The DXF Export plugin created by Joergber on SketchUcation.com is a useful plugin allowing you to export your 3D model to AutoCAD as a DXF file developed by AutoDesk (Drawing Interchange Format or also known as Drawing Exchange Format). The plugin works with Google SketchUp 8 and known to at least work with AutoCAD 2010.

The plugin works well and enables you to the export function that the pro version of Google SketchUp offers in the free version. This DXF exporter explodes and then regroups segments in order to simplify the drawing. There are some minor imperfections of the plugin. The exporter does not export faces, only line and arc segments are exported. And there are cases in which arc orientation is off. These issues are discussed in the SketchUcation.com forum.

Overall, the DXF Export plugin created by Joergber on SketchUcation.com is an extremely useful plugin and exporter to sync your creation with AutoCAD and other drafting platforms. At the time of this review this plugin is free and is available at SketchUcation.com. I give this plugin 3 out 5 stars, though it looks as if future versions will have more of the bugs worked out.

Download Notes: Need to be logged into SketchUcation.com in order to download.

The Mirror Tool plugin created by an unknown author at the Ruby Library Depot is a useful tool to have when using SketchUp. It allows you to mirror as you would in AutoCAD.

To use the tool all you need to do is click the object you want to mirror and click the “mirror selection” button. Then you can signify the mirror line simply and click enter. This tool though also allows you to keep selecting axis’ to accurately mirror the object the way you like. This comes in handy particularly when you need to mirror about an axis that is not one of the main axis’ on SketchUp.

Overall, the Mirror Tool plugin at the Ruby Library Depot is an essential plugin to have especially for AutoCAD users. At the time of this review this plugin is free and is available at the Ruby Library Depot. I give this plugin 5 out 5 stars!

Extra Resource:
LINKS

UPDATE: Works with SketchUp 8

The Make Faces plugin created by Todd Burch with Smustard.com is a good tool to make imports from AutoCAD easier to work with. As you recall from our post about the AutoCAD import plugin we suggested that you use the import as a guide and put it on its own layer and then trace it. Well, this plugin eliminates this step and automatically creates solid faces for the entire plan, and you can go directly to pulling up your model.

Though there are some limitations to this plugin. On complicated drawings it does not perfectly connect all faces. It connects most but not all. And it also leaves allot of erroneous lines that may complicate your model in the future. This plugin is mentioned in the tutorial below.

Installation Note:
When installing this plugin you will also need to install the Progress Bar plugin (click here to download). This allows the Make Faces plugin to work.

Overall, the Make Faces plugin created by Todd Burch is a great companion to the AutoCAD import plugin. At the time of this review this plugin is free and is available at Smustard.com. I give this plugin 4 out 5 stars.

*Update: The AutoCAD DWG/DXF is NOT compatible with Google SketchUP 8. The only way as of now is to purchase Google SketchUp Pro, this comes with the DWG functionality built in.

With demand for this being high Google has created a plugin to bring in AutoCAD dwg files into SketchUp. This option was not available for the free version until September of 2009. Once installed the plugin in works great and you can import your AutoCAD .dwg file by going to File>Import.

There are many techniques to use while importing. Once imported into your SketchUp model it is ideal to place the AutoCAD portion on its own layer. It is very tough to just start building your 3D model by just using the CAD lines as SketchUp will not identify it as a solid surface if they are not connected (this is the case more times than not with AutoCAD imports). So it is best to use it as a reference and redraw the plan on top of the floor plan. A great tutorial on this can be watched below.

Overall, the AutoCAD import plugin by Google SketchUp works really well and is a MUST for professionals or not using AutoCAD files. At the time of this review this plugin is free and is available at sketchup.google.com. Though Google, has stated that this option will not be free for future versions of SketchUp. I give this plugin 4 out 5 stars, it is simply a must!