Improved support for large models
We overhauled SketchUp's rendering engine to make it easier to work with big models. With the right setup, operations like orbiting, zooming and drawing are quicker and smoother in 7.1.
Photo Textures
Use Google Street View imagery to add real-world photo textures to your geo-located SketchUp models.
Nearby Models
Use the Component Browser to search 3D Warehouse for buildings located near the one you're working on, then download the ones you want directly into your model.
Upload Component
Upload individual components to 3D Warehouse without first having to save them out as separate files. Split up large city models into buildings, preserve Dynamic Component functionality and more.
Import and Export COLLADA files
COLLADA is a 3D file format based on open standards, making it easier to move your models between different pieces of software. The file extension for COLLADA files is .dae (digital asset exchange).
Import and Export KMZ files
Google Earth KMZ is the standard file format for packaging 3D models together with information about their geographic locations. SketchUp 7.1 gives you access to a world of geo-located models.
Reset Workspace
A new Reset Workspace button allows you to reset SketchUp to its default configuration (all dialog boxes are closed). This feature is in the Workspace panel of SketchUp preferences and is useful when your dialog boxes disappear when you change your monitor resolution.
Disable Update Service
The "Automatically check for updates" checkbox allow you to disable the update service, which is a requirement of some IT departments. This feature is in the General panel of the SketchUp Preferences panel.
DWG/DXF Importer
The DWG/DXF importer has been removed from Google SketchUp (our free modeler), though you can add it back for a limited time by downloading an optional installer. DWG/DXF remains fully supported (both import and export) in Google SketchUp Pro.
Google SketchUp Pro
Dimensions
Apply dimensions to scaled SketchUp models and vector graphics to create design documents and simple construction drawings with LayOut 2.1. We've added both a Dimension tool and a Dimension Style dialog box.
Snap to SketchUp model
Elements like lines, labels and dimensions automatically snap to points in the SketchUp models you insert in LayOut 2.1. When Object Snap (Arrange > Object Snap) is enabled, colored point inferences appear as you hover over edges, endpoints and faces in inserted SketchUp model views. Dimensions, lines, labels and other elements that you create while snapped to points in a model are sticky; they remain attached when the underlying model view is moved around on your page.
Improved Freehand tool
We tweaked the Freehand tool to make it even easier to draw smooth, perfect vector lines with a mouse. As you draw, LayOut figures out where to put the control points so that your shape stays recognizable but editable.
Bulleted and Numbered Lists
LayOut 2.1 makes it easy to include lists - bulleted or numbered - in your text. On Windows computers, list options are included in the Text dialog box. Mac users can select existing text, then choose Text > Lists... from the menu.
Improved Grids
In LayOut 2.1, you can choose to display your grid as dots instead of lines; sometimes this makes it easier to see what you're doing. You can also tell LayOut to draw your grid (dots or lines) in front of your drawing elements. After all - what good is a grid if you can't see it?
Improved Copy/Paste
We've made it easier to move elements like graphics and text between LayOut 2 and the other programs in your design toolbox.
