As you probably know, SketchUp 8 Free does not include the ability import/export DXF/DWG files.
Although there are some free and commercial importers/exporters available, none can match the quality of SketchUp's original plugins. Currently, the best way to exchange DWG/DXF with SketchUp is to use SketchUp 7.1 & the DWG/DXF import plugin for SketchUp 7.1 (Free)
Although SketchUp Free 7.1 also does not have the DWG/DXF import/export capabilities, Google SketchUp did release an optional installer which enables it.
As of now, both SketchUp version 7.1 and the optional installer are available for download. Only the Pro version of SketchUp 7.1 is available for download, but that's OK - it will revert to the Free version after 8 hours use, and you will be able to continue using it.
SketchUp 7.1 can be installed along with version 8, and the 2 versions will remain separate. However, if you install version 7 after version 8, you may need to go back and repair the version 8 installation to fix some minor issues (Windows thumbnails, file associations.)
It was also stated on the official Google SketchUp blog that the installer would be available for a limited time, so it's anyone's guess when it will disappear.
Downloads: [ SketchUp 7.1 Pro | DWG/DXF import plugin for SketchUp 7.1 (Free) ]
My SketchUp Plugins list, and blog about the world of plugins for SketchUp.
There is a plugin, TECLA, that - with other useful tools for architects and engineers - imports/exports DXF (2d/3d). Look in the site of the project:
ReplyDeletehttps://sites.google.com/site/teclait/
Very helpful information...thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteIt fails to mention that although you can import dxf/dwg after the week trial you still lose the ability to export in almost all other formats bar jpeg and tif. Helpful initially but hardly a long-term solution...
ReplyDeleteis this still working? I've downloaded SU 7 and I keep running the DWG/DXF installer download, but I don't see the .rb file or folder to put in the plugin folder of SU 7.
ReplyDeleteI am working in SU 7, that has the dwg/dxf import feature and it's working. I haven't had to use a plugin.
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much..Very helpful
ReplyDelete