Part 1: Converting PDF drawings for use in SketchUp

UPDATE - we now have a PDF Importer to import vector PDF drawings directly into SketchUp without having to convert to DWG or DXF first! Check it out estimatorforsketchup.com/downl...

[@ieropo]

Thanks for posting this! Exactly what I needed :)

[@paramore13334]

now other than the inscape, i also learned the scaling of drawing via resizing dimension, thanks!

[@donaldogara1289]

Excellent, thanks so much, just exactly what I needed. Much better than saving my PDF as a JPG and bring the JPG into SU. Thanks again!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

You're welcome! I agree

[@shandiinlake3053]

Thank you for this video! Saved me a bunch of time of redrawing plans!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Thanks!! I now have PDF Importer Extension for SketchUp, check out www.estimatorforsketchup.com!

[@essymoores265]

I always forget how to do this, so this video is most helpful!

[@mikebradleygd]

Thanks for this. Searched on the off chance of something being available. Downloaded Inkscape and now looking forward to using method. So simple; once practised it will save a lot of time and possibly printing costs too on my planning permission jobs. Thanks again. Mike Bradley Garden Design

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

your welcome! I use it quite often, very simple and you can be up and running quickly.

[@layoutarchitect]

Awesome, can you checkout the pdf to skp version on my channel too? Ty

[@mustafahusseini9635]

This is amazing, thanks mate, you helped me a lot. Good on you mate👍

[@photelegy]

Thank you very much!!! It worked. Would be awesome if it would be possible to have all the layers from the PDF still in those layers to show or hide them individually in SketchUp.

[@layoutarchitect]

Awesome, can you checkout the pdf to skp version on my channel too? Ty

[@papuchrts]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Your welcome!

[@essymoores265]

This really helped me, thank you!

[@BrockWorksInc]

You are welcome!

[@birundhasubramanium1660]

Hi der can u explain how to resize the model.. I'm really struggling with dis point do pls help me...

[@mcribarbo1]

The import was ok but I can't resize the model. When I try to do it, there is a message - "components imported from external files will not be resized"

[@ziga9999]

It works, but how can I scale this to correct dimensions?

[@amielpatrickpunzalan3882]

Thanks my man! It works!

[@mariyaharrach7844]

Thank you so much for posting this

[@BrockWorksInc]

You're welcome!

[@jennynardone1643]

Hi I hope you can help me, i imported the converted dfx file to my sketch up 2018, but it doesnt allow me to edit the file.how can i make it editable.i did exactly as per this video. Thank you so much in advance.

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

I don't know without seeing the file. I do know that it is not always successful. For example, if the PDF was not generated by a cad program initially, then it is probably not vector and therefore not work. I was converting individual drawings a couple of weeks ago on a large commercial project. The floor plans worked fine, but the elevations sheets came in as images (raster not vector). Also, I know it does not work when the PDF was a scanned drawing. Good luck - feel free to email me the file and I could take a look at it at least. [e-mail]

[@roro6209]

If you dont want to down the software there are plenty of online converter that you can use for it.

[@bijovalsaraj]

Nice work man

[@greenfarmcat]

The new version of MacOS is not compatible with inkscape unfortunately. I managed to squeak in a conversion and then my computer updated and threw out the critical bit of software needed for it to work. The converted file didn't work anyway because it was a scan. So I am importing other file types instead.

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

We have a PDF Importer coming out in the coming days. It allows you to import a PDF (vector-based) directly into SketchUp. The Windows version is done and works great, the Mac version will be ready in a week or so, hopefully. I will reply back to this when it does, but feel free to check in at www.estimatorforsketchup.com for more details in the coming days and weeks

[@diegocapurro4313]

Buen aporte, muchas gracias!

[@mohammedfurqan8685]

i am loving it

[@arquivan251]

Thanks a lot it helps me so mucho

[@evillaruz007]

what is happening if I followed your procedures but when trying to import into sketchup it indicates import failed and yet I selected the dxf format? don't understand? p

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

I have had this happen to me on occasion - there are some that fail that I suppose are not suitable. For example, I had a "scanned" drawing, not a PDF created using a cad program, but copied and it did not work.

[@xolooopm]

Thanks it work for me I appreciate your help

[@Myeah]

what view are you in when you import into Sketchup to get it to be an aerial view?

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Parallel Projection (camera setting) and Top View

[@ridgecrestrealty]

Not working for me. Sent pdf file to inscape; no problem only 145k file. Saved as dxf; no problem. open SU then import and box open says only one element uploaded then nothing is visible

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

I have had times too where it did not work - was the PDF based on good vector-based drawing to start with? (was it drawn in a cad program and exported to PDF?) I know it has not worked on scanned drawings, especially scanned drawings of hand-drawn floor plans.

