Trimble Buildings Group recently released SketchUp 2014, the latest version of its 3D modeling platform for architects, engineers, designers and construction professionals. Among other new features, the new version of SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, "an online repository for finding, storing and sharing useful 3D models," has been rebuilt to make it easier to find models and organize files into collections.

A new version of SketchUp, one of the most widely used 3D modeling software programs in the world, was released February 28 by Trimble Buildings Group. The latest incarnation of the tool includes a new 3D Warehouse and further integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Professionals using the updated program will be able to preview and orbit models in full 3D before downloading them into the software due to the inclusion of WebGL. SketchUp's maximum size for uploading models has increased from 10 to 50 megabytes to improve speed and accessibility, and the program's "inter-operability with other commonly used tools and data" has been significantly improved, according to Trimble.

By incorporating three new features to export and classify models, the program is making strides into the world of integrated design. First, since the information embedded in information models is often used by other software programs, SketchUp Pro 2014 has added the IFC 2???3 file type to its roster of supported exports. Second, the Classifier feature allows users to assign pre-loaded IFC classifications to objects, use alternate classification types or create a customized system for their specific needs. Finally, the Component Options provide editable options relevant to an object's classified type, allowing pertinent data about each object to be managed throughout the information modeling process.

A trial download of SketchUp Pro 2014 is available at this link.