Import PDF it is a must

This would be great - having a direct import option.

In the meantime work-arounds work, like converting PDF via a vector software to DXF or DWG (e.g. Inkscape) OR via raster software to JPG or PNG (definitely not ideal but sometimes practical).

This work around make workflow complicate and consequently we miss informations. Amd that is not good at all when we have many changes at early stage of design

Yes, this could be seteled by being able to toggle from “snap” to “no snap”.
Like you, I never trust imported vector data.

I am not against the FR, but if you are collaborating in an early stage of the design, why not exchange with a (vector) format that is more exchangeable like ifc or even .dwg?
Surely, the others don’t work in Adobe to create models?

This is true, Mike. But in CAD anyway I use pdfs-- all the time-- from manufacturers and clients or associates that can’t find the dwg or are too slow when we want to get started. In PowerCADD I explode the pdf s, for products and details and take out what I need to incorporate in drawings. I’ve probably taken this all the way into SU via CAD at times.

But (snapping to vector information aside) for LayOut it is really good to be able to bring in pdfs, and if you can’t in Windows, that’s a shame. You can use logos and page borders, symbols, product sheets etc with fast crisp images as opposed to bitmaps.

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I can answer that from my perspective…and just cos its an interesting discussion…

I often trade basic data, eg site boundary or other simple 2d info but even a preliminary plan exported to DWG these days may well contain 1000s of layers and 3d ‘components’, complex geometry (terrain model) and so forth. The rise of parametric modelling, GIS, etc makes export to DWG a LOT more difficult.

Design software handles 3d data quite differently by default so importing a 3d model into sketchup (or from sketchup into other products) may not work reliably and/or will result in lots of time spent rearranging things, triangulating meshes or building faces, etc. Any time data is issued to you, best practise is for you to work with the peson who sent it to you so that they see it and can verify that what you get is what they intended. It usually requires some process of simplifying the project model at their end, and working with you to choose settings that fit well for SketchUp (eg “dont triangulate every face”). If i receive architectural models (eg Archicad) i always ask for the 3d shell (for context) and a nested 2d DWG layer for each floor plan (ground,1st, 2nd,etc). Because their cross section planes, elevatons and other stuff wont appear in Sketchup. I also explode every building down to basic 3d shell (otherwise it’s 1000s of unique nested groups on 100s of Tags) and I strip all the geometry of its colour (otherwise every edge just about has a unique colour). AND i get them to export it as a SKP otherwise its a huge mess and crashes eveything.

If you’re in a defined project team with a longer-term project, it makes sense to create a data sharing protocol along these lines. That’s only about 10% of projects though - most of the time you work with a range of consultants who may not have any budget allowance to make your job easier.

With PDF that all goes away - what you see is what they want you to see, and it has all the legal notes etc.

Unfortunatley for SketchUp use, a DWG (or any other export from a pro design tool) can cause major issues with the modelling precision and ultimately may cause errors, crashes, etc. And geolocation issues.
At least if tracing over somthing, the PDF contains the dimensions and other annotations that wouldn’t be part of an 3d model export.

Another possible tool that could solve this overall issue for us would be some sort of Trimble Connect process whereby the model file (IFC, DWG, RVT, etc) is referenced into the SketchUp model as an “Underlay”…but does not actually bring across all its tags and settings and nested objects into SketchUp… I doubt that’s going to be possible though except for IFC, DXF, PDF (legal reasons).

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Thank for your interesting raised points, importing data other than pdf or ifc will make thinks more complicated vecause of versions and compatibilities etc.
That s why i prefer start with what we have:
Importing as XREF or insert IFC / PDF files in Skp or in layout skp. WITH SNAPPING CAPABILITY.

IT IS TIME TRIMBLE to act and respond to end users need, sometimes i feel trimble donc care and not investing enougn in skp. We cant discuss eternally about what we need regarding this subject. Trimble has to implement our needs and very soon.

