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How to export a .dxf file from SketchUp?

Before placing an order on our John Steel DXF site, you will need to export a DXF file. This is a standard exchange format for plans that we send to our laser to obtain a precise cut of your project. Exporting to .DXF format from SketchUp is simple and quick, provided you follow certain rules that we will explain here.

What is a .dxf file?

The .dxf format is a standard exchange format for plans. It was proposed in 1982 by Autodesk (the company that made AutoCAD) so that plans produced with their software could be read on other software and vice-versa.

Today, this type of file is used to exchange 2D plans (flat).

What is the difference between a .dwg file and a .dxf file?

The .dwg file is a native binary file of the Autocad software, just as the .skp file is the native file of Sketchup. Even though it is lightweight, the .dwg file is not as standard.

Indeed, many tools, software, or websites only interpret, import, and export files in the .dxf format, which are exchange files.
This is the case for our metal cutting from plans website John Steel DXF: it only interprets files in the .dxf format.

Step 1: When you have finished configuring your part in Sketchup, go to the Camera tab and select « Parallel Projection ».

Step 2 : Choose the appropriate view if your project is in 3 dimensions in Camera -> Standard Views -> (choice of view).

Step 3: Then, click on File, then on Export. You then have the choice to export as a 3D model or a 2D model, choose 2D Graphic.

Step 4: Then select the desired format from the list, in this case the .dxf format.

Step 5: Once all this is done, the .dxf file of your part will be on your computer and all you have left to do is drag and drop it onto our site www.john-steel.com/fr/dxf

How to properly design my 2D (.dxf) file?

First of all, you need to create a plan in your preferred CAD/CAO software.
In this plan, there must be ONLY THE SHAPE OF THE PART TO CUT: no title block, no construction lines, no "copyright company-name".
The laser beam will follow the line you trace.

There are several things to watch out for:

Work at a 1:1 scale where 1mm on your plan corresponds to 1mm in reality
The cut line MUST NOT cross itself or make a U-turn
Make sure to close your perimeters well
The diameter and/or piercing details (the space between two cut lines) must be greater than 0.8 times the thickness of the part.
Thus a part 5mm thick cannot have holes with a diameter less than 4mm or a detail involving the cut line getting closer than 4mm to another cut line.
Remember that the center of a pierce falls out (and therefore is not delivered).
Especially if you are cutting letters, the loops of P, R, or O fall out. To avoid this, use STENCIL fonts. There is a whole collection at dafont.com for example.
Once your part is finished, save or export it in the AUTOCAD Interchange File format DXF R2014.

Posted in: DXF tutorials

Author: John Steel

John Steel is the expert voice of the workshop, specializing in custom-cut metal and DIY projects. With extensive expertise in machining and laser cutting stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, Corten, and brass sheet metal, he provides makers, tradespeople, and DIY enthusiasts with practical tutorials, technical comparisons, and custom design advice. Whether designing a stainless steel kitchen splashback, an aluminium privacy screen, or a specific mechanical part, John shares his technical knowledge to ensure metalworking is accessible, precise, and durable for the Steelsters community.

Comments

By: Loic On 2022-02-01

Bonjour
Je suis sous Fusion 360, je crée mon DXF, par exemple un cercle de 110mm de diamètre et bien quand je transfert le DXF sur votre site , les cotes ne sont plus bonne de 110mm de diamètre , ça passe a 11mm sur votre site ???
Une idée , parce-que là, je voit pas , plus.....
Merci de vos lumière.

Replied by: John Steel On 2022-02-07 Bonjour Loic
Je vois quel est le problème, lors de l'export de votre fichier, votre échelle n'est pas la bonne.
En effet, votre échelle est en 10/1 ou 1 est égal à 1 cms chez vous.
Or chez nous l'échelle est de 1/1 et 1 est égal à 1 mm.
Question de réglage pour l'export, je vous laisse regarder votre logiciel
Cordialement,
John
By: Arty On 2020-08-03

Sketchup ok, mais quid des gens utilisant AutoDesk Fusion 360 ?
On a beau fermer toutes les formes comme il faut, l'outil DXF de john Steel gueule toujours à cause de soi-disant erreurs.
Il y a manifestement un problème plus profond sur cet outil DXF.

Replied by: John Steel On 2020-08-04 Bonjour Arty ,
Merci pour votre question, c'est vrai que nous sommes plus familier avec le logiciel Sketchup. Tout ce que je peux vous dire pour obtenir un fichier dxf découpable par notre outil DXF, c'est qu'il faut bien supprimer les éléments 3D. Voici une vidéo que je trouve assez complète, pour vous permettre de profiter d'une découpe sur-mesure via notre outil. ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TceAuBt2O7w
Si vous avez une question supplémentaire, je vous invite à contacter notre service client au 08 00 74 65 48 ou par mail via notre formulaire de contact .
Bonne découpe,
John
By: Alain On 2018-10-17

Sketchup ne me propose pas le type de fichier DXF lorsque je veux exporter. une idée?

Replied by: John Steel On 2018-10-18 Bonjour Alain,
Effectivement, il faut la version Pro pour pouvoir exporter au format .dxf. Ou profiter de la version d'essai pendant 30 jours.
Sinon vous pouvez tenter d'autres logiciels pour faire vos fichiers DXF, comme LibreCAD.
Bon courage pour votre création et à bientôt !
-John-
By: LERICHE Hervé On 2017-12-29

Important pour exporter vos fichiers de sketchup vers dxf il faut également cocher "projection parallèle" dans le menu caméra sinon votre fichier exporté ne sera pas à l’échelle 1, je viens de rencontrer le problème en transférant mes dxf vers votre site ;-)

Replied by: John Steel On 2018-01-02 Merci Hervé, très bonne astuce. On va ajouter ce "tip" dans notre tuto ;)

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How to export a .dxf file from SketchUp?

What is a .dxf file?

What is the difference between a .dwg file and a .dxf file?

Step 1: When you have finished configuring your part in Sketchup, go to the Camera tab and select « Parallel Projection ».

Step 2 : Choose the appropriate view if your project is in 3 dimensions in Camera -> Standard Views -> (choice of view).

Step 3: Then, click on File, then on Export. You then have the choice to export as a 3D model or a 2D model, choose 2D Graphic.

Step 4: Then select the desired format from the list, in this case the .dxf format.

Step 5: Once all this is done, the .dxf file of your part will be on your computer and all you have left to do is drag and drop it onto our site www.john-steel.com/fr/dxf

How to properly design my 2D (.dxf) file?

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