SketchUp version converter

The procedure that works

1. 1In SketchUp Pro: File → Save As, then set the version dropdown to the recipient's release and save under a new name.
2. 2On SketchUp Free (web) there is no save-down. Export COLLADA (DAE), OBJ or STL and have the recipient import that, or use a Pro trial for the one save.
3. 3Recipient has no SketchUp at all: export DWG (Pro only) for 2D linework, or 3D DWG/OBJ/FBX for the model.
4. 4Purge unused components and materials (Model Info → Statistics → Purge Unused) before saving down — old versions handle heavy files worse.
5. 5Reopen the saved-down file and check that groups, components and textures survived before issuing.

What the file loses

• • Features added after the target release are converted or dropped — live components, newer dashed line styles and some material settings.
• • Extension-created objects lose their intelligence; they become ordinary groups.
• • Textures are preserved, but positioning can shift on models saved a long way back.
• • Scenes and styles generally survive, but re-check section planes and camera positions.

SKP version compatibility

Each release opens its own version and every earlier one.

Questions