Architectural_Design_with_SketchUp

Chapter 4 Using Plugins Effectively
Import/Export Plugins
By Various—Free [3, 5, 6]
Currently, there are many limited-feature import/export plugins available for SketchUp. If you
need one for a particular file type, search the plugin repositories for the file extension (such
as DXF). The most popular file formats for exchange are DXF (to exchange linework and other
shapes with lots of other software including Autodesk AutoCAD), OBJ (to exchange with 3D
modeling software), and STL (to send files to 3D printers).
Here is a small sampling: Dxf_In, Dxf2Skp, PLY importer, FreeDXF Importer, DXF_export,
Import OBJ with Materials, OBJexporter, OBJ Import, and su2stl.rb, jf_stl_importer.
Please note: If you own the Pro version of SketchUp, then DXF and DWG import/export
is included.
KML Tools
By Aerilius—Free [5, 6]
This tool facilitates the import and export of KML data, such as placemarks and image overlays,
that cannot be exchanged with Google Earth using SketchUp’s native COLLADA-based
(DAE and KMZ) file formats.
When you create objects for use in Google Earth, look at this plugin to complement
SketchUp’s native import/export capabilities.
Layer Manager
By D. Bur—Free [5, 6, 3]
When you work with imported data, there will likely be a need to clean up layers and objects
on layers at some point. This tool helps with moving objects between layers and maintaining
your collection of layers.
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