SketchUp Pro 2023 Review: Has Trimble Diluted SketchUp?

[@BrentNyquist]

Well said Mike. I too would consider myself a core user and am increasingly frustrated that Trimble continues to put time and energy into developing tasks that bring no added benifit to me nor my ability to make a living using their product. It seams clear that those in charge of developing new features for Sketchup are not actually using the software in a real world scenerio nor are they actively taking imput from their users into account when looking to add or improve features.

[@bellousow2607]

As always you are absolutely right . I think they should focus more on LayOut and the style I mean add a kind of ambiant occlusion to the style panel . .. better performance in LayOut…

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Bellou! I could definitely dig on that... Improve the "SketchUp look" that has been static for so many years. Embrace the sketch style and run with it. Seems like a no-brainer!

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@ShomitSarkar]

U r absolutely 💯 % right on this roast. I have not yet upgraded my SketchUp from 2021, let alone the shivers to move on to 2023, mainly for the reason as I am at risk of getting stuck midway due to some vital plugin not being yet compatible with the new SU. The Sketchup team has been pure stingy in rolling out features and I really find the new mirror tool of being more gimmicky than being an actual upgraded feature. Had it been for plug devs like tomthom, fredo, tig, eneroth, and many more legends not existing, then SketchUp would have ended several years ago already. Very true that I would have loved to see SU and layout becoming one seamless package to get models and drawings in the same space rather than hopping between 2 separate apps and updating the model at every hop.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Shomit! I hear that all... the... time! not about being right, but about users not migrating to the new version. It's a terrible technical process to migrate all those plugins and licenses. that could have been a nice pain point to relieve. Stingy is an understatement! The lead feature is an installer?! followed by an importer?! followed by the flip tool!? Another nothing release... Disappointing! I don't mind that SketchUp and LayOut are separate programs since I use LayOut for more than just presenting SketchUp models. You might try opening your .skp from the LayOut Reference manager, creates a live link and I think it improves performance. On save, your model is automatically reloaded in LayOut.

[@ShomitSarkar]

@Brightman Designs i will give the layout reference manager a try..is it available in SU2021?

[@BrightmanDesigns]

@@ShomitSarkar definitely! File dropdown > Document Setup > References. Select your .skp then click Edit. This will open SketchUp, then make your revisions and save, once you hop back in LayOut the reference automatically updates.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

@@ShomitSarkar Definitely! give it a twirl!

[@rendericeib4513]

dont do it

[@jasonjarvis9718]

Great review, I was going to upgrade from 2022 but maybe not now. Condoc and Medeek is where it's at. I've been having some success generating plans, still a lot to learn but enjoying learning as I go. Thanks Michael for all you're doing for us residential designers.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

JJ! Still worth upgrading, but I suppose there's no rush. LayOut has some tiny minuscule improvements... Regardless, I always try to stay on the latest version. Stay tuned for some more action on Medeek and ConDoc... We are working on a new feature that opens up even more compatibility. And of course I have a .condoc drawing set for Medeek... Coming very soon! You are very welcome and thanks for your support!

[@jasonjarvis9718]

@Brightman Designs Awesome, looking forward to the future of Condoc and Medeek

[@JAWSnAZ]

Great video as always. You are deffinately one of the OG Professional Pioneers. I wish Trimble would build a team of you guys to help map out a solid Arch Design direction for the development of SKetchUp and Layout. I want to see you, Nick Sonder, Jon Brock, Medeek, and a few others that are actual using SU and LO in their daily Arch/Design profession to get permitted construction projects.

[@PaulineFerguson]

This would be awesome. A masterclass option for workflow.

