SketchUp "Self Help" Support Hub
Whilst SketchUp is generally an extremely User Friendly application, there are a few issues which tend to crop up every now and then, and are easy to solve as detailed below. If however you are experiencing a problem which is not listed below, please Complete and Submit the Support Ticket below, and we will endeavour to find a solution for you as soon as possible.
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Select your preferred Option below:
We are experiencing technical difficulties
The subscription server response is invalid
Where can I find SketchUp Training Resources?
Best Practice for SketchUp Modelling
Migrating SketchUp Plugins to a new version
SketchUp is Running in Trial Mode
SketchUp crashes when loading Extensions
Installing SketchUp on Multiple Workstations
How to Activate your Subscription license
Auth token cannot be used. The user must sign in.
OR
We are experiencing technical difficulties.
You can continue to use SketchUp, but you will not be allowed to start a new file or open an existing file.
How to rectify this problem.
- Sign into SketchUp. On the Welcome Screen, select the option "LICENSE". Now select the "blue/green person icon" and "SIGN OUT" and close SketchUp.
- SHUT DOWN your workstation by Powering it Off, and then Start it up again. (DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP, AND DON'T JUST SELECT RESTART)
- If you are running on the Windows Operating System, Right Click on your SketchUp Icon and select the option "Run As Administrator", and "SIGN IN" to SketchUp using your TRIMBLE ID.
- You should now be good to go again.
WINDOWS O/S:
Please follow the below steps exactly as described, and let me know if this does not resolve the issue!
- Close all running instances of SketchUp or LayOut
- Open your file browser, and navigate to C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\SketchUp(Year)\SketchUp (You may need to enable the ability to view hidden files and folders. See this article )
- Locate and delete the file named "login_session.dat"
- Restart SketchUp and attempt to log in
MAC O/S:
Please try the following steps exactly as described, this should get you up and running!
- Close all instances of SketchUp and LayOut by right clicking on their icons in the dock, and clicking "Quit". Failure to complete this step will prevent these steps from working
- Go to your desktop, you should see "Finder" and "Go" in the top left menu bar
- Click on "Go" Then hold the Option key and "Library" should appear in the list. Click "Library"
- Navigate to Application Support > SketchUp (Year)
- Locate and delete the "login_session.dat" file
- Restart SketchUp and log back in
V-Ray fails to Activate?
A common issue V-Ray users may encounter is a failure when activating their V-Ray license in SketchUp Studio. This happens when a user previously installed V-Ray on their device using a different email than the one they use for their SketchUp subscription
Solution
If you experience this error, you'll need to sign out and uninstall the Chaos license server on your device by following these steps:
Please review the following solution for guidance on how to resolve this issue.
Note:You must have an active SketchUp Studio subscription or Trial to use V-Ray with SketchUp.
Where can I find SketchUp Training Resources?
I am new to SketchUp.Could you recommend some SketchUp Training Videos to get me up and running?
Check out these hand picked Training Tutorials
You can check out our FREE OF CHARGE SketchUp Training Resources Videos here.
Migrating your SketchUp Extension Plugins to a new version
I have just upgraded to a new version of SketchUp Pro 2024, but all my previously loaded Extension Plugins are not available. How do I fix this?
Follow these steps
As for the question about transferring to a new version. The workspace settings will not transfer. We always recommend reinstalling extensions, as the old ones may not work with the new version, so we want to make sure they install the latest versions.
We know that moving your plugins from one version of SketchUp to another can be a pain, we have to do it also. Please know we require it for a very good reason. The #1 crash we get from SketchUp is when a plugin is installed that isn't compatible with that version of SketchUp. To avoid unnecessary crashes, we require plugins to be added to each version.
