Furthermore, the 2020 version’s compatibility with older hardware and its robust support for legacy plugins make it a reliable workhorse. It provides all the essential tools for professional 3D visualization—custom styles, shadow studies, and section cuts—without the overhead of unnecessary cloud features.
: SketchUp can automatically tile large models across multiple standard sheets of paper (e.g., A4 or Letter), which can then be taped together to create a full-scale stencil.
: You can manually rotate faces until they lie flat on the XY plane. It is recommended to use Components for each face so that changes to the 3D model are reflected in the flat version. google sketchup pro 2020
: An advanced paid tool for construction estimating that provides instant cost and quantity take-offs. Estimator for SketchUp
💡 Use the 'Style Builder' in SketchUp 2020 to create a signature hand-drawn look for your renders, helping your presentations stand out from generic CAD exports. To help you get the most out of your 3D workflow: : You can manually rotate faces until they
| Feature | SketchUp Pro 2020 | SketchUp 2025 (latest) | |---------|------------------|------------------------| | | Perpetual or Subscription | Subscription only | | Cloud saves | Optional (Trimble Connect) | Integrated (mandatory for some features) | | Scan-to-BIM | Manual with plugins | Built-in Scan Essentials | | Revit import | Via paid plugin | Native .RVT import (Studio version) | | Real-time rendering | No (needs V-Ray) | Built-in (Studio subscription) | | UI | Classic SketchUp (toolbar-based) | Updated icons and dark mode |
But here is why it still has value:
SketchUp Pro 2020 includes LayOut , a dedicated application for transforming 3D models into 2D drawing sheets.
In 2020, Trimble still offered a (buy once, own forever) for SketchUp Pro, costing around $695 for a new license and $195/year for an optional maintenance plan. Today, Trimble only offers subscriptions (Classic: $349/year, Studio: $749/year). Estimator for SketchUp 💡 Use the 'Style Builder'