Google SketchUp: The Missing Manual

Exporting from SketchUp Pro

One of the major differences between the $499 version of SketchUp Pro and the free standard version of SketchUp is the number of file formats that the Pro version exports. Table 13-3 shows the complete list. The most significant difference is that SketchUp Pro exports models that you can open in AutoCAD. You can also export models that can be used in programs such as 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, and other 3-D modeling tools.

The steps for exporting 3-D models from SketchUp Pro are fairly simple:

1. Choose File → Export.

   A window appears.

2. From the "Export type" drop-down menu, choose a file format.

   You can choose from the file formats listed in Table 13-3.

3. If you wish, click Options to change settings specific to the file format.

   For example, AutoCAD options let you choose between different versions of the AutoCAD file format. You can also choose the type of entities you wish to export: Faces, Edges, Construction Geometry, Dimensions, and Text.

   The orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes is different for programs that use OBJ, like Blender and Maya, so when you export to OBJ, it's best to turn on the "Swap YZ coordinates (Y is up)" checkbox.

   Collada, FBX, OBJ, and XSI options let you limit the entities exported to ones that are selected. In Collada you can also export textures and create "cameras".

   VRML options let you export textures and generate cameras.

4. Type a file name for the model in the "File name" box ("Save as" for Mac).

   You can navigate to any folder where you want ...