Trimble releases beta version of Sketchup for browser

With the growing need for all team members (Architect, Engineers, Contractors, Fabricators amongst others) involved in construction projects to be able to collaborate on a project in real-time, cloud-based services will continue to grow in popularity, with companies increasingly focused on developing software packages using a cloud-first philosophy.

With this in mind, Trimble, the company responsible for many of the most popular AEC software packages such as Tekla, Orion and SketchUp, has released the beta version of its SketchUp for browser.

This web version, to be known as my.SketchUp, will be able to run in any of the modern browsers such as Firefox or Chrome. If you create a new Trimble account, the company offers free 10 GB free personal storage. A major benefit of a browser-based software is that you also won't need to update the software as it will always have the most up-to-date functionalities.






Better news about the release is that even though it will be web-based, it will still come with all of the functionalities contained in the desktop version. This beta version, however, will be limited to the tools most common to SketchUp users.

With the cloud-based model, team members will be able to access their model from any computer, anywhere in the world, with or without the software installed.

The files created for the web version are also 100% compatible with the desktop version as it is also stored in the same .skp file format.

You can try it out by signing up for an invite at my.SketchUp.com. Have further questions? visit the my.SketchUp FAQs page to learn more

NB: The service is still limited to desktop and has not been optimised for mobile devices.

Image Credit: sketchup.com

About SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D-modelling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro.

SketchUp is currently owned by Trimble Navigation.