I’m trying to open a previously created Sketchup file using the online version of SketchUp. Have logged into my account, and find a previous SketchUp model in my account (as expected). Then click “Open from device” and selected an existing file from my computer but get this message:
“You’ve selected a large model which may slow down SketchUp or cause other issues.”
I click the “Open” button to try anyhow. The warning message goes away and then… nothing (this file is 6.03 MB).
A couple minutes later I try a slightly smaller file. Same message and still the file doesn’t actually open. I continue trying this and finally do get the size warning to go away, but still can’t get a file to open.
Then I something else: I download and install the SketchUp Viewer 22.0.354 64-bit from Trimble. Try to open any of my existing SketchUp files from my computer and get this:
> This does not appear to be a SketchUp model!
The browser is Google Chrome Version 108.0.5359.125 (Official Build) (64-bit). This is running on Windows 11 Home 22H2 on a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 with 16GB RAM and i7 processor. Should be more than adequate. This is my new computer that I’d purchased to replace a previous one which did have Sketchup Make installed and working.
Okay, next step: I dig out my old computer (Surface Pro 6) and open SketchUp Make 2017. First I try the largest of the SketchUp models that I’d tried opening earlier, and this open with no problem. Apparently it is a SketchUp model after all – the viewer is lying.
So, to recap: With my good new computer I can’t install a free version of Sketchup (no longer available to download in that configuration), can’t use the free online version with my existing valid SketchUp models, and can’t use the Sketchup viewer to at least look at my many home user hobbyist Sketchup models. No way will I pay $299 per year for some other software to try to open these files; this seems like my files are being held captive and unless I pay a ransom, any of the work I did with them over the years is lost. I’m not a professional, don’t do this for money, don’t use it every day or every week or often don’t use it for many months, so that kind of price is out of sight.