What’s New in SketchUp 2018? Changing the Free Version, Sectioning Tools. Layout Changes, and More!

Do you like these SketchUp tutorials and videos?

If so, please consider supporting me on Patreon (click here to support)!

SketchUp Changelog – https://help.sketchup.com/en/article/141303
SketchUp Make Forum Post – https://forums.sketchup.com/t/what-s-up-with-sketchup-make/55219
SketchUp Pro Forum Post – https://forums.sketchup.com/t/sketchup-pro-2018-is-here/55264

Yesterday, SketchUp 2018 was released. I haven’t had a chance to do an in-depth dive into the new features, but here’s an overview of what I’ve found so far. If I miss anything, I’ll put out an updated video in the future.

The biggest change is the reconfiguration of the versions. There’s no longer a downloadable free version. The free version is now hosted on the internet. My.SketchUp has been renamed to SketchUp free and will now be the free version of SketchUp. The Make 2017 version will remain downloadable from SketchUp’s website.

SketchUp Free

  • Web based version – can save models – no extensions
  • Access at app.sketchup.com

SketchUp Pro

Drawing and Miscellaneous Changes

  • Rectangles can now be drawn about center with the control key
  • Freehand color coding – tool changes color based on axis it’s perpendicular to.
  • Tape measure improvements – automatic area of faces and lines as you mouse over
  • Native STL Import/Export
  • Sectioning Tools
  • New Sectioning Tools – automatic coloring of section cuts
  • Naming/managing section tools using the outliner
  • Select a color for fills using the Styles dialogue
  • Improved section plane performance

BIM Functions

  • Custom Reporting
  • Advanced Attributes
  • IFC Files – Attributes go along with your model when you export them

Layout Functions

  • Scaled Vector Drawing
  • DWG Import
  • Improved inferencing for LayOut – Chamfering/filleting/arcs/offset arrays, etc

How do you feel about these new features? Leave a comment below and let me know!

About Justin Geis

Hi, I'm Justin Geis, and I'm the founder of The SketchUp Essentials. I started using SketchUp as part of my work as a general contractor in 2008. I quickly realized the power of the software and started using it for personal projects. I started The SketchUp Essentials as a place to share easy to follow SketchUp tutorials and tips to help everyone harness the power of 3D Modeling in their lives. When not working with SketchUp, I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my wife and our two dogs.