1. Import from SketchUp
   • Method 1: Drag & Drop
   • Method 2: Import from the Extension
   • Importing Large Models
2. Export to SketchUp
   • Method 1: From the SketchUp Tab
   • Method 2: From the File Menu
   • Export Options
     • Filter Settings
     • Selection Tab
     • View Modes Tab
     • Filter Tab

Import from SketchUp

If you would like to import a .skp file, you can do so in a few ways. Before you do, you may want to check out your Import/Export settings. 

Method 1: Drag & Drop

The easiest way to bring in a SketchUp file is just to drag-and-drop it from the File Explorer. When you do, the object will be on the end of your cursor and you can place it as many times as you need. When you are finished, move the cursor outside of the drawing area or press the Esc key to release the object.

Method 2: Import from the Extension

If you have a SketchUp file saved and don't already have your File Explorer open, follow these steps to import it:

1. In the SketchUp component tab, click the Import From File... button.
   
   
   
   
   You can find SketchUp files for this import from SketchUp's 3D Warehouse.

    

2. Browse for your SketchUp file and click Open. The object is shown in the Latest model preview section.
   
   
   
   
3. Click once on the preview and move the cursor to the drawing area. The object is attached to the cursor.
4. Click to place the object in the drawing area. There is now a new copy of the object attached to the cursor. Keep clicking if you want to add more copies.
5. When you are finished, move the cursor outside of the drawing area or press the Esc key to release the object.
6. If you import another SketchUp model, the original file will move to the Recent section to make way for the latest model to be previewed.
   
   

After importing a SketchUp object, you can edit its properties in the green quick properties box.

Importing Large Models

If importing a very large model (more than 50,000 triangles), a Large Model dialog will pop-up asking the user to try reducing the triangle count in an effort to increase CET's performance:

The image below shows the differences between the original model (left) and the reduced polygon model (right).

Although details have been reduced in 3D View, when rendering it should have the same Level of Detail as the original model.

Export to SketchUp

There are 2 ways to export a CET drawing to an .skp file that can be read in SketchUp. Let's cover the faster way first! 

Method 1: From the SketchUp Tab

1. In the SketchUp component tab, just click the Export to SketchUp file button. The Save As dialog will open and you can choose the location you'd like to save the .skp file.
   
   
   
   
2. Pick your location and click Save. You will need to select your export options and then BOOM, you're done! See how easy that was?

Method 2: From the File Menu

This method is only slightly slower, but still pretty quick.

1. Go to the File menu.
2. Click Import & Export on the left-hand side.
3. Choose the third option: Export Drawing...
4. Here you'll see the Save As dialog. Choose the folder in which you'd like to save your .skp file. 
   
   It's key to make sure you switch the Save as type in the drop-down menu at the bottom of the window. Choose skp which is the file type that can be read in SketchUp.
5. Click Save. After you hit save, you will need to choose your Export Options in the window that pops up, and then voila - you're done! That wasn't too hard, was it?

Export Options

After you hit Save when exporting a model to SketchUp, you will need to choose a few options before really completing the process.

1. Level of Detail
   Determines how detailed a model will be when viewed from a distance. Don't worry - your renderings will still look smashing! This will just affect the appearance when in working mode in SketchUp. A lower Level of Detail will help things work faster if you have a very large, detailed drawing. You can read more about the Level of Detail in the Import/Export Settings.
2. Filter
   Export only a selection, view mode, or specific categories. Check the box, then open the Filter Settings:

Filter Settings

You can choose just to export a part of a drawing to SketchUp. For example, if you have a drawing of an entire building, you can choose to export just one of the rooms.

To specify what part of the drawing you would like to export, check the Filter box and then click the Filter settings button in the Export SketchUp (.skp) Drawing dialog.

Selection Tab

Check All to export the whole drawing or Selection to export selected areas in the drawing:

View Modes Tab

This tab lets you filter out which View Modes should be exported:

Filter Tab