THE FILE FIELD GUIDE

.skp

SketchUp Model

CAD & 3D

SKP is SketchUp’s model format, holding geometry, components, materials and scenes. Distinguish compatibility among supported versions from legacy releases and check dimensions/face orientation before exchange.

Main use: Edit architectural and product models
Data type: Binary data

All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed：2026-10-19 · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Compatible SketchUp version

Preserve the original and inspect a working copy in a compatible application.

Open a local copy in compatible SketchUp.
Inspect units, tag visibility, scenes and components.
Orbit/zoom to find missing elements and save a working copy.

Inspect the received file and its requirements

Establish dependencies and settings before proceeding.

Check official support for producer and recipient releases.
Identify texture, external-reference and extension dependencies.
Establish whether the task is viewing, drawings or 3D printing.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

Legacy release cannot open it: use a compatible version or request an exchange export.
Model invisible: inspect zoom extents, tags and hidden objects.
Dimensions differ: check units and measure a known dimension.
Print mesh has holes: inspect face orientation and watertight geometry.

SKP → supported 3D format / 2D output

Check export support in the available SketchUp edition/plan and choose a task-appropriate format.
Verify known dimensions, face orientation, materials and required scenes after export.

Exports may lose tags, scenes and component editing information.

Establish scale first

Changing displayed units differs from scaling geometry. Measure one known dimension before and after exchange to identify scale changes.

Source for these steps：Trimble · Saving a Model / Trimble · File Created in a Newer Version Error

Worked example: checks before handoff

Example: measure a desk’s width, inspect materials/component hierarchy and, for printing, check solid geometry rather than appearance alone.

Source for these steps：Trimble · Saving a Model / Trimble · File Created in a Newer Version Error

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / method	Purpose and preserved information
.skp	Edit architectural and product models
STL / DWG	STL carries mesh data and DWG drawing data; neither is the entire SKP editing structure.
SKP → supported 3D format / 2D output	Exports may lose tags, scenes and component editing information.

Handling and security

Review sharing destinations and sources for unpublished plans, location information and extensions.

Questions and answers

Can it always be saved for old releases?

Supported and unsupported legacy releases differ; consult the current compatibility guidance.

Can it be viewed on the web?

Check available SketchUp for Web import conditions and the destination for confidential models.

Does changing displayed units rescale geometry?

Display units and geometry scaling differ; measure a known dimension.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type

Formal name: SketchUp Model
Steward / specification: Trimble
MIME type: Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources

Software documentationSaving a Model
SKP saving, supported-version compatibility and backups.
Trimble · Link checked：2026-10-16
Software documentationFile Created in a Newer Version Error
Compatibility between older SketchUp and newer models.
Trimble · Link checked：2026-10-16