Sketchup typically doesn’t support newer versions of CAD file types, so you’ll want to make sure you have a compatible version of the AutoCAD DWG after export. To change this setting, click the Modify Export Setup button. It is the obscure ellipsis button in the Select Export Setup section of the DWG Export window (see screenshot below). In the Export Location dialog box, select the ESRI Shapefile format and a location for the exported files. In the Export dialog box, specify how to export objects. To use settings that you stored previously, click Load and select the profile containing the settings. On the Selection tab, specify the objects to export. Nov 28, 2013 Hi, I am trying to import this dwg file which is in 3D into Sketchup, but only 2 parts of the model import with solid faces. What do I need to do in AutoCAD so that all the lines with faces import correctly, can anyone help. I have attached the CAD file in question. 50+ videos Play all Mix - How to Export SketchUp to AutoCAD YouTube Tip to export from Sketchup 3D to AutoCAD 2D - Duration: 9:34. WildchildRome86 181,101 views. Select Wide Line Entities to export profile lines as AutoCAD wide line entities. The Separate on a Layer checkbox, which is selected by default, creates a layer for profile edges. If you've used SketchUp layers to control visibility, note that SketchUp layer assignments don't translate directly when you export a SketchUp file to a 2D CAD file. Tip: Inserted SketchUp files can now contain Dashed Lines, to learn more about managing those new line types with inserted files, see Working with SketchUp Dashes in Imported Models After you work hard to create and polish a LayOut document, you want your document to go out into the world and make its mark.
- Export From Sketchup To Autocad
- Export Sketchup To Autocad 3d
- Sketchup Export To Autocad Drawing
- Export Skp File To Cad
Tip: Inserted SketchUp files can now contain Dashed Lines, to learn more about managing those new line types with inserted files, see Working with SketchUp Dashes in Imported Models
After you work hard to create and polish a LayOut document, you want your document to go out into the world and make its mark. You can present your work on-screen, but that isn’t always enough. Here are other ways you can share your document:
- Upload a document online or attach it to an email. You can export your document pages as JPEG or PNG image files that you can display on web pages. Or you can make a PDF that your audience can download from the web or as an email attachment.
- Open a document in a CAD program. You can also export your LayOut document to a DWG or DXF file, either of which is compatible with popular CAD programs.
- Print your document. Whether you need a high-quality print or just printouts of your pages for your audience to take notes, LayOut includes printing options to help you create just the printout you need.
Tip: Before you export or print a document, check your Paper settings in the Document Setup dialog box. With these settings, you can choose whether to export or print a background color or transparent background. You can also select whether to export or print margin lines and select the quality for image or SketchUp model entity rendering (Low, Medium, or High). For details, see Creating and Saving a LayOut Document.
Table of Contents
Exporting a document as image files
When you export a document as a series of images, LayOut exports each document page as a separate image file, in either
.jpg
or .png
format. The following steps, which reflect the selected operating system, walk you through the image-export process:- From the menu bar, select File > Export > Images. The Export Images dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your images.
- In the File Name box, type a name that will begin each image file you export. If you export multiple images, LayOut exports a number to each image in the series, such as
Green Vale Homes_1.png
,Green Vale Homes_2.png
, and so on. - From the Save As Type drop-down list, select PNG or JPEG.
- Click the Save button. The Image Export Options dialog box appears.
- (Optional) In the Pages area, select whether you want to export all the document pages (the default) or just a page range. To print a page range, select the From/To radio button and enter the page range that you want to export.
- (Optional) To change the size and resolution of your exported images, enter a new width or height value or type your desired resolution. These three settings are constrained so, for example, changing the width automatically adjusts the height to maintain the image’s aspect ratio.
- (Optional) By default, your exported images open in your default image viewer. Deselect the Show Export in Image Viewer checkbox if you don’t want to open the images in this program.
- Click the Export button. The images are exported to the location you selected in Step 2.
- From the menu bar, select File > Export. An export dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- In the Save As box, type a name that will begin each image file you export. If you export multiple images, LayOut exports a number to each image in the series, such as
Green Vale Homes_1.png
,Green Vale Homes_2.png
, and so on. - Navigate to the location where you want to save your images.
- From the Format drop-down list, select PNG or JPG.
- Click the Options button. The Image Export Options dialog box appears.
- (Optional) In the Pages area, select whether you want to export all the document pages (the default) or just a page range. To print a page range, select the From/To radio button and enter the page range that you want to export.
