2D DXF Export Problem

SketchUp for Web SketchUp Go
1

Hello everyone,

I’m experiencing a frustrating problem with the 2D DXF export function in SketchUp Go and I’m hoping for some guidance. It’s likely a user error!

The Problem:

I have a model of an aluminum angle bracket that is 37-7/8" long and 2" high. I’m trying to export a 2D DXF file of the face with a series of holes on it for a fabricator.

The issue is inconsistent and seems to produce two different errors:

  1. First Error (Incorrect Dimensions): The exported DXF file showed the correct 2" height but the length was truncated to 35.3" instead of the correct 37.875".

  2. Second Error (Missing Lines): After making some changes to my workflow, the exported DXF file showed the correct 37.875" length and 2" height, but the vertical lines that define the 2" face of the angle bracket were missing.

What I’ve Tried:

I’ve been following the standard advice for 2D exports:

  • I’ve set the camera to Parallel Projection.
  • I’m using a standard elevation view to get a head-on view of the face.
  • I’ve set the export scale to 1:1.
  • I’ve set the line width to 0" for both Profile Lines and Section Lines.
  • I’ve deleted all other parts of the component to isolate just the face for export.

Has anyone else encountered this conflicting behavior in SketchUp Go where it either exports with the correct dimensions but with missing lines, or with all the lines but with incorrect dimensions? What is the best way to get a single 2D DXF file that has both the correct dimensions and the complete geometry of the face?

Thank you for any help you can offer!

This is the model of the two components for the DXF export I made two copies, one for each of the two components.

UpperLowerControlArms.skp (151.9 KB)

Here’s a link to a clean version of the model, all I need for the DXF full scale with the hole pattern layout.

2

Share the .skp file so we can see exactly what you are working with.

3

Thanks, I just edited my post to include the skp file.

4

I notice that the length of your longest piece is only approximately, most likely due to having Length Snapping turned on in the Units setting. (note the tilde in the long dimension.

Screenshot - 9_16_2025 , 11_59_29 AM
Screenshot - 9_16_2025 , 11_59_29 AM706×756 49.1 KB

I moved your model closer to the origin, camera to Parallel Projection, and the standard Left view. Does this DXF file look different? Does it look right?
UpperLowerControlArms.dxf (4.0 MB)

5

Also try this file. I exported it from LayOut.
UpperLowerControlArms LayOut.dxf (369.7 KB)

6

I should have just uploaded the clean copy to start with but yes this is what I was trying to to achieve.

Can you please elaborate on what I was doing wrong. At least what I should focus on for increasing my knowledge?

7

I’m not totally certain about why you have the big discrepancy in the length that you intially reported. Typically that happen when the camera isn’t aligned with the model. Either the camera really isn’t set to the appropriate standard view or the model is placed off axis. With no scene set up in your model I couldn’t confirm the former and your model is aligned with the axes so it’s not the latter. The only real change I made was to move the model cloer to the origin. It’s generally not a good idea to place the model at a distance from (0,0,0).

You should turn off Length Snapping if precision is important in your models. For something like this you should probably also be working in Decimal units, not Architectural.

8

Thank for giving me this teachable moment! I just learned some important things.

1 Like