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The Real Decision
It's not about which tool is better. The real question is :
Are you paying for AI render feature — or a complete AI interior design workflow?
Spacely AI
- •Send your model to Spacely AI with a single click directly from your SketchUp viewport.
- •Render to finish in one platform rendering, staging, lighting, and post-processing without setting up manually
- •Works as both a SketchUp extension and a standalone website
SketchUp AI Render
- •Built into SketchUp's interface intuitive for existing users, with some learning curve for newcomers.
- •Render from your SketchUp viewport with a text prompt, limited to 7 preset styles
- •Included as part of your SketchUp subscription
Streamline your workflow using SketchUp AI Render for quick concept checks, and using Spacely AI when it's time to deliver client-ready renders at scale.
10X
More renders per month
(Spacely AI Studio vs SketchUp Pro)
10+
Specialized AI tools
built for design workflows
3X
Better cost per render
$0.12vs
$0.34 at mid tierFeature ComparisonWhat Each Tool Is Actually Built For
SketchUp AI Render is a great starting point for occasional visuals. Spacely AI delivers a full rendering platform — and still integrates directly with SketchUp.
 |  AI Render | |
|---|---|---|
| Renders/Month (Mid-Tier) | ~320 renders/month (Studio — 640 credits at 2 credits/render avg) | ~30 renders/month on Pro (150 credits at 5 credits each generate) — add $11.99/month add-on for 1,500 more credits without rollover |
| AI Tools Included | From rendering to Photoshop- style editing: beyond rendering with AI - powered editing, staging, lighting, and visual refinement in one place. | AI Render: generate images from your SketchUp viewport. Generate Object available but costs 30 credits per object (6× the cost of a render). |
| Targeted Editing | Point & Edit PRO : select any specific area, edit instantly up to 10 points in one go for 24 credits — without regenerating the full image. | Mask tools (Erase, Sketch, Paint) let you refine areas of a generated image. Each generation uses 5 per point — editing 10 points costs 50 credits. |
| Style Library | 100+ curated professional styles — click to select, no prompt writing required. | Prompt-based — no curated style library. Output quality is entirely dependent on your prompt engineering skill. |
| Credit Rollover | Unused credits rollover for 1 month for Studio and Agency plans — credits you paid for are available across billing cycles. | No rollover. Credits reset on your billing date. Any unused credits are permanently lost. |
| Industry Integration | Available on Extension Warehouse. Send directly from SketchUp to Spacely AI. Also works as a standalone website — no SketchUp license required. | Built directly into SketchUp — requires a paid SketchUp subscription to use any AI features. |
| Free Entry Point | 40 free trial credits — start immediately, no credit card required. | No free credits. AI Render requires a paid SketchUp plan (Go at $19.99/mo minimum). |
The Numbers Don't Lie
Annual Cost Math · Mid-Tier
When you add up the full cost of matching Spacely AI's render volume on SketchUp's Pro + AI add-on, the difference becomes clear.
Spacely AI — Studio Plan
- Annual Cost
- $459 / yr
- Renders/Month
- ~320
- Cost per Render
- ~$0.12
- Unused Credits
- Rollover 1 Month
Credits you don't use carry over — nothing wasted
SketchUp Pro + AI Add-on
- Annual Cost
- ~$1,343 / yr
- Renders/Month
- ~330 (with add-on)
- Cost per Render
- ~$0.34
- Unused Credits
- Reset monthly
Credits reset — unused renders are permanently lost
Use Case Fit Who Should Use Which Tool?
Both tools integrate with SketchUp. Your choice comes down to how much you render — and how many tools you need to deliver professional results.
When Spacely AI Makes More Sense
- ●Turning design work into client-ready renders
- ●Making targeted, specific client revisions
- ●Standardizing professional, trustworthy firm presentations
When SketchUp AI Render Makes More Sense
- ●Quick concept visualizations inside an active SketchUp session
- ●Early-stage exploration where you just need fast visual direction
- ●Low-volume rendering needs (under 30 renders per month)
SummarySide-by-Side Comparison
Here's a quick breakdown of both tools:
| Spacely AI Render Extension | SketchUp AI Render | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Full AI Rendering Platform | Add-on Feature Inside SketchUp |
| Renders/Month (Mid-Tier) | ~320 | ~30 (Pro) / ~330 with add-on |
| Cost per Render | ~$0.12 | ~$0.34 (with add-on) |
| Credit Rollover | 1 month for Studio and Agency plan | Resets monthly |
| Free Trial | 40 free credits, no card | Paid plan required |
Final Verdict
Which Tool Wins in 2026?
If you're a SketchUp user who renders occasionally — just to check a concept before the next modeling session — SketchUp AI Render is convenient.It's already there, and 30 renders might be enough.
But for professionals delivering to clients regularly, Spacely AI offers significantly more value per dollar. At mid-tier, you get 10× more renders, 10+ specialized design tools, and credits that carry forward — all while keeping your SketchUp workflow intact through the extension.
You don't have to choose between staying in SketchUp and getting more tools. With Spacely AI, you get both.