Update (May 2020): Here is the most up to date info about an SKP importer for Blender 2.8x.
As an architectural visualization artist, you will probably receive lots of projects from clients and architects to use as a starting point for a rendering. It could be a piece of furniture or a full 3D model. Regardless of the nature of such a model, you must import that data to Blender.
If that file is available in formats such as OBJ or FBX, it is an easy task. They are available as default options in the File → Import menu of Blender.
However, you might get the project in formats like SKP from SketchUp that is missing the import options. Is there a way to import SketchUp files to Blender? Yes, but at the moment, it will require you to work with Blender 2.79b.
One of the best options to import SKP files to Blender is the free Add-on created by Martijn Berger. After almost three years without any updates, he posted a couple of weeks ago version 0.20 of the Add-on. It uses the SketchUp 2019 SDK.
The workflow to use that Add-on is simple:
- Download and install the Add-on in Blender 2.79b
- Import the SKP file there and save as a blend file
- Open Blender 2.8 and use the Append option
- Select the file saved in Blender 2.79b and open the “Object” folder
- Select all objects (Press the A key)
- Hit the Append button
That way, you will pull all 3D data from your Blender file and have it in version 2.8.
The good news about that project is that Martijn Berger started to work on a native Add-on to import SKP files to Blender 2.8.
Using Blender for architecture
Do you want to use Blender for architecture or render your projects using Cycles or Eevee? We have three books available that could help you!
They cover the use of Blender for producing architectural content and also all information you need to render projects in real-time:
- Blender 2.9 for architecture: Modeling and rendering with Eevee and Cycles
- Blender 2.8 parametric modeling: Drivers, Custom Properties, and Shape Keys for 3D modeling
- Blender 3.0: The beginner's guide
- Blender 2.8 for technical drawing
- Blender Eevee: The guide to real-time rendering with Blender 2.8
You can get them in both digital and paperback formats. By ordering those books, you will not only improve your skills with Blender for architecture but also support Blender 3D Architect.
