SketchUp OBJ Import: Add Real Context to Your Designs

SketchUp + ArchiKEK = Perfect Context

SketchUp is great for design. ArchiKEK is great for context. Together, they're unstoppable.

Importing OBJ to SketchUp

Step 1: Download from ArchiKEK

• Go to archikek.com/create
• Select your site location
• Choose 3D → OBJ format
• Enable "Include Materials"
• Download the ZIP

Step 2: Import to SketchUp

• File → Import
• Change file type to "OBJ Files"
• Select archikek_model.obj
• Click Import

Step 3: Check Import Options

• ☑️ Preserve drawing origin
• ☑️ Merge coplanar faces (optional)

Working with the Model

Layers/Tags

Imported geometry comes in groups:

• Buildings_Residential
• Buildings_Commercial
• Roads_Primary
• Water
• Green_Park
• Terrain

Create tags for each group for easy control.

Materials

The MTL file should load colors automatically. If not:

• Select geometry
• Open Materials panel
• Apply colors manually

Scale

Models export in meters. SketchUp should handle this, but verify with the tape measure tool.

Adding Your Design

Best Workflow

• Import ArchiKEK model
• Create new tag for "Proposed"
• Model your building at site center (0,0)
• Use context for massing studies

Tips

• Hide terrain when working at ground level
• Use X-ray mode to see through context
• Create scenes for different views

Export for Presentation

Styles

Apply SketchUp styles for different effects:

• "Architectural Design" for clean look
• "Sketchy Edges" for conceptual
• "X-Ray" for transparency studies

Scenes

Save views as scenes:

• Bird's eye
• Street level
• Aerial approach
• Key viewpoints

Export

• 2D: File → Export → 2D Graphic
• 3D: File → Export → 3D Model (for rendering in other software)

Common Issues

Model Too Slow

• Hide distant buildings
• Reduce shadow quality
• Use smaller export area

Missing Materials

• Check MTL file is in same folder
• Manually apply colors if needed

Scale Wrong

• Model menu → Units
• Verify meters are selected

Create SketchUp-Ready OBJ →