How to convert SketchUp (SKP) to DWG

SketchUp exports DWG natively, but only in the Pro versions — and the export needs preparing if the result is going to be draftable.

Why there is no uploader on this page

SKP is a closed format that no browser can read, so an in-page converter would have to send your file to a server. The procedure below does the job properly in the application that owns the format — and where a browser-side route exists, it is linked underneath.

Converting SKP to DWG, step by step

1In SketchUp Pro: File → Export → 2D Graphic for a plan/elevation (choose DWG and set the scale), or 3D Model for geometry.
2For 2D export, set the camera to Parallel Projection and a standard view first, or the exported lines will be perspective-distorted.
3In the export options set units and the DWG version, and choose whether faces export as polylines or 3D faces.
4SketchUp Free (web) cannot export DWG: export COLLADA (DAE) or STL and convert in another tool, or use a Pro trial.
5In AutoCAD, run OVERKILL to remove duplicate edges SketchUp geometry tends to produce, then translate layers.

What to watch out for

SketchUp geometry is triangulated meshes — curved surfaces arrive as many facets, not arcs.
Tag names become layers, so tidy the tags in SketchUp before exporting.

SKP — SketchUp model

SketchUp's native 3D model format.

DWG — AutoCAD Drawing

AutoCAD's native binary drawing format. Closed and version-specific, so it needs AutoCAD or a licensed library to read.

Questions

Can I export DWG from the free version of SketchUp?

No. DWG/DXF export is a Pro feature. The web version exports DAE, STL and OBJ instead, which then need converting.

Why are my curves faceted in AutoCAD?

SketchUp represents curves as segmented edges. Raise the segment count before exporting, or retrace critical curves as arcs in CAD.