Free online SKP to IGES converter

IGES is needed when a SketchUp model must be opened by older engineering, CAM, inspection, or surface-CAD software that cannot read SKP. Converting it also provides a neutral geometry file for manufacturers, suppliers, or archives that specify .igs or .iges.

What the SKP format is

SKP is SketchUp's native 3D model format. It stores polygonal faces and edges together with materials, groups, components, scenes, tags, and SketchUp-specific metadata. Architects, interior designers, landscape designers, builders, and concept-modeling teams commonly use it for spatial and visual design.

SKP is optimized for SketchUp rather than mechanical-CAD exchange. Textures, styles, shadows, scenes, and construction aids are useful inside SketchUp but have no direct equivalent in IGES.

What the IGES format is

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is a neutral CAD format usually saved with the .igs or .iges extension. It can represent wireframes, curves, annotations, and mathematically defined surfaces; some IGES versions also support solid-related entities. Many older CAD, CAM, inspection, and CNC systems can import it.

IGES is useful when the recipient specifically requires it or lacks SKP support. It is generally less reliable than STEP for transferring structured, editable solid models, so ask the recipient whether .step or .stp is accepted before choosing IGES.

How to convert SKP to IGES

Using 101convert.com

1. Save an unchanged backup of the original .skp file.
2. Remove hidden or unnecessary objects, construction geometry, duplicate faces, very small details, and unused components that do not belong in the exchange model.
3. Open the SKP-to-IGES converter on 101convert.com. The file can be converted there for free without installing software.
4. Upload the .skp file, choose IGES or .igs as the output, and start the conversion.
5. Download the result, open it in the recipient's CAD application, and verify units, scale, orientation, visible surfaces, dimensions, and model completeness.

Using desktop CAD software

A desktop CAD translator such as CAD Exchanger may open SKP and export IGES, depending on the product edition and version. Use File → Open to import the SKP, inspect the resulting geometry, then use File → Export or File → Save As and select IGES. Confirm SKP import and IGES export in the software's current format list before purchasing or automating a workflow.

If direct SKP import is unavailable, SketchUp Pro can export an intermediate .dwg or .dxf file through File → Export → 3D Model. A CAD application can then import that file and export IGES if it supports both operations. This intermediate route is more suitable for 2D edges and planar drawings than for preserving a complex 3D SketchUp model; SketchUp's polygonal faces, materials, and component structure may be lost.

Quality and compatibility limitations

Most SketchUp models are assemblies of polygonal surfaces, whereas IGES commonly represents curves and separate mathematical surface patches. The conversion may therefore create many individual faces rather than a watertight, editable solid. Groups, components, scenes, textures, shadows, styles, tags, and other SketchUp metadata generally do not transfer as IGES entities.

Set the intended units in SketchUp before export, then check the unit setting independently in the IGES exporter and receiving CAD system. Unit metadata can be absent, misread, or interpreted differently. Run the target application's geometry-healing or validation check, inspect gaps and surface normals, and compare critical dimensions with the original model.

IGES geometry may require repair before machining, simulation, or solid modeling. If the recipient needs a closed solid, a healed STEP export is usually a better choice when supported; use IGES when the receiving system or supplier specifically requires it.