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@mearkitek3773]

I’m a retired architect & educator and I couldn’t agree more. Now all of SketchUp’s tutorials are for iPad! Do you have any suggestions for getting SketchUp Warehouse models for 2019 version?!? BTW you do incredible work.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

I gave SketchUp for Ipad a fair shake... but I don't get it!? Modeling with a stylus is so clunky. Every tool as 3x the options to lock axes. Plus it's an underpowered tablet and crashed constantly. I felt handcuffed. It's like the modeling in VR request I hear a lot. You think you want it until you have it. It would be exhausting to spend the day modeling in VR, or even 20 minutes. Similar scenario with SketchUp for Ipad. I think there was a lot of noise because users think they want it, but now that it's out, who is using this in a productive way? and would you rather have SketchUp for Ipad... or improvements in SketchUp Pro and LayOut!? The markup tools are okay, but far from complete... and as far as I can tell more of an ipad feature than a SketchUp feature. Not sure on how to get them saved back without SketchUp Pro. Maybe you could download the collada and import into SketchUp 2019? Or use SketchUp for Web to export a format that will get into SketchUp 2019? Thanks for the positive feedback, much appreciated!

[@mearkitek3773]

I do have 2019 Pro… but locked out of downloads from Warehouse. I’ll try collada. Thanks.

[@gd3design63]

@@mearkitek3773 Try using Eneroth's 'Open Newer Version' plugin. It should let you open any file version on 2019 Pro.

[@mediadevices7272]

Well said, I work in an architectural firm. "stop chasing squirrels and instead focus on the core offering. SketchUp and layout for desktop easy 3D models linked to beautiful 2D drawings that's the problem to solve be the best at that!"

[@scottkinsey7666]

I'm a residential and commercial architectural designer. I'm also a condoc user and an excusive dayly sketchup user for 20 years. I agree with all your points here. All of sketchup's biggest problems have always been present and still are. If they are unwilling to fix the fundamental problems, then it only gets worse the more features are added. Frustrating!

[@philrader2016]

Totally agree with your assesment. I still use SU 2021 and don't see much reason or have much desire to upgrade to 2023.

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@tiagorasantos]

Couldn't agree more. Layout is a tool that still needs tons, i mean, tons of improvements and Trimble seems to have given it up. If Layout were a better app, I could even consider completely abandon AutoCAD or Archicad and focus on Sketchup. I feel like Trimble is missing a huge market not improving layout capabilities. And I fell this pain is shared by a lot of colleagues. Everyone who decides to give Layout a try gets super frustrated, because it is simply a not professional enough tool IMO.

[@larrymortimer4833]

I'm one of the architects you talked about that uses Sketchup for modeling, but relies on another program (Vectorworks) to produce 2D output. I've tried to use Layout, but it just doesn't do it for me. You make some very good points, and I agree with everything you said. Trimble needs to hire you to help clean this program up.

[@j2mccoy]

Spot on Michael! I have the Madeek tool sets and wish that Trimble would focus more on improving LayOut. Great Video.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Standby for some more Madeek action!

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@PaulineFerguson]

I agree completely that more could be done with Layout. One of the things I love about dimensioning (and modelling) in Revit is that you can turn off the line weights and get the lines or dims in *exactly* the right spot. Also, if there are multiple things to click on in the one location, you can tab through until you get to the one you want to use. If we had something like that in Layout, that would be awesome. I dunno, maybe there actually is, and I haven't found it. But there is so much functionality in Layout which is made simple, that it could definitely be a useful option. I don't mind Pre-design for trialling window coverings and working out shading options... but it is a "pretties" option (again, if that could link to Layout, it could be useful to show clients why you're modelling how you have). Actual shade studies are more useful, and integral already in SKP.

[@hjohn2]

You missed one... SU2023 can import Revit models directly, with supposedly clean and tagged components and layers. One caveat... this feature is only available in the Studio version. How does that help us "one man/woman" offices? Ugh. I wonder what the demographic is of sole proprietor vs multi user studios that use SU? I agree that LayOut needs some attention. It has taken me years to develop my templates for LO to create my CD's. I imagine it is a huge turnoff for new users. Always appreciative of your wisdom in the SU community!