It would be a nice feature but I can also see why it has not been a priority. The normal work flow is for the architect to develop the base files in CAD, (dwg’s from scratch, I might add) then these drawings are used as xrefs for consultants. I mean, if you are getting huge volumes as pdf for base files, I might think you are using other people’s work more than you should be :slight_smile:

It is not normal work flow for pdf’s to be created accept for when someone is trying to protect their intellectual property or to be distributed to people who have no needs for reference files in CAD systems. I have been in this business a long time and I know how it goes but don’t cry to SketchUp if you are not following proper work flow and industry standards. Look inward and see how you can align your workflow to a more proper standard.

As civil engineer for almost 15 years in construction industry, I always used sketchup at begining to sketch my ideas at high level informations. And I can see from architecture perspective importing a topo survey as PDF with snapping or not capability to sketch a space planning or master plan is for far better in term of size and visibility than importing Dxf /dwg at schematic design phase.
And I have to tell you protecting cad componant 2d block is more essential when you share your data, while pdf is more accessible to share informations.

In the mean time, another raster format is making it’s way in the industry: Pointclouds

Snapping on real world points that are 2 mm apart from each other (in 3D) will confront designers with the same fundamental difference, mathematical vectors versus real world raster.

The human brain is quit capable of vectorizing projected lightrays on the back of his eyeballs, btw.

AI would be able, as well, I think, and probably better when there is enough data than a human can.

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Oh la la :roll_eyes: it is so phycho- philosophical for me to understand . I only share what I need for what I do, anyone can add his wishes and prioritize them.

What architect uses DWG as a native format?
Are people still working in 2 dimensions?

A lot of companies have different workflows and software stacks depending on their focus.

For us (working on larger scale projects) its:

  1. Point cloud from realworks and GIS (raster/mesh) from ArcGIS for site context.
  2. 12d for capturing and preparing survey data.
  3. Sketchup for site layout and concept design.
  4. Vectorworks for landscape detailing.
  5. Civil3d for engineering detailing
  6. Revit for architectural detailing.
  7. Sketchup for overall project coordination/clash detection and rendering.

We also have specialists using transport design, structural, hydrological, quantity survey, and other software generating all manner of file formats.

At last count we had something like 40 design tools. DWG is not a native format for any of that. PDF is a default output for almost all of them. Most can handle DWG but with manual effort and loss of fidelity - or worse - massive data overload.

AutoCad has been a 3D application since I don’t remember when. Most people just use it in 2D. I also think AutoCad Arcjitecture still has a number of users (it is included in the current subscription license). It is 3D BIM (of sorts). I also understand that AutoCad Civil is the market leader in its field (roads, sites etc)

I use Adobe Illustrator to open a pdf and export a DXF/DWG. This doesn’t work with all PDFs but it does with most, particularly with those that came from another CAD program

I guess people who have been in the business since 1984 :). You are describing maybe the top 10 percent of firms. Keep in mind that 99.99% of construction drawings are still just 2d representations of the work.

I create a 3D model for the project to help owners understand the work but I still have a 2d plan that ends up on the construction drawings. That’s the real world I am from :slight_smile:

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Fully agree, realistic details 2d is nothing else the projection of 3d model where we can explore easily information better than info shown on 3d model

I would like to add support to this feature request! As a design-build small firm, often in the subcontractor role, we often receive plans as PDFs. The SketchUp/LayOut suite is our main design tool and it would be very useful to be able to bring in a PDF plan drawing with more resolution than currently possible with native tools.

Yes please. This would be a very useful feature. As a cabinetmaker I receive PDF plans exclusively. Snapping to points would be great but I’d be happy just being able to zoom in and retain the clarity of the lines.

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Therein lies a danger. PDF is not as accurate as CAD. It is basically a print, and its accuracy is relative to the world of printing. The errors would not be very big when the scale is large, but in site plan scales and smaller it might amount to tens of centimeters. Another snag is that some applications render their lines as thin black areas instead of a single line.

However, there are several ways, some free, to convert a PDF into a DWG or DXF that can be imported into SketchUp.

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Although discrepancies that may appear, at high level design and concept that still within tolerance.
Converting pdf required a software or accept to share your confidential documents on the net, plus importing dwg/dxf from converted file will make sketchup file or layout file very heavy and with no layers /tags.
It will be great if pdf can be finaly imported into sketchup and sketchup layout as new page with
Snapping capability. We all need that.

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