Sketchup Version List ((full)) Jun 2026

The Ultimate SketchUp Version List: A Complete History and Guide The complete SketchUp version list spans over two decades, evolving from a simple 3D drawing tool into an industry-standard application for architecture, engineering, and design. Originally created by @Last Software in 2000, the program passed through Google before finding its current home with Trimble Inc.. Today, understanding the version history and release timeline is critical for plugin compatibility, file sharing, and hardware optimization. The Complete SketchUp Version Timeline The software's development history is defined by three distinct eras of ownership. 1. The @Last Software Era (2000–2006) SketchUp 1.0 (August 2000): Released with the pioneering tagline "3D for Everyone". It introduced the patented Push/Pull technology . SketchUp 2.0 (2002): Added section planes and dimensions. SketchUp 3.0 (2003): Brought improved inference locking and material rasterization. SketchUp 4.0 (2004): Introduced follow-me tools and texture manipulation. SketchUp 5.0 (2005): Enhanced transparency and sandbox tools for terrain modeling. 2. The Google Era (2006–2012) Google SketchUp 6 (December 2006): Introduced SketchUp Web Exporter and LayOut (for Pro users). This version tightly integrated 3D models into Google Earth . Google SketchUp 7 (November 2008): Launched the 3D Warehouse and introduced Dynamic Components. Google SketchUp 8 (September 2010): Added Solid Tools, geo-location via Google Maps, and structural volume calculations. This was the final version to permit free commercial use under specific early EULAs. 3. The Trimble Era (2012–Present) SketchUp Desktop 2026.0

The Complete SketchUp Version List: From @Last to Trimble (1989–2026) If you have ever searched for a SketchUp version list , you know that tracking the evolution of this iconic 3D modeling software can be confusing. Originally created by @Last Software, then bought by Google, and now owned by Trimble Inc., SketchUp has undergone massive changes in features, file formats, and licensing. Whether you are trying to open an old .skp file from 2005, deciding which version to install for a legacy plugin, or simply curious about the software’s history, this complete SketchUp version list is your definitive guide. Why a SketchUp Version List Matters Before we dive into the chronological list, it is important to understand why version compatibility is critical :

File Compatibility: A .skp file saved in SketchUp 2022 cannot be opened by SketchUp 8 (unless you use a conversion tool). Plugin Support: Many legacy extensions (Ruby scripts) were written for specific API versions (e.g., SketchUp 2015 vs. 2024). Hardware Requirements: Older versions like SketchUp 7 run on Windows XP, while newer versions require Windows 10/11 or macOS 11+.

Let’s start at the very beginning.

Part 1: The @Last Software Era (1989–2006) SketchUp was originally developed by @Last Software , founded in 1999 by Brad Schell and Joe Esch. The first version (0.1) was released in August 2000. However, the public release began in 2001. SketchUp 1.0 (2001)

Codename: None. Key features: First public version. Basic push-pull technology, edge and face inference engine. File format: .skp (original schema, no longer compatible with modern SketchUp).

SketchUp 2.0 (2002)

Improvements: Better snapping tools, component definition, and the "Follow Me" tool for extruding along paths. Target audience: Woodworkers and architects.

SketchUp 3.0 (2003)

Major update: Introduction of Sandbox Tools (for terrain modeling), Photo Match, and Ruby Console (API for scripting). Legacy note: This version stabilized the .skp format for several years. sketchup version list

SketchUp 4.0 (2004)

Features: Layers, pages (now called Scenes), and the Section Plane tool. Hardware: Optimized for early Intel Pentium processors.