How to Make SketchUp Linework Look Like AutoCAD
August 5, 2015 In AutoCAD SketchUp Tutorials

This tutorial will show you how modify the SketchUp workspace and style so that the linework from an imported DWG file looks the same as it did in AutoCAD.

Software Required: SketchUp Pro
Time Required: 5-10 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Here is what the original drawing I’m using for this example looks like in AutoCAD.

original autocad drawing

Step 1

Import the dwg drawing into SketchUp. Below is what the drawing looks right after the import; not very appealing.

imported dwg in sketchup

sketchup layers panel

Step 2

Open up the layers panel, click the black menu/arrow under the close button, and select color by layer.

sketchup style selection

Step 3

Open up the styles panel, and make the following adjustments: Select the “Shaded with Textures” style in the default styles group.

sketchup styles box - edges

Click the edit button above the house in the styles panel, and make sure you’re in the edge settings (left most of the 5 boxes). Set the color to “By Material”.

sketchup styles box - background

Then jump over to the background settings (middle of the 5 boxes), and change the background to match the background color in AutoCAD. This is so lines that are set to white will stand out against the background.

If your lines haven’t change color, trying toggling the color by layer in the layers panel.

That’s it. Your line color and background should match your AutoCAD workspace. The only differences is that SketchUp can’t import hatches, text, or line thickness or line types.

linework in sketchup


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