Trimble, which has the SketchUp family of 3D modeling tools, has added a visual search tool to let users find pre-built models based on an image rather than trying to hit on something with a text description.

The visual search is for the company's 3D Warehouse, an extensive free collection of 3D models that users can use in their work.  Image Search lets users "take a photo of an object or drop and drag an existing image into the 3D Warehouse's search bar, and AI will quickly sift through millions of pre-built models to pinpoint ideal matches." A company press release says that the facility is intended "to help architects and designers speed up their workflows and more easily specify new products for their designs."

"3D Warehouse used to be entirely based on keyword search, where you had to type in exactly what you were looking for in order to generate the right match," Steve Guzman, product manager for 3D Warehouse, said in prepared remarks. "3D Warehouse Image Search eliminates that requirement, allowing users to overcome language barriers and incorrect search queries by matching images with models. Now, designers can more easily source 3D models or find alternatives for their clients who are often looking for very specific objects to incorporate into their designs."