The SketchUp importer is for modo users who want to load Google SketchUp files. The SketchUp importer reads .SKP files produced by either SketchUp or SketchUp Pro, and works with the Mac and PC versions of modo software.

SketchUp model rendered in modo. Video courtesy Earl Swensson Associates

Use SketchUp models in modo

Enhance the communication of your design intent by rendering high resolution still images of designs created in SketchUp using modo's multi-threaded rendering engine with its global illumination, ambient occlusion and real-world IES lighting. Create terrain around your SketchUp designs using modo's sculpting tools. Aggregate multiple SketchUp models into large scenes such as housing developments, industrial parks or city neighborhoods.

Combine SketchUp models with other 3D elements such as cars, people, landscaping and street fixtures. Create dynamic walk-through and fly-by animations that come to life thanks to modo's ability to model organic interiors, exteriors, terrain, or packaging.

SketchUp model

SketchUp model imported into modo

Product Availability
updated April 3, 2008 The SketchUp importer is available as a beta download at no charge to registered modo 301 users for a limited time. Upon final product release, the SketchUp importer will be available for $99. The SketchUp importer for modo 302 is still in development. If you have modo 301, download the Beta version from your Luxology Account now.
Product Overview and System Requirements
modo 301 required. Both PC or Macintosh versions of modo are supported. The SketchUp importer works directly inside modo. SketchUp (.SKP) appears as an available file type in modo File > Open. Each purchase of a SketchUp importer includes both a Mac and PC versions. You do not have to specify Mac or PC versions when ordering. Upon purchase, you will be able to obtain both the Mac and PC versions of the SketchUp importer from your Luxology Account. Loads .SKP SketchUp and SketchUp Pro files version 6 and earlier. Includes a sample SketchUp file courtesy of Google.
Technical Details
modo Import from Google SketchUp Google SketchUp units and layers are maintained intact. All SketchUp material and texture properties are imported (except for texture alpha). All Polygon Faces created within SketchUp are imported into modo. Convex faces without holes are imported as-is, all other faces are triangulated upon import. Since all faces in SketchUp have a front and a back side material, all faces are imported as two polygons with their normals flipped (so different materials can be easily assigned to both sides). Edges not belonging to a polygon are imported as lines into modo. Underlying Technology The translator was built with file access technology supplied by Google and is provided in both PC and Mac versions for you to use with modo. For more information on Google SketchUp software, please visit www.sketchup.com

	Overview

	Model

	Sculpt

	Paint

	Render

	Animate

	Who uses modo?
	Product Designers
	AEC Visualization
	Package Designers
	Game Developers
	Print CGI

	Advanced Ergonomics

	Learning Path

	User-Friendly Policies

	Tech Specs
	What‘s new in modo 302
	Developer Resources

	imageSynth Plug-in

	Rhinoceros Translator

	SketchUp Importer