Trimble aggressively monitors unauthorized software usage. Businesses caught using cracked licenses face steep financial penalties and legal audits.
SketchUp offers a completely free, web-based version of its software. While it has fewer features than SketchUp Pro, it is a legal, safe, and excellent way for beginners or hobbyists to learn 3D modeling or work on simple projects.
If you are a student or educator, you may be eligible for a free or deeply discounted educational license through the SketchUp for Schools program or Trimble's education portal.
To successfully activate and run this version, you must understand the specific relationship between the Classic License Key and the Authorization Number. Understanding the Classic License System Trimble aggressively monitors unauthorized software usage
If you are experiencing issues with your Classic License Key and Authorization Number, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take:
In SketchUp 2020, go to Help > License > Remove License .
Open SketchUp. On the welcome screen, click the Welcome to SketchUp dialog box. While it has fewer features than SketchUp Pro,
A standard single-user Classic license allows activation on up to two computers concurrently (e.g., a desktop and a laptop). If you try to activate a third, it will block you.
: Copy and paste your Serial Number and Authorization Number directly from your email into the respective fields.
: Click Add License to complete the process. If successful, you will no longer be prompted to sign in via a Trimble ID for that version. Troubleshooting Common Errors Understanding the Classic License System If you are
On the window, click Add Classic License .
For many professionals, SketchUp Pro 2020 represents the last bastion of the "classic" perpetual license model. Unlike the current subscription-based model, the 2020 version allowed users to buy the software once and own it forever. However, this means that finding and managing your is essential, especially if you are reinstalling the software on a new machine or dealing with a license transfer.
Important Technical Considerations for 2020 Classic Licenses
If you've purchased SketchUp Pro 2020 previously, you can retrieve your license key and authorization number: