How to open a .skp file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .skp file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands SketchUp. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .skp file is a SketchUp Model. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads SketchUp yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .skp file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .skp. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with SketchUp or SketchUp Viewer.
On Mac, use SketchUp or SketchUp Viewer.
On Linux, try SketchUp for Web (browser).
Still stuck? Convert the .skp to dae, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .skp files

Windows

SketchUp
SketchUp Viewer
Trimble Connect

macOS

SketchUp
SketchUp Viewer

Linux

SketchUp for Web (browser)

Web

SketchUp for Web

Before you open it: Safe. A .skp file is model data opened by SketchUp; it does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .skp file?

Almost always because no installed app understands SketchUp. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .skp file without SketchUp?

Use the free SketchUp for Web in a browser or the SketchUp Viewer. Or ask for an export to .dae, .obj or .gltf, which open in Blender and others.

Why won't my .skp file open?

Often a version mismatch: files saved in a newer SketchUp may not open in an older one. Use a current viewer, or have the file saved in an older version.