Top 3 Tips for Importing SketchUp Objects into Cabinet Vision

As far as your client is concerned, your render is your contract, right? 

Because your client expects to buy exactly what they see on your render, it is important that you be able to represent your design as accurately as possible. By importing SketchUp objects from 3D Warehouse, designers and engineers can greatly expand their catalog of hardware, accessories, ranges, hoods, refrigerators, sinks and more. In addition, the concept of model use allows the engineering team to manually place hardware and create accurate operations. 

It’s a fantastic tool, and continues to grow, but it’s important to remember that not all artist contributions to the 3D Warehouse library are created equal. 

Top 3 things to look out for when working with SketchUp objects in Cabinet Vision 

1. Consolidated Library objects

Some items will have multiple objects within one file.  If you don’t do a little cleanup, these would all load into your drawing simultaneously. (Three refrigerators in one kitchen? Ka-ching!)  Make sure to remove the superfluous objects in SketchUp before importing into Cabinet Vision. 

2. Accuracy of model size, shape and operations

You’ll love the effect of sunlight pouring through the tiny holes on the handles!  It’s those little details that delight the client and make them fall in love with your design.  But remember, these objects are drawn by artists, not technicians! Engineers – Double check accuracy and have your spec sheet out. In the example below, you can see the drill pattern is not centered correctly.  (This can happen with appliances as well.) 

3. Over-Engineered Objects

It’s also possible to be TOO accurate. While we appreciate the thoroughness of the artist who draws every single face on the Wolf Stove, these objects are so heavy they will cause problems when you import them.  We recommend avoiding these objects altogether. 

BONUS TIP

CABINET VISION likes 2014 or earlier SketchUp models. You can still use newer version models, but you have to open them on your desktop and save as 2014 before opening in CABINET VISION.

Other CAD objects you can work with:

• eSupport catalog files – available to those on active maintenance plans only
• Planit Canada Hardware packages (available to all)
• HETTICH CAD objects

Also available, but require extra steps:

• GRASS  (You’ll need to convert the AutoCAD files to SketchUp files.)
• BLUM  (You’ll need credentials to get access.)

Your hardware suppliers and manufacturers listen to you!

If you put in a request that they provide the correct file types to use in your drawing software, they will likely invest in making those models available to ensure they are easy for you to work with.

We offer a webinar explaining how to import and use SketchUp objects with CV:

[WEBINAR] Open and Shut Case of Insufficient Options. How to Create Custom Hardware in Cabinet Vision – see webinars here

Looking for even more accurate renders that sell your projects faster?

Have a look at VORTEK Spaces, a Cabinet Vision add-on that instantly creates 3D video walkthroughs that can be posted to social media in one click!