[@EverydayDesigner]

As a designer I haven't used SketchUp in long long time . Mostly for plans and permits we use Revit 24/7 . We do have SketchUp in initial concept stages

[@paulscarafile302]

Would like to see how Condoc works with Medeek plug-in

[@BrightmanDesigns]

On it! I have been digging in on this... I have a .condoc drawing set that instantly addresses all of Medeek's tags/layers. We are also about to release a small update with a slick new option to force unknown tags on. You can then use our ConDoc tags to chip away at visibility of objects. In short, opens a flood gate of compatibility and the option to use two tagging systems... or use them together!? I am working on some videos showing the Medeek Engineering extensions, I hear about it from our ConDoc users alot! Standby!

[@davidbeckwith2403]

You Nailed it! the problem for architects is LayOut!!! There are amazing extensions available for SketchUp that enhance architectural work flow, but then you have to import to LayOut, or in my case, re-draw in CAD. Where are the LayOut tools that enhance architectural work flow? Top on my list is dimensioning in layout. First I need to make sure I have points I can accurately dimension to. And second, the appearance of the dimensions is, in my opinion, very difficult to control.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks David! I wish there was a true API for LayOut so we could build some tools!

[@ChrisStewart2]

Nice to see a well thought out critical review. Thanks I had hoped when Trimble acquired sketchup that they would take it to the next level for architecture but they failed to get there. They had a promising start with dynamic components but failed to develop them Layout was a mistake from the start. A project should never be divided between 2d and 3d Better Rendering should have been developed within Sketchup Yes the ability for third party apps does make Su highly configurable, but it also makes the entire workflow a hodgepodge. This makes it fairly complicated for individuals to start. While I think it is a very good program for creating individual components. I just could not get any confidence to switch my entire design workflow to Sketchup. I have created DCs and other content for 3dwarehouse that have been downloaded 15,000+ times but got shut out of creating anymore because I did not want to pay to upgrade and besides they basically stopped work on DC's

[@mercerino]

I agree that Trimble should really focus on improving Layout! We design and build in Sketchup, the customer sees Layout.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

That's a strong and concise point John!

[@johnny5132]

It's crap that u need a Studio license to import revit files. Doesn't make sense to pay almost triple the price for this feature... I dont need vray.

[@Bruce.Hilltop]

Hi Mike, I agree; however, I believe there has been much improvement in Layout's ability to handle drawings; it seems much quicker to me. This may be due to the multi-threading capability. I currently find this release very buggy and hope Trimble will fix these asap.

[@mamdouhbarakat]

Just use rhino, coming from an architecture student whose whole take on modeling and computational design was vastly broadened and my practice in school got even better because of how rhino is much more powerful, anyone that truly want to elevate themselves in 3d , PLEASE SWITCH TO RHINO. (Was an ex sketchup user)

[@simonevans5963]

As a fellow building designer and long time Sketchup fan, I couldn't agree more. Trimble should know what customer base to focus on, should be very aware or the shortcomings of Layout (so crucial to what we do), and should realize where to focus attention. Maybe they are the wrong owners!

[@andbax1954]

Great review, everything you say is spot on. Timble are TTP by offering these changes as a valid update to support a subscription. You completely on point about Layout , when will Trimble allow dimensions to be created in 3D as you can do in sketchup . Honestly if there was a credible alternative to Sketchup I would dump Trimble , all they are interested in is profit , Trimble do not care about their user base, their latest example of this is locking users who invested in perpetual licences , out of the 3D warehouse. 3D warehouse is populated by users for users, not for Trimble to make more money.

[@mattspawn1975]

Bingo! You nailed it!

[@danimordecai7611]

Regarding Layout - imho - If there are 'special" settings that make it faster - then trimble should be packaging those as default settings. It's fab when I get it working - But I've been working on an interior now for 8 hours 😞 kinda over it

[@Skans-Gustav]

And where do all extensions go when you update?!

[@windycitycat]

Always have apprecaited your message and delivery, Mike. Yet again: great video, editing and especially CONTENT! . Trimble needs to know more and more from folks like you and me that SketchUp and LayOut HAVE to be made to work better, smoother and faster...TOGETHER! I am only upgrading to 2023 Studio versions due to the necessity of working with consultants and their Revit files. Other than that, I am still waiting on some massive jumps on improvement and interoperability of SketchUp and LayOut. Open that API, Trimble! :)⏰

[@BrightmanDesigns]

EW! Are you available to write some scripts!? Thanks for the positive feedback my friend... I hope all is well over there!

