Sketchup 2013 can't import skp file into ArchiCAD 17

[Anonymous]

Just downloaded ArchiCAD 17 TRIAL VERSION with view to purchasing product mainly due to new functionality with importing sketchup files.

However, the ArchiCAD 17 program will not import (open) a Sketchup 2013 file (.skp file). ArchiCAD program otherwise working fine. I followed the ArchiCAD video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTyohBZ3w1I

ie. FILE SPECIAL > MERGE > (DEFAULT IMPORT SETTINGS) > (FILE OPEN VIA BROWSER>,,, then the program "converts" the file via small dialogue box on screen but when I was prompted to "pin" the file on the worksheet nothing happened.

Tried multiple times,, same result.

I am fairly new to CAD software, but fairly good grasp of computing generally.

Thanks in advance if anybody can assist.

[TMA_80]

Try to save your skp file as v5 format and import it in ArchiCAD.
(AFAIK, Archicad will not import skp files higher than V6.)

[Anonymous]

Thanks TMA_80.

I can't save my sketchup 2013 file into any previous version of Sketchup - eg. Sketchup v8 (sketchup 8 won't recognise files created in later version 2013). Version 6 sketchup sounds fairly dated anyway,, I am sure ArchiCAD does recognise sketchup files later than v6 ?

Instead of FILE IMPORT (FILE SPECIAL / MERGE),, just now I tried "file open" for sketchup 2013 file and ArchiCAD did recognise the skp file and seemed to open it - i.e.. it went through a conversion routine,, flashed a couple of quick messages on screen, etc - but again just a blank workspace!

Here is a screenshot. The Skp file name is "CCCCCCCCCC". ArchiCAD seems to have opened it ?? but is it sitting there somewhere ? Again my apologies as I am a new user to ArchiCAD and don't as yet know the basic functions. Note also when I closed down ArchICAD it said "do you want to save CCCCCCCCCC file?? (so perhaps it has opened but just not visible).

[TMA_80]

It will show as imported but it is actually not recognized by ArchiCAD, it will be displayed as a dot...( until the importer is updated, the 2013 format is too new to be recognized by ArchiCAD)

You should be able to "save as" older version format in Sketchup
In Sketchup File/save as/ ( and in the type, choose sketchup version 5 )

[Karl Ottenstein]

No matter what method you use, the imported SU file is a single object - accessed via the Object Tool.

In the case of Merge, the object tool is pre-loaded with the newly converted object to place into an existing project. The object will be stored in the embedded library. You have to click somewhere in plan view to place the object.

In the case of Open, a fresh file is created, and one instance of the converted object is placed in the file. Your workspace may look blank, but zoom extents or view in 3D and zoom extents and you should see it.

I just tested again with objects downloaded from the warehouse, and with a SU 8 file. See attached for SU 8 which allows saving in prior-version formats. I assume SU 2013 allows the same.

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot guys, it worked! I really appreciate your help.

I now realise what you were saying "save as" the earlier SU v6 within SU version 2013.

I do think though the official Graphisoft video explaining how to import SU files into ArchiCAD 17 is a bit flawed in that it fails to mention that any SU file imported can only be SU v6 or earlier! (noting that this video was posted on May 2013 and advertised as a 'new' feature for ArchiCAD 17).

[Karl Ottenstein]

R wrote:
I do think though the official Graphisoft video explaining how to import SU files into ArchiCAD 17 is a bit flawed in that it fails to mention that any SU file imported can only be SU v6 or earlier! (noting that this video was posted on May 2013 and advertised as a 'new' feature for ArchiCAD 17).

If you read my post - you'd see that I imported SU v8 (not v6). So, it is only SU 2013 that is an issue at present.

[Anonymous]

You can also import Sketchup files in Archicad 15 and you may like to know you can actually drag and drop into plan view it saves the hassle of losing and searching for the model. You will find version 8 skp models on the Rubysketch website ( you should use skp bim in the drop down menu on the site as they are layered and have attributes.The models are also free yet more reliable). Be careful downloading from 3d warehouse as a lot of the models are very high in poly count and will slow down Archicad if you get the wrong models
Sorry I don't have the actual skp link but you will find them here. http://www.rubysketch.com
Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone!

I have the same problem as R Johnson.
I have tried all the advice you gave but still have only a insert point and .skp file does not exist in 2d and 3d. Archicad says to check library script (error in file script). I have tried open/merge .skp file in ArchiCAD 17 but screen flashes few times, conversion in progress and all I can see is a point.

I even have tried to download SketchUp and created a new file. I have saved new file in previous SU version (5,4,3) and open/merge it in ArchiCAD 17 but still nothing. Only a point.

I'm using Win 7(64 bit) and ArchiCAD 17 Trial version.

Thanks in advance

[Steve Jepson]

It works for me to just open the SketchUp files version 8 and older.

Here is a tip about SketchUp. If you use it as little as I do, you don't need to buy it. Just download the SketchUp Demo. It expires after a certain amount of use/time.

I don't use up that time before the next new release is out so I do it again for each new version.

The trick is to use it only for what you need and shut it down as fast as you can after that.

I use it to open SketchUp files and save as version 8 or as a .3ds file.

I also use it once in a while to confirm that my ArchiCAD files convert to SketchUp files ok and are saved in a SketchUp file format that my clients can use.

I am currently using the SketchUp Pro 2013 version.
ArchiCAD does not handle this version of the SketchUp files, so I save the SketchUp files as version 8 and it works fine.

When you open the SketchUp file it converts it to a .gsm automatically and embeds it in the library.

Of course you will need to have the SketchUp In-Out.apx Add-On installed.