Sketchup and CAD Video 1: Import and Preparations
There are many strategies for CAD files
Tailor these techniques to your workflow
For this video tutorial...
We assume you have a basic knowledge of Sketchup.
Sketchup will import .dwg and .dxf formats.
Consider the following tips before importing CAD files.
Turn off unnecessary layers, simplify drawing to just walls.
If showing doors/windows in Sketchup, leave those layers on.
Save a new file to import into Sketchup...
Do not use your original CAD files.
Be aware of the default units in CAD.
Let's go to Sketchup!
File > Import
Navigate to the CAD file you wish to import.
Open the options dialogue box.
Match settings to those shown.
Sketchup shows import results. Close import results.
Check size of imported drawing for real world scale.
Use tape measure tool.
Resize a model using the tape measure tool.
Measure. Type in new desired distance. Press Enter.
First CAD method: Filling in Walls.
Next use the push/pull tool to extrude up 10'.
Remove unecessary geometry with eraser tool.
Problem: Sometimes wall surfaces won't "close".
Reason: Small gaps between edges.
A surface requires a closed loop of coplanar edges...
These small gaps are very common in CAD files.
They are very difficult to find and cause problems.
For this reason we recommend another method.
Make the CAD file a group, then use as reference.
File > New
File > Import
Select all, right click on geometry, make group.
If there is geometry present in Sketchup model...
CAD drawing is grouped automatically.
Next let's align the axes with CAD drawing.
Or, rotate drawing to match axes.
Now let's manage our Layers.
All layers from the CAD file have been imported.
Select all layers and delete.
Choose "Move contents to Default layer".
Geometry is not deleted, just moved to Default layer.
Create a new layer, "floorplan".
Add group to new "floorplan" layer.
Right click on geometry > Entity Info
From layer menu choose "floorplan".
Now "floorplan" visibility is controlled by layers.
Right click on geometry and choose "lock".
Now our reference layer cannot be modified.
Window > Styles
Under "Edit" tab, toggle off profiles for easier visibility.
Window > Scenes
Turn "floorplan" layer visibility off.
Add scene and uncheck all but "visible layers".
Add a scene and rename Floorplan Off.
Turn "floorplan" layer visibility on.
Add another scene and rename it "Floorplan On".
Use Scenes to toggle floorplan visibility on and off.
Once you have set up scenes once, it is easier next time.
Let's review the steps...
1. Import CAD file, check options.
2. Check size of imported CAD plan.
3. Make sure plan is grouped.
4. Align plan with axis.
5. Delete extra layers and place group on new layer.
6. Lock the group.
7. Adjust edge styles.
8. Create scenes to toggle layer visibility.