[@davids4610]

Yes to all. I'm an exhibit and immersive theatrical/media designer. I need good DWG export that maintains layers, grouping and fills to send to project partners-not just a mess of lines and geometry. I need layout that doesn't take 20 minutes to render a page in vector or mixed with similar DWG export on layers with unified geometry and fills. I have used SU in my practice since version 6? I'm now getting my feet wet in vectorworks but it doesn't make me happy like working in SU. I don't think Trimble cares. They throw a few new things into it and expect +600 per seat per year. Sorry Trimble, but if I have to add hours to my process to get materials to partners, it wipes the cost and usability advantage off the table.

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@brunobordini7696]

Rhino is looking very attractive nowadays!

[@johnjlopez]

I like you! Im just finding this channel today. Subscribed!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Heeeeeeey!!!!! Welcome J Lo!

[@ati77711123]

As a extension developer... agree 100%

[@BrightmanDesigns]

I feel your pain DanBie... cuts deep doesn't it! Maybe one day we will get access to LayOut... but I'm not even sure that is the solution. It sounds enticing, but I think I would prefer they just make it right inhouse.

[@Crushemedia]

I am a big fan of Trimb;e buy, I am still using SU 2019 because it stil works relatively the same as it always did. I would agree that the newer versions are getting a bit out in the weeds.

[@RyanKirk99]

I mostly use Fusion 360 at work but sometimes forced to use SketchUp which makes me appreciate F360 every time.

[@davidreinbold5223]

Bang on Mike, I am not upgrading from here, will stick with the last classics version and use the plugins that cover the important bits SU can’t do natively. What I find really disappointing and somewhat are con job ist that Sketchup is going to close access to the 3D warehouse to non-subscribers by the middle of this year. Security as a lame excuse to essentially grab open source models that has been developed by their customer base for years… for the sketchup community. Looks like they are setting out to bring down the community aspect… unless you paid up you subscription to useless upgrades that no-one needs. I hope they don’t dare to put a lock on the plug-ins. Keep it up

[@SwingsnRoundAbouts]

👍👍👍👍 Trimble have been doing this for years. I can’t keep track of all their different scanning software and Tekla products. All they care about is their customers buying multiple packages. Do you see that they include Vray in studio instead of pro were it should be. You always need 1 features from the next plan or different a product. Layout will never be fixed till they put it on a separate plan.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

I'm not sure why they partnered with Vray in the first place. It's so complicated and lacks libraries (as far as I know). I think the SketchUp crowd would be much more receptive to a real time rendering solution... an easy button! I could possibly even get on board with them developing their own, or just improving the "sketchy" look. That could make sense, but let's focus! Leave it up to the 3d party developers!!!

[@joshjames253]

I'm on SU 2020 (last perpetual license offered), and would buy newer versions if they 1) provided a perpetual license and 2) offered upgrades I care about. Thanks for the thorough review.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

No problemo Josh! Glad you enjoyed it...

[@zakaria20062]

Personally im using sketchup 8 and i dont feel many deference

[@michaelmanson8287]

Right on point here! Trimble, please listen up.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Michael!!!

[@nido.design]

Couldn't agree more.....a complete lack of recognizing what we need on a day to day basis. Have also been using SketchUp/Layout for all phases for over 10 years.....the potential is incredible but they are focused on all the wrong things.

[@markgangi]

Great review Michael - I hope they hear you and develop the program further for us. Condoc is the future of the workflow in my office.

[@chriscollins4640]

Yeah, what you said. Sketchup's just not fun anymore and each update they strip a little more of it away. I'm still on 2019. Works fine, does what it said on the box when i got it. The extension developers are light years ahead of Trimble but somehow i think they know that and just don't care. Love your videos btw, thanks very much for your content.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks for the positive feedback Chris, much appreciated! Just need them to make the core functionality of SketchUp the best it can be. Leave it up to extension developers to hit the corner cases... Oh... and fix LayOut!!!

