Google releases Sketchup 8 pro....enjoy!

What’s New in Google SketchUp 8

We’ve stuffed SketchUp 8 full of new and improved features:
Because almost everything is somewhere

Whether you’re designing in context, creating a shadow study or photo-modeling existing structures, SketchUp 8 provides easy access to Google’s huge collection of geographic resources.

* add-geo-location
Model geo-location with Google Maps

We’ve built Maps right into SketchUp. Adding a geo-location to your model is now an elegant, one-app process.
* color-terrain
Color imagery and more accurate terrain

The snapshot you get when you add a geo-location to your model now includes 3D terrain data that’s more accurate, and -- for the first time -- aerial imagery in color.
* photo-match-improvements
Match Photo improvements

Our Match Photo feature lets you trace one or more photographs to build a model; it’s an incredibly powerful tool. For SketchUp 8, we’ve tweaked some things to make using Match Photo easier than ever.
* building-maker
SketchUp, meet Building Maker

When it comes to modeling existing buildings, it’s hard to beat Google Building Maker for speed and efficiency. We’ve made it simpler to open and refine Building Maker models in SketchUp. Watch a video

Watch a video about modeling in context with SketchUp 8

More great things about SketchUp 8

We’ve spent months building powerful new tools, fine-tuning functionality and making sure SketchUp 8 continues to be the most intuitive 3D modeler on the planet.

* solid-tools
Meet the Solid Tools PRO

SketchUp Pro 8 includes a powerful new set of tools for additive and subtractive modeling:
o union Union adds together two or more shapes.
o intersect Intersect makes a new shape out of the bits that overlap [parts that are common] – while deleting everything else.
o subtract Subtract turns a shape into a 3D cookie cutter. Use it to slice and dice any other solid.
o trim Trim tells one shape to take a bite out of the other – without deleting the first shape.
o split Split makes a new shape out of the bits that overlap – while keeping everything else.
Watch a video about the Solid Tools
* scene-thumbs
Scene Thumbnails

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Scenes Panel included little image previews of the scenes in your model? Your wish is our command.
* back-edges
Back Edges

Turn these on to see your model’s obscured edges as dashed lines. A great alternative to Wireframe or X-Ray mode when you need to be able to see through your model.
* angular-dims
Angular Dimensions in LayOut PRO

By popular demand, we’ve equipped LayOut 3 with a dedicated tool for creating angular dimensions.
* push-pull
Push/Pull pre-selected faces

Select a face, then push/pull; it works just like the rest of SketchUp’s modification tools. Super handy when you don’t want to change your point of view.
* volumes
Calculate volumes

Entity Info now displays the volume of any solid in your model. Volumes are also included in reports you generate with SketchUp Pro.
* outer-shell
Outer Shell

Automatically generate a shape that completely encloses two or more solids in your model. It’s a little like shrink-wrapping your geometry. Did someone say 3D printing?
* dwg-lo
DWG/DXF 2010 PRO

SketchUp Pro 8 supports the DWG/DXF 2010 format for importing and exporting vector data for your models.
* dwg-su
DWG/DXF export in LayOut PRO

Like to draft in LayOut? With this version, you can share your LayOut 3 drawings as files that any CAD system or 3D modeler (including SketchUp Pro) can open.
* dashed-lines
Dashed lines are configurable in LayOut PRO

Not finding what you need in LayOut’s library of dashed line styles? Now you can adjust things to make your own.
* precise-move
Precise Move in LayOut PRO

We’ve arranged for the center grip on every element to do double duty: In addition to rotation, you can place it wherever you like to establish a custom “snap point” for putting things exactly where you want them.

Watch a video about improvements we’ve made to drafting in LayOut