Sketchup Version — List ((top))
Understanding the SketchUp version list is essential for anyone from casual hobbyists to professional architects. Since its debut in 2000, SketchUp has transitioned through three different parent companies—@Last Software, Google, and Trimble—each bringing significant changes to its features and licensing models. The current latest release is SketchUp 2026 , which includes advanced visualization tools like Ambient Occlusion and enhanced material controls. Complete SketchUp Version History SketchUp’s development is generally divided into three major eras based on ownership. 1. The @Last Software Era (2000–2006) This period focused on establishing the "3D for Everyone" philosophy. SketchUp v1 (August 2000): The original release that introduced the "Push/Pull" patent. SketchUp v2 (2002): Improved performance and basic object handling. SketchUp v3 (2003): Introduced components and more robust drawing tools. SketchUp v4 & v5 (2004): These versions saw massive growth, with v5 reaching over $5 million in annual sales. 2. The Google Era (2006–2012) Google acquired SketchUp to help populate Google Earth with 3D buildings. Google SketchUp 6 (January 2007): The first version to offer a completely free tier alongside "Pro." It also introduced the LayOut beta for 2D presentations. Google SketchUp 7 (November 2008): Introduced Dynamic Components , allowing users to create interactive models with specific attributes. Google SketchUp 8 (September 2010): The final Google-led version, which added "Solid Tools" for Pro users and improved geolocation with Google Maps. 3. The Trimble Era (2012–Present) Trimble pivoted the software toward professional BIM (Building Information Modeling) and cloud-based collaboration.
SketchUp has evolved through three distinct ownership eras since its initial launch in 2000, moving from a niche architectural tool to a globally recognized 3D modeling standard. The most current version of the software is SketchUp 2026 Current & Supported Versions According to the Trimble Support Policy , SketchUp officially supports the current year's release plus the two previous years. Support typically ends on January 31st, three years after a version's release year. End of Support Date SketchUp 2026 Latest Release January 31, 2029 SketchUp 2025 January 31, 2028 SketchUp 2024 January 31, 2027 SketchUp 2023 Unsupported January 31, 2026 Major Ownership Eras & Milestones
The Ultimate Guide to the SketchUp Version List: Evolution, Features, and History Trimble SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling applications in the world. Since its inception in 2000, the software has transitioned through three different parent companies, evolving from a simple architectural sketching tool into a robust ecosystem for architects, engineers, designers, and hobbyists. Whether you are looking to find the best version for your hardware, tracking down historical release notes, or trying to understand the transition from perpetual licenses to subscriptions, this comprehensive SketchUp version list covers everything you need to know. 1. The @Last Software Era (2000–2006) SketchUp was originally created by @Last Software , co-founded by Brad Schell and Joe Esch in Boulder, Colorado. Their vision was to create a 3D design tool that felt like drawing with a pencil on paper. SketchUp 1.0 (2000) Release Date: August 2000 Key Focus: Initial launch. Core Features: Introduced the patented "Push/Pull" tool, which allowed users to extrude 2D surfaces into 3D shapes instantly. It won a community choice award at its first trade show. SketchUp 2.0 (2002) Release Date: June 2002 Key Focus: Usability and integration. Core Features: Introduced section planes, dimensions, and the ability to export to DXF and DWG formats for CAD compatibility. SketchUp 3.0 (2003) Release Date: June 2003 Key Focus: Better performance and presentation. Core Features: Added the Follow Me tool (extruding along a path), texture mapping improvements, and the Ruby API, opening the door for third-party developers to create plugins. SketchUp 4.0 (2004) Release Date: March 2004 Key Focus: Component management and presentation. Core Features: Introduced Face-Me components (2D images that always turn to face the camera) and Texture Tweaker. SketchUp 5.0 (2005) Release Date: November 2005 Key Focus: Sandbox tools and geometry management. Core Features: Added Sandbox tools for terrain modeling and enhanced outliner organization. 