SketchUp

SketchUp Licensing: All the questions that you want to ask

Why pay annually? What do you get with a Sketchup license? Does Sketchup have a web version? We have your questions covered.


 

One of the most popular 3D modeling software – SketchUp, has different types of licensing. However, let’s begin from the beginning.

There are two types of software:

Web (online, runs through a browser) 
The available SketchUp web versions are SketchUp Free, SketchUp Shop, and SketchUp Pro.

Desktop (installation file for Windows or MAC, runs by starting the program)
There is only one available SketchUp desktop version: SketchUp Pro.

 

SketchUp versionsBefore we take a closer look at each one of them, it is important to remember: First of all, you need to create your own Trimble account to start working. Second, remember your email and password for your personal account. 

How to create your Trimble account

You’ll need a Trimble ID to log into any of the SketchUp online resources including, 3D Warehouse, Extension Warehouse, and SketchUp Web and Shop. You’ll also need this login within SketchUp Pro for your subscription, or in the SketchUp Pro classic to use any of the previously mentioned resources within the software

Once you’ve arrived at a Sign-in page, just follow the steps to create your account.

You can access the Sign-in page here:

Or watch our tutorial video:

 

 

SketchUp Versions

Your favorite SketchUp comes with several versions that you can use depending on your personal needs and proficiency level.  

SketchUp Free version – only Web

The free version is entirely web-based called SketchUp Free. To use it you only need an internet browser and internet access. Go to the official SketchUp Free page and log in with your Trimble account to start modeling. You do not need to install the software. Its‘ interface is different from that of the Pro version. Here you have the opportunity to model and texture your projects.

 

SketchUp Free InterfaceSketchUp Free Interface 

 

SketchUp Shop – only Web

SketchUp Shop is an improved version of SketchUp Free. To use it you need a subscription (connection) for one year. This version runs via an Internet browser. Again, you need a Trimble account to log in. The differences in SketchUp Shop are several – you can model and texture, and additionally, you have at your disposal the entire 3D warehouse library. Also, you have unlimited Cloud Storage for projects to keep and support. 

SketchUp Shop InterfaceSketchUp Shop Interface

 

SketchUp PRO – Desktop

This is the most popular version of SketchUp. You need a Trimble account to log in. There are two types of licenses – annual and classic. Both of those licenses do not require an internet connection and you can start your modeling process directly on the desktop.

  1. The annual Sketchup license is a subscription (connection) for one year. This license can run for 28 days a month without using the internet. You need to log in to the license server periodically.
  2. The perpetual license is permanent. After the installation you have a perpetual license, you do not need an internet connection. However, have in mind that this type of license will be available only to the end of October 2020.

 

Both license types are Desktop, you need to download and install it from the SketchUp site after logging in to your Trimble account. You do not need a browser after installation. 

The differences with the Web version are huge. After installation, you get two more software programs that work perfectly with SketchUp. The first is LayOut, with which you can easily make the technical documentation of your project. The second software is Style builder. With it, you can easily create your own style of your project. You can upgrade the software by installing your preferred extensions.

 

SketchUp Pro InterfaceSketchUp Pro Interface

 

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Be healthy & happy Sketching!

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