Ready for PlaceMaker v4? Here’s what’s changing!
The biggest update ever for SketchUp and Revit users!
Great news for everyone working with PlaceMaker in SketchUp or Revit: version 4 is just around the corner! On Saturday, June 13, PlaceMaker launches the completely rebuilt version 4, bringing a whole range of exciting improvements. We’re happy to walk you through the most important details.
What exactly is changing?
PlaceMaker v4 has been rebuilt from the ground up and now runs entirely via the web. This makes the experience smoother and more modern for both SketchUp and Revit users. One of the most notable changes: the separate licenses for SketchUp and Revit are being merged into a single, unified PlaceMaker license. Currently using PlaceMaker for Revit? You’ll soon be able to use the SketchUp version as well, and vice versa. That’s a great improvement.
On top of that, the homepage is moving to placemakerdata.com. Any links to the old website (suplacemaker.com) will be redirected automatically, so no worries there.
Important: version 3 will stop working!
This is something you’ll need to act on: when version 4 goes live, all previous versions of PlaceMaker will stop working. This applies to both the SketchUp and Revit versions. Users who try to open the old version after June 13 will see a prompt asking them to update.
The good news: the update is completely free for existing users. Credits, licenses, and seats are all kept intact. Nothing gets lost; you just need to install the new extension.
What’s new in version 4?
Version 4 is packed with new features. Here are some of the highlights:
- A new, unified PlaceMaker experience for SketchUp, Revit, and the web
- Preview Google Earth imports before actually importing them
- Preview terrain before importing
- Google Earth import no longer requires an API key (now also available for EU users!)
- New data source: Google Terrain
- New data source: Nearmap Point Cloud
- Historical Nearmap imagery available on request for your specific area of interest
- Optionally use your own API keys for Nearmap or Google 3D Earth to save PlaceMaker credits
- AI features (also known as SmartSite) from Ecopia are now available within days at a much lower cost
- Access your recent imports via the new History tab, from any device
- Via the web, past imports are also available in GLB and geoJSON formats for easy import into most 3D and GIS applications
- Enhanced license management and license sharing features for teams
- Since your imports are now saved to the cloud, you can re-import for free if SketchUp or Revit crashes or if you forget to save
- We’re now using an improved geocoder service for quick and easy navigation to any address in the world
The new History tab to access past imports for free. ⮕
How does the switch work?
Updating to version 4 is straightforward:
Download and install the v4 extension for SketchUp or Revit once it becomes available. Set your password. PlaceMaker v4 no longer uses license keys, but works with a personal account based on email and password. Existing users simply need to request a password reset using the email address linked to their license. Signing in with Google or Apple ID is also supported, as long as the email address matches.
New users can choose between a free Pay-As-You-Go account or a paid subscription.
Sharing licenses within a team
Does your team have multiple users? Then the new license sharing feature is definitely worth a look. Subscription holders can purchase additional seats and invite team members via the License Management tab in the dashboard. Invitations can be revoked at any time by the account administrator.
Please note: license sharing is only available with paid subscriptions, not with Pay-As-You-Go accounts!
Version compatibility
PlaceMaker v4 is compatible with SketchUp 2021 and newer, and with Revit 2022 and newer. Older versions are unfortunately no longer supported due to technical constraints. The 3D Earth refine tool is temporarily absent in v4, but the developer is working on an improved version of this feature.
The release is planned for June 13, 2026. Got questions about the update or your license? Feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help.