- (Optional) To change the size and resolution of your exported images, enter a new width or height value or type your desired resolution. These three settings are constrained so, for example, changing the width automatically adjusts the height to maintain the image’s aspect ratio.
- (Optional) By default, your exported images open in your default image viewer. Deselect the Show Export in Image Viewer checkbox if you don’t want to open the images in this program.
- Click the OK button.
- Back in the export dialog box, click the Save button. The images are exported to the location you selected in Step 3.
Creating a PDF of your document
When you export a PDF of a document, LayOut creates a single PDF file that contains your document pages. To export your document as a PDF, follow these steps, which reflect the selected operating system:
- From the menu bar, select File > Export > PDF. The Export PDF dialog box appears, and the PDF format is already selected in the Save As Type drop-down list.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save the PDF.
- In the File Name box, type a name for the file.
- Click the Save button. The PDF Export Options dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) The location and filename in the Export File field reflect the location you chose in Step 2. If you change your mind, click the Choose button and select a new location.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut includes all the pages in your document in the PDF. To specify a page range instead, select the From/To radio button and type the page numbers for your desired page range.
- (Optional) To change the quality for rendering models and images in your exported PDF, select an option from the Output QualityOutput Resolution drop-down list.
- (Optional) A great way to reduce the file size of the resulting PDF is to compress images in your LayOut document. Select the Use JPEG Compression for Images option and move the slider to Smaller File to reduce the quality of the images and reduce the file size as well. For a higher quality image, however, move the quality slider to Better Quality.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut creates a PDF layer that corresponds to each layer in your document. If you don’t want LayOut to create these layers, deselect the Create PDF Layers from LayOut Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut displays the exported PDF file in your system’s PDF viewer, such as Adobe Reader. If you don’t want LayOut to open the file for you, deselect the Show Export in PDF Viewer checkbox.
- Click Export, and LayOut creates the PDF in the location you specified in Step 2.
- From the menu bar, select File > Export. An export dialog box appears.
- In the Save As box, type a name for the PDF file.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your images.
- From the Format drop-down list, select PDF.
- Click the Options button. The PDF Export Options dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) In the Pages area, select whether you want to export all the document pages (the default) or just a page range. To print a page range, select the From/To radio button and enter the page range that you want to export.
- (Optional) To change the quality for rendering models and images in your exported PDF, select an option from the Output QualityOutput Resolution drop-down list.
- (Optional) A great way to reduce the file size of the resulting PDF is to compress images in your LayOut document. Select the Use JPEG Compression for Images option and move the slider to Smaller File to reduce the quality of the images and reduce the file size as well. For a higher quality image, however, move the quality slider to Better Quality.
- (Optional) By default, your exported images open in your default image viewer. Deselect the Show Export in PDF Viewer checkbox if you don’t want to open the images in this program.
- Click the OK button.
- Back in the export dialog box, click the Save button. The images are exported to the location you selected in Step 3.
Exporting a document to DWG or DXF format
DWG and DXF are file formats that open in popular CAD programs. To export a document to one of these formats, follow these steps, which reflect your selected operating system:
- From the menu bar, select File > Export > DWG/DXF. The Export DWG/DXF dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
- In the File Name box, type a name for the file.
- In the Save As Type drop-down list, select DWG or DXF.
- Click the Save button. The DWG/DXF Export dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) The location and filename in the Export File field reflect the location you chose in Step 2. If you change your mind, click the Choose button and select a new location.
- (Optional) In the Format area, from the drop-down list, select the version of AutoCAD in which the file will be opened. The file format (DWG or DXF) reflects the option you selected in Step 4, and you can change that here if you like.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut includes all the pages in your document in the exported file. To specify a page range instead, select the From/To radio button and type the page numbers for your desired page range.
- (Optional) In the Output Space area, Paper Space is selected by default, which exports the file for 2D paper space. Select the Model Space radio button if you intend to use the exported file in 3D model space. When Model Space is selected, you can set a scale from the Scale drop-down list. See Editing a SketchUp Model’s View and Style Settings in LayOut for details about your scale options.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut creates a DWG/DXF layer that corresponds to each layer in your document. If you don’t want LayOut to create these layers, deselect the Create DWG/DXF Layers from LayOut Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports hidden layers (also known as invisible layers) to your DWG or DXF file. If you don’t want LayOut to export these layers, deselect the Export Invisible Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) LayOut does not include any fills that your document contains in the exported file. Deselect the Ignore Fills checkbox if you want those fills in your exported file.
- Click Export, and LayOut creates the DWG or DXF file in the location you specified in Step 2.
- From the menu bar, select File > Export > DWG/DXF. The Export DWG/DXF dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
- In the File Name box, type a name for the file.
- In the Save As Type drop-down list, select DWG or DXF.
- Click the Save button. The DWG/DXF Export dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) The location and filename in the Export File field reflect the location you chose in Step 2. If you change your mind, click the Choose button and select a new location.
- (Optional) In the Format area, from the drop-down list, select the version of AutoCAD in which the file will be opened. The file format (DWG or DXF) reflects the option you selected in Step 4, and you can change that here if you like.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut includes all the pages in your document in the exported file. To specify a page range instead, select the From/To radio button and type the page numbers for your desired page range.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut creates a DWG/DXF layer that corresponds to each layer in your document. If you don’t want LayOut to create these layers, clear the Create DWG/DXF Layers from LayOut Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports hidden layers (also known as invisible layers) to your DWG or DXF file. If you don’t want LayOut to export these layers, clear the Export Invisible Layers checkbox. Tip: If a layer is hidden on all pages, the layer is exported as hidden. If the layer is hidden on some but not all pages, only the visible entities are exported.
- (Optional) Instead of exporting colors you specified in LayOut, you can export each layer’s entities as a different color based on its layer. To do so, select the Export Entities as Color by Layer check box.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports its entities as native DWG/DXF entities. If you clear the Export as Native DWG/DXF Entities check box, LayOut entities are exploded into raw geometry in the exported file. For example, in the DWG/DXF file, a LayOut dimension is exploded into lines and text and has none of the usual dimension behaviors. Tip: LayOut 2017 improves entity export compared to previous versions, exporting dimensions, labels, circles, arcs, ellipses, and tables as native DWG/DXF entities.
- (Optional) LayOut does not include any fills that your document contains in the exported file. Clear the Ignore Fills checkbox if you want those fills in your exported file.
- Click Export, and LayOut creates the DWG or DXF file in the location you specified in Step 2.
Note: LayOut entities are exported into paper space. SketchUp model entities (except models in Perspective view) are exported into model space.
- From the menu bar, select File > Export > DWG/DXF. The Export DWG/DXF dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
- In the File Name box, type a name for the file.
- In the Save As Type drop-down list, select DWG or DXF.
- Click the Save button. The DWG/DXF Export dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) In the Format area, from the drop-down list, select the version of AutoCAD in which the file will be opened. The file format (DWG or DXF) reflects the option you selected in Step 4, and you can change that here if you like.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut includes all the pages in your document in the exported file. To specify a page range instead, select the From/To radio button and type the page numbers for your desired page range.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut creates a DWG/DXF layer that corresponds to each layer in your document. If you don’t want LayOut to create these layers, clear the Create DWG/DXF Layers from LayOut Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports hidden layers (also known as invisible layers) to your DWG or DXF file. If you don’t want LayOut to export these layers, clear the Export Invisible Layers checkbox. Tip: If a layer is hidden on all pages, the layer is exported as hidden. If the layer is hidden on some but not all pages, only the visible entities are exported.
- (Optional) Instead of exporting colors you specified in LayOut, you can export each layer's entities as a different color based on its layer. To do so, select the Export Entities as Color by Layer check box.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports its entities as native DWG/DXF entities. If you clear the Export as Native DWG/DXF Entities check box, LayOut entities are exploded into raw geometry in the exported file. For example, in the DWG/DXF file, a LayOut dimension is exploded into lines and text and has none of the usual dimension behaviors. Tip: LayOut exports dimensions, labels, circles, arcs, ellipses, and tables as native DWG/DXF entities.
- (Optional) LayOut does not include any fills that your document contains in the exported file. Clear the Ignore Fills checkbox if you want those fills in your exported file.
- (Optional) To assist with performance, Raster render your SketchUp model viewports are the fastest. You can export those viewports as Hybrid-rendered viewports with this option checked.Note: LayOut entities are exported into paper space. SketchUp model entities (except models in Perspective view) are exported into model space.
- (Optional) Export for SketchUp - This option exports all (LayOut Paper Space and SketchUp model viewport) entities to the Model Space at the current paper size.Tip: The ‘Export for SketchUp’ feature places all LayOut entities into the Model Space so that SketchUp can now ‘play’ with all LayOut data. As part of this feature Groups are sent over as SketchUp Components, Fills and Patterns are sent over as SketchUp faces for easy Push/Pull’n.
