SketchUp 2017 was the final version to offer a robust "Make" (free) desktop edition, and when paired with V-Ray’s powerful rendering engine, it creates a powerhouse studio that is stable, fast, and capable of photorealistic results. Why SketchUp 2017 is Still Relevant
Unlike BIM (Building Information Modeling) software such as Revit or ArchiCAD, SketchUp utilizes a hybrid geometry system. In SketchUp 2017, "edges" and "faces" remain the primary primitives. The 2017 update introduced significant improvements to the inference engine and the "Section Planes" feature, allowing for non-destructive cutting of models. This was critical for renderers, as it allowed detailed interiors to be rendered without manually deleting exterior walls. sketchup 2017 vray