SketchUp 2015

Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 6, 2014. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

The 3D modelling software SketchUp is aimed primarily at architects, designers and engineers. The software enables the creation of detailed 3D models for presentations or construction data and the exchange of CAD data, images and files with other software packages.

The 2015 version includes the following features:
64-bit version
SketchUp is now also available as a 64-bit version for Windows 7/8 versions. The 64-bit version removes the limitation of usable memory to ~2.5 GB, which especially benefits large models, saving and opening
large documents, exporting high-resolution images and video animations, and memory-intensive rendering extensions or plug-ins.

Face generation
The function for automatically generating faces has been improved in terms of speed, so that a substantially higher working speed is achieved, particularly when dissolving large groups.

Fast line styles
SketchUp automatically recognises which line styles are particularly suitable for fast screen output and marks them with a stopwatch label in the Styles dialogue.

Rotated rectangle
The "Rotated Rectangle" tool can now create rectangles directly at a defined angle and independently of the main axes.

3-point arc
With the "3-Point Arc" tool, the radius of an arc can be freely defined by selecting any three construction points. Four arc tools are therefore available.

IFC import
With IFC import, IFC data can now also be imported, enabling bidirectional communication with BIM applications (Building Information Modeling) while retaining the metadata. The classification tool used for this has been expanded with further object types.

Text labels
The tool for creating text labels has been expanded to use broken leader lines and labels with additional information such as component attributes, BIM classifiers and an area calculation.

Here is the SketchUp download.
The SketchUp Pro version is available for around 458 euros (single-seat licence) or as a network licence (at least 10 licences, 1,005 euros). One to three years of maintenance including upgrades can be added for an annual fee (at least 113 euros for a single licence for one year, up to, for example, 319 euros per year for a network licence for three years).

In addition to a free trial version for 30 days, students, lecturers and educational institutions also have the option of purchasing the software under an Educational License.

Introductory videos

Anyone who wants to take a closer look at SketchUp will find four parts of an introductory video to the programme here. Further videos and 3D models can be found on the manufacturer’s website:

Getting started with SketchUp – Part 1