- Click Export, and LayOut creates the DWG or DXF file in the location you specified in Step 2.
Note: LayOut entities are exported into paper space. SketchUp model entities (except models in Perspective view) are exported into model space.
- From the menu bar, select File > Export. An export dialog box appears.
- In the Save As box, type a name for the DWG or DXF file.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your images.
- From the Format drop-down list, select DWG/DXF.
- Click the Options button. The DWG/DXF Export Options dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut includes all the pages in your document in the exported file. To specify a page range instead, select the From/To radio button and type the page numbers for your desired page range.
- (Optional) In the Format area, select the DWG or DXF radio button to indicate which file type you wish to export. From the drop-down list, select the version of AutoCAD in which the file will be opened.
- (Optional) In the Output Space area, Paper Space is selected by default, which exports the file for 2D paper space. Select the Model Space radio button if you intend to use the exported file in 3D model space. When Model Space is selected, you can set a scale from the Scale drop-down list. If you select Custom from the drop-down list, you can define a scale in the Custom Scale box. See Editing a SketchUp Model’s View and Style Settings in LayOut for more details about your scale options.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports invisible layers to your DWG or DXF file. If you don’t want LayOut to export these layers, deselect the Export Invisible Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut creates a DWG/DXF layer that corresponds to each layer in your document. If you don’t want LayOut to create these layers, deselect the Create DWG/DXF Layers from LayOut Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) LayOut does not include any fills that your document contains in the exported file. Deselect the Ignore Fills checkbox if you want those fills in your exported file.
- Click OK when you’re done selecting your options.
- Click Save, and LayOut creates the exported file in the location you selected in Step 3.
- From the menu bar, select File > Export. An export dialog box appears.
- In the Save As box, type a name for the DWG or DXF file.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your images.
- From the Format drop-down list, select DWG/DXF.
- Click the Options button. The DWG/DXF Export Options dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut includes all the pages in your document in the exported file. To specify a page range instead, select the From/To radio button and type the page numbers for your desired page range.
- (Optional) In the Format area, select the DWG or DXF radio button to indicate which file type you wish to export. From the drop-down list, select the version of AutoCAD in which the file will be opened.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut creates a DWG/DXF layer that corresponds to each layer in your document. If you don’t want LayOut to create these layers, clear the Create DWG/DXF Layers from LayOut Layers checkbox.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports invisible layers to your DWG or DXF file. If you don’t want LayOut to export these layers, clear the Export Invisible Layers checkbox. Tip: If a layer is hidden on all pages, the layer is exported as hidden. If the layer is hidden on some but not all pages, only the visible entities are exported.
- (Optional) Instead of exporting any colors you specified in LayOut, you can export each layer's entities as a different color based on its layer. To do so, select the Export Entities as Color by Layer check box.
- (Optional) By default, LayOut exports its entities as native DWG/DXF entities. If you clear the Export as Native DWG/DXF Entities check box, LayOut entities are exploded into raw geometry in the exported file. For example, in the DWG/DXF file, a LayOut dimension is exploded into lines and text and has none of the usual dimension behaviors.. Tip: LayOut exports dimensions, labels, circles, arcs, ellipses, and tables as native DWG/DXF entities.
- (Optional) LayOut does not include any fills that your document contains in the exported file. Clear the Ignore Fills checkbox if you want those fills in your exported file.
- (Optional) To assist with performance, Raster render your SketchUp model viewports are the fastest. You can export those viewports as Hybrid-rendered viewports with this option checked.Note: LayOut entities are exported into paper space. SketchUp model entities (except models in Perspective view) are exported into model space.
- (Optional) Export for SketchUp - This option exports all (LayOut Paper Space and SketchUp model viewport) entities to the Model Space at the current paper size.Tip: The ‘Export for SketchUp’ feature places all LayOut entities into the Model Space so that SketchUp can now ‘play’ with all LayOut data. As part of this feature Groups are sent over as SketchUp Components, Fills and Patterns are sent over as SketchUp faces for easy Push/Pull’n.
- Click OK when you're done selecting your options.
- Click Save, and LayOut creates the exported file in the location you specified in Step 3.
Note: LayOut entities are exported into paper space. SketchUp model entities (except models in Perspective view) are exported into model space.
Printing your document
The great German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, once said, “Print is dead.” Or something like that. (Beware the accuracy of quotes you find on the Internet.) Regardless, people stopped heralding the advent of the paperless office years ago. Printouts still have a place and a purpose in this world. If you have such a purpose for your LayOut document, this section guides you through the printing process.