2. The Google Era (2006–2012) On March 14, 2006, Google acquired @Last Software. Google was interested in SketchUp because of its potential to allow users to build 3D models for Google Earth. During this era, Google released a highly popular free version. SketchUp 6 (2007) Release Date: January 2007 Key Focus: Google Earth integration and 2D layout. Core Features: Introduction of SketchUp LayOut (beta), a tool to convert 3D models into 2D presentation documents. Direct integration with the Google 3D Warehouse (now 3D Warehouse). Photo Match tool to model directly on top of real-world photography. Note: This was the first time a completely free version was offered alongside SketchUp Pro. SketchUp 7 (2008) Release Date: November 2008 Key Focus: Dynamic components and collaboration. Core Features: Dynamic Components: Allowed users to program smart objects that could scale, animate, or hold metadata (e.g., a cabinet door that opens when clicked). Direct credit for model creators via the 3D Warehouse. Better handling of large models and edge rendering styles. SketchUp 8 (2009) Release Date: September 2010 Key Focus: Geo-location and solid modeling. Core Features: Built-in Maps: Replaced Google Earth coordinates with built-in Google Maps data. Solid Tools: Boolean operations like Union, Intersect, and Subtract (Pro version only). Advanced camera matches and volume calculations. 3. The Trimble Era: Classic Releases (2012–2019) In June 2012, Trimble Navigation (now Trimble Inc.) acquired SketchUp from Google. Trimble shifted the software’s focus toward professional engineering, construction, and architecture (BIM workflows). SketchUp 2013 Release Date: May 2013 Key Focus: Branding shift and Extension Warehouse. Core Features: The free version was rebranded from "Google SketchUp" to SketchUp Make . Introduction of the Extension Warehouse , making it incredibly easy to find and install plugins directly inside the app. Major performance overhaul for LayOut. SketchUp 2014 Release Date: February 2014 Key Focus: Performance and standard compliance. Core Features: Transitioned the Ruby API to 2.0 (improving plugin stability). IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) file export for Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. Major speed increases in shadow rendering and large model navigation. SketchUp 2015 Release Date: November 2014 Key Focus: 64-bit architecture. Core Features: 64-bit Support: SketchUp could finally utilize more than 4GB of system RAM, drastically reducing crashes on massive projects. Rotated Rectangle tool and 3-point Arc tool added. Licensing changes to accommodate enterprise networks. SketchUp 2016 Release Date: November 2015 Key Focus: Cloud collaboration and layout workflows. Core Features: Trimble Connect Integration: Allowed teams to collaborate on cloud-hosted models. Redesigned inference engine with clearer visual snaps. Customizable utility trays on Windows. SketchUp 2017 Release Date: November 2016 Key Focus: Graphics pipeline and accessibility. Core Features: Complete overhaul of the graphics pipeline, dropping support for older graphics cards to boost rendering speeds. High-DPI support for 4K monitors. Note: This was the final version of SketchUp Make (the free desktop application). SketchUp 2018 Release Date: November 2017 Key Focus: Section planes and BIM data. Core Features: Advanced Attribute Fields: Allowed users to embed price, size, and manufacturer data into components. Named Section Planes and filled section cuts native to the program. SketchUp Free launched as a browser-based application, replacing SketchUp Make. SketchUp 2019 Release Date: February 2019 Key Focus: Introduction of subscription licensing. Core Features: Transition from perpetual licenses to annual subscription plans (SketchUp Shop, Pro, and Studio). Enhanced line styles (dashed lines) controlled directly through layers. Tape Measure tool upgraded to display measurement data in real-time. 4. Modern Subscription Era (2020–Present) Starting in 2020, Trimble completely sunsetted perpetual licensing, moving exclusively to subscription models. They changed their naming conventions to push out smaller, more frequent updates throughout the calendar year. SketchUp 2020 Key Focus: Geometry and data management. Core Features: "Layers" renamed to Tags to align with industry-standard terminology. Ability to control component visibility directly from the Outliner. Better handling of hidden geometry vs. hidden objects. SketchUp 2021 Key Focus: Pre-design climate data and tag management. Core Features: PreDesign tool: Architectural research tool highlighting weather and sun patterns before designing begins. Tag folders to help organize massive lists of model tags. Live Components introduced (configurable parametric objects hosted on the cloud). SketchUp 2022 Key Focus: Universal search and layout layout enhancements. Core Features: Search Tool: Tap Shift + S to search for any tool, command, or shortcut immediately. Lasso Select tool for non-rectangular selections. Native support for Apple Silicon (M1/M2 chips) improving Mac performance exponentially. SketchUp 2023 Key Focus: Interface overhaul and built-in rendering. Core Features: Common installer across all versions. Flip Tool: Replaced the "Flip Along" context menu with a visual mirror planes tool. Revit Importer: Allowed SketchUp Studio users to convert Revit files directly into SketchUp geometry. SketchUp 2024 Key Focus: Graphic engine