SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software that has gained popularity among architects, designers, and hobbyists alike. When using SketchUp, one common question that arises is whether the license for the software expires. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with all the necessary information.
Understanding SketchUp Licensing
Before diving into whether SketchUp licenses expire or not, let’s first understand how SketchUp licensing works. SketchUp offers two types of licenses: a Classic license and a Subscription license.
Classic License
A Classic license is a perpetual license that allows you to use a specific version of SketchUp indefinitely. This means that once you purchase a Classic license, it does not expire. You can continue using the version of SketchUp for which you have a Classic license without any time constraints.
Important Note: While your Classic license does not expire, it only covers updates and support for one year from the date of purchase. After this initial year, you can choose to renew your Maintenance & Support plan annually to continue receiving updates and support.
Subscription License
A Subscription license, on the other hand, is a time-based license that requires you to pay a recurring fee to use the software. With a Subscription license, you have access to the latest version of SketchUp as long as your subscription remains active.
Note: If you decide not to renew your Subscription license, you will lose access to future updates and features provided by SketchUp once your subscription period ends.
The Difference Between Expiration and Access Revocation
It’s important to differentiate between an expiration date associated with licenses and access revocation by Trimble (the company behind SketchUp).
A license expiration refers to the end of the validity period for a specific license. This usually applies to time-based licenses, such as Subscription licenses. Once a license expires, you will need to renew or purchase a new license to continue using SketchUp.
On the other hand, access revocation occurs when Trimble revokes your access to SketchUp due to a violation of their terms of service or licensing agreement. Access can be revoked regardless of whether you have a Classic license or a Subscription license.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have a Classic license for SketchUp, it does not expire. However, it’s crucial to keep your Maintenance & Support plan active if you want to receive updates and support beyond the first year.
If you have a Subscription license, your access to SketchUp will expire once your subscription period ends unless you renew it. Remember that Trimble can also revoke your access if you violate their terms of service.
Now that you have a clear understanding of how SketchUp licenses work and whether they expire or not, you can confidently make decisions regarding which type of license suits your needs best.