Trimble has released SketchUp 2025, introducing real-time photorealistic materials that dynamically react to lighting conditions. These materials feature physically based reflectivity, transparency, and roughness, allowing users to preview real-world material behavior without requiring an external renderer. The update affects all SketchUp editions, including Desktop, Web, and iPad.
Environment Lighting with HDRI and EXR
Lighting simulation has also improved: SketchUp now supports 360-degree HDRI and EXR images as light sources. Instead of relying on generic ambient lighting, users can import high-dynamic-range images to simulate realistic environmental lighting, enhancing material realism. The feature is available across the SketchUp ecosystem, including LayOut.
Ambient Occlusion for More Depth
Another key addition is ambient occlusion, a shading technique that increases depth perception by simulating how light interacts with corners and edges. Even when no materials are applied, ambient occlusion improves model clarity, making it easier to interpret spatial relationships in architectural and industrial designs.
Expanded Interoperability and File Support
SketchUp 2025 further refines Revit and IFC file integration, allowing for more predictable IFC roundtrips and enhanced control over which Revit elements are imported. The update also improves USD and glTF export, now with support for photorealistic materials. This makes SketchUp more compatible with visualization pipelines that use real-time engines like Unreal Engine and Unity.
Updated 3D Warehouse and LayOut Workflow
3D Warehouse has been expanded with curated photoreal materials, environments, and configurable 3D assets, reducing the need to create assets from scratch. Meanwhile, LayOut’s UX has been updated to improve consistency with SketchUp’s interface, providing a smoother document creation experience.
Pricing and Availability
SketchUp 2025 is compatible with Windows 10+ and macOS 12.0+. It is available as a subscription-based service:
- SketchUp Go (browser + iPad) – $119/year
- SketchUp Pro (desktop + LayOut) – $349/year
- SketchUp Studio (full suite) – $749/year
- SketchUp Free (web-based, feature-limited) – Free
Final Thoughts
SketchUp 2025 delivers a noticeable leap in visual realism and interoperability. While it doesn’t replace dedicated render engines, the real-time material and lighting previews provide faster, more informed design decisions. As always, test these new features thoroughly before integrating them into your workflow.
