What Was the Last Free SketchUp Version?
If you’re a 3D modeling enthusiast or professional, you might be familiar with SketchUp, a popular software for creating stunning 3D designs. Over the years, SketchUp has undergone several updates and changes in its licensing model. In this article, we’ll explore the question: What was the last free version of SketchUp?
Understanding SketchUp’s Licensing Model
SketchUp was initially released as a free software back in 2000 by @Last Software. Its intuitive interface and powerful features quickly gained popularity among designers and architects. However, in 2006, Google acquired @Last Software and started offering two versions of SketchUp: SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro.
SketchUp Free, as the name suggests, was available at no cost to users. It provided essential modeling capabilities and allowed users to create impressive designs without any financial burden. On the other hand, SketchUp Pro offered advanced features tailored for professionals who required additional tools for their projects.
The Last Free Version
The last version of SketchUp that was available for free to users was SketchUp Make 2017. It was released by Trimble Navigation Limited, which acquired Google’s sketchup division in 2012. With SketchUp Make 2017, users could still access many powerful features without spending a dime.
However, it is important to note that starting from November 2017 onwards, Trimble discontinued the availability of future free versions of SketchUp. Instead, they introduced a subscription-based model called SketchUp Pro Subscription, which required users to pay on a monthly or annual basis to access all the features.
Benefits of Upgrading to SketchUp Pro Subscription
While it’s disappointing that SketchUp no longer offers a free version, the Pro Subscription comes with some significant advantages:
- Access to the latest features: Subscribers get immediate access to all the latest updates and improvements in SketchUp.
- Increased support: With a Pro Subscription, users receive priority technical support from the SketchUp team.
- Additional tools and plugins: The Pro version offers a wide range of extensions and plugins that enhance functionality and boost productivity.
- Collaboration capabilities: Subscribers can easily collaborate with others by sharing projects via the cloud or integrating with other software like Trimble Connect.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, while the last free version of SketchUp was SketchUp Make 2017, users now have to subscribe to the SketchUp Pro model to access all its features. The transition from a free model to a subscription-based one might be disappointing for some, but it also brings significant benefits for professionals who rely on SketchUp for their work. So, if you’re serious about taking your 3D modeling skills to the next level, considering a SketchUp Pro subscription might be worth it.