Files Held Hostage Behind Increased Subscription Costs

Trimble Connect
1

With zero email communication or announcements, the ability to create new and download previous files has been restricted to an unreasonable level. I’m a hobbyist who had previously used a paid version of SketchUp for work, now I enjoy using it to create plans and layouts for personal home projects. I have no extensive library of created files or history of exports that would indicate that I’m using this software for a commercial use.

Yet, now these added restrictions make the web service entirely unusable without a subscription that only could be justified by business customers. Since SketchUp doesn’t detail the new limitations anywhere, besides a footnote in the change log, here’s what they are:

  • Create 2 new files per month
  • Open 2 files from device per month
  • Download 3 files to device per month
  • Duplicate 2 files per month

I had recently thought about buying the subscription to use solid works features that had previously been available on the free web version, but it struck me as dishonest that those basic tools were removed to begin with. Now, with the added restrictions, I won’t ever consider it.

I want my files off of Trimble Connect, but with the unannounced changes, it will take me almost a year to be able to download MY OWN CREATED FILES to my desktop. In order to remove my files from Trimble Connect in one sitting, I’m forced to pay $19.99 for a one month subcription. The files were only ever saved to Trimble Connect to begin with because of how poorly SketchUp works with local device file management.

2

Would have liked to speak directly with a SketchUp representative, but that too is locked behind a subscription. Instead I tried working with the AI agent that kept telling my to email or phone in for support, but then would say “Sorry, there is no publicly available email address or phone number for support”.

3

Besides Trimble Connect and the unlimited file storage, it is recommended to save a skp file to your hard drive (like in my documents). You can also save screenshots of you scenes into the same folder in my documents that has the skp file. Then, you would at least have your scenes and whatever note labels you made. Then, there is also the ability to store files in the warehouse.

4

I want my files off of Trimble Connect. Zero intention to use this product again. It is incredibly dishonest to require a $19.99/month subscription to download more than 3 self-created files to a local device.

5

Try going directly to your Trimble Connect storage at Trimble Connect Web and down load them to your computer from there.

6

Thank you! You are a lifesaver!