Complete Guide to CAD Interoperability with SketchUp: Formats, Conversions and Professional Solutions

Table of Contents

• Evolution of SketchUp: from @Last Software to Trimble
• SketchUp's geometric engine and its capabilities
• Import and export formats
• Interoperability with CAD software
• SimLab Composer: creating immersive experiences
• Best practices for SketchUp data exchange
• Collaboration and remote model sharing
• How to optimize interoperability for multi-CAD projects

Technical data interoperability is a major challenge for companies using SketchUp in their design and production workflows. In a complex multi-CAD environment, the ability to exchange 3D and 2D models without loss of information becomes a determining factor of productivity. This article explores solutions and strategies to maximize interoperability between SketchUp and other CAD systems, ensuring reliable and efficient data conversion.

Evolution of SketchUp: from @Last Software to Trimble

SketchUp has undergone a remarkable evolution since its creation, shaping its current position in the CAD interoperability ecosystem.

The origins (1999-2006)
SketchUp was initially developed by @Last Software, founded in 1999 by Brad Schell and Joe Esch in Boulder, Colorado. The founding principle was to create 3D software that was easy to learn and use - "3D for everyone". The first official version was launched in August 2000, immediately winning the "Best New Products or Services" award at the A/E/C SYSTEMS Fall 2000 exhibition.

The Google era (2006-2012)
The growing popularity of SketchUp attracted Google's attention, which acquired @Last Software in March 2006. This acquisition followed a fruitful partnership around Google Earth, allowing users to model buildings for this platform. Under Google's aegis, SketchUp became democratized with two versions:

• SketchUp Make (free)
• SketchUp Pro (paid)

The Trimble era (2012-present)
In 2012, Google transferred SketchUp to Trimble, a company specializing in the BIM industry. Under Trimble, the software continued to evolve with significant improvements in interoperability and regular annual updates that have continued to this day.

This evolution has allowed SketchUp to become a central tool in many sectors, from architecture to game design, including performing arts and design.

SketchUp's geometric engine and its capabilities

SketchUp's geometric engine stands out for its unique approach to 3D modeling, favoring simplicity while offering considerable power for technical data exchange.

Architecture of the modeling engine
SketchUp uses an edge-face modeling system, different from the more complex B-rep (Boundary Representation) systems used by other CAD software. This approach allows direct and intuitive manipulation of geometries while maintaining a lightweight data structure.

Supported geometric elements
The SketchUp engine efficiently manages:

• 2D geometries (lines, arcs, circles, polygons)
• 3D surfaces and solids
• Components and groups (for hierarchical organization)
• Attributes and metadata associated with elements

Geometric healing capabilities
When importing CAD files, SketchUp offers options to improve the quality of geometries:

• Automatic merging of coplanar faces
• Consistent face orientation
• Processing of non-manifold geometry problems
• Optimization of triangular meshes

These features are essential when translating data between different CAD systems, particularly between native and neutral formats. For complex files, this healing capability significantly contributes to the quality of imported models and their subsequent usability.

Import and export formats

One of SketchUp's strengths lies in its ability to communicate with different CAD systems via a wide range of file formats. Understanding these formats is essential for effective CAD interoperability.

Table of formats supported by SketchUp

*Requires the Revit importer available only with Studio subscription

Latest interoperability improvements
The 2025 version of SketchUp significantly strengthens interoperability capabilities with:

• Improved IFC support with better recognition of IFC classes
• Version preservation during exchanges
• Geometry optimization and new component dictionaries
• Improved user interface for the Revit import tool (Studio subscribers)

These improvements address the growing need for reliable data exchange in multi-CAD projects and collaborative environments.

Interoperability with CAD software

The efficiency of a multi-CAD workflow heavily depends on the quality of exchanges between SketchUp and other computer-aided design systems. This section explores the specifics of these interactions.

Exchanges with AutoCAD and DWG/DXF formats

SketchUp Pro allows importing and exporting AutoCAD files in DWG and DXF formats7. When importing, SketchUp supports many entities:

• Arcs, circles and lines
• 3D faces and solids
• Nested blocks (converted to components)
• AutoCAD regions
• Materials and layers

However, some entities are not supported:

• Proprietary ADT or ARX objects
• Dimensions and hatches
• Text and XREF

For export, SketchUp offers two distinct options:

• 2D export (vector graphics from a view)
• 3D export (complete model with three-dimensional geometry)

Interoperability with Revit

For SketchUp Studio subscribers, direct import of Revit files (.rvt) is possible via a dedicated tool that:

• Automatically creates components
• Generates tags
• Creates sections
• Optimizes geometry
• Defines materials
• Supports Revit links

For users without the Studio subscription, other exchange methods exist such as IFC export or the use of intermediate formats.

Neutral formats and exchange standards

The IFC format (Industry Foundation Classes) plays a crucial role in BIM interoperability. The latest version of SketchUp has significantly improved its support:

• Conversion of IFC classes to SketchUp tags
• Preservation of metadata
• More consistent data round-trips

These exchange standards greatly facilitate geometric validation and PLM integration in multi-CAD enterprise projects.

SimLab Composer: creating immersive experiences from SketchUp

SimLab Composer represents a powerful solution distributed by CAD Interop to extend SketchUp's interoperability capabilities towards immersive experiences and advanced visualizations.