[@chriscollins4640]

@@BrightmanDesigns That's actually true about having the core functionality being robust and we're free to wander off on any of the available tangents we like. 'Lord of the Toolbars' brings that all together nicely too. Everyone ends up with their own version of SU. Perfect! But still not worth the asking price. I use it semi-professionally and it's hard to justify the sub. I might just grumble about it for a year or two more and see where it goes. Thanks again.

[@MrCADCHANNEL]

Hi Mike, is that it for SU 2023 upgrade ? I bailed out paying for SU when they stopped the classic version of SU-Pro perpetual license. I still use SU-Pro now & then, but programmes like ARCHLine-XP Pro for residential architecture work is so far advanced, SU is hard work in comparison.

[@94regnar]

It kind of reminds me of AutoCad, not a lot of new tools being added, Ribbon interface, Tool Pallets & Dynamic Blocks added years ago, just behind the scenes improvements to performance, 4k support, but all of it is a drip drip over the last several years. I think subscription model has removed the pressure for the developer to innovate, since the customer has no where else to go, just throw out a item here or there to justify a new version.

[@sinanpaker9837]

I agree with the comments 100%. If Trimble focuses more on better work flow and improve Layout, the 3D to 2D drafting will be a whole new world. I have a small size architecture practice and would like to improve the work flow efficiency as much as possible. Trimble should focus on this as well other issues they think as imposrtant.

[@Z-add]

We need condoc tools for blender

[@joepiette]

Agree, agree, agree, agree and agree!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

👊👊👊👊👊

[@darrylbird297]

agree 100%! I love sketchup and tolerate layout - the extremely slow companion with tons of potential.

[@blacksheep_77]

Trimble is an international corporation that gained prominence developing scanning technologies. They are not a 3D modeling software company. They purchased one from another international corporation that wasn't a 3D modeling software company...Google. I wish Sketchup would buy itself out and become focused on itself and be the best at being itself. Which is a industry leading intuitive modeler that has great capacity to produce 2D documents with Layout. Layout could be astounding but it remains a second rate citizen because Trimble seems satisfied giving Sketchup enough money to maintain its current build and provide no guidance or incentive to push the platform to become an industry leader...which is potential it clearly possesses. The core user base has been begging for this for years but still no action. Mike, I usually don't enjoy the hard hitting reviews, but this time, Im in 100% agreement with your take. I have to say that Trimble has more in common with Disney's handling of Star Wars. Since public appearance and deliverables is the judge of intentions, I would say that Trimble has basically decided that their core user base is as useless to them as Disney's opinion of the Star Wars fan base. They think anyone who likes the first 6 episodes are dinosaurs who love a story line that is dead ($250 Million for Andor vs $100 million for Kenobi. Quality differences were obvious). Both these companies have their own internal vision for the products they purchased and they seemingly are uninterested in the actual customers who use the product before it was their product to sell. So, more power to you and Condocs. Trimble would never bother to scratch their head and say, "Hey, multiple tags on any object...that's a great idea...lets buy that from Mike and integrate it." Just keep the status quo, send out the trinkets...quiver the emotions. The only other possible reason for such a miserable showing the last few years is because their roadmap is miserable and they know they will hemmorage customers if they make it public.

[@moshegilovitz7422]

Yes, an architect here. I agree with your assessment and especially your conclusion.

[@Realism91]

I want a layout viewer or layout for iPad and android. I do fine woodworking, and remodeling.

[@McMiggity]

Preach!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

You know it McB! to anyone who will listen!

[@alexd6766]

how did you make that fire? bio ethanol ?

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Alex D! Grabbed this indoor firepit and their fuel... www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082J8KRHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BBSDTKYN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@vadimkoz1773]

Also, I export from my cabinets vision program cabinets, which cost about 30,000 $ to iPad and do successful presentation to clients and do notes

[@jtays1234321]

100!!!!!! @sketchup give Layout some love. I thought for sure this would be the year. Outliner for easier access to stacked viewports. Update all linked files options. Oh well. @brightmandesigns, loved your shoutout to medeek, any plans on working with Nathaniel to A- create tag sets for medeek built models (with the standard medeek tags) that could be easily used by any condoc tools user with out them having to manually build them, or B having a bulk import of condoc tags for medeek, then any time a user creates a new wall, foundation, roof, electrical object, etc, or regens an old one, they have condoc default tags associated with them?

