Author: Charlotte Lee

If you’ve ever found yourself digging through email chains trying to work out which model is the latest version, you’ll appreciate some of the collaboration improvements in SketchUp 2026.

Sharing projects is becoming much smoother, making it easier for teams and clients to stay on the same page throughout the design process. That means fewer version mix-ups and quicker feedback when it matters most.

In our opinion, yes.

If you use SketchUp every day, even small improvements can save hours over the course of a project. Better performance, smoother collaboration and improved visuals all add up to a more enjoyable workflow.

And if you’re new to SketchUp, there’s never been a better time to jump in.

From May 27, 2026, updated pricing will apply across:

• V-Ray
• Enscape
• Corona
• Anima
• Chaos Vantage

For existing customers, the updated pricing will take effect at the next renewal date starting July 8, 2026.

While pricing updates naturally attract attention, the bigger story is the increased value and simplification being introduced across the Chaos product ecosystem.

Chaos is also launching a new Unified Credit System designed to support advanced AI and cloud-based features across its ecosystem.

This system provides users with credits that can be used for:

• AI-powered tools
• Cloud rendering
• Advanced workflow features
• Future cloud-based capabilities

The move toward unified credits creates greater flexibility while simplifying access to evolving Chaos technologies.

As cloud workflows and AI-assisted rendering continue to grow in importance, this model helps users scale usage based on project requirements rather than fixed limitations.

As projects become more data-driven, disconnected workflows create unnecessary delays and inefficiencies.

Moving between point cloud data, CAD environments and BIM platforms can often lead to:

• Lost time
• Duplicate work
• Accuracy issues
• Coordination challenges
• Increased project costs

Integrated workflows help eliminate these problems by enabling teams to move more efficiently from site capture through to modelling, design development and project delivery.

This webinar will demonstrate how connected workflows inside SketchUp can help simplify that entire process.

Interoperability between software platforms remains one of the biggest challenges across AEC workflows.

This webinar will also explore how the Revit Importer allows users to easily translate RVT files into detailed SketchUp models, helping teams work more collaboratively across disciplines.

Whether you are coordinating with BIM teams, reviewing models or developing concepts from existing Revit projects, smoother interoperability can significantly improve project efficiency.

You will learn how to:

• Import Revit models into SketchUp more effectively
• Preserve important model detail
• Improve design collaboration
• Simplify coordination between teams
• Reduce workflow bottlenecks

From the moment doors opened, the atmosphere around Uplift London was electric.

Professionals from across the creative industries came together to explore the latest developments in:

• Architectural visualisation
• CGI and rendering
• AI-assisted workflows
• Real-time visualisation
• Creative storytelling
• VFX and animation
• Education and talent development
• Emerging workflow technologies

The event was designed not just to showcase technology, but to create meaningful conversations around where the industry is heading and how artists, studios and designers can continue to evolve alongside it.

The 3D visualisation industry moves incredibly fast.

New technologies, AI-driven workflows, rendering innovations and changing client expectations are constantly reshaping how creative professionals work.

Events like Uplift London provide something increasingly valuable. A space for people to learn together, share experiences and build real relationships within the industry.

Throughout the day, conversations continued well beyond the presentations themselves. Attendees connected with fellow artists, studio leaders, educators, software specialists and emerging talent, creating opportunities for collaboration, learning and future partnerships.

For many attendees, the networking aspect of Uplift London was just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

A 3D mouse is a specialist navigation device designed specifically for professional 3D applications.

Unlike a traditional mouse, which only moves in two dimensions, a 3Dconnexion mouse allows users to pan, zoom and rotate models simultaneously using intuitive hand movements. This creates a far more natural way to interact with 3D environments.

The result is smoother navigation, improved precision and significantly less interruption to your workflow.

Most professionals use a standard mouse in one hand and a 3Dconnexion device in the other, allowing true two-handed working. Once users adapt to this setup, many find it difficult to go back.

Professional CAD and 3D software demands specialist hardware.

3Dconnexion products are developed specifically for technical and creative applications, with features including:

• Application-specific profiles
• Customisable shortcut buttons
• Advanced driver integration
• Precision sensors
• Seamless compatibility with leading CAD software
• Ergonomic designs built for daily professional use

Unlike gaming peripherals or generic office mice, 3Dconnexion devices are engineered around professional workflows.

That difference becomes obvious very quickly in real-world use.

SketchUp is one of the most widely used 3D modelling platforms in the architecture and design industry thanks to its intuitive interface and flexible workflow. But while it’s easy to get started, mastering advanced modelling, rendering, lighting, and presentation techniques takes experience and guidance.

