MacOS Updates and SketchUp
Warning: If you want to continue using SketchUp on your MacOS device, SketchUp recommends not updating until the newest MacOS version is tested and supported. New OS versions are typically added with each major SketchUp release. MacOS updates are difficult to revert and often require a complete reset of your device.
Each version of SketchUp is developed with the current version of Apple’s MacOS in mind. When a new version of SketchUp is released, SketchUp will update the System Requirements as needed, adding support for the latest MacOS as of release time, and removing support for older versions as necessary.
Apple’s release schedule doesn’t always line up with SketchUp’s. That means newer versions of MacOS released between SketchUp releases may not work as expected with SketchUp’s latest version.
If you do decide to update to the newest MacOS, here are some things to keep in mind:
Bugs in your modeling workflows – Since the latest version of SketchUp wasn’t developed with the new MacOS in mind, you may find some unexpected bugs when modeling that can interrupt your workflows. For example, certain dialogs may not open, or crash unexpectedly.
SketchUp may crash – Because SketchUp hasn’t tested the compatibility of the latest version of SketchUp with the updated MacOS, full application crashes may occur. This could cause a loss of any unsaved work.
SketchUp’s support team won’t be able to help – If you run into problems related to the new MacOS, SketchUp’s Support Team won’t be authorized to assist you since the new OS isn’t officially supported.
Some extensions may not work the same – Just like SketchUp, extensions are designed with the latest available MacOS in mind during their development. Extension developers may or may not be able to update their extension to work with the newest MacOS after an update.
3rd party software may not be compatible – 3rd party software used as part of your SketchUp workflows may not work as expected. Renderers like Enscape or other modeling programs may not be updated to work with the newest MacOS, even if SketchUp is.
Peripherals may not work – Some peripherals, like 3D mice, may need updates to work with the new MacOS.