[@helmanfrow]

Seriously. Where's the native bevel /chamfer tool?

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Why not just tackle a handful of these types of tools in each release? Gives us a few new buttons to push and we will dial down the heat!

[@prakkari]

I still use SU 2015 and refuse to participate in this money grabbing Trimble scheme. It serves my purpose and works well and when it stops doing so I will find another open source software.

[@JosephKim]

ahahaha! love it :) Nicely done, Mike!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks JK! Glad you enjoyed that one... I had some fun making it!

[@JosephKim]

@@BrightmanDesigns oh yeah, it shows too :)

[@TheEmoProphet]

right there with you buddy, hate seeing mobile first creep into pro software

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Shane you nailed it. That is the most concise explanation! Thanks!

[@hambuilder]

I couldn’t agree more, Mike!! I really love SU/LO and the people working there but Trimble is messing with us. The attention to SU for iPad is fine but these small “improvements” are driving me crazy!

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@XYZ-Drafting_and_Designs]

Food for thought. Well done Micheal.

[@ngopanthers2887]

To use conducts, do I need some tutorial?

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Sign up for the 7 day trial and you can watch the "ConDoc Quickstart" course. Everything you need to get up and running fast!

[@kamranjoon]

The only thing I disagree on is your complaint about Flip. Perhaps I am less sophisticated than you but the “old” way was clunky and not intuitive. Especially is you are used to AutoCAD or Revit. You are %100 right about all else. One wonders if the creators of the program are or have ever been practicing designers or architects. They should be. Just because they can make the program do nifty things does not mean they should. Aaaaaargh!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Fair enough... The flip tool is... okay... don't tell anyone I said that! At one point I had a tweaked Jurassic Park quote in the script... "Your developers were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should"... I couldn't afford the special FX so it didn't make it in, but it definitely applies... Thanks for your support Narmak!

[@Alberto_Grieco]

Couldn't agree more! Make SketchUp Great Again! XD

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Alberto!!! Maybe we should put that message on a red hat!? 🤔

[@jamesogston8739]

😅...hope your well and not too upset that your marshmallow didnt toast up so fast haha

[@BrightmanDesigns]

What's up James! All good over here... I just grab another 'mallow!

[@tpisel]

Still can't make correct UV's, easily create a sphere, cone, ect. or import basic file types commonly shared between all other 3d programs without plugin-ins. This is why I am putting all of my efforts in to switching to 3DS Max and Unreal.

[@abdultalib5719]

Good, they should better improve on layout to make 2d drawing easier, dimension tools , complex curve dimension, this are basic problem.

[@luiscurtolo]

fantastic review thanks

[@JohnAber-ct4vf]

AMEN! I'm an architectural designer who would love to ditch Revit and stop being ripped off by Autodesk. I love Sketchup but Revit sheets make documentation easy and quick for production work. Although I use LayOut, too, it is a PITA. I've long been bewildered (and frustrated), by Trimble's lack of attention towards optimizing Sketchup and LayOut for professional designers in favor of hobbyists. This lack of optimization for professional use (production work) also fosters the stigma among some professionals that Sketchup is not a serious architectural tool, despite the incredible work of people like Nick Sonder and others. It's way more fun to draw in Sketchup than Revit, and to my eye the output is much more pleasing. But I wish that Trimble would reprioritize Sketchup and LayOut as tools for architects and designers of all stripes and continue to develop the software for the needs of this constituency first and foremost. Thanks for your video, Mike!

[@sergioflorespereira-arq]

With the acquisition of sketchup from an autocad holding company... not much will change. As they would rather push the heavy Autocad and Revit software than the user friendly Sketchup. Basically relying on user frustration to get people to use Revit etc.

