Importing Files

Importing images and drawings into a SketchUp model is a great way to enhance it and give it that spark of life. SketchUp for iPad supports importing files created in the following formats:

• Image (.jpg, .png, .tif, .bmp, .psd, .tga, .eps)

• PDF (.pdf)

• SketchUp (.skp)

• Stereolithography (.stl)

• 3D AutoCAD Model (.dwg, .dxf)

• Other: .dae, .kmz, .3ds, .dem, .ddf

Importing Most Non-Image Files

With the exception of PDF files, SketchUp adds non-image files as entities in your model. 

To import a non-image file, follow these steps:

1. Select Import () from the Main Toolbar at the top left of your screen.

2. Select Files or Trimble Connect, depending on the file location. 

3. Select the file. SketchUp imports it into the model.

Importing PDF Files

You can import single or multi-paged PDF files. 

When you import a PDF, SketchUp places it flat on the ground plane at the origin. If the file contains multiple pages, the first page anchors at the origin while subsequent pages lay out to the right of this page, side-by-side along the red X axis. 

To import a PDF file, follow these steps:

1. Select Import () from the Main Toolbar at the top left of your screen.

2. Select Files or Trimble Connect, depending on the file location. 

3. Select the file. The IMPORTING PDF modal with options specific to importing PDF files appears.

4. Make changes as needed.

5. Select Import.

Importing Image Files

When importing an image, you can bring it in either as an image object or a material.

• Importing as an image object places a standalone 2D graphic directly in your workspace.

• Choosing a material applies the image directly to a surface and saves it to your Materials panel for future use.

To import an image as an image object, use the following steps:

1. Select the Insert Image tool () from the Expanded Toolset.

2. Select Use as Image Object.

3. Depending on the file location, choose one of the following options:

   • Browse your locally saved files.

   • Open the Apple Photo app.

   • Take a photo to import.

4. Select the image file or take the photo.

5. Tap anywhere in your model to place the image, then tap a second time to confirm placement and scale. 

To import an image as a material, use the following steps:

1. Select the Insert Image tool () from the Expanded Toolset.

2. Select Use as Image Texture. 

3. Depending on the file location, choose one of the following options:

   • Browse your locally saved files.

   • Open the Apple Photo app.

   • Take a photo to import.

4. Select the image file or take the photo.

5. Tap a surface in your model to apply the texture. SketchUp maps the image to the selected face and adds it to your Materials panel for future use. 

Exporting Files

SketchUp for iPad supports the ability to export your model, using the following formats:

• Image (.png)

• Animation (.mp4)

• Pixar USDZ File (.usdz)

• Stereolithography (.stl)

• Object File (.obj)

• 3D AutoCAD Model or 2D AutoCAD Drawing (.dwg, .dxf)

• PDF (.pdf)

To export a file from the Main Toolbar or Scenes panel, use the following steps:

1. Select Export (). The Export window will appear.

2. Use the File Type dropdown menu to select the Export format. Options specific to the file format will appear. 

3. Make any additional changes as needed.

4. Select Export.
   

   

To export a file from the Home screen:

1. Select the Menu icon next to the model you want to export.

2. Select Export.

3. Select the desired export format from the list. Options specific to the file format will appear in the Export modal.

4. Choose any options and tap, or click Export.