[@anjalikushwaha2366]

Thank you so much for this video sir..😊🙏

[@projato]

Muito Obrigado Thaks

[@user-kl9mm2hr6y]

How can not use this opportunity and build positive altitude to architecture

[@nio8361]

Hi! I have a problem... I can't save the file in .dxf, the option doesn't appear. I would be very grateful if you help me!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Sorry, just saw this - I have not tried to export to dxf, only dwg, but SketchUp excepts either, so I just go with dwg. Why does it have to be a dxf?

[@identitycrysis6925]

DXF is for pro only, that's why you can't import it. are there any different types that give the same feeling as the DXF? png and psd are too blurry to work with.

[@FranklinClinton204]

its a lot of help this video. tnx very much

[@jmanfredi18]

Hi, I downloaded the inkscape file....i wanted to convert a PDF floor plan but it gives me an error message and it cant save the file. Is there another step i need to do before saving the file ? Thanks

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

You say you downloaded inkscape file - you mean you downloaded the Inkscape program? Where are you getting the error message? I would be glad to help you, please email me direct to [e-mail] so we can start a dialog

[@craigberryman6196]

HI this is awsome I do have one problem my plans have black lines and i cant see my sketchup line any ideas cheers

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Hi - only vectors will import, raster/images will not, so anything that does not come through may be raster, so it is ignored by all of these types of programs, including my new PDF Importer for SketchUp. Otherwise works great! Feel free to email me directly to [e-mail] if you have any questions

[@kenleitch5614]

There are some instances where the dxf, once imported into Sketchup, will not resize properly. I followed the recommended guidelines as outlined in the forums, specifically the Sketchup import dxf options, but to no avail. Anyone else have issues with scaling?

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

In SketchUp, I will either scale the group that was imported, or scale model. Typically I use a long, known dimension - using T for Tape Measure, I click on one point to the next and then type in the known length in the measurement box - then hit enter and it will ask if you want to resize model or group (if editing a group). That usually works for me - I then make sure other dimensions are also correct and my walls are correct thickness, etc.

[@kenleitch5614]

I do the same, but sometimes the resize will not work with the tape (option in 2018). Looks like a problem dating back awhile. Thanks for the reply!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Funny you mention it - I have experience odd issues myself in 2018 - I was in a rush so my work around was to edit the group and then scale vs the model and it worked - strange! I will report it to the SU guys

[@alanrewitzer8491]

has anyone got this to work with sketchup 2020? When I try to resize it gives a warning that not everything will be resized and then it doesn't do it.

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Yes, it works. What I do is double-click on the group (like an imported floor plan) and then scale it and hit yes - this will resize the GROUP vs entire model. I recall it used to work differently until 2018 or 2019, but edit group > scale works great

[@jassimalmubarak1939]

thanks so much

[@CurrentElectrical]

Where are the other "Parts" to this series? This is part one, are there more that I am not seeing on your page? Excellent video by the way.

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

I'm afraid that was intended to be a series and life has gotten in the way of continuing - I will get to it this winter hopefully :) thanks!

[@RJK1988]

Please do. This was very helpful.

[@BuddyQuaid]

Please make part 2. Now I will have to watch someone else's video. Or could you please give us some guidance on what your plan is now that we have this model saved? You said bring it into a template? What template?

[@stevesculptor1]

Yes I was asking myself the same question ???

[@rodlrfilmmakercreator1460]

How you convert your file to sckethup format, and then you can erase lines and updates. I download the Inscape program and I just inport my file but still on sckethup like a full document pdf.

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

If you have Inkscape, you can open a PDF and then export it as a DWG or DXF. In SketchUp, you can IMPORT the DWG or DXF, as long as it is a VECTOR PDF, rasters will not import. We now have our PDF Importer Extension for SketchUp, which allows direct import of a vector PDF directly into SketchUp. This is a paid extension where Inkscape is free, matter of convenience. We use PDF Importer every day, so having a direct importer saves a lot of time for us. Feel free to email directly to [e-mail] with any other questions and I will do my best to assist.

[@layoutarchitect]

Awesome, can you checkout the pdf to skp version on my channel too? Ty

[@freddiewr6467]

My DXF Doesn't Load in I'm Using Sketchup 2017? I Open The File In Inkscape And Save It As DXF, Then When I Go To Open It Says It Cant Load

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Hi Freddie - I have had some that will not import (import file and it shows up blank) - I think this is when the original PDF was scanned or not exported from a cad-based system. Not often, but I know that it never works for me from a scanned image (not vectors)

[@freddiewr6467]

Estimator for SketchUp Ah Ok I Think You've Just Solved My Problem

[@angry4015]

Great video - where have you guys been? Is there a Part 2?

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Hi Ernest - thanks! Sorry, I have been too busy in the field, building, with little time for extra efforts. Hopefully things will slow down soon

[@angry4015]

Being buys is a good thing. I look forward to your new video's when you find the time.

[@ladanazarenko9385]

thanks a lot!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

your welcome! :)

[@lycakaylanciso6639]

Thank you!!!

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

You're welcome!

