Uploading from SketchUp

Uploading a model or component from SketchUp

SketchUp files (.skp) can be uploaded from any version of SketchUp to 3D Warehouse. This file can be an open model or a component within an open model.

Tip: Use the component option when you want to upload only a part of a SketchUp model, such as a single building from a model of a larger development.

To upload a model from SketchUp, follow these steps:

  1. Use the Camera tools (Zoom, Orbit, and Pan) and adjust the view in the drawing area. This view will become the preview image.
  2. Select File > 3D Warehouse > Share Model from the menu bar. If prompted, save the model and purge any unused items.
  3. 3D Warehouse will open to the Edit Model Details window. 
  4. Fill in the title, description, category, subcategory. You can change these details at any time after publishing your model. 
  5. Under Additional Attributes select Private Model to limit who can see the model. Select Disable Comments to prevent other users from submitting comments. 
  6. Click Publish Model. 3D Warehouse render bots will generate additional file formats and thumbnail images.

To upload a component within a SketchUp model, follow these steps:

  1. Select the component in SketchUp.
  2. Context-click the component and select 3D Warehouse > Share Component.
  3. Fill out the information in Edit Model Details.  
  4. Click Publish Model. 

The more information you add in the Edit Model Details page, the easier it will be for other users to find the published model. Filling out each section improves the discoverability of the model, represented by the Discovery of Model progress bar at the bottom of the window. The Edit Model Details page contains the following options:

  • Title – The title that will appear in search results and on the model’s description below the model’s preview image. Good titles are specific but brief. For example, instead of “Wooden Chair,” use “Windsor Style Wooden Chair.” 
  • Description –  A detailed description that includes specific features of the model. For example, when uploading a historic building include a brief description of the building’s history, real world location, and construction details. Descriptions are limited to 1000 characters. 
  • Category – A dropdown list of categories.  Because 3D Warehouse offers quite a few categories, a search option appears at the top of the list to help filter what options appear. 
  • Subcategory – A second dropdown list of categories. Add a subcategory to further improve how the model appears in search results. 
  • Private model – Control who can see your model. By default, this option is off, allowing other 3D Warehouse users to find and download the model. Check the box next to this option to make sure the model won’t appear in search results. Private models will not be accessible to other 3D Warehouse users. 
  • Disable Comments – Control if other users can leave comments on the model’s page. By default, this option is off.
Was this article helpful?