SketchUp caters to both beginners and professionals - with different plans and prices based upon the designer’s experience level and project needs.

Take a moment to review some of the SKP advantages and disadvantages before drawing up a design in this format. SketchUp also offers a 3D Warehouse, a free model library where you can find and add standard parts to your designs. SKP files support 3D printing, allowing designers to bring their models to life in a physical form. But the program’s reach stretches a long way - into sectors as varied as video games, interior design, and landscaping. SketchUp’s 3D modeling capabilities make it ideal for detailed architectural plans. You can use the SKP file format to store a range of 2D and 3D designs. There’s also a premium Pro version for desktop - although this comes with a fee. A free, web-only version is available for beginners.

The SketchUp program and SKP images have become more advanced over time, offering different versions of the software depending on the designer’s experience level. Search engine giant, Google, subsequently acquired it in 2006, followed by Trimble Navigation in 2012. I've a Simlab licence for a Revit to Sketchup exporter which I must update to 2021 and try out.US start-up, Software, developed the SKP format and launched it in 2000. Import it into Formit, save as Formit file, import Formit model into Revit. Incidentally I brought this Sketchup model into Revit via a tip I saw on a reseller's blog. Works a treat - at least for orbiting in the Sketchup Viewer - zoom in and out doesn't work so far. I plugged in my 3DConnexions CADmouse and that worked (USB-C to USB adapter) then the obvious occurred to me - remove the cable and just pair the Bluetooth CADmouse. Then I thought - wouldn't it be nice to be able to manipulate the model remotely at the meeting - given that we are all meant to self distance etc. So as to be able to show clients a Sketchup model sent by oak roof truss manufacturers I installed the Sketchup Viewer.

I had my first site meeting tryout with an iPad Pro (12.9') with Magic Keyboard yesterday - very nice too.

Sketchup viewer ipad