Whether you use LayOut for Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, the basic printing process is the same:
- Select File > Page Setup to check your page setup options.
- Preview your printout.
- Select File > Print to select your final print options and send your presentation to the printer.
However, the specific steps vary between Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. In the following steps, you walk through the whole detailed printing process for the selected operating system:
- From the menu bar, select File > Page Setup. The Page Setup dialog box appears.
- From the Size drop-down menu, select a paper size.
- From the Source drop-down menu, select the printer tray that contains the paper you want to use.
- Click OK in the Page Setup dialog box.
- Select File > Print Preview to open the Print Preview dialog box, shown in the following figure.
- Preview each page of your document to make sure it will print as you like. Use the Zoom menu in the upper left to zoom in or out of the preview area. Next to the Zoom menu, you can click an icon to select how many pages you see in the preview area. In the upper right, type a page number in the Page box to navigate to a specific page in your document.
- Click the Close button and select File > Print, or click the Print icon in the upper left of the Print Preview dialog box. Either way, the Print dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
br> - In the Select Printer list box, select a printer. (If you don’t see your desired printer, click the Find Printer button and try to navigate to it in the dialog box that appears.)
- (Optional) Select the Print to File checkbox to create a
.prn
file with formatting and layout data that enables a printer to print the document outside of LayOut. However, note that this file was designed to work with parallel printers and often doesn’t work with modern USB or wireless printers. - Click the Preferences button to open the Printing Preferences dialog box. The following figure shows the printing options for the selected EPSON printer, but the options you see vary, depending on the printer you selected in Step 8. Check the documentation for your printer for details about your options. When you’re done setting your printer-specific printing preferences, click OK.
- (Optional) Back in the Print dialog box, the default page range is All. To print a specific page range, select the Pages radio button and enter a page range in the text box.
- (Optional) To print more than one copy of your document, type how many copies you want in the Number of Copies box. Or use the arrows to specify a number. If you print more than one copy, you can choose how your printer collates the copies.
- Click the Print button and (at last!) your document is sent to the printer.
- From the menu bar, select File > Page Setup. A page setup dialog box appears, displaying your page attributes options, as shown in the following figure.
- From the Format For drop-down list, select a printer.
- From the Paper Size drop-down list, select the paper size loaded in your printer.
- (Optional) You likely want to use the default orientation, which reflects the orientation of the template that you selected when you created your document. However, you can select a different option by clicking an Orientation icon for portrait or landscape.
- (Optional) In the Scale box, enter a percentage value to tell your printer how to scale the page in relation to the paper size.
- When you’re done choosing page attributes, click OK.
- Select File > Print to open a print dialog box and click the Show Details button in the lower left to expand the available options, as shown in the following figure.
- From the Printer drop-down menu, make sure the printer you want to use is selected.
- (Optional) If you’ve saved your desired settings as a preset, you can select it from the Presets menu and skip to Step 14. Otherwise, move onto Step 10.
- (Optional) In the Copies box, type the number of copies you want to print.
- (Optional) In the Pages area, choose to print all pages or type a page range in the From/To boxes.
- (Optional) To print more than one document page on each sheet of paper, select the number of document pages from the Pages Per Sheet drop-down list.
- (Optional) To add a border around the margins of your document printout, select the type of border you’d like from the Border drop-down list.
- (Optional) To choose settings specific to your printer, navigate to the various options using the drop-down menu in the center of the dialog box. (In the preceding figure, the LayOut option is selected from this menu.)
- Click the Print button, and your document begins its journey to your printer.
PRO If you're a SketchUp Pro user, you can import or export CAD files, which use the
.dwg
or .dxf
file formats.Before you import a file, it's helpful to know what CAD entities SketchUp Pro does and doesn't support and how to prepare your CAD file for best results. Then, you can walk through the basic importing steps outlined in this article. After you're done importing, check out Starting with a CAD File in SketchUp Pro, which offers several tips and tricks for handling imported CAD geometry.
If you're exporting a SketchUp Pro file to a CAD format, how you import a CAD file depends on whether it's a 2D file, such as a floor plan, or a 3D model. In this article, you also discover how SketchUp data is exported into CAD format.
Table of Contents
Understanding what CAD elements SketchUp can import
The following table outlines what CAD elements SketchUp does and doesn't support. If an element isn't supported, SketchUp simply ignores it when you import the CAD file.