modernization and realism. Core Features: New Graphics Engine: Leverages modern APIs (DirectX 12 and Metal) to handle massive files smoothly. Ambient Occlusion: Built-in visual style that adds realistic shadows and depth to corners and joints without needing external rendering plugins. Direct USDZ and glTF file exports for AR/VR applications. Summary Comparison Matrix Version Group Primary Licensing Model Notable Desktop Free Version? v1.0 – v5.0 @Last Software Perpetual License No (Paid only) v6.0 – v8.0 Perpetual License / Free Yes (Google SketchUp) 2013 – 2018 Trimble (Classic) Perpetual / Maintenance Yes (SketchUp Make) 2019 – Present Trimble (Modern) Annual Subscription No (Web-only Free version) How to Choose the Right SketchUp Version When deciding which version to look for, keep your hardware and project needs in mind: For Budget/Hobbyists: Use SketchUp Free (web-browser version). If you absolutely require a free desktop tool, the archival SketchUp Make 2017 is still widely used in the hobbyist community, though it lacks modern operating system support. For Professional Work: SketchUp Pro (Current Year) is standard. It provides the required offline desktop client, Layout access, and full compatibility with modern plugins. For High-Performance Hardware: Stick with SketchUp 2024 or newer to take advantage of the rewritten graphics engine, Ambient Occlusion, and multi-threaded processing. To help narrow down your research or installation choices, could you tell me: Do you need a version compatible with a specific operating system ? Do you use any specific plugins that require a legacy version? Share public link This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
The Ultimate SketchUp Version List: A Complete History and Evolution SketchUp is a premier 3D modeling software used worldwide by architects, engineers, and designers. Since its debut in 2000, the software has transitioned through multiple parent companies, including @Last Software, Google, and Trimble. This comprehensive SketchUp version list tracks every major release, key features, and the evolution of its licensing models. Complete SketchUp Version History The @Last Software Era (2000–2006) Founded by Brad Schell and Joe Esch, @Last Software created SketchUp to provide an intuitive, "push-pull" approach to 3D design. SketchUp 1.0 (2000): Introduced the patented Push/Pull tool. It won a community choice award at its first trade show. SketchUp 2.0 (2002): Added section planes, dimensions, and pages (the predecessor to Scenes). SketchUp 3.0 (2003): Introduced the Ruby API, enabling users to create custom plugins and scripts. SketchUp 4.0 (2004): Added the Follow Me tool, texture mapping improvements, and component editing. SketchUp 5.0 (2005): Focused on speed with improved rendering, deeper sandbox tools, and better geo-location features. The Google Era (2006–2002) Google acquired @Last Software in 2006 to build out 3D buildings for Google Earth. This era democratized 3D modeling by introducing a powerful free version. SketchUp 6 (2007): Launched LayOut for 2D presentations. Introduced Photo Match and styles. SketchUp 7 (2008): Integrated the 3D Warehouse . Introduced Dynamic Components for smart, parametric modeling. SketchUp 8 (2010): Built-in Google Maps integration for precise geo-location. Added Solid Tools for boolean operations. The Trimble Era (2012–Present) Trimble Navigation bought SketchUp in 2012, steering the software toward professional BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows, cloud collaboration, and subscription models. SketchUp 2013: Rebranded files and plugins. Launched the Extension Warehouse to centralize plugin management. SketchUp 2014: Replaced the internal rendering engine for faster performance. Upgraded Ruby API to version 2.0. SketchUp 2015: Transitioned to a native 64-bit application. Added the Rotated Rectangle tool and IFC file export. SketchUp 2016: Enhanced LayOut reference locking and Trimble Connect integration for cloud storage. SketchUp 2017: Dropped support for 32-bit systems. Debuted a new graphics pipeline utilizing OpenGL 3.0. SketchUp 2018: Advanced section cuts with filled faces. Introduced advanced component attributes (Price, Size, URL). SketchUp 2019: Introduced the "Welcome Window" file management. Debuted the new annual subscription licensing model. SketchUp 2020: Overhauled the Outliner tool for better model organization. Added 3D model control inside LayOut. SketchUp 2021: Introduced PreDesign for climate-driven architectural insights. Updated the tags management system. SketchUp 2022: Added the Lasso Select tool and a native Search function. Native support for Apple Silicon (M1/M2) chips. SketchUp 2023: Upgraded the graphics engine for massive file stability. Flip tool behavior overhauled for intuitive mirroring. SketchUp 2024: Released a brand-new internal graphics engine for high frame rates. Ambient Occlusion added for instant depth rendering. SketchUp 2025/2026: