#Google sketchup free dxf how to#
#Google sketchup free dxf mac os x#

There are alternatives to using CADspan's conversion tool.

A few moments later, and you will have a shiny new STL file suitable for use with Skeinforge! Upload your new STL file to Thingiverse to get a quick preview render of how your STL file turned out.

The final pop-up will prompt you for a filename for your new STL file.

The second pop-up asks 'Export to DXF,' and you will want to select 'stl.'.

I chose 'millimeters,' (though I'm still verifying that this works best for MakerBot).

The first pop-up asks what units you want to export your model in.

Select the object you wish to export, and select 'Export to DXF or STL' from the Tools menu.

Be careful to ensure that you create a closed, gapless model ( has a variety of scripts that can help you validate or fix your model if you're having trouble).

Fire up SketchUp! You should now see an 'Export to DXF or STL' option in SketchUp's 'Tools' menu.

First, download the DXF/STL Exporter plugin and install it.

This method seems to provide the best quality STL file with the least effort.

The recommended method of exporting an STL file from SketchUp is to use the DXF/STL Export plug in, described below. Even though SketchUp is easier to learn than most 3D CAD applications, these videos are the best way to summit the SketchUp learning curve, and can save you hours of frustration.

However, Google provides an excellent series of tutorial videos. A tutorial in SketchUp is sadly outside of the bounds of this wiki page.You don't need SketchUp Pro to create 3D models that you can fabricate - the free tool is good enough for almost everything you need to do. First, download the free Google Sketchup tool.Google SketchUp is a comparatively easy, free 3D modeling tool. Run the G-code file on your fabricator.

Convert the STL file to a G-code file, using a tool such as Skeinforge.

Export your model from SketchUp to an STL file, using the free DXF/STL Exporter plugin.

#Google sketchup free dxf mac os x#

These instructions should work on both the Windows and Mac OS X versions of SketchUp.

#Google sketchup free dxf how to#

This page documents how to use Google SketchUp to create 3D models suitable for fabrication.