[@blaze6655]

Yep. It is bewildering how tone deaf Trimble has been on their development roadmap & prioritization. This is textbook 101 on how to not listen to your user base and focus on the things that really matter. A few items in particular like setting tags to always off on existing scenes when adding tags on the fly and not taking full advantage of of modern multi-core CPU and GPU processing capabilities found in almost all modern computers these days. Especially workstations built for this sort of of CAD modeling that have big GPU cards in them which could greatly speed up the larger commercial projects I develop and use CONDOC to manage. I spend more time waiting for links to refresh than modeling. The program could run so much faster.

[@sketchuniquely9450]

Great Video Mike!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alandalgety4073]

Sketch up on iPad is great in a workshop. iPad is not effected by dust. Just a woodworker’s opinion

[@BrightmanDesigns]

That makes sense! But... do you need to model on the iPad in a dusty workshop? Or do you just need to look at your files? Because the viewer has been around forever. Fair point though!

[@may091985]

Trimble doesn’t seems to understand that 3d without proper 2d documentation tools is absolutely useless

[@rendericeib4513]

also subscription is forced to a year subscription only, sucks pretty bad.

[@havenisse2009]

I use su for illustrations in technical documentation. I really wish tremble would make an option to purchase and own the software. The subscription model makes me very hesitant to recommend it. 3d studio from autodesk is only 3x the cost of su but in a very different league. Tremble is also leaving the entire hobbyist group in the dark. The online version is useless and slow. If they sold a version without layout for $100 it would be acceptable.

[@wessawyers8850]

I absolutely agree the tablet app is useless when it comes to real design. OK for marketing presentation on site when clients walk up to your construction site. Maybe Trimble needs to create an innovation community group to better focus on current bugs and features we need in industry.

[@undo7711]

I'm not sure, but I like your content ranting/roasting SketchUp because of their scattered focus updates, it's just facts. I believe SketchUp wishes to pursue this all-purpose 3D modeler route, but let's be honest: there are many 3D model software that are far superior to SketchUp itself, more powerful native tools. I agree with you that they should have focused on who they want to cater to, primarily architects and interior designers, because they would not have grown as large as they have in recent years if it weren't for them.

[@undo7711]

I'd also like to point out that they didn't have to use most third-party plugins as native tools or create their own version of an existing plugin. What they should've done is improved SketchUp's ability to handle larger polygons and performance, as well as the layout, which I believe they overlooked.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Totally agree! If they are going the all purpose 3d modeler route... cool! But make it the best it can be, and then elevate the necessary products required by specific industries... Thanks for your insight!

[@WantaoXiao]

You are right.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Wantao!

[@rodolfot.5776]

Disse tudo. Assino embaixo.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Obrigado meu amigo! Eu chamo como vejo... Quando desenvolverem algo novo digno de aplausos, serei o primeiro a elogiar. Não é isso!

[@vadimkoz1773]

I disagree on iPad version. I work every day on iPad. on the construction site, yes I do dry quickly floorplan and do dimensions as you get better with iPad you can do really quick. Also, I have a lot of clients who couldn’t make up their mind and I do quick design in front of them I talk about cabinets and it’s easy to understand each other, so the iPad version it’s something that evolution of things and I try different program on iPad. They are more slower but more precision some of them.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

I still think I would do better with a laptop and track pad in the field if I actually need to model. Agree to disagree... is that possible these days!? Thanks for watching and the comment Vadim!

[@Beyond-Code-Education]

AMEN!!!!

[@jskibba]

The Revit importing looks promising. Windows only! As a long time Mac SketchUp user, I wish there was an option to import Revit files.

[@eduardomatos5992]

You did the best review

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Much appreciated Eduardo... I look forward to a positive review someday!

[@RicLigabue]

Hey Trimble, hear him; please concentrate your efforts to develop Sketchup and Layout as a really useful tools for architects and designers. I'm tired of trying to get it [layout] in my workflow and returning to AutoCAD as a Layout tool. It's not just a "learning curve" issue vs my proficiency in 2D CAD. there's a lot of frustrating issues in drafting and exporting documents to partners in the construction and engineering industry. I believe Sketchup could be a complete software for my professional output.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks for the backup Ricardo! They make the claims in the marketing copy, now follow through with real features for professionals...

