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Convert skp to dwg

Convert SKP to DWG

How to export SketchUp SKP file to DWG drawing.

Convert SKP files online

We don’t have a dedicated online converter for SKP to DWG yet, but you can convert SKP files online to these formats:

SKP SKB

How to convert skp to dwg file

Understanding the skp and dwg file formats

SketchUpSKP (SketchUp Project) file

  • Native file format for SketchUp.
  • Key Features:
    • Stores 3D geometry, textures, layers, components, and scenes.
    • Can handle architectural, interior, and product modeling.
    • It is commonly used by architects, interior designers, and hobbyists.

DWG (Drawing) file

  • Native file format for AutoCAD and other CAD applications.
  • Key Features:
    • Stores 2D and 3D design data.
    • Widely used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries.
    • Compatible with many different CAD platforms.

Tools required for skp to dwg conversion

SketchUp Pro

  • Offers built-in export functionality for DWG/DXF.
  • Provides the most straightforward and reliable conversion.
  • Note: The free “SketchUp for Web” or SketchUp Make versions offer DWG export but do not include DWG export.

Third-party plugins or extensions (if SketchUp Pro is not available)

  • Specific plugins or external converters may allow SKP to DWG conversion.
  • Quality and reliability vary. Some popular ones include SimLab SKP Exporter, CloudConvert (online), or other dedicated file conversion tools.

AutoCAD or another CAD program (optional)

  • It is helpful to open and verify the exported DWG file.
  • It allows you to check layer organization, scale accuracy, and geometry integrity.

Instructions to convert skp to dwg using SketchUp Pro

  1. Open the SKP file in SketchUp Pro

    1. Launch SketchUp Pro.
    2. Go to File → Open and select your .skp file.

  2. Prepare your model

    1. Remove any unnecessary components, groups, or layers.
    2. Ensure your layers (or “tags” in newer versions of SketchUp) are named appropriately.
    3. Confirm units: Go to Window → Model Info → Units to verify or set the units you intend to use (e.g., inches, feet, millimeters, etc.).

  3. Select export type

    1. Go to File → Export → 3D Model... (for 3D geometry) or File → Export → 2D Graphic... if you only need a 2D-floor plan or elevation.
    2. In the dialog box, Save As Type: select AutoCAD (.dwg) or AutoCAD (.dxf).

  4. Adjust export options

    1. Version compatibility: Choose a compatible DWG version (e.g., “AutoCAD 2018” or lower if the recipient uses an older CAD software).
    2. Export units: Ensure it matches the units you set in Model Info.
    3. Options dialog (sometimes labeled Options… next to the file type dropdown):
      • Check “Export Faces” if you want 3D surfaces.
      • Check “Export Edges” to include lines in the export.
      • Ensure the scale is set to “Full Scale” (1:1) unless required otherwise.
      • Textures: Check if you need them (they may increase file size significantly and are not always needed for CAD drawings).
      • Merge coplanar faces: Can reduce geometry complexity if desired.
        SketchUp export to dwg

  5. Export the file

    1. Click Export or OK to start the conversion.
    2. Wait for the export process to complete (larger models may take longer).
    3. A confirmation prompt will appear once the export is done.

  6. Verify the DWG in a CAD program (optional)

    1. Open AutoCAD or a similar CAD software.
    2. Go to File → Open and locate the .dwg file you just exported.
    3. Check for geometry accuracy, layer organization, and scaling.

SKP vs DWG: format comparison

How the SKP and DWG formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.

Comparison of the SKP and DWG file formats
Property .SKP SketchUp Model .DWG AutoCAD Drawing
Open standard No Partly open
Compression — Both
Typical file size Medium Large
Opens in a web browser No No
Further editing Limited Easy
Metadata support Basic Basic
Plain-text readable No No
Best used for Professional production Professional production
Developer Trimble Inc. (originally @Last Software, later Google) Autodesk
MIME type — application/acad
Open SKP file Open DWG file

Suggested software and links: skp to dwg converters

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC icon

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC

A 3D and CAD file formats conversion software
SketchUp icon

SketchUp

A 3D general-purpose modeling program

Frequently asked questions

Will my SketchUp materials, textures, and components be preserved in DWG?

No, SketchUp-specific materials, textures, styles, scenes, and component behavior are generally not preserved in a DWG export. The result mainly contains CAD geometry, with some organization such as layers or tags depending on the export settings.

Does SKP to DWG export a 2D drawing or a 3D model?

It can produce either a 2D drawing or 3D CAD geometry, depending on the export mode and selected view. A 2D export represents the chosen view, while a 3D export retains model geometry but not all SketchUp features.

Why do curved surfaces look faceted after converting SKP to DWG?

Curved SketchUp surfaces are represented by many flat faces, so the DWG may show visible edges or a faceted appearance. Increasing the curve or arc segmentation in the source model can improve the result, but it also creates more geometry.

Can I edit a DWG like the original SketchUp file after conversion?

You can edit the exported CAD lines, faces, and other supported geometry, but not the original SketchUp model structure. Components, push-pull relationships, scenes, styles, and other SketchUp-specific editing information are not retained, so converting back will not recreate the original SKP exactly.

skp to dwf skp to dwt

Additional formats for
skp file conversion

Reverse conversion

Convert to dwg from
other formats

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