In August 2000, @LastSoftware officially launched the first version of SketchUp. Initially, it served as a versatile 3D creation tool. Thanks to its simplicity, ease of use, and short learning curve compared to other 3D modeling software at the time, it quickly gained popularity among professionals in the construction industry. Following this, SketchUp was further optimized and enhanced specifically for architectural design needs.
In March 2006, Google acquired @LastSoftware and, the following year, released Google SketchUp 6. This version introduced Google SketchUp LayOut along with a suite of 2D vector tools, enabling users to export 3D models as 2D vector graphics. This advancement allowed architects not only to create 3D models in SketchUp but also to generate 2D drawings from those models, laying the groundwork for the later integration of “AutoCAD + SketchUp” in architectural workflows.
In November 2008, SketchUp 7 was released, introducing dynamic components—a major breakthrough for the software. These components allow models to have attributes that dynamically alter various properties, making the models interactive and more versatile.
In June 2012, Trimble, a U.S.-based navigation company, acquired SketchUp from Google to further expand its capabilities. In 2013, Trimble officially launched SketchUp 2013 Pro, which added support for third-party extensions via the Extension Warehouse, offering a range of design tool plugins that streamlined and accelerated the SketchUp workflow.
November 2014 saw the release of SketchUp 2015 Pro, marking a significant leap in BIM functionality. Key improvements included:
- New IFC file import capabilities, enabling SketchUp to directly import IFC files and exchange building information models bidirectionally with other BIM software;
- Upgraded classification tools with report generation based on classifications, including tagging for IFCBuilding and IFCBuildingStory elements;
- Integration of intelligent labels (LabelAuto Test) in LayOut, allowing extraction of comprehensive data from building models—such as component definitions, classification info, and area calculations—with automatic metadata updates in LayOut references.
SketchUp 2016 Pro, released in November 2015, introduced integration with Trimble Connect, offering a collaborative design platform. This enabled efficient storage, synchronization, and sharing of project design and construction information, facilitating teamwork within the SketchUp environment.
In November 2017, Trimble released SketchUp 2018. While SketchUp 2017 had limited BIM enhancements, the 2018 version made substantial progress, including:
- Advanced Attributes for components, providing detailed information such as price, size, URL, owner, status, and type;
- Improved IFC file import and export capabilities, ensuring component data is transmitted through IFC files;
- Aggregated Reports feature that automatically generates summary tables of component data, helping designers produce detailed quantity takeoffs and cost lists.
In recent years, Trimble has continuously expanded and updated SketchUp’s features to meet the growing demand for BIM functionality across construction professions. By 2020, with the release of SketchUp 2020 Pro, the software had significantly advanced its BIM capabilities, establishing a solid foundation for integration into BIM workflows.
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