Importing a SketchUp SKP file into AutoCAD usually produces a flat mesh - all geometry exploded into individual faces, with no structure and no relationship between repeated elements. Automesher Application handles the conversion differently: SKP component instances are converted to AutoCAD block references, and DWG blocks export to SketchUp as component definitions. The model structure is preserved in both directions.
This matters because SketchUp architectural and product models use components extensively - a model with 200 chair instances stores the geometry once. If those components explode on import to DWG, the drawing becomes unmanageable. Automesher keeps them as DWG blocks.
SKP Components vs DWG Blocks: What They Share
SketchUp components and AutoCAD blocks are the same concept in different formats - both are reusable geometry definitions that can be placed as instances (references) throughout a model.
Automesher maps SKP component definitions to DWG block definitions, and SKP component instances to DWG block references. The result is a DWG that retains the same reuse structure as the original SketchUp model.
What Gets Preserved in SKP to DWG Conversion
- Component instances - each SKP component instance becomes a DWG INSERT entity referencing the equivalent block definition
- Instance transforms - position, rotation, and scale of each component instance are preserved in the block reference transformation
- Nested components - SKP components that contain other components convert to nested DWG blocks, preserving the hierarchy
- Geometry - polygon mesh faces, edges, and vertices are converted to 3D Face entities, Polyface Mesh, or 3D Solid depending on the selected entity type in the import dialog
- Materials and colors - SKP material colors are mapped to DWG layer colors and object colors where applicable
See the SKP to DWG conversion guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does importing SKP into AutoCAD require SketchUp to be installed?
No. Automesher Application reads SKP files natively using its own SKP parser. SketchUp does not need to be installed on the machine running AutoCAD.
Which SKP file versions does Automesher support?
All SketchUp versions from SketchUp 3 through current releases are supported. Both older and newer SKP file formats open correctly.
What happens to SKP textures when importing into AutoCAD?
Textures are supported when the import entity type is set to SubDMesh. SubDMesh entities in AutoCAD support material and texture mapping. For other entity types (Polyface Mesh, 3D Solid), geometry is imported without texture mapping, though material colors are preserved as object colors.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Automesher Application is available as a free evaluation download with a limited number of import and export operations to test the full workflow before purchasing.
Summary
Automesher Application converts SKP component instances to DWG block references during import into AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD, and GstarCAD - preserving the reuse structure of SketchUp models rather than producing a flat exploded mesh. The conversion is bidirectional: DWG blocks export to SketchUp as component definitions. For textured models, use the SubDMesh entity type on import.
👉 Ready to import SketchUp into AutoCAD? Download Automesher Application and try it free.