Sketchup 2017 Free Version Now

This is the most confusing part for new users. When you first install SketchUp Make 2017, it will open SketchUp Pro 2017 by default with a "30-day trial" banner.

Do not panic. Do not uninstall.

Here is how to unlock the permanent free version:

The interface will instantly change. The "Pro" badge will disappear, and the title bar will read "SketchUp Make 2017." You now have a lifetime license.

SketchUp Make 2017 is the final desktop-based free version of SketchUp released for non-commercial, personal use. While Trimble has since shifted its free offering to a web-based platform, SketchUp Make 2017 remains a popular choice for hobbyists who prefer offline software. Key Features & Text Tools sketchup 2017 free version

2D Labels: Use the Text tool to add leader lines and annotations that remain viewable as you orbit the model.

3D Text: Found under the Tools menu or via the Rectangle tool submenu, this allows you to create physical 3D geometry from custom text.

Offline Functionality: Unlike the current SketchUp Free web app, Make 2017 runs locally on your computer. Usage & Limitations

Personal Use Only: It is explicitly licensed for non-commercial projects. Using it for professional work or paid commissions generally requires a Pro subscription. This is the most confusing part for new users

Trial Period: Upon first installation, SketchUp Make 2017 often starts as a 30-day trial of the Pro version. Once the trial expires, the software automatically reverts to the permanent free "Make" version.

Availability: While no longer prominently featured on the main SketchUp homepage, installers can often still be found through legacy download links on official community forums or support pages. How to Make 3D Text in SketchUp

Do not download "SketchUp Pro 2017 Trial" – that expires after 30 days. Look specifically for the file labeled "SketchUpMake-xx-xx-xx.exe" (Windows) or .dmg (Mac).

Because SketchUp 2017 is older software, installing it on Windows 11 or the latest macOS can be tricky. Here is how to force it to work. The interface will instantly change

In the race to monetize software, companies often remove features that power users love. The SketchUp 2017 free version (Make 2017) is a time capsule of when 3D modeling was accessible, offline, and extensible without a subscription.

If you are a hobbyist woodworker designing a cutting board, a student working on a thesis, or a game designer blocking out levels, this software will do 95% of what Pro does for exactly $0.

Recap of Action Steps:

A final word of caution: Do not pay for this software on eBay or third-party sites. SketchUp 2017 Free is free. Anyone selling it is scamming you.

Now, go build something amazing.

SketchUp 2017 supports: