SketchUp Tutorial: How to Import a CAD File to SketchUp

Basic tips to convert an AutoCAD project to SketchUp with Fernando Neyra Moreta

An architectural project made with 3D resources allows potential clients to visualize important details such as the distribution and proportion of the spaces, as well as the forms and textures of the materials that will be used in the work. For this reason, it is essential to know how to correctly import a 2D design from AutoCAD to SketchUp tool, a program that allows projects to be made in 3D.

In this tutorial, architect, illustrator, and educator Fernando Neyra Moreta (@fn23grafica) shows us the process step-by-step, highlighting important tips, such as creating layers and reference objects, and the SketchUp commands for executing the different tasks. Find out more in the following video:

5 steps to importing AutoCAD files into SketchUp

1. Import the file as DWG

SketchUp supports a variety of file formats. DWG, explains Neyra, is the best because it allows for easier and more automatic editing of the preview image created in AutoCAD. JPG or PDF files, for example, require staggering the project "by eye," which would make the process more difficult and could result in less than optimal proportions.

To import the DWG file, choose File > Import and click on the desired project.

2. Make sure your AutoCAD project is close to the source .

When you open the file in SketchUp, a point "x" appears from which you will work on the project. This point is determined by the location of the project in the AutoCAD file. As Neyra reminds you, you should always save your project in AutoCAD near the source point.

When importing the file, they recommend narrowing the edges, which are naturally wider when imported from AutoCAD.

3. Generate independent entities

To work on the different elements of the project, which come from AutoCAD as a single entity, right-click and select Explode. The program will take a few moments to process each of the figures that make up the design, separating them.

Then select each group and right-click Create Group.

To move a given piece and position it in a way that is proportional to the elements of another piece (such as a roof facing the same direction as a facade), it is necessary to select the edge and move it. If you press the Shift key, you can move the piece along the same axis, either horizontally or vertically, without losing the correct orientation.

4. Create reference elements to 'lift' a vertical piece, such as a facade

By definition, the AutoCAD 2D file will not have vertical elements. To begin lifting vertical parts of your SketchUp project, such as a facade, a door, or a window, you need to create a reference figure that will allow you to rotate the part in question. Create a cube as a reference for the vertical pieces. The facades of this new element will be aligned to the groups you created previously, allowing you to rotate them.

With the Rotate tool (one of the options on the left menu) selected, anchor the element to one of the sides of the cube. To do this, click on the face of the cube that you will use as reference and look for an edge of the element to anchor it. From there, you can move the figure vertically. Again, to align the different pieces, look for reference points: the end line of a wall, the points where windows are located, and any point that helps you to orient the pieces properly.

Remember: pressing the Shift key allows you to move around the same axis, which makes it much easier to add the elements.

Repeat the process for each piece that needs to be turned.

5. Clean the remaining layers

Within the layers section of the program, you will notice that there are a number of layers left over from the rotation movements of the figures' axes. Delete them and move them all to a single layer. Create and name the new groups of layers. From there, you will be able to continue with the designs of each part of your project in a cleaner and easier way.

Did you like this tutorial? Remember that you can learn how to generate an illustrated presentation of an architectural project, both realistic and artistic, in his course 'Digital Illustration of Architectural Projects'.

You may also be interested in:

- Introduction to SketchUp, by Alejandro Soriano
- Introduction to Architectural Drawing in AutoCAD, a course by Isabel Martínez
- Architectural Visualization Using Digital Collage, a course by PALMA