Currently our best path from a Smartbuild job to a AutoCad format is through SketchUp.
To convert a SketchUp file to an AutoCAD DXF file using SketchUp Pro, follow these steps:
Open Your Model in SketchUp Pro: Launch SketchUp Pro and open the model file you want to export.
Check for Clean Geometry (Optional):
- Before exporting, make sure your model is clean and organized. Layers and groups can help manage complex models.
- It’s a good idea to check if everything is on the correct layer and there’s no hidden geometry you don’t want to include.
Select Export Options:
- Go to File > Export > 2D Graphic or 3D Model depending on whether you want a 2D or 3D DXF file.
Choose DXF as the Export Format:
- In the export dialog box, select AutoCAD DWG/DXF as the file format.
Configure Export Settings:
- Click on Options to open export settings for the DXF file.
- Here, you can set the version compatibility (e.g., AutoCAD 2010, 2013) to ensure compatibility with the version of AutoCAD you are using.
- Specify whether you want to export edges, faces, construction geometry, and other specific elements based on what you need in the DXF file.
- Set the unit (e.g., inches, feet, millimeters) if needed, as DXF files rely on the scale you set here.
Export the File:
- After configuring settings, choose a location, name the file, and click Export.
- SketchUp Pro will generate the DXF file and save it in the specified location.
Open and Verify in AutoCAD (Optional):
- Open the exported DXF file in AutoCAD to verify that all elements were transferred correctly.
- Check for any missing elements or issues with scaling, and make any adjustments if necessary.
This process should work for most SketchUp Pro versions and ensure that your model translates accurately to the DXF format for use in AutoCAD.