Generally speaking SketchUp exports the (visible) contents of a scene so before proceeding it's best to clean it up based on what needs to be saved this might require regioning the model and/or saving sections to separate files for later individual processing.

Aside from availability, the difference between the two simply relates to the way files and associated data is packaged *.dae (Collada) typically exports assets to a folder, whereas *.kmz is self-contained and collates everything together into a single file.ĭesign note: KMZ being collated relates to its use in distributing Google Earth content all the necessary assets belonging to a particular model have to be contained into a single file.īefore beginning the process of importing SketchUp models into Blender (or other application) first check which version is being used and what export options are available the procedure then used will be determined by this.ĭesign note: SketchUp's native *.skp files can't be used because they are a binary compiled format - it is effectively a file dump that holds scene data that might not otherwise be of use outside the application. The other its export capabilities generally being limited to *.kmz (all versions), or latterly *.dae (newer versions from c. It has two major limitations however, one being its use for non-commercial purposes only. For the most part the latter is generally the more popular, and often used to make content for games, because it's free. There are two versions of SketchUp SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Make. Check Blender Console for errors and/or details. This issue/requirement is version dependant due to script changes and the way they reference the API.

WinZip, WinRAR, 7zip etc.) and it may be a necessary to install Python for full import/export script functionality.ĭesign note: Python API may be needed if import into Blender fails. The ability to open *.zip files is also required (using Windows own native support or through third-party programs, e.g. Prerequisites ^Ī basic understanding of both SketchUp and Blender will be needed for the following, as will having a model ready and available for export (from SketchUp). Design note: the following relates to Blender but is equally applicable to any 3D software supporting the specific mesh formats discussed below.

Blender sketchup importer mac