We've built Maps right into SketchUp. Adding a geo-location to your model is now an elegant, one-app process.

Our Match Photo feature lets you trace one or more photographs to build a model; it's an incredibly powerful tool. For SketchUp 8, we've tweaked some things to make using Match Photo easier than ever.

When it comes to modeling existing buildings, it's hard to beat Google Building Maker for speed and efficiency. We've made it simpler to open and refine Building Maker models in SketchUp. Watch a video

Watch a video about modeling in context with SketchUp 8

• Union adds together two or more shapes.
• Intersect makes a new shape out of the bits that overlap [parts that are common] – while deleting everything else.
• Subtract turns a shape into a 3D cookie cutter. Use it to slice and dice any other solid.
• Trim tells one shape to take a bite out of the other – without deleting the first shape.
• Split makes a new shape out of the bits that overlap – while keeping everything else.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Scenes Panel included little image previews of the scenes in your model? Your wish is our command.

Turn these on to see your model's obscured edges as dashed lines. A great alternative to Wireframe or X-Ray mode when you need to be able to see through your model.

By popular demand, we've equipped LayOut 3 with a dedicated tool for creating angular dimensions.

Select a face, then push/pull; it works just like the rest of SketchUp's modification tools. Super handy when you don't want to change your point of view.

Automatically generate a shape that completely encloses two or more solids in your model. It's a little like shrink-wrapping your geometry. Did someone say 3D printing?

SketchUp Pro 8 supports the DWG/DXF 2010 format for importing and exporting vector data for your models.

Like to draft in LayOut? With this version, you can share your LayOut 3 drawings as files that any CAD system or 3D modeler (including SketchUp Pro) can open.

Not finding what you need in LayOut's library of dashed line styles? Now you can adjust things to make your own.

We've arranged for the center grip on every element to do double duty: In addition to rotation, you can place it wherever you like to establish a custom “snap point” for putting things exactly where you want them.

Watch a video about improvements we've made to drafting in LayOut

Entity Info now displays the volume of any solid in your model. Volumes are also included in reports you generate with SketchUp Pro.