SketchUp 2013 and 2015 began the shift toward professional use, but it was that solidified this direction. It was the version that told the industry: "This is no longer just a tool for hobbyists placing houses on a map; this is a professional BIM and visualization tool."
SketchUp Pro 2017: A Deep Dive into a Defining Era of 3D Design sketchup 17
SketchUp 2017 (released in early 2017) represents a pivotal moment in the software's history. It was the final version of (the free desktop version for hobbyist/personal use) before Trimble shifted to a subscription-only web-based model (SketchUp Free). For many users, SketchUp 17 is the last stable, fully offline, no-subscription version that offers near-pro capabilities. SketchUp 2013 and 2015 began the shift toward