Convert SketchUp to DXF or STL and make anything! 2015-04-01

There are easy ways to convert SketchUp models into more universal CAD formats. Its not very well know so I thought I would share.
In this section we are talking about the free version of SketchUp and not SketchUp pro as SketchUp Pro already allows exporting of DXF/DWG as well as many others.

SketchUp comes with a basic tool set that helps a new users just getting started in CAD an easy to learn platform for getting started. This is great for most users but what a lot of user tend to miss as they grow in their skills is that because SketchUp allows end users to write pluins to complement the main CAD program it can grow with the user. You can do all sorts of advanced CAD features like some of the higher end and expensive programs out there.

- To find these great plugins(extensions) for SketchUp you need to visit the extension warehouse. The extension warehouse is constantly growing and some of the tools on there are simply amazing!
https://extensions.sketchup.com/
- You can also check out the awesome SketchUp community for support
http://sketchucation.com/community

All this being said and in getting back to the point of exporting to more universal formats there are some user extensions for SketchUp that allow just that.

There are a couple easy ways to install these extensions for SketchUp:
NOTE: Not all extensions are on the extension warehouse so be sure to google around you will find a ton of great extension out there.
Below are the 2 easy ways to install and extension whether its from the extension ware house or simply from the web as a download.

(Install from extension warehouse direct)
One way to install and extension is to go to Window>Extension Warehouse Pick the extension your after and then simply click install when its ready.

(Install from a download other then the extension warehouse)
Another way is to you simply save them to your computer (they are an .RBZ file which is really just another ZIP file) somewhere . Open SketchUp and go to Window>Preferences>Extensions. You will see a button on the bottom left of the menu (Install Extension)

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Hope this helps and please be sure to share any helpful extensions you find with the OpenBuilds community!
Thank you
Mark
OpenBuilds Team