying when you try to open a file that was created in the newest version and it won't let you simply convert it.

For that reason, I primarily use the free online version hosted by Trimble to avoid conflicts. I've provide links to download the older SketchUp 8 which works fine.