How Do I Open SketchUp in LayOut?

To open your SketchUp model in LayOut, the most direct method is to use the built-in command within SketchUp itself.

Sending Your SketchUp Model to LayOut

The primary way to transition your work from SketchUp to LayOut is through a dedicated function designed for this purpose. This process seamlessly links your 3D model with LayOut's 2D documentation environment.

Here are the simple steps to follow:

1. Open your desired SketchUp model. Ensure your model is saved.
2. In SketchUp, locate and click the Send to Layout button. This button is typically found on a toolbar or within a menu option, such as the "File" menu.
3. Once you click the button, the LayOut application opens.
4. You will then be prompted to select a LayOut template for your document. Choose a template that suits the desired paper size and layout for your presentation or documentation.
5. Your SketchUp model is automatically placed into the new LayOut document as a Sketchup viewport. This viewport is a linked representation of your 3D model within the 2D LayOut page.

This viewport in LayOut maintains a dynamic link to your original SketchUp file. If you make changes to the model in SketchUp, you can update the viewport in LayOut to reflect those changes.

What Happens Next?

After your model opens as a Sketchup viewport in LayOut, you can then:

• Adjust the view (perspective, standard views, scenes).
• Set the scale of the viewport.
• Add dimensions, text labels, and annotations.
• Include other elements like title blocks, images, and additional viewports.
• Create multiple pages for your document.

This makes LayOut an essential tool for creating professional construction documents, presentations, and drawings from your SketchUp models.