Extended reviews from Jon Moore;
For my assessment, I've taken the Sketchup Make feature set and provided notes on how FormZ Free compares in essential areas:
Using SketchUp Make, you can:
- Draw, modify, measure, rotate, scale, and move geometry.
FormZ free provides a far richer set of modeling tools than those provided by Sketchup Make but Trimble provide access to a far richer palette of tools via the Extension Warehouse.
- Modeling aids (snapping, guides etc)
This is formZ pro/ jr's biggest strength and it's great to see the toolset is 95% intact in formZ free. Sketchup isn't even in the same ballpark here.
- Use accurate dimensions, and communicate them with text tools.
formZ free provides a far richer toolset.
- Place section slices to view and work on model interiors.
FormZ Free's section tools are superior
- Add pre-made textures like brick, wood, shingles and glass to your models, or create new textures.
Sketchup Free has a more friendly materials system. The SKP and DAE export files import into third party 3d software far more reliably too.
- Add pre-made components like trees, cars, doors and windows, and people to your models, or create new components.
Sketchup Free has a far superior components system and and this stage AD can't compete with the wealth of assets in the Trimble 3d Warehouse. You can of course import SKP assets into FormZ Free but there is no AD equivalent to the 3d Warehouse at this stage
- Soften and smooth faces.
FormZ free provides far more control over smoothing
- Cast real-time shadows for any location on earth.
No equivalent in FormZ Free for accurate sun position based on geographic location.
- Simulate movie camera placements.
FormZ Free provides a far richer and more professional toolset.
