SketchUp 2014 released!

Trimble released SketchUp 2014 yesterday! The main highlight of this new version isn't exactly a tool, but rather the importance the company has placed on making SketchUp an increasingly integrated part of BIM workflows. To make that a reality, the program's team developed a new object classification system based on the interoperability standards of the IFC format. Through the new Classifier palette, you can select groups or components and classify them into IFC categories (such as IFCSlab, IFCWall, etc.). This way, when you need to export your model in IFC format (also a new feature in SketchUp), the objects will be correctly exported and classified. We tested opening a model exported in IFC in Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, and Tekla BIM Sight, and the results were excellent! As for SketchUp LayOut, the main new feature is the introduction of the Auto-text tool. It's a parametric text tool that makes it easier to fill in title blocks and labels, with variables that you define and control, saving a lot of time when creating and updating text fields in the program. Another point worth noting is the complete overhaul of SketchUp's 3D Warehouse. Marking the end of the Google-to-Trimble transition, the interface was completely redesigned and the processes for uploading and downloading files were simplified. There are a few other interesting features and improvements, so it's worth checking out the page www.sketchup.com/pt-BR/products/sketchup-pro/new-in-2014, which has the full list of the program's new features! Related post: Check out the free SketchUp Pro 2014 – What's New book!