SketchUp 2026.1 is available!

SketchUp 2026.1 has officially launched, and this update is packed with smart innovations. The new release takes your daily design work to the next level with integrated AI features, workflow accelerators, and several long-awaited improvements. Whether you are designing for architecture, interior design, engineering, or visualisation, this update makes your work not only faster but also more enjoyable.

AI Render: photorealism with one click

The feature formerly known as Diffusion is now fully integrated into SketchUp under the name AI Render. This tool allows you to generate photorealistic images directly from your model viewport with a single click. For users who like more control, AI Render offers extensive options to fine-tune the output. You can work with preset styles, custom prompts, and specific model parameters to achieve exactly the look and quality you envision.

And if you’re still not completely satisfied, you can refine the result further using powerful in-painting tools that allow you to adjust specific parts of the render. This way, you achieve a convincing and realistic final result faster than ever.

AI Assistant: your new smart helper in SketchUp

With the introduction of the AI Assistant, SketchUp takes a big step toward an even more intuitive user experience. AI Assistant serves as the starting point for a variety of AI-powered workflows and helps you exactly when you need support.

The Help Assistant provides in-app guidance based on your questions, saving you time that would otherwise be spent searching through documentation or tutorials.

In addition, AI Assistant, through Generate Object, allows you to create 3D objects with PBR materials based on text prompts or images. The generated objects can be opened directly in SketchUp or saved in your private collection in 3D Warehouse. This makes building a scene or concept model much faster and more creative.

PDF Import for Windows: no more converting

This is a feature that many users have been eagerly waiting for: PDF Import is now finally available on Windows. You no longer need to convert PDFs before using them. Simply drag a PDF file into your model or choose File > Import…. Currently, this applies to single-page PDFs, which SketchUp treats as image files. This valuable addition significantly speeds up handling reference materials, especially for designers working with drawings, mood boards, or technical specifications.

Migrate Preferences: upgrade your workflow without hassle

Upgrading to a new version of SketchUp used to take some time because preferences and workspace settings had to be set up again. Fortunately, with Migrate Preferences, that hassle is over. This new tool automatically transfers your preferences, toolbars, and trays from a previous version of SketchUp.

Combined with the existing Migrate Extensions function, this makes the transition to 2026.1 much simpler and faster. Everything is ready to go as you are used to, so you can continue working immediately without having to set up your environment again.

Tape Measure gets Guide Points

The Tape Measure tool has been expanded with Guide Points, allowing you to easily place construction points in your scenes. This makes precise modeling of distances and guides even more accessible. The new feature is very intuitive and supports both key combinations and quick actions.

• Activate Guide Points via Ctrl (Windows)
• Or via Option (Mac)
• Or simply by double-clicking on the desired location

You can now quickly define an exact point at a specific distance, ideal for users who work precisely and are organised.

AI Credits & Subscriptions: how it works

SketchUp’s AI features run on AI Credits. You can check your current credit balance in the upper-right corner of SketchUp. Each subscription plan includes standard credits:

• SketchUp Go: 100 credits per month
• SketchUp Pro: 150 credits per month
• SketchUp Studio: 200 credits per month
• SketchUp Studio for Higher Education: 200 credits per month
• SketchUp Classic for Schools: 0 credits

If you need more credits, you can purchase an additional bundle of 1,500 credits per month for $11.99 via an in-app purchase. This subscription renews automatically. If you stop it, the extra credits expire, and you revert to the standard amount included in your plan.

Discover SketchUp 2026.1 yourself

SketchUp 2026.1 brings thoughtful improvements that make your workflow smoother while introducing new creative possibilities. The combination of integrated AI, precise modelling tools, and workflow optimisations makes this an update you’ll want to install right away.

Ready to try the new features? Enjoy exploring, designing, and creating!