SketchUp 2017 (officially known as SketchUp Make 2017) is widely considered the last "true" free desktop version of SketchUp before it transitioned into a web-based service for hobbyists. While no longer officially supported, it remains a favorite for its ability to run offline and support plugins—features often missing in the modern free web version. Getting Started and Installation Unaffordable - Pro - SketchUp Community
In the race to monetize software, companies often remove features that power users love. The SketchUp 2017 free version (Make 2017) is a time capsule of when 3D modeling was accessible, offline, and extensible without a subscription.
Install Extensions: Use powerful plugins from the Extension Warehouse to automate complex tasks, a feature strictly reserved for paid versions today.
4. Integration with Layout While the free version doesn't include Layout (the presentation software used for construction documents) in the same way the "Pro" version does, many users found workarounds to export 2D images that were sufficient for hobbyist projects.