Currently, anyone who has a subscription is allowed to sign in and use either 2019 or 2020. I don’t know what will happen when there is 2021 to choose from as well, but historically the most recent three versions are supported. If that continues it would suggest that when 2022 is released you would need to be signing in with 2020 or later.
I will see if someone who knows the answer can add a comment.
Seems reasonable to have perhaps 3 years back, but the older years are unsupported. People won’t be blindsided by having to use the newer software are being forced to rebuild their setup every year or whenever the cutoff dates are. I’d prefer just to be able to use whatever subscription version I have and not update at all until I choose to.
I’ve wondered that for the machine I’ve used for ages, with most of my older versions installed. The OS has been run and upgraded and patched so much, it would be nice to wipe it clean, do a clean install and put the old apps back. If I did so, would the older versions of SU install OK, or would I be locked out? Isn’t there something about the MAC address in the licensing?
The MAC address is used. If you changed logic boards or network adapters, it would seem like a new computer, and even your Active license would think it’s a new computer. If you’re planning on hardware changes, first remove the license from your active SketchUp. The non-active ones may be tough to get going on the new computer, without some significant help from me.
The licenses on Windows are stored in C:\ProgramData\SketchUp. If the hardware is staying the same, and you did a backup of the contents of that folder, and put it back afterwards, the license file should be picked up. I should test that something, because if you have also wiped your registry it may not work. I think it would though.
For Mac the licenses all in the different version folders inside ~/Library/Application Support/, backing up the various version SketchUp folders should keep the licenses intact.
…which, it appears, is Windows only, needing Bootcamp to run on a Mac.
It is mostly automated, however the clients control it!
(But most people don’t understand how it works, so I spend my spare time (I am not a Trimble or SketchUp employee) explaining to people how it works, hoping not to get interrupted too many times.
Oh, I am sorry about that. I am surprised you are not a SketchUp employee, because you are very much in defence of Trimble’s business model and licensing policy.
Love Sketchup – not subscriptions. I licensed and maintained the Pro version for the peace of mind that comes with being able to use the latest and greatest. Before this sad and arguably cold hearted initiative to lock us in, I was willing to pay a ‘reasonable’ annual maintenance fee. Us Sketchup Pro users are now orphaned on 2020. Even Microsoft provides updates for 5 years and security patches for 10. Online doesn’t work for me as I do most of my actual creative work relaxing out in the boonies. I do come home, now and then, but being ‘locked’ into an unjustifiably expensive ‘subscription’ is a tough sell and I’m seeing alternatives. Sure, cloud has it’s advantages for many folks but I purchased a license with the understanding that I would be able to maintain it with updates. Sketchup, please continue that capability.
What about tech and forum support? Doesn’t that disappear after a year with the classic version? Despite all the angst here, I find SU’s tech and forum support one of the strongest selling features of SU.
Forum support is community based and is therefore free to anyone anywhere. Tech support is rarely needed in the first place (in my experience) beyond any install or license issues. The maintenance fee was really a more affordable way to ensure you’d maintain the newest version of SketchUp than anything else.
I took out an Autocad subscription and its cost me more than I ever intended. The only reason they introduced subscription was to get more money. Don’t do it! Use your perpetual license until it’s broke or go broke.
@MikeWayzovski - I don’t think this is correct. You are suggesting that you can pay 11/12 of the M&S if it ends in December and you renew in November. This is exactly my situation and I cannot renew M&S at all. The only option is to migrate to subscription. There is no ability to renew M&S and get the 2021 version if your M&S expires AFTER 4 Nov 2020.
Are you ordering through webshop?
Contact sales direct, I would suggest…
This is not what the people want. I want to be part of sketch-up but want to owe the software.
I know for certain I am not going to use the subscription option.
Yet I have updated every year to the latest version.
I am happy to pay to update when I see meaningful updates and I am sure other do, People hate being controlled and this is what trimble are doing. I used to be keen to put up Youtube videos about sketchup but now i just have no love for it as i see no future for it. I suppose this just happens when companies get big. I have start dabbling with blender. And I never though I would and I see my friends are also. Shows you how furious people are with you Guys and you don’t even know it.
Just to be clear, I’ll assume that “you Guys” is directed at Trimble management despite your response being attached to my earlier post. I don’t work for Trimble, nor do any of the other Sages and frequent contributors. We are just volunteers who like to help other SketchUp users. Also, I stated my personal opinion about subscription software long ago. I don’t see a reason to repeat it in new topics.
Shock and Horror, So Trimble are not even paying you?
I think my renewal is around that time. Can’t we renew early?
Log in to the License Manager and see what options you have. Below is a screenshot of what I see…
However, Trimble have provided a promo code to allow the purchase of a one year subscription at the same price as M&S ($120 if purchased before Nov 4). This effectively delays the price increase for another year and by that time folks could decide whether Trimble has lived up to the promise to improve the product sufficiently to justify the $299 /year.
What aggression? Do you guys represent trimble or not. Who owns this forum? Is anyone representing trimble here?
It appears to me that there will be an splurge on perpetual licenses before the 4th. Nov… and then wait for the drought… I think many users will opt for that option unless Trimble get greedier and close that alternative.
I’m a privateer and continued the license without question as I love SU, however, I’m still using 2018 as I considered the latest 2 upgrades have failed to offered me any worthwhile enhancements.
I for one will try to debate this ridiculous subscription in +12 months time (from 3rd. Nov 2020 after the new perp license expires) and can forsee a loosing battle, followed by a long learning curve for an alternative product.
Even if I have to pay more for another product… I don’t see Trimble rewarding loyalty… They should at least maintain continuation of existing licenses and any new should then be subscription based… Loyalty Mr. Trimble, loyalty goes both ways.