Please read the following article on Migrating Plugins, Materials, and Components from previous versions of SketchUp, and note that Windows instructions are above the Mac instructions on the same page:
https://help.sketchup.com/en/migrating-to-new-version
To migrate shortcut preferences: https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/customizing-your-workspace#export-preference
I’d like to call your attention to a Forum thread posted by Dave Richards on migrating extensions from a user’s p.o.v here: https://forums.sketchup.com/t/migrating-to-sketchup-2017/33475
Best Practice for SketchUp Modelling
I am creating large models with a lot of detail, and noticing that SketchUp is slowing down. How do I fix this?
Review the SketchUp Agile Modelling Guide
Want to keep your SketchUp File size low and ensure that it renders quickly as you use it?
This guide is best used for prevention. However, for optimising already-slow models, start with slides 5, 10, 11, 12, and 15-18, but then go back and read the rest, too! If you are reading this in PDF format, check for the latest version here:
How do I migrate my Plugins to a new version?
Follow these steps
As for the question about transferring to a new version. The workspace settings will not transfer. We always recommend reinstalling extensions, as the old ones may not work with the new version, so we want to make sure they install the latest versions.
We know that moving your plugins from one version of SketchUp to another can be a pain, we have to do it also. Please know we require it for a very good reason. The #1 crash we get from SketchUp is when a plugin is installed that isn't compatible with that version of SketchUp. To avoid unnecessary crashes, we require plugins to be added to each version.
Please read the following article on Migrating Plugins, Materials, and Components from previous versions of SketchUp, and note that Windows instructions are above the Mac instructions on the same page:
https://help.sketchup.com/en/migrating-to-new-version
To migrate shortcut preferences: https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/customizing-your-workspace#export-preference
I’d like to call your attention to a Forum thread posted by Dave Richards on migrating extensions from a user’s p.o.v here: https://forums.sketchup.com/t/migrating-to-sketchup-2017/33475
SketchUp is freezing
When working on a model in SketchUp, my workstation freezes.
Start troubleshooting these things.
Let's start the Troubleshooting process by checking the following things.
1. Firstly, please download and run the utility CheckUp.exe to see if your workstation is compatible with SketchUp Pro 2024.
2. Please confirm what version of SketchUp you are currently using. Windows: Click the "Help" button at the top of your screen then click "Check for Update"
You can download and install the latest shipping release from this link.
3. It is also possible that you may have multiple graphics cards, and if so, you may need to set which one SketchUp uses. Please follow the steps found here:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/pc-components/how-set-default-graphics-card-3612668/
4. You may also need to change this setting in your Windows Graphics Settings. To see how this is done, go to the link below and scroll down to "Force the program to use a specific graphics card using Windows 10 settings":
5. Additionally, if you're using a docking station, it might cause SketchUp to use the wrong graphics card. For a monitor to work with SketchUp, it has to be directly connected to the GPU. If there is something in between (like a dock with video capabilities) or if the monitor is connected to the lesser of two video cards, it may crash.
SketchUp is slowing down
I am creating large models with a lot of detail, and noticing that SketchUp is slowing down. How do I fix this?
Speeding up your Workflow in SketchUp 2021
SketchUp is running in Trial Mode
SketchUp says my Subscription License that I purchased from iRender is now in "Trial Mode".
You have an incorrect Trimble ID Sign In
The reason for this is due to the fact that you are trying to Sign In to your TRIMBLE ID with a different eMail Address to the one that you supplied to iRender when originally Activating your Subscription License.
Simply replace the incorrect eMail Address & Password, with the correct original one and you will be good to go again.
If you are not sure which eMail Address was used to Assign your original SketchUp Pro Subscription license, contact iRender for assistance in this regard.
If you can't remember your Password, select the option FORGOT PASSWORD. Check your SPAM FOLDER for a response from Trimble if you don't receive an eMail confirmation from them.
Cannot Access 3D Warehouse
I cannot access components in the 3D Warehouse.
Update you Browser
Update your Browser to the latest version. If you are using Internet Explorer, please change to Google Chrome.
Also note that access to the 3D Warehouse was disabled in the SketchUp Perpetual version.You will need to purchase a new SketchUp Subscription license to have access to the 3D Warehouse again.