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@brendanariki]

Agreed. I am a registered Architect and have been using Sketchup and Layout for the entire process for a few years. Trimble should stop messing around with the flashy crap and focus on streamlining the documentation freedom and workflow. I can see a potential that Trimble seems blind to. If layout was as simple to get drawings out of as the other programs, I know of at least 4 architects who would switch despite the learning curve. But it is nowhere near that level yet and it doesn't seem to get much love.

[@Landscape_Architecture]

Yuup, thats spot on!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Thomas!

[@3DGvisuals]

Multi threaded saving, but not modelling - I don't get it.

[@drawingplans]

100% Agree. I am still on 2018 Pro because nothing new has come along. I wish I could revert back to 2016 as the plugins I bought and used then don't work in 2018...!!! (If anyone has a 2016 UK/Euro licence for sale, contact me) I will also NEVER go subscription. This is why I am still on AutoCAD 2014 I don't use Layout at all... F a r t o l a g g y . . . !!! I tried years ago, but it's slow and crap Export everything into AutoCAD, even image exports, scale in AutoCAD, job done. Small file size PDF compared to layouts exported PDF. I was once a Big SketchUp user, but now maybe 1-3% of my work is SU. Shame, it was great and had prospects during the @Last days... Went downhill when Google got it. Not much better now. SU would be nothing without the Plugin Community doing better work than SU for free.... Anyway, Rant Over....

[@mattspawn1975]

I too will never go the subscription route. Especially since SU has virtually nothing new to offer, that is actually useful, for nearly a decade. The software is a ripoff for what you get when all the power is in 3rd party extensions. Now, they are squatting on the warehouse that was developed by the people. I choose to vote with my wallet and I hope people get frustrated enough to leave their product in droves. They need new ownership IMHO.

[@leighevans4631]

Yes! why all the development and effort on SU for iPad? Who uses it? Trimble, you could make SU Pro and Layout so much more than it currently is. Time to begin listening to your core market.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

I 100% don't get it. I tried it, and it's painful. Why would I choose to model on an Ipad over a laptop? I am faster with a trackpad, and that's saying a lot! Thanks for your support Leigh!

[@layoutarchitect]

cuz they're in layout

[@TrentonGauthier]

Don't fix layout. Add drafting tools and sheeted output directly into sketchup.

[@kuponokai]

Well, that was fun. Oh Trimble, why are you so lost.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks for the backup Drew!

[@jeremycovelli]

sketchup should still be free. .. $700 gets you a "flip tool" every other cad software has had this for.. 20 years at least. Every new feature in 2023 would be awesome.. if this was in the pre alpha stage. Also I don't understand all the cad programs turing to this parametric workflow with nodes.. That system is so freaking complicated no one uses it. Parametric is fine.. just integrate into the regular modeling tools.

[@layoutarchitect]

we teach layout. our channel is all about layout.

[@pcatful]

Great job!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Peter!

[@jeffk9405]

This is what happens when you use a "jack of all trades" program for design work and you know what they say about jack of all trades.

[@BrightmanDesigns]

I suppose you could say the same thing about CAD, but then comes along "Architectural Desktop". It seems that SketchUp's messaging targets architects and interior designers, but their new tools and features target... product manufacturers? casual couch sketching users? Not sure... but definitely not me! So I don't mind that SketchUp is a jack of all trades program, that's how it got internet famous. We just need a little more help making this a true competitor in the AEC market. Usually if you develop for discerning architects, the other industries will be happy too. Just spouting off over here! Thanks for the comment...

[@matthodel946]

@@BrightmanDesigns ADT was crap; Architectural Death Trap is what we called it. Remember all those wall codes? Fail!

[@joseantoniogarcia6349]

I love your video 😊 agree

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Jose!

[@reflectionvizrnd9990]

you are absolutely right

[@clipikt]

100,% right!!

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks Claudio!

[@crazycutz8072]

good advice Trimble.......

[@BrightmanDesigns]

Thanks crazycutz!

[@bm7878]

YES! correct