SketchUp 2019 is Here!

SketchUp has shared the long-awaited release of their 2019 version of software.  That means users are in for some changes. As of right now those changes are being met with a range of mixed reviews.  I’m excited to share the news with you. And would love to hear your thoughts – both good and bad. Let’s dig in…

It’s not surprising to see a shift in the business model since SketchUp was taken over from Google by Trimble.  I’m not really even that surprised at this year’s BIGGEST change, because it seems like what most software companies are doing these days.  Yes I’m talking about the shift from a perpetual software license to a yearly subscription plan. AutoCAD did it too so I guess it wasn’t that big of a question as to whether or not Trimble was going to jump on this bandwagon.

But don’t worry… for the time being you can still get a perpetual license for SketchUp Pro. It’s now called “SketchUp Classic.” It’s clear as of right now just how long they will continue to offer this version. For now it’s still around if you choose to go this route. If you already use SketchUp Pro and your Maintenance & Support is up-to-date, you should be on the lookout for an email from SketchUp about how to go ahead an upgrade to the new 2019 version. Just be aware the Classic version doesn’t include some of the new online features.

New SketchUp Plans & Pricing…

• SketchUp Free – This is the free web-based, basic version of SketchUp for use directly in your internet browser.  10GB of storage with Trimble Connect. Mobile SketchUp Viewer app for Android & iPhone. Basic import & export options.  Doesn’t allow the use of pluggins/extensions. No customization of Styles or Materials.

• SketchUp Shop Subscription ($119/year) – Premium online modeler. Unlimited storage with Trimble Connect.  AR/VR Mobile Viewer. Advanced import & export options – including CAD files.  Doesn’t allow the use of pluggins/extensions. Basic customization of Styles or Materials.

• SketchUp Pro Subscription ($299/year) – Professional desktop software and Premium Online Modeler (Shop).  Useable both online and offline. Unlimited storage with Trimble Connect.  AR/VR Mobile Viewer. XR Headset Viewing that works with Vive, Oculus, Hololens, & WMR.  Professional import & export options – including CAD files. Access to Core Ruby API & Extension Warehouse.  LayOut (desktop) for creating scaled drawing sets from SketchUp models. Advanced customization of Styles or Materials.  Style Builder software.

• SketchUp Studio Subscription ($1199/year) – Everything from SketchUp Pro Subscription plus Sefaira software for real-time energy analysis, daylight visualization, and HVAC sizing.

• SketchUp Pro Classic ($695 one time + $120/per year for annual updates) – Professional desktop software (does not include online modeler).  10GB of storage with Trimble Connect. Free Mobile Viewer (no AR/VR of Headset Viewing).  Professional import & export options – including CAD files. Access to Core Ruby API & Extension Warehouse.  LayOut (desktop) for creating scaled drawing sets from SketchUp models. Advanced customization of Styles or Materials.  Style Builder software.

New Features…

• New updated look to desktop and online versions
• Dashed line layer settings in SketchUp that translate into LayOut.
• New update to the Tape Measure tool to show measurements right where you’re modeling.  (Makes me think of the Dynamic Input feature in AutoCAD to an extent.)
• Finally LayOut will let you know if a file is already open so you don’t end up creating multiple versions or overwriting something.
• Trimble Connect allows you to collaboration with coworkers or clients.  You can even create tasks and leave comments for someone working on the same project.
• The online modeler received some export updates for as well as more style options for subscribers.
• There’s now more options for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality viewing both on mobile devices and headsets (depending on your subscription plan).
• SketchUp Campus now offers some basic built-in learning courses.
• The 3D Warehouse now has categories for easier searching.
• The Sefaira software (Studio subscription) allows you to see building performance analysis.

The Pros & Cons…

There are always pros & cons when the software you’re interested in switches over to a subscription based plan.  The cost in the beginning is obviously less ($695 vs $299). If you run the math it balances out after 3 years. But if you go the subscription route the price year to year is more.  When it comes to comparing the Classic Pro version of SketchUp to the new subscription version, you actually get more product for the price because of all the added online, app, and storage features.  

At the same time you have to consider what happens when you decide you still want to model and document with SketchUp and LayOut but you don’t want to continue paying for a subscription.  With the Classic license, you own that and have access to it forever. When you stop the subscription, you lose access to SketchUp completely.

My plan right now is to upgrade my existing perpetual license to the new 2019 version and work in it for a bit.  I know that at some point soon I will switch over to the subscription version so I can take full advantage of all the new features (especially the AR/VR viewing capabilities).

I would love to hear your take on these new changes, so leave a comment below.  Are you a current SketchUp users? Is the new pricing an incentive to start using this software?  Let me know…