What is SKP?

SKP files are SketchUp's native 3D format - containing geometry, materials, components (reusable objects), scenes (camera views), styles, and layers. Proprietary binary format with version-specific encoding (SketchUp 2013, 2016, 2018, etc.). Emphasizes ease of use: push/pull modeling, edge following, inference engine for snapping. Components enable reusable elements. 3D Warehouse (online library) hosts millions of free SKP models - furniture, buildings, people, vehicles.

SketchUp is the most accessible 3D modeling tool - widely used by architects, interior designers, woodworkers, and hobbyists. Free SketchUp Web version available (browser-based). SketchUp Pro (paid) offers desktop app, advanced features, and commercial license. Popular for: architectural design (house plans, building concepts), interior design (room layouts), landscape architecture, furniture design, Google Earth integration (historical feature). Extensive plugin ecosystem (Ruby API). Exports to DWG, FBX, OBJ, Collada for other software. Limited for organic modeling compared to Blender/Maya.

Did you know? SketchUp's 3D Warehouse has millions of free models you can download!

History

@Last Software created SketchUp to make 3D modeling accessible to everyone, later acquired by Google and then Trimble, becoming the standard for architectural conceptual design.

Key Milestones

  • 2000: SketchUp 1.0 released
  • 2006: Google acquires SketchUp
  • 2008: Free version launched
  • 2012: Trimble acquires from Google
  • 2017: SketchUp Web (browser-based)
  • Present: Leading accessible 3D tool

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • Push/Pull: Intuitive extrusion modeling
  • Components: Reusable 3D objects
  • 3D Warehouse: Millions of free models
  • Inference Engine: Smart snapping
  • Styles: Artistic rendering
  • Extensions: Ruby plugin ecosystem

Common Use Cases

Architecture

Conceptual building design

Interior Design

Room layouts, furniture

Landscape

Outdoor spaces, gardens

Woodworking

Furniture plans, joinery

Advantages

  • Extremely user-friendly interface
  • Fast conceptual modeling
  • 3D Warehouse (millions of free models)
  • Free web version available
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem
  • Low learning curve
  • Strong architecture community

Disadvantages

  • Proprietary format (limited external support)
  • Version compatibility issues
  • Not ideal for organic/character modeling
  • Less powerful than Maya/Blender
  • Performance issues with complex models
  • Desktop Pro version expensive

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .skp
MIME Type application/vnd.sketchup.skp
Format Proprietary binary
Contents Geometry, materials, components, scenes
Versions Format changes with releases
Export DWG, FBX, OBJ, Collada, STL

Common Tools

  • Primary: SketchUp Pro (desktop), SketchUp Web (browser)
  • Free: SketchUp Free (web-based, limited features)
  • Viewers: SketchUp Viewer (mobile iOS/Android)
  • Import: Blender (via plugins), 3ds Max, Rhino