[@daicol]

Thanks for that. I take it the next part never came? :-(

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Hey, yeah I am a few years late with it! I DO plan on working on the detailed video series over the winter. I recently presented at Basecamp Fireside Chat with SketchUp, showing the overall process I use www.crowdcast.io/e/fireside-chat-series-ep7?fbclid=IwAR3ZJPKJBesZXzvWVL1d4Kd1X0LVO1rC7cakkKOwp1-EaNQW4Xc9zxji6s8 You can download the PDF overview if you want it here www.sketchup4builders.com/free/

[@interiorabhinav]

A big thanks to you for inskscape.org its gr8

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

your welcome!

[@jbc1968]

Eres un mago, gracias

i got this error when trying to export Traceback (most recent call last): File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\dxf_outlines.py", line 455, in DxfOutlines().run() File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\inkex\base.py", line 250, in run self.save_raw(self.effect()) File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\inkex\base.py", line 296, in save_raw self.save(self.options.output) File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\dxf_outlines.py", line 385, in save self.preprocess(["flowRoot", "text"]) File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\inkex\extensions.py", line 150, in preprocess self.document = load_svg(stream) File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\inkex\elements\_parser.py", line 98, in load_svg parsed = etree.parse(stream, parser=SVG_PARSER) File "src/lxml/etree.pyx", line 3541, in lxml.etree.parse File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 1900, in lxml.etree._parseDocument File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 1920, in lxml.etree._parseFilelikeDocument File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 1814, in lxml.etree._parseDocFromFilelike File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 1204, in lxml.etree._BaseParser._parseDocFromFilelike File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 618, in lxml.etree._ParserContext._handleParseResultDoc File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 724, in lxml.etree._handleParseResult File "src/lxml/etree.pyx", line 334, in lxml.etree._ExceptionContext._raise_if_stored File "src/lxml/parser.pxi", line 370, in lxml.etree._FileReaderContext.copyToBuffer File "C:\Program Files\Inkscape\lib\python3.10\encodings\cp1252.py", line 23, in decode return codecs.charmap_decode(input,self.errors,decoding_table)[0] UnicodeDecodeError: 'charmap' codec can't decode byte 0x81 in position 7723: character maps to

[@nguyenminh432]

Hi i got problem import DXF file to sketchup / can anyone help? thanks

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

What is the problem? I often times have files I import that do not show up - check file size, if very small size, it may not be complete - I have also had issues with large imports - I think SU has locked up, but sometimes it may take hours to finally load, then it is OK (like a DXF of trusses)

[@identitycrysis6925]

it looks like that DXF is now a pro-only file type for Sketchup 2018

[@randiloreaux6991]

Well sadly, my iPad is Forbidding Inkscape…so that’s a bummer.

[@reubensuperales5228]

import failed :(

[@user-iv8st4ff9h]

what if i cant convert my pdf to DX file type

[@BrockWorksInc]

Hello, this is an old video, we no longer use Inkscape after we developed PDF Importer for SketchUp. With it, you can simply import the PDF directly into SketchUp without converting/other softwares. I have not tried to convert them in years so not sure what issues you are experiencing converting

[@arhalimi5883]

Fantastic n tQ Sir ..

[@rickyespinel]

muchas gracias. colombiano

[@layoutarchitect]

Awesome, can you checkout the pdf to skp version on my channel too? Ty

[@MrOP4444]

How do you erase the selected areas? Thank you.

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

I usually just get it into SketchUp and delete things I do not need - or you can do it in Inkscape - pretty sure you can erase items in either one.

[@MrOP4444]

Thank you for answering so fast. I was wondering which button you're using after you select an area to delete?

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

I just went into Inkscape and just selected something and hit DELETE on my keyboard and it erased it. Or you can do same in SU or use Eraser tool

[@MrOP4444]

I can't get my model to resize, any suggestions?

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

The way I do it is to open a new SU file and import the dwg or dxf file - I then, using the PDF of the plans, find a long known dimension on the plans - I then, in SU, use tape measure and select point to point along that known dimension line and then enter the known dimension. It will ask if you want to resize the model and say yes. This works great almost every time - usually I will double check it against another known dimension and it is usually good to go - sometimes, the original draftsman may have faked something or fudged a dimension, so I often have to scale it again to get it right

[@anuradason9542]

Didn’t know Inkscape could save as .dxf

[@loosecid7507]

Heads up....This assuming the .pdf has vector info. If it's a rastered pdf.. no go

[@EstimatorforSketchUp]

Correct! Only vector PDFs will work, raster will not import

[@zynahfatima]

Jldi bta bhai kl subah Panvel nikalna h

[@MdArifHossin]

thanks is not enough. thanks.

[@layoutarchitect]

Awesome, can you checkout the pdf to skp version on my channel too? Ty

[@Deontjie]

,

[@Aldo-rx1sh]

Op999l

[@enzoperez6184]

next time make it slower and talk even more.