Hi All, I just joined! I’ve been using various free versions of Sketchup for several years, first to generate drawings for laser cutting plywood (with a dxf plugin) and now I’m using the web app to generate stl files for 3D printing. Until last year I was able to save a component from one file and import it into another. Then this feature was taken away. Now I’m considering buying a subscription but I need some questions answered before I make my decision. I’m a retired hobbyist and need to make best use of my money.
Will a subscription allow me to save components from one file and import them to another?
Will I be able to open and edit my old files saved as skp?
Will I be able to run Sketchup (non-app) on a Windows 10 desktop and a Windows 7 laptop?
That’s enough questions for now. I look forward to hearing your advice.
Hi @NorC4l
Welcome to the forum!
A SketchUp component is basically a SketchUp model on its own.
I don’t know why you can’t import it into another file, but it should be still possible.
How are you trying to import it?
About the SketchUp (non-app), I assume you mean the desktop version, It is not supported on Windows 7 and Windows 10 anymore. This does not mean it won’t work, but there are no guarantees either.
And yes, it can open your old files.
Hi, and thanks for the quick reply. I had no problem saving components and importing them to new drawings until that option was taken away last year, I think it was in August. Removal of that feature was announced in advance. I asked the question about importing old drawings because, as I’ve used various free versions of Sketchup over the years, I’ve found that there was no backwards compatibility, or an old drawing opened in a new version could not then be edited in the older version.
Just suppose the Windows 7/Windows 10 wasn’t an issue, would I be able to install the desktop Sketchup on two machines?
You can install it on 22 machines but with a subscription you would only be able to sign in on two machines at one time.
FWIW, you can create all the custom component collections you want with SketchUp Desktop. I currently have 44 different collections in different categories.
I stand corrected, the import function seems to be removed.
However, I can still cut/copy components in one file and paste/paste in place in another file..
So it is still possible.
All versions of SketchUp are backwards compatible. That means every version can open files made in an older version..
It doesn’t work the other way round (which is called FORWARD compatible) as you have found out yourself. Once saved in a newer version, you can’t open it in the older version anymore.
Edit: from version 2021 onwards (I think.. correct me if I’m wrong guys.) files ARE forward compatible..