Here’s a complete historical review of SketchUp versions, from its origin to the present. This covers release names, key features, company ownership changes, and platform splits.
SketchUp 2018
- Advanced attributes (dynamic components deeper).
- IFC 4.0 import/export.
- Styled text (LayOut).
- Revit importer (beta).
SketchUp 2025
- AI-powered Text-to-Model (Beta): Type "Wooden cabin with porch" to generate massing.
- Cluster Rendering: Distributed rendering over Wi-Fi for LayOut.
- Carbon Impact tool: Estimates material emissions.
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
SketchUp 2015
The "Speed Update." It introduced Solid Tools on the free version (formerly Pro only) and massive improvements to the Outliner.
- Key Feature: Trimble Connect integration (cloud collaboration).
- OS: First version to require Windows 8.1 or newer (no more Windows XP/Vista).
Timeline & Key Versions
SketchUp 2017
A controversial release for users with old hardware. Trimble dropped OpenGL and moved exclusively to Modern Graphics Pipeline (Core Profile) on Mac.
- Key Feature: Generation of reports (schedules from component attributes).
- End of an Era: SketchUp Make 2017 is the last free desktop version created by Trimble. It is still widely used today by hobbyists.
2. Google Era (2006–2012) – Free vs Pro
Upd | Sketchup Version List
Here’s a complete historical review of SketchUp versions, from its origin to the present. This covers release names, key features, company ownership changes, and platform splits.
SketchUp 2018
- Advanced attributes (dynamic components deeper).
- IFC 4.0 import/export.
- Styled text (LayOut).
- Revit importer (beta).
SketchUp 2025
- AI-powered Text-to-Model (Beta): Type "Wooden cabin with porch" to generate massing.
- Cluster Rendering: Distributed rendering over Wi-Fi for LayOut.
- Carbon Impact tool: Estimates material emissions.
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
SketchUp 2015
The "Speed Update." It introduced Solid Tools on the free version (formerly Pro only) and massive improvements to the Outliner. sketchup version list
- Key Feature: Trimble Connect integration (cloud collaboration).
- OS: First version to require Windows 8.1 or newer (no more Windows XP/Vista).
Timeline & Key Versions
SketchUp 2017
A controversial release for users with old hardware. Trimble dropped OpenGL and moved exclusively to Modern Graphics Pipeline (Core Profile) on Mac. Here’s a complete historical review of SketchUp versions
- Key Feature: Generation of reports (schedules from component attributes).
- End of an Era: SketchUp Make 2017 is the last free desktop version created by Trimble. It is still widely used today by hobbyists.
2. Google Era (2006–2012) – Free vs Pro