The latest version of SketchUp is here and introduces a collection of practical enhancements aimed at improving analysis, workflow efficiency, extension management and presentation quality.
While the update includes refinements across the platform, several standout features are particularly useful for architects, designers and construction professionals.
We have broken down the most important and valuable features in the latest version of SketchUp. If you’re ready to start or take the next step in your SketchUp journey, get in touch with our team to explore your options and find the right solution for you.
One of the most significant additions is Analysis Hub, a new workspace within SketchUp designed to help users evaluate building performance and environmental conditions directly inside their model.
The first tools available are Advanced Shadows and Daylight Analysis, giving architects and designers greater insight into how natural light interacts with a building throughout the day and across different seasons.
Daylight Analysis uses professional analysis engines, Radiance and DaySim, to validate design decisions and optimise natural lighting for occupant comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability goals. It also supports industry-standard daylight metrics, helping teams meet regulatory and environmental requirements with confidence.
Together, these tools make it easier to assess building performance, refine designs early in the project and communicate environmental impact to clients and stakeholders – all without leaving SketchUp.
SketchUp AI is a new add-on subscription that brings trusted AI tools directly into SketchUp, helping you model, visualise and work more efficiently.
Powered by the Nano Banana image model, AI Render 2.5 creates photorealistic renders while preserving your model’s geometry, camera views and materials. You can also refine images using simple text prompts to adjust lighting, materials, landscaping and more, with existing features like inpainting and the render gallery still included.
SketchUp AI also introduces the new AI Assistant, which helps you generate 3D objects from text or image prompts and provides in-app guidance to make modelling faster and learning SketchUp easier.
Together, these AI-powered tools help you move from concept to presentation more quickly, making visualisation and modelling simpler than ever.
SketchUp’s latest collaboration features make it easier to gather feedback and keep projects moving. Users can now share models privately and collaborate directly within SketchUp using in-app commenting and real-time model viewing, helping teams, clients, and stakeholders review designs without relying on lengthy email chains.
The update also introduces greater control over model sharing, allowing you to manage viewer permissions and choose exactly what others can see. These secure sharing tools create a more streamlined review process, making it easier to gather feedback, make informed decisions, and progress projects with confidence.
Private sharing is currently available in SketchUp for Desktop, with expanded sharing capabilities coming soon to SketchUp for Web and iPad.
The updated Add Location workflow makes it easier to place your model in a richer, more realistic site context. With improved access to surrounding 3D buildings and terrain, you can quickly situate designs within their real-world environment.
This helps you better understand how a project fits its surroundings, from massing and orientation through to sun and shadow conditions. It also makes it easier to communicate design intent clearly, giving clients and stakeholders a more complete view of how a proposal responds to its context.
The latest version of SketchUp brings a range of meaningful improvements across modelling, visualisation, collaboration and context. From smarter AI tools and faster workflows to better site integration and improved LayOut performance, the focus is clearly on helping users work more efficiently and communicate designs more effectively.
Rather than relying on major overhauls, this release refines the everyday experience; removing friction, improving clarity and making it easier to move from concept to presentation within a single connected workflow.
If you’d like to see these features in action or understand how they could fit into your workflow, get in touch with our team. We can walk you through the latest updates and help you choose the right SketchUp setup for your business needs.