Seamless integration with SketchUp

SimLab Composer integrates with SketchUp via a free plug-in that creates an active link between the two applications8. This bidirectional connection allows:

• Maintaining data synchronization between SketchUp and SimLab Composer
• Working simultaneously in both environments
• Avoiding repetitive exports/imports
• Preserving modifications made in Composer while updating the design in SketchUp8

Advanced visualization features

SimLab Composer enriches SketchUp models with:

• Easy creation of VR experiences from models
• Progressive photorealistic rendering with multiple output options
• Production of 3D PDF for universal model sharing
• Texture baking for realistic rendering when sharing in 3D PDF and WebGL

Multi-platform compatibility

This plugin works with the latest versions of SketchUp on Windows and macOS, offering a cloud-based collaboration solution accessible regardless of the work environment.

SimLab Composer thus transforms SketchUp models into powerful and interactive technical communication tools, particularly useful for:

• Client presentations
• Interactive geometric validation
• Technical training
• Enhanced technical documentation
• Long-term archiving with integrated visualization

This solution complements the SketchUp ecosystem by offering advanced Model-based definition (MBD) capabilities while preserving the integrity of the original technical data.

Best practices for SketchUp data exchange

Effective exchange of SketchUp models with other CAD systems requires careful preparation and adherence to certain fundamental principles. Here are the best practices to ensure quality CAD interoperability.

File preparation before export

To optimize your SketchUp models before export:

• Organize your model with a clear structure of components and groups
• Clean up superfluous geometries and repair problematic faces
• Place your model near the origin (0,0,0) to avoid precision issues
• Check for consistency of units between SketchUp and the target system
• Remove unnecessary layers and optimize the component hierarchy

Optimal import of CAD files into SketchUp

When importing DWG or DXF files:

• Select the "Merge coplanar faces" option to clean imported faces
• Enable "Orient faces consistently" for correct visualization
• Choose appropriate units to maintain the original scale
• For large files, remove unnecessary entities before importing
• Check the position of the geometry relative to the origin (deselect "Preserve drawing origin" if necessary)7

Managing translations between formats

For conversions between SketchUp and other formats:

• Understand the limitations of each exchange format
• Use neutral intermediate formats (such as IFC) for complex exchanges
• Test and validate your workflow on simple models before processing complete projects
• Document your export parameters to ensure consistency between projects
• Plan time for geometric healing after imports

These best practices significantly contribute to the quality of exchanged data and the reduction of time spent on model rework after conversion.

Collaboration and remote model sharing

In a distributed work context, technical data exchange goes beyond simple format interoperability. It becomes essential to establish effective collaboration processes around SketchUp models.

Trimble Connect: centralized exchange platform

Trimble Connect offers a robust cloud solution for sharing and collaborating around SketchUp models:

• Secure storage of models, image libraries, and project references
• Version tracking and modification history
• 24/7 web access via a simple internet browser
• Native integration in SketchUp Pro via File > Trimble Connect

Advanced collaborative features

For effective collaboration on multi-CAD projects:

• Importing reference models creating a common work base
• Centralization of asset libraries (components, materials, styles)
• Direct model annotation with comment tracking
• Creation of specific views to communicate particular details
• Granular management of access and modification permissions

Optimization of large data exchanges

For complex technical projects:

• Use of TDP (Technical Data Packages) in neutral formats
• Automatic validation of 3D TDPs including PMI
• Secure CAD transmission with data encryption
• Maintaining a record of each exchange for traceability

These collaborative approaches significantly strengthen the efficiency of technical data exchanges, particularly important in projects involving multiple companies and different CAD systems. The centralization of exchanges also contributes to long-term data archiving and their subsequent retrieval.

How to optimize interoperability for multi-CAD projects

In an environment where multiple CAD systems coexist, optimizing interoperability becomes a technical challenge. This section presents strategies and solutions truly compatible with SketchUp to maximize the efficiency of data exchanges.

Advanced exchange plugins for SketchUp

For complex professional environments, several extensions extend native interoperability capabilities:

• Datasmith Exporter plugin from Twinmotion for SketchUp Pro, compatible with SketchUp versions 2019-2024
• Direct Link functionality allowing synchronization of files to Twinmotion in a single click
• Ability to synchronize multiple SketchUp Pro files in the same Twinmotion project

Specialized integration solutions

For specific sector needs:

• SketchUp Integration Tool for windPRO, allowing integration of 3D projects
• Rendering features of elements from SketchUp in photomontages
• Visualization of 3D simulation results

Recent IFC interoperability improvements

The latest versions of SketchUp offer significantly improved IFC capabilities:

• Rebuilt graphics engine allowing processing of large models without slowdown
• Advanced import/export IFC support optimized for BIM workflows
• Precise mapping of IFC attributes preserving data integrity
• Automatic optimization of imported models for better performance

Recommended standards and workflows

To establish a robust interoperability strategy:

• Define clear exchange standards for your organization
• Document conversion and validation processes
• Train teams on the specifics of each exchange interface
• Establish quality controls after conversion
• Use neutral formats (IFC) for exchanges between partners

The adoption of these compatible solutions transforms CAD interoperability from a technical challenge into a strategic advantage, facilitating multi-CAD collaboration in complex projects and significantly reducing the risk of errors in data translation