# KetchUp bets wood shops skip the cloud

_KetchUp ships a free, open-source 3D modeler for furniture with local files and SketchUp import._

**Published:** 2026-11-09
**Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/technology/2026/ketchup-bets-wood-shops-skip-the-cloud

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KetchUp bets small shops want just enough 3D and no subscription. [KetchUp](https://ketchup3d.github.io/app/) ships a free, MIT-licensed modeler for woodworking and furniture on Windows x64, Apple Silicon macOS, Linux x64 and desktop browser.

You start with rectangles, circles, lines and freehand outlines, then Push/Pull faces into boards with thickness. You move, scale, offset and paint, and you organize parts with groups, components and tags. You type exact lengths, snap to geometry and axes, and check fit with Tape Measure and Dimensions. KetchUp says orbit, zoom and press F to fit the model before the first cut.

No account, no cloud storage to set up.

Work autosaves locally in the browser on that device, and File Save downloads a portable .ketchup project. The app imports SketchUp .skp geometry locally and exports Wavefront OBJ geometry for other workflows. KetchUp says SketchUp textures, scenes and some model features are not supported, and OBJ export carries geometry without materials.

Against SketchUp, I see a feeder tool for quick furniture planning rather than a full replacement.

Fair point: you need hardware acceleration with WebGPU or WebGL2 plus a mouse and keyboard, and clearing browser data can remove autosaved work. The desktop builds blunt that risk, and the guide points first-timers to rectangle, Push/Pull, then orbit. If you build for wood, don't charge for seats, charge for confidence in the cut.

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Original analysis from [startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai), the #1 AI startup directory.

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