SketchUp Connector for Claude

The SketchUp Connector for Claude generates SketchUp files in Claude.Ai. Using the Connector you can:

• Build 3D models using basic shapes and curved surfaces. 

• Organize model geometry into groups and components.

• Produce .skp files compatible with all versions of SketchUp.

Using the SketchUp Connector for Claude

Setting Up

To use the SketchUp Connector, you’ll need both a Trimble ID and a Claude account. The SketchUp Connector can be found in Claude’s connectors directory. To access the directory:

1. Open Claude.

2. Select Customize in the left-hand navigation pane. 

3. Select Connectors.

4. Select Connect Your Apps. 

5. Search or browse for SketchUp in the directory and click Add.

6. On the SketchUp Connector details screen, click Connect.

7. Follow the instructions on the page to connect Claude to SketchUp.

Creating a Model

After connecting SketchUp to Claude, you can now create a .skp file using a text conversation. Begin by describing the model you want using plain language. Examples include: 

• Build me a 18” wide and 42” long mid-century modern coffee table with tapered legs

• Model a simple two-story house with 30’ x 45’ base and a gable roof

• Create a black rook chess piece

When creating a prompt, there are a few things to keep in mind to help make sure you get the best results: 

• Add reference images if you have them. Sketches, photos, and floorplans can all be included in your prompt.

• Be specific when adding dimensions. Providing dimensions gives Claude less room to guess.

• Ask for what you would expect to see in SketchUp. Claude models geometry, not renderings. Craft your prompts based on form and proportion rather than photorealism.

• Claude uses Imperial units (length in inches) when creating a model. You can provide metric input and also request models with metric system units set. 

After you describe the model you want, Claude will begin to reason out and create your file. When finished, Claude will provide a thumbnail image preview and a link to download your .skp file. You can then open that file in any version of SketchUp and edit the model just like you would any other .skp file. 

This is version 1 of the SketchUp Connector. Here are notable considerations and limitations to keep in mind: 

• If you are using a Free SketchUp entitlement as a free user, you can generate up to 30 SketchUp models. After 30, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid SketchUp subscription to continue. 

• Models aren’t stored in Claude between sessions. Make sure you download your .skp file each time to keep your work. 

• The preview is a static thumbnail, not a 3D representation of the model. You’ll need to download and open the .skp file in SketchUp to view your output.

• Generating models across multiple chat threads may lead to less stable output. As you develop more complex models and skills, it’s good practice to plan before you build and to be intentional about which tasks run concurrently. 

• Currently, Claude is the only supported AI provider for SketchUp.

Iterating Your Generated Model

Within the same chat thread, you can continue to iterate on models built by describing what changes or improvements you’d like to see. Claude will generate a new file with the same name and a version number.

Examples of iterations might include: 

• Make the legs thinner and move them inward 2 inches.

• The roof pitch is too steep — bring it down.

• Add a lower shelf between the legs.

You can even take a screenshot of what you see in SketchUp and add that into your prompt. This can be great if you need to point out a specific angle that doesn’t look right, or an element you’d like adjusted. 

Claude will create a new file for each iteration, but tracks each version of your model as you make changes within the same chat. In new threads, Claude will start fresh with limited knowledge of previous work.

How it Works

The SketchUp Connector is currently at version 1, which covers building new .skp files from a conversation. When generating a SketchUp file, Claude calls three tools: 

• get_docs – Claude loads the full SDK.

• evaluate_py – Executes Python code against the live model. Claude may call this once per major component or phase, building the model incrementally. After each successful call, Claude creates a snapshot with the entities, names, statistics, and other model details.

• save_model – Saves the completed model and provides a URL. 

The Connector's capabilities will expand in future versions.