Supported CAD Entities | Unsupported CAD Entities |
---|---|
Arcs | Proprietary ADT or ARX objects |
Circles | Dimensions |
Entities with thickness | Hatching |
Faces | Text |
3D faces | XREFs |
Layers | |
Lines and supported Line Styles | |
Materials | |
Polyline-based solids | |
Nested blocks | |
AutoCAD regions | |
Point | |
Ellipse | |
Spline | |
RasterImage |
![Export Sketchup To Autocad Export Sketchup To Autocad](/uploads/1/2/5/0/125009825/175083443.jpg)
Preparing a CAD file for import into SketchUp
When you take a few steps to check and prepare your CAD file before import, you can make sure all the data you need imports into SketchUp and streamline the import process. The following sections outline what you need to look for and how to resolve any potential conflicts between CAD elements and SketchUp.
Tip: You don't want to lose details in your original CAD file. Remember to create a copy of the CAD file and prepare that copy for importing into SketchUp.
Change unsupported elements
![Export sketchup make to autocad Export sketchup make to autocad](/uploads/1/2/5/0/125009825/911617631.gif)
If you need to import unsupported CAD elements into SketchUp, try exploding those elements in CAD so they become primitive CAD drawing elements that SketchUp does support.
For example, when you explode CAD objects into block entities, they import into SketchUp as components. If you explode the CAD block entities into polylines, the polylines import into SketchUp as lines or polylines.
Delete unnecessary layers
In an imported CAD file, SketchUp automatically discards any entities that have no 3D relevance, such as text, dimensions, hatching, and so on. However, SketchUp won't discard the layers holding these entities. To avoid a bunch of empty layers in SketchUp, you may want to purge any unused layers through Statistics on the Model Info dialog.
Move geometry close to the origin
In SketchUp, geometry that's many miles or kilometers away from the origin (0,0) can cause performance problems. To avoid these problems, check the placement of geometry in your CAD file before you import the CAD file into SketchUp.
For example, say you're importing Autodesk AutoCAD DWG files, such as civil site plans, in order to work with the contour lines. If the graphic or geometry is far away from the origin, move it close to the origin before importing the CAD file into SketchUp.
Alternatively, deselect the Preserve Drawing Origin option in SketchUp's DWG/DXF import options, as explained in Importing a CAD file into SketchUp, later in this article.
Export From Sketchup To Autocad
Reduce the file size if needed
Generally, CAD files import into SketchUp successfully when the file size is 15MB or less. When you import larger CAD files, the import can take a long time or may fail. Conversely, the smaller your CAD file size, the quicker and easier the import. Also, after a complex CAD file is imported into SketchUp, you may notice that SketchUp's performance slows down. That's because lines and faces in SketchUp contain more data than their CAD equivalents.
Tip: For best results with imported CAD files, keep the size of imported files to a minimum. Here are a few tips for minimizing a CAD file before you import it into SketchUp:- Import only the necessary geometry. SketchUp models can be designed to be as accurate as models in CAD. However, SketchUp is not designed for the same type of line-intensive drawings done in CAD software. In your CAD file, clean up or remove any content that you don't need to use after you import the CAD file into SketchUp. You might simplify the CAD file to just walls — and maybe doors and windows if you want to model those in your SketchUp file, too.
- Separate levels of detail among different CAD files. If your CAD file holds lots of necessary geometry, consider whether you break one file into a few smaller files. For example, one imported CAD file can contain site plan information, another can have a floor plan, and a final file can have a specific detail.
Check the unit of measure
If possible, find out the unit of measure used to create the CAD file. When you import the CAD file into SketchUp, you need to know whether your file uses inches, feet, or a metric unit of measurement. That way, you can match the SketchUp model's units to the CAD file's units and thus maintain the scale and dimensions of your imported CAD geometry.
In SketchUp 2018 and later, you also have the option to import the model using the units specified in the CAD file. In the Units dropdown, select Model Units from the list, which tells SketchUp to attempt to match the units saved in the CAD file. If SketchUp is unable to determine what unit of measurement was used to create the CAD file, it will default to 1 CAD unit equals 1 inch in SketchUp.
Save in a SketchUp-compatible CAD file format
When SketchUp imports a CAD file, SketchUp strips the information to its basic geometric components. So no matter what AutoCAD file format you use (such as 2013 or 2018), the end result is essentially the same. To maximize compatibility between a CAD file and SketchUp, however, saving your CAD file in the Release 13 or Release 14 format works best.
