SketchUp 2025 Release: Better Visuals, IFC improvements and more!

Posted on by

SketchUp 2025 is here with a strong focus on visualisation and improved workflow efficiency. This update introduces photorealistic materials, better interoperability, and a range of new tools to enhance the design experience. Below is a breakdown of the key updates:

Visualisation & Rendering Improvements

  • Photorealistic Materials (PBR):
    • New physically-based rendering (PBR) materials for realistic textures.
    • Materials include smooth, rough, shiny, and metallic surfaces.
    • Easy drag-and-drop application with automatic UV mapping.
    • AI-powered texture generation and pattern fixing.
    • Not yet fully compatible with V-Ray 7 (manual mapping required).
  • Environments:
    • Support for 360-degree image-based environments (Skybox).
    • Upload custom environments (up to 8K resolution) or select from 3D Warehouse.
    • Dynamic lighting interaction with PBR materials.
    • Adjustable sun positioning, reflection intensity, and shadow settings.

3D Warehouse Updates

  • Subscriber-Only Content Library:
    • Curated high-quality models from SketchUp’s team.
    • Includes furniture, photorealistic materials, and environments.
  • Configurable Models:
    • Adjust object parameters using sliders before placement.
    • Includes furniture and architectural elements (doors, walls, windows).

Interoperability Enhancements

  • IFC Improvements:
    • Up to 85% reduction in file size when importing IFC files.
    • Faster import times.
    • Improved tagging and class recognition for better file organisation.
    • More predictable IFC exports with improved metadata retention.
  • Revit Importer:
    • Now usable without a Revit licence.
    • Select specific 3D views to import.
    • Retains metadata for BIM workflows.
  • Scan Essentials:
    • UI updated to match SketchUp for better usability.
    • Easier navigation and onboarding for new users.

LayOut Enhancements

  • Updated UI for a consistent SketchUp experience.
  • Standalone Move, Rotate, and Scale Tools for easier object manipulation.
  • Zoom Window improvements for better navigation.
  • Enhanced Print and Export Functions with more predictable output.
  • Photorealistic materials and new visual styles now visible in LayOut.

Additional Updates

  • Scene Tag Management:
    • Apply tags directly to scenes for easier visibility adjustments.
  • Trimble Connect Enhancements:
    • Manage cloud-based components in shared projects.
  • V-Ray 7 for SketchUp:
    • Improved viewport rendering.
    • New virtual tours and stylised rendering presets.
  • Style Builder Removal:
    • No longer included in SketchUp Desktop editions.
  • Windows Installer Update:
    • Redesigned for a more straightforward setup process.
  • Enterprise Admin Controls:
    • Organisations can now disable AI-powered texture generation.
  • Extension Migration Tool:
    • Transfer plugins from previous SketchUp versions easily.

Try SketchUp 2025 Today

Already have a SketchUp licence? Upgrade to SketchUp 2025 and get started. If you’re new, explore the Sketchup Go, Pro and Studio versions to find the best fit for your workflow.