The 3D modeling software now offers photorealistic materials and lighting options, as well as better transitions between SketchUp and other industry applications.
Trimble’s latest software update for SketchUp includes new visualization and interoperability capabilities. The 3D modeling software now offers photorealistic materials and lighting options, as well as better transitions between SketchUp and other industry applications. With expanded visualization tools and interoperability, the version makes it easier for designers to build, manage, and share complicated projects, allowing them to perform better work faster, with less effort and rework.
“SketchUp’s 2025 release introduces a new generation of visualization,” stated Sandra Winstead, Trimble’s senior director of product management, architecture, and design. “These simple yet powerful tools assist designers in visualizing and understanding their ideas utilizing more realistic materials, allowing them to make more educated material decisions and create stunning images without leaving SketchUp. Furthermore, new interoperability upgrades with Revit and IFC files allow designers to move more quickly in and out of SketchUp, resulting in faster design workflows, improved collaboration, and greater accuracy in project execution.
Designers may use the new visualization features to apply photorealistic materials, turn on environment lighting, and see how they interact in real time without having to hit a’render’ button or wait for changes. From whitebox massing studies and stylized pictures to photorealistic visuals, environmental lighting conditions, and fresh backdrop imagery, the capabilities provide a more complete understanding of a project’s materiality. The most recent visualization features include:
- Environments: 360-degree HDRI or EXR image data serve as a light source, reflecting off photorealistic materials.
- Photoreal Materials: Dynamic materials correctly transmit texture and simulate how real-world materials absorb and reflect light, resulting in richer, more realistic images in SketchUp.
- Ambient Occlusion: Increases apparent depth and realism by emphasizing corners and edges, with or without materials applied.
“Accessing high-quality, realistic materials directly within the platform has made it so much easier to quickly present designs that resonate with clients,” said Kate Hatherell, The Interior Designers Hub’s director. “This feature is a game changer for accelerating workflows, and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve.”
The latest version also includes improved interoperability with Revit and IFC files, such as more predictable IFC roundtrips, greater control over which Revit elements and 3D views are imported, and better support for photorealistic materials when exporting USD and glTF file formats. From original concept to final construction, stronger interoperability ensures a smooth roundtrip data flow between different software platforms and partners at all phases of project development.
“The IFC import feature is incredible,” remarked Lucas Grolla, the architect and owner of Grolla Arquitetura. “It has significantly enhanced the coordination of various project models and architectural design. Furthermore, the new material editor and HDRI styles provide limitless possibilities for project visualisation.
In addition, LayOut, a tool for producing papers from SketchUp models, has been modified to give a more consistent user experience. 3D Warehouse, one of the world’s largest 3D model libraries, now includes curated photoreal materials, environments, and customisable 3D assets in the SketchUp content library, enabling a diverse range of use cases and workflows. Designers may model more efficiently with 3D Warehouse’s pre-built, configurable objects that better meet their design requirements without the time investment generally necessary to create tailored 3D assets.
Availability
Visualization upgrades are available across the SketchUp ecosystem, ensuring consistency across platforms: SketchUp for Web, iPad, and Desktop, LayOut, 3DW, and viewers. Those interested in subscribing to SketchUp can choose a plan or begin a free trial at https://www.sketchup.com/try-sketchup.