Importing a CAD file into SketchUp
Export Sketchup To Autocad 3d
After you've checked and prepared your CAD file, you're ready to import it into SketchUp. The following steps walk you through the import process for your operating system:
- In SketchUp, open the SketchUp model into which you want to import your
.dwg
or.dxf
file. - Select File > Import. An Import dialog box appears.
- Navigate the the place your hard drive where your CAD file is saved.
- From the Files of Type drop-down list, select AutoCAD Files (*.dwg, *.dxf).
- Select the file you want to import.
- Click the Options button. The Import AutoCAD DWG/DXF Options dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) In the Geometry area, select your preferences for the following options:
- select Merge Coplanar Faces to tell SketchUp to automatically remove triangulated lines from planes.
- Selecting the Orient Faces Consistently box tells SketchUp to analyze the direction of imported faces and orient the faces so that their direction is uniform.
- (Optional) Select the Preserve Drawing Origin checkbox to place the imported geometry at the origin defined in the .dwg or .dxf file. Leave the checkbox deselected if you want to place the imported geometry near the SketchUp origin.
- (Optional) To import geometry at the correct scale, select the unit used in your CAD file from the Units drop-down list. Your options are Model Units, Inches, Feet, Yards, Miles, Millimeters, Centimeters, Meters and Kilometers. Tip: If you don't know the units used in the original file, select Model Units so that SketchUp turns one CAD unit into 1 inch in SketchUp. Or use a large unit type, such as feet or meters. Then you can resize the model as necessary after it's imported.Warning: If you select a small unit, such as millimeters, but the model was originally intended to display in feet, you can unintentionally create itty-bitty faces that will be lost on import. For SketchUp to recognize a face, the face must be .001 square inches or larger.
- Click OK in the Import AutoCAD DWG/DXF Options dialog box.
- Back in the Import dialog box, click the Import button, and SketchUp Pro begins importing your CAD file.
Tip: When importing a LayOut file created using the “Export for SketchUp” feature, use the Merge Coplanar Faces option for clean imported faces.
Tip: You can also drag and drop importable files into the drawing area. After you drop the file, any relevant Import dialog box opens so you can select your desired options.
After you’ve checked and prepared your CAD file, you’re ready to import it into SketchUp Shop. The following steps walk you through the import process:
- In SketchUp Shop, open the SketchUp model into which you want to import your .dwg or .dxf file.
- Select the File icon (). An File menu appears, select Insert
- You can select the Trimble Connect icon or the Computer icon for a local file.
- (Optional) You can also drag & drop a file from an Explorer or Finder window directly into SketchUp Shop.
- If you choose to open the file locally, navigate to the place on your hard drive where your CAD file is saved.
- Select 'All Files' as the desired format.
- Select the file you want to import.
- The Import AutoCAD DWG/DXF Options dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.
- (Optional) Select the Preserve Drawing Origin (#1 Above) checkbox to place the imported geometry at the origin defined in the .dwg or .dxf file. Leave the checkbox deselected if you want to place the imported geometry near the SketchUp origin.
- (Optional) In the Geometry area, select Merge Coplanar Faces (#2 Above) to tell SketchUp to automatically remove triangulated lines from planes. Selecting the Orient Faces Consistently (#3 Above) box tells SketchUp to analyze the direction of imported faces and orient the faces so that their direction is uniform.
- (Optional) To import geometry at the correct scale, select the unit used in your CAD file from the Units drop-down list (#4 Above). Your options are Model Units, Inches, Feet, Yards, Miles, Millimeters, Centimeters, Meters and Kilometers.
- Click Import begin the import process.
Tip: If you don’t know the units used in the original file, use a large unit type, such as feet or meters. Then you can resize the model as necessary after it’s imported.
Warning: If you select a small unit, such as millimeters, but the model was originally intended to display in feet, you can unintentionally create itty-bitty faces that will be lost on import. For SketchUp to recognize a face, the face must be .001 square inches or larger.
Tip: If you have a floor plan or other vector graphics in an Adobe Illustrator (
.eps
) file, you can export the .eps
file to .dwg
or .dxf
format in Illustrator. Then import the vector graphics following the preceding steps. If, in Adobe Illustrator, you first reduce the number of anchor points that define curves, you can improve the file's performance in SketchUp. In particular, when you extrude faces from curves that contain lots of line segments, the SketchUp file size can increase dramatically.Understanding how SketchUp data is exported to CAD format
Before you export a SketchUp model to a CAD file format (
.dwg
or .dxf
), you may find it helpful to understand how SketchUp data is translated into the CAD format that you choose. Here's what you need to know:- SketchUp faces are exported as a triangulated polyface mesh with interior splframe hidden lines (if applicable). This conversion helps to simulate the appearance of your SketchUp file, even when all exported faces are triangular.