SketchUp crashes when loading Extensions
SketchUp crashes when I try to load Extensions.
Extension is NOT compatible with SketchUp
One of the extensions that is installed is causing the crash and most likely isn't compatible with SketchUp Pro 2024. Once the program starts to load up Ruby its hitting whichever extension that might be and crashing.
The best way to narrow down which extension it could be is to remove any extensions that didn't come with SketchUp natively, and start adding them back one by one to see where the problematic extension is.
Installing SketchUp on Multiple workstations
Can I install my SketchUp License on more than one workstation, in other words on my Desktop at the office, and my travelling MacBook Pro Laptop?
The Answer
Access to SketchUp is governed by the creation of a Trimble ID, i.e. (your eMail Address and Password) which identifies you as the Registered User.
How to Activate your Subscription
Congratulations, you have purchased a SketchUp Subscription. Now what?
Follow these steps
Continue reading and activate your SketchUp Subscription with the following steps.
Recommended Graphics Card for SketchUp
What Graphics Card is recommended for SketchUp Pro 2024?
The Answer:
nVidia cards are well known for their excellent OpenGL support, ATI performs less in that area.
nVidia GeForce chipsets in the GTX series are very good, and not that expensive. The Quadro chipset cards from nVidia are excellent but very expensive (these are true OpenGL cards, GeForce are more gaming cards but do perform well).
Be sure to download the latest driver from the nVidia website once you plugged your new card in. Drivers are software, and software can contain bugs that are being fixed in new releases.
You can download and run the utility CheckUp.exe to see if your workstation is compatible with SketchUp Pro 2024.
Running SketchUp on too many computers
If you get the error message "Running on too many computers", please proceed as follows:
Deauthorize active "signed in" versions
If you are getting the message: "You are using SketchUp on too many computers" or "You have exceeded your allowed activations", the issue you are experiencing is based on SketchUp being authorized more than three times. To remain in compliance with the end user license agreement (EULA), please note that each purchase of SketchUp entitles one user to be able to use SketchUp on two machines. For more details on staying compliant with the software agreement, please see this link: https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup-subscriptions
This can occur if:
* You have logged into SketchUp on too many devices
* You have multiple versions of SketchUp logged in on one device
* Or a combination of too many versions and devices
You can free up your SketchUp activations by deauthorizing your currently active (signed-in) versions of SketchUp. The following instructions will reset your activations and allow you to sign in again.
Note: this must be done by the user who is receiving this message, the company administrator or account admin can not do this on behalf of the individual user on the account. This can be done from any device, and does not have to be specific to the computer where the logins occurred.
1) Please sign out of SketchUp and make sure all versions of SketchUp are closed (this is an important step)
2) Log into your Trimble Account Management Portal with your SketchUp email address (Trimble ID) and choose your latest Account, if needed: https://ecom-prd.trimblepaas.com/ecom/portal#/subscription
3) Go to My Products and click on "View Included Applications". If you don't see that, you may need to switch accounts under your email address on the left.
4) Click on the small blue link that says "Manage Devices" next to SketchUp Pro.
5) On the pop-up window, click the "Deauthorize All" button.
6) Back in SketchUp, if you still see the error message, click on the small profile icon in the top right window, and sign out and in again.
For a demonstration of what this looks like, please check out this video: https://youtu.be/94wva3ezxBE
The subscription server response is invalid
You can continue to use SketchUp, but you will not be allowed to start a new file or open an existing file.
How to Sign Out of SketchUp
Sign into SketchUp. On the Welcome Screen, select the option "LICENSE". Now select the "blue person icon" and "SIGN OUT" and close SketchUp. Shut Down your workstation, start it up again, and "SIGN IN" to SketchUp using your TRIMBLE ID. You should now be good to go again.
Alternatively this means that you have signed in with an incorrect eMail Address. Locate the correct eMail Address and try again. (You can verify the correct eMail address with iRender if you don't remember it).