Convert SketchUp 2020 to 2017 Online
Convert SketchUp 2020 (.skp) drawings down to vintage SketchUp Make 2017 format. Reconciles 2020 Tags back to classic Layers and merges hidden object states while preserving 3D mesh geometry, textures, and components.
- Deleted within 15 minutes
- Original file stays put
- Kept when that year allows
- No SketchUp install
See which SketchUp year saved this file
SKPDowngrade is not affiliated with Trimble Inc. SketchUp is a trademark of Trimble Inc., used here only to describe file compatibility.
How to Convert SketchUp 2020 to 2017 in 3 Steps
Upload Your 2020 .SKP Model
Select or drag your SketchUp 2020 drawing (up to 100MB). Visitors receive a complimentary trial conversion.
Tags to Layers Mapping & Schema Translation
The cloud conversion engine maps 2020 Tags into 2017 Layers, unifies hidden states, and writes header {17.0.1}.
Download 2017-Compatible File
Download your converted file titled like "model-su2017.skp" to inspect components, meshes, and flattened layers in SketchUp Make 2017.
Why Convert SketchUp 2020 to SketchUp Make 2017?
SketchUp Pro 2020 was a milestone release that renamed "Layers" to "Tags" and introduced separate visibility toggles for Hidden Objects and Hidden Geometry. However, many educational programs, makers, and woodworking shops continue to rely on SketchUp Make 2017 as the permanent zero-cost standalone edition. Make 2017 cannot parse the {20.0.1} schema container or 2020 tag metadata. Our cloud converter maps Tags directly back into standard 2017 Layers, reconciles hidden object visibility into classic hidden geometry, and rebuilds the container to schema {17.0.1} for smooth loading in Make 2017.
Technical Comparison: SketchUp 2020 vs SketchUp 2017
Analysis of naming conventions, hidden entity toggles, and container headers between 2020 and 2017.
| Technical Metric | SketchUp 2020 | SketchUp 2017 | Conversion Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Header Container | Container Schema {20.0.1} | Legacy Schema {17.0.1} | Rewrites file header so SketchUp Make 2017 opens the file without version rejection errors. |
| Classification System | Tags (single-tier list) | Classic single-level Layers | Maps 2020 Tags directly into 2017 Layers; naming and entity assignments are fully aligned. |
| Hidden Entity Toggles | Split Hidden Objects & Geometry | Unified Hidden Geometry | Reconciles 2020 independent hidden object states into 2017 classic hidden geometry visibility. |
| Polygon Mesh Geometry | Double-precision coordinates | High-fidelity mesh preservation | Preserves vertex positions, curved surfaces, and edge loops without polygon decimation. |
| Material UV Coordinates | Diffuse textures & UV mapping | Preserved UV coordinates | Maintains diffuse texture positioning, rotation, and texture coordinates across surfaces. |
| Component Hierarchy | Standard nested components | Fully preserved hierarchy | Component definitions, instance placements, and dynamic formulas transfer accurately. |
Key Technical Features for 2020 to 2017 Conversion
Tags to Layers Translation
Maps 2020 Tags smoothly into classic 2017 Layers, ensuring model entities retain their category assignments.
Hidden Entity Reconciliation
Merges 2020 split hidden object and geometry states into 2017 single-toggle hidden geometry mode.
Zero-Cost Make 2017 Ecosystem Bridge
Enables architectural students, hobbyists, and makers to open 2020 drawings in permanent free Make 2017 setups.
Component Definition & Origin Integrity
Preserves component transformation matrices, local origins, and nesting hierarchies across all model parts.
Industry Use Cases for 2020 to 2017 Conversion
Historic Heritage Architectural Documentation
Scenario: Conservation teams document ancient timber structures in 2020, but field surveying crews review point-cloud tracings on Make 2017.
Resolution: Converts 2020 historical models to 2017, allowing field archaeologists to cross-check measured masonry joints on site.
Civil Infrastructure Drainage Modeling
Scenario: Municipal water detailers receive site grading models built in 2020, while sub-consultants operate validated Make 2017 seats.
Resolution: Maps 2020 tags to classic layers, allowing civil drafters to inspect pipeline clearances and elevations smoothly.
Custom Metal Fabrication & Railing Layouts
Scenario: Architectural metal shops build ornamental stair railings in 2020, but cutting tables run Make 2017 g-code postprocessors.
Resolution: Downgrades railing assemblies to 2017, enabling legacy CAM converters to read curved geometry without error.
Rural Building Permit Submissions
Scenario: Regional planning reviewers inspect residential plans on standalone government laptops running Make 2017.
Resolution: Translates 2020 drawings into compliant 2017 files, ensuring local authorities can verify setbacks without software costs.
Target User Roles for SketchUp 2017 Compatibility
Makers & CNC Operators
Operating digital fabrication equipment driven by SketchUp Make 2017 CAM export plugins.
Design Students & Educators
Teaching architectural fundamentals on permanent zero-cost Make 2017 lab computers.
Woodworking Craftsmen
Generating automated cut-lists with legacy CutList ruby scripts exclusive to Make 2017.
Independent Detailers
Maintaining stable classic software setups while receiving external commercial 2020 drawings.
Why Use Online Conversion for 2020 to 2017?
Opening a 2020 drawing in Make 2017 throws an immediate version incompatibility error.
Our converter rebuilds the file container to legacy schema {17.0.1}, enabling direct loading in Make 2017.
2020 Tags and split hidden entity states can cause visibility confusion in Make 2017.
Reconciles Tags into Layers and aligns hidden states so entities display as expected.
Intermediate formats like OBJ or DXF strip layer names, materials, and component instances.
Converts natively from SKP to SKP, preserving layer visibility, materials, and nested component trees.
Educational programs and makers face tight budgets that prevent modern software subscription upgrades.
Keeps permanent Make 2017 installations viable and compatible with newer architectural models.
Best Practices for 2020 to 2017 Conversion
Because 2017 uses "Layers" instead of "Tags", all entity classification will appear under the Layers window in Make 2017.
Make 2017 uses a single "Hidden Geometry" toggle under the View menu to control all hidden elements.
Use Model Info > Statistics > Purge Unused in 2020 to eliminate unneeded materials and speed up processing.
Your converted file will be downloaded as "[filename]-su2017.skp", keeping your original 2020 file untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2020 to 2017 Conversion
Answers to real engineering and licensing questions for this conversion pair.
Convert SketchUp 2020 to Make 2017 Online
Map Tags to Layers, preserve mesh geometry, and open your 2020 models cleanly in SketchUp Make 2017.