SketchUp

The A23D Asset Importer for SketchUp adds an A23D Bridge panel to SketchUp. With the panel connected, you can choose SketchUp on an A23D asset page and click Send to SketchUp to download and import the asset directly into your scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using A23D assets with SketchUp.

Do I need an extension to use A23D assets in SketchUp?

The A23D Asset Importer is the recommended way to use A23D models in SketchUp because it supports direct website imports and automatic material setup. You can still download files manually from A23D and import supported formats yourself.

Which SketchUp versions are supported?

The latest A23D Asset Importer is compatible with SketchUp 2026 and newer, with support for SketchUp 2023, 2024, and 2025 on both Windows and macOS.

How do I install the A23D Asset Importer for SketchUp?

Download the extension from the SketchUp integration page. Unzip the download if needed, then install the .rbz file from SketchUp's Extension Manager using Install Extension. After installation, the A23D Bridge panel opens automatically. You can reopen it from the A23D toolbar button or Extensions > A23D Bridge.

How do I download an asset from the website to SketchUp?

Open SketchUp and make sure the A23D Bridge panel says Connected. On the A23D website, open a model page, choose SketchUp in the Software dropdown, choose a resolution, and click Send to SketchUp. If you have more than one SketchUp window open, click Connect in the window that should receive the asset.

Can I choose where website downloads are saved?

Yes. In the A23D Bridge panel, set Asset Folder to the folder you want to use. Leave the field empty if you do not need a custom location.

Can I import an A23D model I already downloaded?

Yes. Click Import from disk in the A23D Bridge panel and select the A23D .fbx model file from the extracted asset folder. The same disk importer is also available from File > Import A23D Asset.

Which file format should I download for manual use in SketchUp?

For manual imports, use SketchUp-friendly formats. If you are using the extension's website import flow, choose SketchUp on the asset page and click Send to SketchUp instead.

How do A23D PBR textures appear in SketchUp?

SketchUp's native materials are color and texture based. The extension is designed for A23D 3D models; standalone PBR texture sets should be applied through SketchUp materials or a rendering extension such as V-Ray, Enscape, D5 Render, Twinmotion, or Lumion.

Can I use A23D Decals in SketchUp?

Yes. Apply the A23D decal color texture to a small face positioned slightly above the target surface, then use the included opacity map to make the background transparent. This allows the decal to blend naturally onto the underlying material.

For an even simpler workflow, you can download the baked PNG version of the decal, which combines the color and transparency information into a single image. Simply apply the PNG as a texture and SketchUp will automatically use its embedded transparency.

How do I use A23D IES lighting profiles in SketchUp?

SketchUp itself does not render IES profiles, but renderer plugins do. V-Ray, Enscape, and D5 Render can use A23D .ies files for realistic light distribution.

Are A23D assets scaled correctly for SketchUp?

Yes. A23D models are authored at real-world scale. The extension imports them in the units of your active SketchUp template (in or mm).

What texture resolution should I use in SketchUp?

Use 1K to 2K textures in SketchUp for the best balance of file size and viewport performance. For final renders, Enscape, V-Ray, D5 Render, Twinmotion, and Lumion can take advantage of higher-resolution PBR textures, delivering crisp 4K material detail where it matters most.