Performance improvement for big mesh extensions
Some SketchUp extensions are developed to create or manipulate large volumes of geometry. Obviously, the bigger the mesh an extension is adding to SketchUp, the longer it will take to generate. We're excited to share that the SketchUp API now creates larger meshes more efficiently. The difference is especially noticeable when meshes have more than 20,000 polygons. If you're keen to explore more about this new API, check out extensions such as Artisan, SubD, Bezier Surface, and Skimp.
Updates to the Extensions menu
Going forward, Regardless of whether extensions have been installed there or not, the Extensions menu heading will always be visible. Extension management and developer tools have also been moved to this menu.
We're not forcing developers to provide extension commands in the Extension menu, but it's a good idea. We recently published our Extension UX Guidelines, which are all about best practices. We want to make it easier for developers to make SketchUp extensions that function predictably in SketchUp.
Unit translation for Live Components
SketchUp Labs is constantly improving Live Components to make them more useful. Live Component parameters, in particular, now display in the same unit format as your SketchUp model. When using the Tape Measure tool to align a measurement, it's far faster to type that measurement into a Live Component parameter.
2021.1 also includes an improvement in the draw time of Live Component editing.
If you haven’t explored Live Components yet, you can check them all out in 3D Warehouse.
IFC 4 classification and export
In addition to support for the IFC 2x3 schema and file format, SketchUp Pro now includes an IFC 4 classification set and the ability to export IFC 4 files.
Learn more about how to use IFC types with SketchUp’s Classifier tool.
LayOut improvements
In 2021.1, we are introducing a faster way to set the scale of a viewport. Now, you can simply type in the desired scale in the Camera tab of the SketchUp model panel. This new type-to-input will neatly parse a number of inputs: 1:50, 1” = 50”, 1/50, .02, 2%, or even 6” = 25’ will all quickly apply a 1:50 scale to a viewport.
Also, in January we released an update that included a performance improvement to LayOut’s ability to inference SketchUp viewports.
As you can see, we’re actively evolving SketchUp to provide a better 3D modeling experience. Your feedback is important to us. Please let us know how these updates have impacted your modeling in the forums.
To view all of our updates, including bug fixes, check out the complete release notes.