Can You Import Matterport Into SketchUp?

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Can You Import Matterport Into SketchUp?

If you are a designer or architect using SketchUp for your 3D modeling needs, you might be wondering if it is possible to import Matterport scans into SketchUp. Matterport is a popular platform that allows users to create detailed 3D virtual tours of real-world spaces.

SketchUp, on the other hand, is a powerful and widely-used software for creating 3D models and architectural designs. Combining the two could offer great possibilities for designers looking to incorporate real-world environments into their projects.

Importing Matterport Scans

Unfortunately, directly importing Matterport scans into SketchUp is not currently supported. Matterport uses its proprietary file format called .OBJ (Wavefront Object) to export its scans. On the other hand, SketchUp accepts various file formats such as .SKP (SketchUp), .DWG (AutoCAD), and .DXF (Drawing Exchange Format).

However, there are workarounds that can help you bring your Matterport scans into SketchUp.

Exporting from Matterport

To begin the process, you need to export your Matterport scan as an .OBJ file. This can be done by accessing your scanned space through the Matterport Capture app or the online platform.

Once you have selected the desired scan, navigate to the Export option and choose OBJ as the file format. Ensure that you select all necessary options such as textures and materials before exporting.

Converting OBJ to SKP

Now that you have exported your scan as an OBJ file, it needs to be converted into a format that is compatible with SketchUp – specifically SKP format.

To convert your OBJ file into SKP format, you will need to use a third-party software or online converter. One popular option is to use Autodesk’s free software called Meshmixer. Meshmixer allows you to import OBJ files and export them as SKP files that can be directly opened in SketchUp.

To convert your OBJ file using Meshmixer, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Meshmixer from the official Autodesk website.
  2. Launch Meshmixer and go to the File menu.
  3. Select Import and choose your exported OBJ file.
  4. Once imported, go to the File menu again and select Export.
  5. Choose SketchUp as the export format (SKP) and save the file in your desired location.

Importing SKP into SketchUp

Now that you have successfully converted your Matterport scan into a SKP file, you can import it into SketchUp with ease.

To import the SKP file into SketchUp, follow these steps:

  1. Launch SketchUp and open a new or existing project.
  2. Go to the File menu and select Import.
  3. Navigate to the location where you saved your exported SKP file from Meshmixer.
  4. Select the file and click Open. Your Matterport scan will now be imported into SketchUp!

The Limitations

While importing Matterport scans into SketchUp is possible with these workarounds, it is important to note that there might be limitations to consider. Matterport scans are highly detailed and complex, which means they can result in large file sizes. As a result, importing them into SketchUp may impact the performance of your project.

Additionally, the conversion process from OBJ to SKP might not always be perfect. Some textures or materials might not translate accurately, and you may need to make adjustments within SketchUp to achieve the desired result.

Despite these limitations, the ability to bring real-world environments into SketchUp can be a valuable asset for designers and architects. It allows for better visualization and integration of existing spaces into new design concepts.

In Conclusion

While there is no direct way to import Matterport scans into SketchUp, it is possible to achieve this by converting them into a compatible format. By exporting your scans as OBJ files and using third-party software like Meshmixer to convert them into SKP files, you can bring Matterport scans into SketchUp. However, keep in mind that there may be limitations in terms of file size and texture/material accuracy.

With these workarounds, you can take advantage of both Matterport’s detailed 3D virtual tours and SketchUp’s powerful modeling capabilities to enhance your design projects.