SketchUp offers various plans, including a free version (Web-based), and several paid subscriptions:
For users looking to do Subdivision modeling in SketchUp, some popular plugins include:
A "top" license allows you to switch between the low-poly cage (for editing) and the high-poly smoothed result (for rendering) instantly. Without a license, this feature is usually locked to a 30-day trial or watermarked. sketchup subd license key top
The safest and most reliable way to get a license key is through the official SketchUcation store or MindSight Studios directly.
Once you have a legitimate license key, here is the "top" workflow to maximize SubD's potential: SketchUp offers various plans, including a free version
Step 1: Low-Poly Cage Modeling Use native SketchUp tools to draw a rough shape. Keep it all quads (four-sided polygons). Pro tip: Use the QuadFace Tools extension to clean your topology.
Step 2: Apply SubD Select your group, go to Extensions > SubD > Subdivide. You will see the "Creep" parameter. Set it to 1 or 2. Once you have a legitimate license key, here
Step 3: Adjust Creases Select specific edges. Open the SubD panel. Slide the "Crease" value to 100 to lock sharp edges.
Step 4: Export for Rendering Once smoothed, export the geometry as OBJ or FBX for V-Ray, Lumion, or TwinMotion. The high-poly mesh will look photorealistic.