- SketchUp uses the current units set in the Units pane of the Model Info dialog box as a reference for translation to a
.dwg
or.dxf
file. For example, if the current Model Info unit setting is Decimal and Meters, then AutoCAD must be set to decimal for the units to translate correctly as meters when you open the exported file in AutoCAD. - Duplicate line entities aren't created on top of a p-line entity.
Exporting a SketchUp Model as a 2D CAD file
When export your model view as a 2D CAD file, you can choose the scale and a number of line options. The result is a 2D vector file in
.dwg
or .dxf
format that you can open in your CAD program. Follow these steps to export a 2D CAD file:
- To maintain your model's scale in the exported file, in SketchUp, select Camera > Parallel Projection. Then set your view to one of SketchUp's standard views by selecting Camera > Standard Views and selecting an option from the submenu that appears. (See Viewing a Model for details about the model view options.)
- Select File > Export > 2D Graphic.
- Navigate to the place where you want to save your exported file.
- (Optional) Change the file name if you'd like to name the exported file something other than the SketchUp file's current name.
- Select either the
.dwg
or.dxf
file type. In Microsoft Windows, select this option from the Save As Type drop-down list. On a Mac, use the Format drop-down list. - Click the Options button to set the scale and line options, which are explained in detail in the upcoming list. When you're done, click OK in the DWG/DXF Hidden Line Options dialog box (Microsoft Windows) or the Export Options dialog box (Mac OS X).
- Click Export and your CAD file is saved in your selected location.
Sketchup Export To Autocad Drawing
In the following figure, you see the line options dialog box for your current operating system. The following list introduces your options so that the lines in your exported file meet your needs:
- AutoCAD Version: Select what version of AutoCAD you'd like to use to open the exported file.
- Drawing Scale & Size: The Full Scale checkbox is selected by default. However, if you deselect that checkbox, you can set a custom scale. In the In Drawing box, type the actual measurement you want to use to set your scale. In the In Model box, type the value for scaling your exported model. For example, for a scale of 1:4, type 1' in the In Model box and 4' in the In Drawing box.
- Profile Lines: Here, you can customize how profile lines appear in your exported file. You can set the line width as follows:
- Select None to export profile lines at the standard width.
- Select Polylines with Width to export profile lines as AutoCAD polylines. When you select this option, you can leave Automatic selected so that the exported lines match the profile line width. If you deselect Automatic, you can enter a custom width in the Width box.
- Select Wide Line Entities to export profile lines as AutoCAD wide line entities.
The Separate on a Layer checkbox, which is selected by default, creates a layer for profile edges. If you've used SketchUp layers to control visibility, note that SketchUp layer assignments don't translate directly when you export a SketchUp file to a 2D CAD file. - Section Lines: If you export section lines or a section slice, these export options become available. See Slicing a Model to Peer Inside for details about sections and how to export them.
- Edge Extensions: Some CAD applications might have problems recognizing line endpoints and intersections when your model uses SketchUp line extensions. Deselect the Show Extensions checkbox to toggle extensions off in your exported file. If you leave Show Extensions selected and deselect the Automatic checkbox, you can enter an exact length for line extensions in the Length box.
In Microsoft Windows, you can select the Always Prompt for Hidden Line Options if you'd like to set options in this dialog box anytime you export a 2D CAD file. You can also restore the default settings by clicking the Defaults button.
Exporting a SketchUp Model as a 3D CAD file
When you export a SketchUp model as a 3D CAD file, you can select what entities are exported. To export your model, follow these steps:
Export Skp File To Cad
- In SketchUp, select File > Export > 3D Model. The Export Model dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your exported file.
- (Optional) Change the file name if you like. By default, the exported file uses the same name as your SketchUp file name.
- Select either
.dwg
or.dxf
as the file format for your exported file. In Microsoft Windows, select your file type from the Save As Type drop-down list. In Mac OS X, use the Format drop-down list. - Click the Options button to open the Export Options dialog box, shown in the following figure. From the AutoCAD Version drop-down list, select the version of AutoCAD you'd like to use to open the exported file. In the Export area, select the checkbox for each type of entity that you want to include in the exported file. Click OK when you're done.
- Back in the Export Model dialog box, click Export, and your file appears in the location where you chose to save it.
Tip: Export and Import with materials for better BIM interoperability and workflows using the .dwg format.