Free online SKP to IGS converter

A manufacturer, legacy CAD system, or CNC workflow may require an IGES file when the available design is a SketchUp model. Converting it transfers usable geometry, but it does not automatically create a clean parametric engineering solid.

What the SKP format is

SKP is the native 3D model format used by SketchUp. Architects, interior designers, construction professionals, furniture designers, and 3D visualization teams use it for conceptual and spatial models.

An SKP file can contain polygonal faces and edges, groups, components, scenes, tags, materials, textures, dimensions, camera settings, and location data. Its geometry is generally organized as faces rather than the boundary-representation solids used by mechanical CAD systems.

What the IGS format is

IGS, also called IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification), is a neutral CAD exchange format using the .igs and .iges extensions. It can store wireframe curves, parametric and trimmed surfaces, annotations, and other CAD entities for transfer between engineering, CAD, and CAM applications.

IGS is useful when the receiving system cannot open SKP or specifically requires IGES. It preserves geometric exchange data rather than SketchUp scenes, textures, materials, cameras, tags, or component behavior. Modern solid-model workflows often prefer STEP, but STEP is not a substitute when the recipient requires IGS.

Convert SKP to IGS online

1. Open the converter on 101convert.com.
2. Upload the .skp file.
3. Select IGS or IGES as the output format and start the conversion.
4. Download the resulting .igs file, then open it in the target CAD application to check its geometry, units, and dimensions.

This method requires no installed software and is suitable for sharing, inspection, or straightforward models. Verify the output in a CAD program before using it for manufacturing or engineering decisions.

Convert with desktop software

Rhino is a practical desktop option when its installed version can import the source SKP version and export IGES.

1. In Rhino, use File → Open and select the .skp file.
2. Remove construction geometry, hidden duplicates, decorative objects, and other items that should not enter the engineering exchange file.
3. Check the document units and correct the scale if the SketchUp model was created without reliable unit information.
4. Select the required objects, then use File → Export Selected or File → Save As and choose IGES (*.igs; *.iges).
5. Choose an IGES export scheme compatible with the receiving CAD system.
6. Open the exported file in the target application and inspect surface joins, orientation, scale, and dimensions.

If Rhino cannot read the SKP version, open the file in SketchUp and save it to an older supported SKP version. SketchUp Pro can also export an intermediate file through File → Export → 3D Model. DWG or DXF can preserve vector edges and some CAD-oriented geometry; OBJ preserves a polygon mesh but is less suitable for creating clean IGES surfaces. Import the intermediate file into Rhino, repair or rebuild the necessary geometry, and export it as IGS.

Quality and compatibility limitations

• Presentation data is discarded: textures, shadows, scenes, cameras, tags, rendering settings, and component behavior normally do not survive IGES export.
• Solids may become surfaces: a SketchUp model made from planar faces can produce many separate IGES surfaces instead of one watertight solid.
• Repair may be required: reversed faces, internal faces, duplicate surfaces, gaps, non-manifold edges, sliver faces, and tiny details can cause import warnings or prevent shelling, measurement, or machining operations.
• Units need verification: IGES contains unit information, but the source model or conversion settings may be incorrect. Confirm a known dimension after import.

Before conversion, simplify unnecessary detail, remove duplicate or internal geometry, purge unused SketchUp content, confirm units, and check face orientation. After conversion, use the recipient CAD system's repair tools to join surfaces, close gaps, remove sliver faces, and validate dimensions. For critical manufactured parts, rebuilding the geometry as native CAD solids or exchanging a verified STEP model can be more reliable than direct SKP-to-IGS conversion.