Focused heavily on AI-driven text-to-3D features, deep cloud integration via Trimble Connect, and streamlined cross-device syncing between desktop, iPad, and web. Notable Milestone Versions SketchUp Make 2017 This remains one of the most famous versions in SketchUp history. It was the final free desktop version ever released. While Trimble no longer updates it, many hobbyists still seek it out to avoid web-based modeling. SketchUp 2019 This version marked a massive business shift. Trimble officially moved away from perpetual classic licenses (one-time purchases) in favor of the modern software-as-a-service (SaaS) annual subscription model. Current SketchUp Product Lineup SketchUp is no longer just a desktop application. It is sold as a suite of tools tailored to different user tiers: SketchUp Free: A stripped-down, browser-based version for personal use. Files are saved to the cloud. SketchUp Go: Designed for iPad and web use. Built for designers who need to model on-site or on the move. SketchUp Pro: The industry standard package. Includes the full desktop application, LayOut, and Style Builder. SketchUp Studio: The top-tier package for Windows users. Includes V-Ray for photorealistic rendering and Scan Essentials for point-cloud data processing. To help me tailor more information for your project, please let me know: Which specific version of SketchUp are you currently running? Are you looking to upgrade or troubleshooting plugin compatibility ? Do you need help choosing between the Free, Pro, or Studio tiers? Share public link This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. sketchup version list
Looking at the "SketchUp version list" reveals a software that has evolved from a simple Google-owned tool into a powerful, tiered ecosystem under Trimble Inc.. While the core "push-pull" simplicity remains, the modern version list reflects a shift toward subscription-based, specialized workflows. Current Version Tiers Today’s lineup is split primarily by how and where you work: SketchUp Free (Web): A browser-based version for personal projects. It’s the easiest entry point but lacks the plugin support and offline capabilities of desktop versions. SketchUp Go: Designed for iPad and web, focusing on mobility and "on-the-go" conceptualizing. SketchUp Pro: The industry standard for interior designers and architects . It includes the full desktop suite, LayOut (for 2D documentation), and extensive extension support. SketchUp Studio: The high-end tier for professionals who need advanced features like V-Ray rendering and point cloud data management. Historical Legacy The version history shows a significant transition in 2017. SketchUp Make 2017 was the final free desktop version before the platform moved entirely to the web for non-paying users. Many hobbyists still seek it out because it supports local files and extensions without a subscription. The Verdict: Which version should you choose? For Hobbyists: Stick with SketchUp Free for quick web-based modeling. For Interior Designers: SketchUp Pro is widely considered the "sweet spot" for its balance of professional tools and client presentation capabilities. For Advanced Visualization: If you need high-end rendering integrated directly into your workflow, SketchUp Studio is the only version that tackles the common "poor rendering" criticism often seen in user reviews. How to choose the right version of SketchUp - The Little Design Corner
Classic Versions (by @Last Software)
SketchUp 1 (2000) – First release SketchUp 2 (2001) – Added Sandbox tools SketchUp 3 (2002) – Layer manager, components SketchUp 4 (2004) – DWG import, Push/Pull improvements SketchUp 5 (2005) – Match Photo, improved rendering Understanding the SketchUp version list is essential for
Google Era (Google SketchUp)
Google SketchUp 6 (2007) – Google Earth integration, 3D Warehouse launch Google SketchUp 7 (2008) – Dynamic Components, LayOut improvements Google SketchUp 8 (2010) – Solid tools, terrain modeling, geo-modeling
Trimble Era (SketchUp Pro & Make/Free)
SketchUp 2013 – Trimble acquisition; 64-bit, extension warehouse SketchUp 2014 – Faster, improved DWG/DXF support SketchUp 2015 – Trimble Connect, better performance SketchUp 2016 – IFC import/export, new inferencing engine SketchUp 2017 – New rendering engine (no more OpenGL legacy) SketchUp 2018 – Revit import, advanced attributes SketchUp 2019 – LayOut 2019, desktop viewer improvements SketchUp 2020 – Trimble ID login, improved performance, live components SketchUp 2021 – Pre-design tools, better import/export SketchUp 2022 – Revit import add-on, flip tool, large model performance SketchUp 2023 – Backedges, improved DWG references, glTF export SketchUp 2024 – Environment-based materials, advanced camera tools, improved IFC SketchUp 2025 (latest as of 2026) – AI-assisted tools, real-time collaboration (via Studio subscription), improved interoperability with Revit, and enhanced scanning/point cloud workflow
Important Edition Notes