Free online SKP to USDZ converter

Apple Quick Look, AR viewers, and several USD-based 3D workflows require .usdz rather than SketchUp’s native .skp. Converting the model preserves a shareable 3D scene, but materials, components, animations, and unsupported SketchUp features may need adjustment.

What the SKP format is

.skp is SketchUp’s native 3D project format. It stores polygonal geometry, groups, components, materials, scenes, styles, layers or tags, dimensions, and other SketchUp-specific project data.

SketchUp by Trimble creates SKP files, and the format is common in architectural design, interior design, construction documentation, landscape planning, and conceptual modeling. You encounter it when downloading models from 3D Warehouse, exchanging designs with SketchUp users, or opening projects made in SketchUp for desktop, web, or iPad.

What the USDZ format is

.usdz is a packaged, usually uncompressed ZIP-based distribution of Universal Scene Description assets. It can contain USD scene data, meshes, materials, textures, cameras, lights, and related resources in one file.

USDZ is used by Apple Quick Look on iPhone, iPad, and macOS, AR applications, product previews, and USD-based content pipelines. Its single-file structure makes it easier to share a textured model without separately delivering image maps. A USDZ export does not retain every SketchUp editing feature; it delivers a presentation or interchange scene rather than a fully editable SKP project.

How to actually convert SKP to USDZ

Direct export from SketchUp

1. Open the model in a SketchUp desktop edition that provides USDZ export.
2. Check the model before exporting: purge unused assets, remove hidden construction geometry, verify face orientation, assign supported materials, and set the desired model units.
3. Choose File → Export → 3D Model.
4. Set the file type or format to USDZ, choose an output filename such as building.usdz, and export.
5. Open the result in Apple Quick Look or another USD viewer. Check geometry scale, texture placement, transparency, and the visibility of components.

The exact USDZ entry depends on the installed SketchUp edition and version. If the export format is unavailable, use the fallback workflow below or convert the file on 101convert.com for free without installing software.

Fallback through Blender

1. In SketchUp, choose File → Export → 3D Model and export .dae (Collada), .obj, or .fbx. Collada generally retains SketchUp material assignments and hierarchy better than OBJ.
2. Import the exported file into Blender with File → Import. Correct scale, face normals, object origins, material links, and missing texture paths.
3. Use Blender’s USD export command under File → Export → Universal Scene Description, then select .usdz when the installed Blender version exposes that output type.
4. Reopen the generated package in a USD-capable viewer and test it on the device or application that will use it.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

• Materials: SketchUp styles, procedural textures, section cuts, linework, shadows, and many advanced material properties do not translate to USDZ. Use image-based color, roughness, metallic, normal, and opacity maps where the target viewer supports them.
• Textures: Keep texture paths valid before export. A USDZ package should contain its referenced image assets; missing or unsupported maps produce untextured surfaces.
• Geometry: Very detailed SKP files may contain repeated components, hidden objects, reversed faces, or excessive polygon counts. Simplify furniture, vegetation, and imported CAD meshes for mobile AR performance.
• Scale: Confirm the scene’s unit system and verify a known dimension after conversion. Incorrect unit metadata can make an otherwise valid model appear extremely small or large.
• Animation and structure: Static SketchUp geometry is the most reliable case. Scenes, section planes, SketchUp annotations, dimensions, dynamic-component behavior, and editing history generally do not survive as equivalent USDZ features.
• Compatibility: A USDZ file can open successfully while still displaying differently in Quick Look, RealityKit, Blender, or another USD viewer because supported shaders, lights, cameras, and transparency modes vary.