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The Complete SketchUp Version List: From @Last Software to Trimble (2000–2026)
If you have ever searched for the term "SketchUp version list," you are likely either a long-time user trying to recall a specific legacy release, an IT administrator managing software licenses, or a new user bewildered by the different tiers (Make, Pro, Free, Studio). You are not alone. The lineage of SketchUp is one of the most interesting—and confusing—in the history of CAD software.
Born in 2000 as a "secret weapon" for 3D designers and later acquired by Google and then Trimble Inc., SketchUp has undergone three distinct eras. This article provides the definitive, chronological version list, explaining the key features, system requirements, and naming conventions of every major release.
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
7. Deprecated & unsupported versions
- SketchUp 6–8 – No longer work on modern macOS (Intel 32-bit).
- SketchUp 2013–2016 (32-bit) – Won’t install on recent Windows 11 without workarounds.
- SketchUp Make 2015–2017 – Still functional but no updates.
- SketchUp Viewer (old) – Replaced by Trimble Connect Viewer.
If you need file compatibility notes (which version opens which .skp file) or a full feature comparison table (Pro vs Free vs Shop vs iPad), let me know and I can provide a detailed follow-up.
SketchUp's history is a story of evolution through three major owners: @Last Software (the creators), (who made it mainstream), and (who focused on professional engineering and BIM). Early Years (@Last Software)
The software was originally developed as a general-purpose 3D content creation tool with a "push-pull" interface that mimicked traditional sketching. 2000: SketchUp v1.0 2002: SketchUp v2.0 2003: SketchUp v3.0 2004: SketchUp v4.0 & v5.0 The Google Era
Google acquired SketchUp in 2006 to help users create 3D buildings for Google Earth. sketchup version list
2007: Google SketchUp 6 — Introduced "LayOut" (for 2D presentations) and the free version. 2008: Google SketchUp 7 — Introduced Dynamic Components.
2010: Google SketchUp 8 — Added Solid Tools and improved geolocation. The Trimble Era
Trimble acquired SketchUp in 2012, shifting the naming convention to reflect the release year.
2013 – 2017: Released yearly versions (SketchUp 2013 through 2017). SketchUp Make 2017 was the final free desktop version before the transition to a web-based free version.
2018 – 2023: Continued focus on subscription models (SketchUp Pro 2018, 2019, 2021, etc.). The Complete SketchUp Version List: From @Last Software
2024: Introduced major performance upgrades and engine improvements.
2025: Added AI-driven texture generation and refined photorealistic materials.
2026 (Current): SketchUp 2026 is the latest version as of April 2026, featuring new "Collaboration Bar" tools, AI texture generation, and improved Revit/IFC interoperability. History of Sketchup - MasterSketchUp.com
Once upon a time in the digital drafting world, a simple tool emerged that changed how we envision space. From its humble beginnings at @Last Software to its expansion under and its modern era with
, the evolution of SketchUp is a story of making 3D modeling accessible to everyone. Here is the chronicle of SketchUp's major chapters: The Early Years (@Last Software) SketchUp 1.0 (2000): Classic Versions (by @Last Software)
The debut that introduced the world to the "Push/Pull" tool, making 3D design feel like digital clay. Versions 2–5 (2002–2005):
Rapid iterations that added critical features like the Follow Me tool, components, and basic transparency. The Google Era (Making it Global) SketchUp 6 (2007): Google acquired the software and introduced , allowing users to turn 3D models into 2D presentations. SketchUp 7 (2008): Dynamic Components and integrated the 3D Warehouse , creating a community-driven library of models. SketchUp 8 (2010):
The final version where the free edition was permitted for commercial use; it added Solid Tools and geolocation via Google Maps. The Trimble Transition SketchUp 2013:
Trimble took the reins, shifting the naming convention to years and introducing the Extension Warehouse for third-party plugins. SketchUp 2017:
A pivotal moment marking the retirement of the desktop "Make" version in favor of SketchUp Free , a browser-based platform. The Modern & AI Era
The Top 75 FREE Extensions for SketchUp! (Updated for 2024!)
SketchUp 2018 – 2017
- Continued refinement of modeling tools.
- Improved graphics and snapping behavior.
SketchUp 6 – 2007
- Major improvements for architects: advanced camera tools, enhanced import/export.
- Introduced more robust model organization features.