Sketchup Version List |link| 🎁 Exclusive
Trimble SketchUp (formerly Google SketchUp and originally @Last Software SketchUp) has gone through three distinct eras. The version numbering system has shifted over the years, often causing confusion.
Below is the chronological list of versions, their release years, and the major features that defined them. sketchup version list
SketchUp 2023
- Back Edges visual style: A vector-like look for technical drawings.
- Environment Cubemaps: Accurate raytraced reflections (great for product design).
- DWG 2023 support.
SketchUp 2016
- Trimble Connect: Cloud storage with revision tracking.
- Offset on Faces: A small but beloved usability tweak.
- Parallel Projection Tables: Better for technical illustration.
Era 3: The Trimble Era (2012 – Present)
Trimble Navigation acquired SketchUp from Google in 2012. This era focused on professional integration, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and cloud connectivity. SketchUp 2023
- SketchUp 2013 (May 2013)
- Naming Shift: Dropped the version number in the title for the year of release.
- Extension Warehouse: A centralized repository for plugins, revolutionizing how users added features.
- This was the first version fully under Trimble.
- SketchUp 2014 (February 2014)
- Ruby 2.0: Massive update for developers.
- Introduced the Rotated Rectangle tool.
- Improved the "Classifier" for BIM workflows.
- SketchUp 2015 (November 2014)
- 64-bit Support: SketchUp finally moved to 64-bit architecture for Windows, allowing the use of more RAM (essential for large models).
- Introduction of the 3-Point Arc tool.
- SketchUp 2016 (November 2015)
- Parallel Projection: Faster rendering performance.
- Improved 2D documentation tools within LayOut.
- SketchUp 2017 (November 2016)
- Graphics Pipeline Update: SketchUp rewrote the display engine to handle graphics cards better.
- Section Plane improvements (ability to fill section cuts).
- SketchUp 2018 (November 2017)
- Advanced Attributes: Components could now store price, size, and URL data (huge for BIM).
- LayOut gained "Scaled Vector Drawing" tools.
- SketchUp 2019 (February 2019)
- Naming Convention Change: Reverted to "SketchUp Pro 2019" style naming.
- Improved "Outliner" interface and added a "Dark Mode" (Dark Theme) for the first time.
- SketchUp 2020 (January 2020)
- Overhauled Tape Measure Tool: Added guides and better T-Snap functionality.
- Significant performance improvements for hiding/restoring hidden geometry.
- SketchUp 2021 (November 2020)
- Tag Tool: Replaced "Layers" with "Tags" (a semantic change to align with industry standards).
- Live Components: Parametric objects configurable via the web.
- SketchUp 2022 (January 2022)
- Reverse Face Tool: A new dedicated tool to flip faces.
- Live Components updates and improved Lasso Select tool.
- SketchUp 2023 (February 2023)
- Dark Mode Update: Full dark mode support across the interface on Mac and Windows.
- Overhauled the "Components" panel to mirror the Outliner functionality.
- SketchUp 2024 (February 2024)
- Revit Importer: The biggest feature of this update; native ability to import .rvt files.
- New "Snap to Grid" feature in the Tape Measure tool.
SketchUp 2.0 (2001)
A major UI overhaul. This version added the "Follow Me" tool, allowing users to extrude faces along paths (e.g., creating a pipe or a handrail). Back Edges visual style: A vector-like look for
- Key Feature: Improved accuracy tools for architects.
- OS: Windows & Mac OS 9 (First Mac release).
SketchUp 2019
Focus on interoperability. Added .IFC import/export for building information modeling (BIM).
- Key Feature: Desktop viewer now allows re-ordering of scenes.
- Subscription: Trimble made Pro available only via subscription (annual or monthly); perpetual licenses died here.
SketchUp Studio & Specialized Editions
- SketchUp Studio: subscription bundle including Pro desktop, advanced extensions (e.g., Sefaira previously for performance analysis), and Trimble Connect.
- Enterprise offerings and integrations for large teams and BIM workflows.
Which Version Should You Use Today?
Depending on your search intent for "SketchUp version list," here is the practical answer:
- If you are a hobbyist on a budget: Download SketchUp Make 2017 (the last free desktop version). It is old but rock-solid for 3D printing and woodworking.
- If you are a student: Use SketchUp Free (Web version 2024/2025) – it is free, runs in a browser, and needs no installation.
- If you are a professional architect: You need SketchUp Pro 2024 or 2025. The Revit importer and LayOut for construction documents are non-negotiable time-savers.
- If you are on an iPad: You need SketchUp for iPad (2022–2025) – the version number mirrors the desktop year (e.g., v2025).
Method C – From existing faces (repairing non-solids)
- Use Solid Inspector² (free extension) to find holes/edges.
- Add missing faces → group again.