Professional SketchUp training can help users:

• Improve 3D modelling speed and accuracy
• Create more realistic renders with V-Ray and Enscape
• Streamline architectural visualisation workflows
• Reduce project turnaround times
• Increase team collaboration and consistency
• Learn industry best practices from certified experts

Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced designer wanting to optimise workflows, tailored training can significantly improve productivity and project quality.

High-quality visualisation is now a key part of winning projects and presenting ideas to clients. That’s where rendering software like V-Ray and Enscape comes in.

However, many users only scratch the surface of what these tools can actually do.

Elmtec’s training helps users understand:

• Realistic lighting and material setup
• Faster rendering workflows
• Real-time rendering with Enscape
• Photorealistic image creation in V-Ray
• Scene optimisation and render performance
• Presentation-ready architectural visualisation

With expert guidance, users can create professional-grade renders that communicate ideas more effectively and help projects stand out.

Before you even start modelling, take a moment to set up a custom template. Interior designers benefit hugely from pre-set:

• Units (mm is usually best)

• Scene styles

• Default materials

• Tag structures (walls, furniture, lighting, accessories, etc.)

Using Tags properly from the start makes it easier to toggle elements on and off, create clean scenes, and avoid the dreaded “sticky geometry” problem later.

💡 Top tip: Keep geometry untagged and apply tags to groups and components only.

SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse is a goldmine for interior designers. From sofas and tables to sanitaryware and lighting, it can save hours of modelling time.

However, not all models are created equal. Look for:

• Low polygon counts

• Clean geometry

• Real-world scale

Heavy models can slow down your file quickly — especially when you start adding textures and lighting.

SOLIDWORKS has become the go-to platform for professionals who need powerful yet intuitive design software. From startups building their first prototype to established manufacturers optimising production, the platform offers an unmatched balance of performance, flexibility, and ease of use.

With SOLIDWORKS, you can:

• Create precise 3D models quickly and efficiently
• Simulate real-world performance before manufacturing
• Improve collaboration between teams and stakeholders
• Reduce development costs and accelerate time to market
• Produce high-quality technical documentation automatically

In short, SOLIDWORKS helps turn ideas into real-world products faster — without compromising on quality or accuracy.

SOLIDWORKS is used across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Product Design
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Consumer Goods
• Medical Devices

By bringing SOLIDWORKS into our portfolio, Elmtec continues its commitment to helping UK businesses innovate, compete globally, and deliver exceptional products.

Whether you’re designing complex assemblies or creating visual prototypes for clients, SOLIDWORKS provides the tools to make your ideas a reality.

Accuracy matters. Start every project with:

• Correct units (mm or metres)

• Snapping enabled

• A clear origin point

Create a project-specific template that includes your preferred styles, tags, and scenes. This consistency saves time across multiple projects.

Tags aren’t just for visibility — they’re essential for managing complexity. Architects can use tags to:

• Show structural vs non-structural elements

• Separate existing and proposed works

• Present design options within one model

Pair tags with Scenes to quickly communicate changes to clients, planners, or consultants.

SketchUp 2026.0 introduces real-time collaboration, a long-awaited feature that lets you share models privately or publicly and work together directly inside your project.

Share and Review Models Effortlessly

You can now share your SketchUp models via:

• Private Invites – Send email invites to specific collaborators.

• Public Links – Generate shareable links for broader access.

Viewers can navigate the model, take measurements, leave comments, and even see your updates in real-time, all from their web browser.

Access levels include:

• Owner – Full access and control.

• View Scenes – Can view scenes only.

• Comment – Can leave comments and use camera tools.

Public (General Access) permissions can be set to:

• No Access – Requests access manually.

• View Scenes – Viewers can only see scenes.

• View Model – Viewers can explore and measure your model.

Meet the Collaboration Bar

The new Collaboration Bar keeps teamwork tools right at your fingertips. From here, you can manage sharing, access permissions, and comments without leaving SketchUp.

You’ll find it in the default toolbar or via Window → Collaboration Bar.

Comment in 3D Space

The new Comment Tool lets you drop 3D comment markers directly in your model. Add notes, attach images or links, and even capture a specific camera position, perfect for design reviews.

Comments are scene-aware, meaning when someone clicks a comment marker, SketchUp jumps to the correct scene and camera view.

Real-Time Updates and Shared Views

Collaboration happens in real time. Everyone can see what tool others are using, track updates instantly, and sync their viewpoint with a single click. Click your avatar to bring everyone to your perspective, or click another’s to see what they’re viewing.

SketchUp 2026.0 runs smoother than ever. Behind the scenes, you’ll notice:

• Optimized memory usage for large, complex models.

• Faster loading and saving times.

• Improved stability when handling big projects.

These refinements make SketchUp more reliable for professionals working at scale.