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To download SketchUp’s current desktop release, go to the official download page, choose Windows or macOS, and check the system requirements before installing. You can also model in a browser without downloading desktop software, or get SketchUp for iPad from Apple’s App Store.
If you’re asking “How do I download SketchUp?”, start by choosing the version that fits how you plan to work: desktop for the full desktop modeler, web for browser-based modeling, or iPad for tablet use.
Choose how you want to use SketchUp
| Your need | Choose | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Install the desktop modeler | Download SketchUp for Windows or macOS | The official download page identifies SketchUp 2026 as the current desktop release and lists a Windows offline installer as well as OS-specific downloads. |
| Model in a browser without a desktop install | SketchUp for Web | It runs in a browser, requires a Trimble ID, and does not require a paid SketchUp subscription. |
| Use the described free web tier | SketchUp Free | The official page describes web modeling, mobile viewing, 3D Warehouse access, 10 GB of Trimble Connect storage, SKP/JPG/PNG imports, and SKP/PNG/STL exports. Confirm current features on the page because plan inclusions can change. |
| Use SketchUp on an iPad | Find SketchUp in Apple’s App Store | The official download page directs iPad users to the App Store and to check the device requirements. |
| Try paid professional features | SketchUp Pro trial | The trial flow requires a Trimble ID, downloading and installing the version for your operating system, and signing in. The trial page says a credit card is not needed. |
Plan names matter if you need desktop tools. SketchUp Go includes web and iPad modelers but not the desktop modeler; Pro adds the desktop modeler and 2D documentation. The browser version itself can be used without a subscription. Plan availability and pricing may vary by geography and billing term, so check the current plan page rather than relying on an older quoted price.
Check system requirements before downloading
SketchUp’s system requirements list desktop versions 2024, 2025, and 2026 as supported; 2023 and earlier are unsupported. The listed supported environments include Windows 11 and macOS 14 or later, including macOS 15 and 26. Installing and authorizing a subscription requires internet access.
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Windows desktop
- SketchUp recommends a processor of 2 GHz or faster, at least 8 GB of RAM, 6 GB of available disk space, and a discrete graphics card.
- The newer graphics engine requires DirectX 12 feature-level 11.0 support.
Mac desktop
- The listed recommendation includes 8 GB of RAM and 6 GB of free disk space.
- The newer graphics engine requires Metal 2 support.
These are SketchUp’s vendor requirements and recommendations, not independent performance tests. Check the official page for your exact computer and intended graphics mode before installing.
Browser modeling
For SketchUp for Web, the vendor recommends current versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. The app uses WebAssembly; where available, WebGPU powers its newer graphics engine. SketchUp says the browser checks for WebGPU and enables that engine by default when supported.
Download and install the desktop version
- Open the official SketchUp download page and review the system requirements for your operating system.
- Choose the Windows or macOS installer. On Windows, choose the offline installer if you need one; SketchUp says it can take longer to download because it includes available languages.
- Run the installer. The Windows online installer supplies the required Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 and .NET Framework 4.5.2 components if they are missing.
- On Windows, open the installer with administrator privileges. Follow SketchUp’s current installation instructions if a security warning or other installation issue appears.
- Sign in with your Trimble ID when prompted to authorize your subscription or trial.
You do not need to remove previous SketchUp versions before installing or updating, according to the installation instructions. SketchUp also recommends keeping graphics drivers current.
What if you do not want to install desktop software?
Use SketchUp for Web in a supported browser. It is a separate browser-based route rather than a desktop download, and a Trimble ID is needed. SketchUp states that “SketchUp for Web does not require a SketchUp subscription.” Check the current free-plan page for the features and storage included with SketchUp Free.
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If you want an iPad workflow, use the App Store route listed on SketchUp’s download page and confirm your iPad meets the requirements. A Pro trial is the more appropriate route if you specifically need paid professional functionality; its official trial page describes the download, install, and sign-in steps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need a special mouse?
No. SketchUp says a three-button scroll-wheel mouse is not required, but it makes orbiting, zooming, and precise positioning easier. Choose one only if that navigation style would help your modeling work; SketchUp does not endorse a particular brand or model.
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