Do you need to be running SketchUp Pro to make joints in timbers that cut into the connecting timber that show up on the shop drawings?

Depends on what you mean by 'shop drawings'.
Individual components / timbers?

No, but you do need to understand how to use the TF Rubies.

http://www.northernlightstimberframing.com/su/


3d frame views where the joinery is embedded into every timber in the frame? Pro would help, especially with the new 'solid tools' - but you can buy / find plugins by 3rd party scripters that will likely do the same or similar functions.

No, the free version works fine. You'll need to download and install the TF rubies:
http://www.northernlightstimberframing.com/su/

Thanks for the quick responses.

I've downloaded the rubies, they seem to be working fine. I've got the timbers and joints in component lists. I've done my best to follow the instructions and videos at northern lights and a few other posts on youtube but I guess I don't understand the TF Rubies. I can construct the timbers and joints and in x-ray you can see the joints in the timbers however when I select TF make shop drawings the joints that should be cut into the timbers are not there. I've tried making the complete timber with joints and adding the joints separately.

If you don't need pro then I'm sure it's something simple but I'm not getting it.

The joint needs to be a separate component within the timber component. And you need to use the TF Ruby to create the joint.

Have a look in the TFG bookstore for Clark's book. It will guide you through this.