How Do I Export 3D in SketchUp?

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So you’ve created a stunning 3D model in SketchUp and now you’re wondering how to export it? Exporting your 3D model from SketchUp is a crucial step to showcase your work or collaborate with others. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the various options available in SketchUp to export your 3D masterpiece.

Exporting as 2D Image:

If you want to share your model as a static image, SketchUp allows you to export it as a 2D image file format. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Select the View: Choose the desired view of your model that you want to export. You can use the Orbit, Pan, and Zoom tools to set up the perfect view.
  2. Navigate to File Menu: Click on the File menu at the top left corner of the SketchUp window.
  3. Select Export: From the drop-down menu, select Export.
  4. Choose Image Format: In the Export dialog box, choose the desired image format such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
  5. Select Location and Name: Specify the location where you want to save the exported image and provide a suitable name for it.
  6. Click Export: Click on the Export button to save your model as a 2D image file.

Congratulations! You have successfully exported your SketchUp model as a 2D image. Now let’s explore how to export your model in various other formats.

Exporting as 3D Model:

If you want to share your model in a 3D format that can be opened and edited in other software, SketchUp provides multiple options for exporting as 3D models. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used formats:

Exporting as SketchUp File (.skp):

The default file format of SketchUp is .skp, which allows you to save your model along with all its components, materials, and textures. To export as a SketchUp file:

  1. Navigate to File Menu: Click on the File menu at the top left corner of the SketchUp window.
  2. Select Save As: From the drop-down menu, select Save As.
  3. Choose Location and Name: Specify the location where you want to save the .skp file and provide a suitable name for it.
  4. Click Save: Click on the Save button to save your model as a SketchUp file.

Exporting as AutoCAD DWG or DXF:

If you need to share your model with users who work primarily with AutoCAD, you can export your SketchUp model as an AutoCAD drawing file (.dwg) or drawing exchange file (.dxf). Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to File Menu: Click on the File menu at the top left corner of the SketchUp window.
  2. Choose DWG or DXF Format: In the Export dialog box, choose either DWG or DXF as the export format.
  3. Select Location and Name: Specify the location where you want to save the exported file and provide a suitable name for it.
  4. Click Export: Click on the Export button to save your model as an AutoCAD file.

Exporting as 3D Warehouse Model:

If you want to share your model with the SketchUp community, you can upload it to the 3D Warehouse directly from SketchUp. The 3D Warehouse is an online repository where users can share and download 3D models. To export your model to the 3D Warehouse:

  1. Select the Model: Make sure your model is ready for upload with proper components, materials, and textures.
  2. Select 3D Warehouse: From the drop-down menu, select Share Model.
  3. Login or Create Account: If you haven’t logged in already, you’ll be prompted to log in or create a new account.
  4. Add Information: Provide relevant information about your model such as title, description, tags, etc.
  5. Select Category: Choose a suitable category for your model from the provided options.
  6. Click Upload: Click on the Upload button to share your model with the SketchUp community.

That’s it! You now know how to export your 3D models from SketchUp.

Whether you want to share them as 2D images or 3D models in various formats, SketchUp offers a range of options to suit your needs. So go ahead and export your creations with confidence!