Convert FLC to SKP

Understanding FLC and SKP file formats

FLC is a file format used for storing animations, primarily created by Autodesk Animator. It is a raster-based animation format, popular in the 1990s for simple video sequences and game cutscenes. SKP, on the other hand, is the native file format for SketchUp, a 3D modeling software widely used in architecture, interior design, and engineering. SKP files store 3D models, textures, and scene information.

Is direct FLC to SKP conversion possible?

There is no direct method to convert an FLC animation file to an SKP 3D model file, as they serve fundamentally different purposes: FLC is for 2D animation, while SKP is for 3D modeling. However, if your goal is to use frames from an FLC animation as textures or references in SketchUp, you can extract frames from the FLC file and import them into SketchUp.

How to convert FLC to SKP: step-by-step workaround

1. Extract frames from FLC: Use a tool like IrfanView or VirtualDub to open the FLC file and export frames as image files (e.g., PNG or JPG).
   File → Open → [your FLC file], then File → Save As → [choose image format] or Export → Image Sequence.
2. Import images into SketchUp: Open SketchUp and use File → Import to bring the extracted images into your SKP project. You can use these images as textures or reference images for modeling.

Recommended software for the process

• IrfanView (Windows): Freeware image viewer that supports FLC and can export frames.
• VirtualDub (Windows): Free video capture and processing utility, ideal for extracting image sequences from FLC files.
• SketchUp (Windows/Mac): For creating and editing SKP files and importing images as textures or references.

Summary

While you cannot directly convert an FLC animation to an SKP 3D model, you can extract frames from the FLC file and use them in SketchUp as textures or modeling references. IrfanView and VirtualDub are excellent choices for extracting images, and SketchUp is the best tool for working with SKP files.