Title: A Technical Chronology and Version History of SketchUp (1999–2024) Subject: Software Engineering / Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Date: May 2024
Google acquired @Last Software on March 14, 2006. The focus shifted toward geo-locating models and populating Google Earth.
January 2007: SketchUp 6
November 2008: SketchUp 7
.skp format updates to support dynamic attribute data.September 2010: SketchUp 8
The original release. It ran on Windows only. The revolutionary feature was the "Push/Pull" tool, allowing users to extrude flat surfaces into 3D volumes instantly. It did not have layers or texturing capabilities in the way we know today. sketchup version list
| Era | Version | Year | Free Version Name | Pro Version Name | Notable Feature | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | @Last | v1.0 – v5.0 | 2000-2005 | SketchUp (Standard) | SketchUp Pro | Push/Pull + Follow Me | | Google | v6 – v8 | 2006-2012 | SketchUp (Google Earth Ed.) | SketchUp Pro 6-8 | 3D Warehouse + Google Maps | | Trimble | 2013-2017 | 2013-2017 | SketchUp Make (Desktop) | 2013-2017 Pro | Extension Warehouse (2013) | | Trimble | 2018-2024 | 2018-2024 | SketchUp Free (Web Only) | 2018-2024 Pro | BIM / Revit Import (2024) |
SketchUp is no longer just a desktop app. Trimble currently offers three main tiers:
This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of SketchUp's evolution, from its early startup roots to the modern, collaborative 2026 release. The Evolution of a Legend: A Complete SketchUp Version List
Whether you’re an architect, a woodworker, or a hobbyist, SketchUp has likely been a part of your creative journey. Since its inception in 2000, the software has changed hands from a small startup to Google and finally to Trimble, evolving from a simple "3D for everyone" tool into a sophisticated, professional-grade suite.
Here is the definitive guide to the SketchUp version history and what each major era brought to the table. 1. The @Last Software Era (2000–2006) The software was originally developed by @Last Software Title: A Technical Chronology and Version History of
, co-founded by Brad Schell and Joe Esch in 1999. Their goal was to make 3D modeling as intuitive as drawing with a pencil. SketchUp 1.0 (August 2000):
The initial release that won the "Best New Product" award at its first trade show. SketchUp 2.0 (2002):
Introduced the first macOS version, which won "Best of Show" at Macworld. SketchUp 3.0 (2003) & 4.0/5.0 (2004): Solidified core tools like the features that define SketchUp today. 2. The Google Era (2006–2012) Google acquired SketchUp in 2006 to help populate Google Earth
with 3D buildings. This era saw the introduction of the famous "Free" version. Google SketchUp 6 (January 2007):
The first version to include a completely free downloadable tier. It introduced LayOut (Beta) for 2D presentations and integrated tools for 3D Warehouse Google SketchUp 7 (November 2008): Dynamic Components Continued refinement of modeling tools
—objects that could be scaled or configured with built-in logic. Google SketchUp 8 (September 2010): Integrated Google Maps for geolocating models and added Building Maker tools. 3. The Trimble Era (2012–Present)
Trimble Navigation acquired SketchUp in June 2012. Since then, the software has transitioned from a one-time purchase to a subscription-based ecosystem. The Yearly Release Cycle (2013–2023) SketchUp 2013: Introduced the Extension Warehouse , a dedicated portal for third-party plugins. SketchUp 2017: The final version of SketchUp Make , the last free-to-download desktop version. SketchUp 2018–2022:
This era marked the shift to web-based modeling for free users ( SketchUp Free ) and the official move to annual subscriptions in 2020. The Modern Professional Suite (2024–2026)
In recent years, Trimble has focused on performance, realism, and native collaboration. Top 5 NEW Features in SketchUp 2025 26 Feb 2025 —