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The Import SketchUp command allows architectural drawings created in SketchUp (versions 4 and later) to be imported into a Vectorworks file. Consider the following points when importing a SketchUp file into a Vectorworks file. ● SketchUp layers are imported as classes in Vectorworks.
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SketchUp is a modeling program developed by Google that lets users create 3D models of buildings or living spaces. With Google SketchUp Pro you can work with data from other architectural and engineering software applications. For example, if you've designed a model or layout in AutoCAD for your business you can import the .dwg or .dxf into a new or existing Google SketchUp project.
1.Launch the Google SketchUp Pro application on your PC or Mac computer.
2.Go to the 'File' menu at the top of the screen and choose the 'Import' option.
3.Open the file type drop-down menu and choose either 'AutoCAD Drawing (.dwg)' or 'AutoCAD Interchange File (.dxf)' depending on what type of AutoCAD file you want to import.
4.Navigate to the location of the AutoCAD file and click on its icon to highlight it.
6.Go into the 'Units' drop-down menu and choose the appropriate scale for the AutoCAD file.
7.Click 'OK' and 'Open' to import the selected file into Google SketchUp Pro.
Things Needed
- PC or Mac computer
- Google SketchUp Pro
References (1)
About the Author
Bennett Gavrish is an I.T. professional who has been writing about computers, electronics and the Web since 2004. His work has appeared in the 'Nashua Telegraph' and the 'Daily Free Press' and on numerous websites. Gavrish received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University.
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Gavrish, Bennett. 'How to Import AutoCAD Into SketchUp.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/import-autocad-sketchup-47745.html. Accessed 15 October 2019.
Gavrish, Bennett. (n.d.). How to Import AutoCAD Into SketchUp. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/import-autocad-sketchup-47745.html
Gavrish, Bennett. 'How to Import AutoCAD Into SketchUp' accessed October 15, 2019. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/import-autocad-sketchup-47745.html
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SketchUp Pro is a 3D modeling software that professional designers use to create accurate 3D images of their creations. AutoCAD is the primary computer-aided design tool used by most professionals in the building industry to create and draft plans. If you want to export SketchUp files to AutoCAD, you would need to purchase SketchUp Pro. The free versions of SketchUp do not have this capability.
Exporting 3D Models
Open SketchUp. Check the Units Panel in SketchUp Pro and verify that the same units are set in the AutoCAD drawing that you are going to export your model to. Ensure the current view of the model appears as you want it to look in the exported file.
Select the 'File' menu and choose the 'Export' option. Select '2D Graphic or '3D Model.'
Type a file name for the model to be exported. Also select the export type from the drop-down list, either DWG or DXF.
Click on the 'Options' button to open the DWG/DXF Hidden Line Options dialog box if you want to adjust the export options, like selecting a specific version of AutoCAD for the exported file, or choosing specific components of your design for use in AutoCAD.
Click on the 'OK' button when you are done, and then press the 'Export' button. You will now be able to open your saved DWG or DXF file in any version of AutoCAD that you may have.
Warnings
When exporting a 2D file, SketchUp cannot export features unsupported by DWG or DXF files, like textures and shadows.
If AutoCAD can't open the exported file, run its Audit command to verify if the DWG or DXF file is corrupt or not.
Information in this article applies to Sketchup Pro 2014. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
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