The main change in SketchUp 2024.0 is the new graphics engine, which provides "noticeable improvements in file navigation and responsiveness." The main advantage is that it's faster - Trimble claims it's 2.4 times faster on "most common hardware configurations," though the speed increase is even greater on more expensive systems. It requires slightly more powerful hardware than the "classic" engine, which is still available as a backup option, although the system requirements are still low compared to other 3D programs.

One of the additional graphics capabilities of the new graphics engine is support for ambient occlusion, which adds additional detail to the traditionally stylized SketchUp viewport. In addition to the desktop application, occlusion is supported in SketchUp for iPad 6.5 - the latest version of Trimble's tablet edition of SketchUp.

The SketchUp modeling toolkit also includes several minor improvements, including enhancements to the Move tool, as well as undo, guides, and references systems. Additionally, the desktop version of SketchUp now supports glTF and USDZ files, but not USD itself, opening up new possibilities for asset exchange with other DCC applications.

Other new features in SketchUp 2024.0 are likely to be relevant to users of architectural solutions. Among them are accelerated IFC file loading and built-in integration with Trimble Connect - Trimble's cloud collaboration platform.

LayOut - SketchUp's toolkit for creating 2D documentation based on 3D models, now has no versions, eliminating the need to save files in a specific version format, although they can still be opened only in versions no later than 2 years from the current one.

Other changes in LayOut primarily concern performance and workflow improvements, although it also supports the new ambient occlusion face style from the desktop version.

Users with a Studio subscription also receive a new Ground Mesh tool, which converts imported point clouds into a grid-based terrain mesh that can be edited in SketchUp.

SketchUp 2024.0 is available for Windows 10 and above and macOS 11.0 and above (macOS 12.3.1 and above for the new graphics engine). The software is available by subscription only, with a SketchUp Go basic level subscription, including the browser edition and SketchUp for iPad, costing $119 per year. The cost of SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio subscriptions, which include the desktop version and LayOut, is $349 per year and $749 per year, respectively. There is also a free web version of SketchUp with a limited set of features - SketchUp Free.