Working with USDZ Files

A USDZ file is a 3D format that packages everything needed for a model, like geometry, textures, and materials, into a single file. USDZ also supports photo-based rendering (PBR) texture maps like roughness and metalness that help create realistic visuals.

USDZ is widely used in VFX and Augmented Reality workflows. The main benefits of working with a USDZ file are:

• It bundles all parts of the model, making it easy to share and view.
• It’s optimized for real-time viewing and smoothly displays on compatible devices.
• It’s based on the USD format, with everything packaged in a way that’s ready for use.

USDZ is ideal for sharing high-quality 3D assets in applications where realistic rendering is key.

Importing and Exporting a USDZ File

To import a USDZ file into SketchUp, follow these steps:

1. Select File > Import.
2. Locate and select the .usdz file you want to import.
3. (Optional) Click Options. By default Preserve Drawing Origin is selected. This option imports your file using the origin in the original file. You can choose not to preserve the drawing origin when importing. Click OK to proceed.
4. Click Import.

To export a model as a USDZ file, follow these steps:

1. Select File > Export > 3D Model.
2. Navigate to the location where you want to save your file.
3. From the drop-down list, select USDZ File (*.usdz).
4. Change the name of your file if necessary and click Export.

Importing and Exporting Materials as USDZ Files

To import materials, you will use SketchUp’s reader. SketchUp’s reader helps determine the diffuse color based on the material type when importing a material. If the material is textured, the diffuse color is set to pure white. Otherwise, it uses the specified diffuse color.

SketchUp calculates the ambient and specular colors by multiplying the diffuse color by a factor of 0.5. The emission color is always set to black. The reader extracts appropriate metalness, roughness, ambient occlusion values and maps for materials using physically based rendering (PBR).

For USDZ files, the reader extracts material properties based on the shader configuration as follows:

• diffuseColor – Diffuse color and map
• normal – Normal map
• opacity – Opacity map and alpha value
• displacement – Displacement strength and map
• roughness – Roughness value and map
• metallic – Metalness value and map
• emissiveColor – Emission color and map
• specularColor – Specular color and map
• occlusion – Occlusion map and strength
• clearcoat – Clearcoat thickness map and value
• clearcoatRoughness – Roughness map and value
• ior – Eta map and eta value

SketchUp’s writer processes diffuse color and opacity values as well as PBR maps. For USDZ files, the writer saves the following material properties:

• diffuseColor – Diffuse color and map
• opacity – Opacity map
• normal – Normal map
• displacement – Displacement strength connected to the displacement map
• roughness – Roughness value and map
• metallic – Metalness value and map
• emissiveColor – Emission color and map
• specularColor – Specular color and map
• occlusion – Occlusion strength connected to the occlusion map
• clearcoat – Clearcoat thickness connected to the thickness map
• ior – Eta value connected to the eta map

Below is a snapshot from a USDZ file showing the written material properties.