What is a .SKP file?
A .SKP file is the native 3D model format used by SketchUp, the 3D modeling software owned by Trimble. The extension stands for "SketchUp Project". It stores a complete 3D scene — geometry, groups, components, materials, textures, layers, scenes and camera views — inside a single binary file.
What's inside a .SKP file?
- 3D geometry (edges, faces, meshes)
- Groups and reusable components
- Materials, colors and image textures
- Layers / tags and the model hierarchy
- Saved scenes and camera views
- Real-world scale, units and geolocation
Which apps open .SKP files?
SketchUp Pro, SketchUp Studio, SketchUp Free (web), SketchUp Make 2017, SketchUp Viewer, and — indirectly, through export — most 3D tools such as Blender, 3ds Max, Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD and Cinema 4D (via .dwg, .fbx, .obj or .3ds intermediate formats).
Why can't I open a newer .SKP file?
SketchUp files are not backwards compatible. A file saved in SketchUp 2026 cannot be opened in SketchUp 2020 — you'll get the error "This file was created in a newer version of SketchUp." The only official workaround is to own SketchUp Pro on the newer version and use File → Save As → older version. Otherwise, you need to convert the file with an external tool.
How to open a newer .SKP file for free
- Upload your .skp file to DownConvert (any version 2017–2026).
- Pick your target SketchUp version (e.g. 2017 or 2020).
- Download the converted .skp — ready to open in your version.