Why DAE/Collada Format for SketchUp?

DAE (Collada) is SketchUp's preferred exchange format. Unlike OBJ:

✅ Materials import automatically
✅ Proper scale and orientation
✅ Component structure preserved
✅ Ready for rendering with V-Ray or Enscape

Step 1: Generate Your DAE Model

Go to [archikek.com/create](/create)
Search for your project location
Click 3D mode toggle
Select DAE from format options
Customize colors if needed
Click Generate DAE

Step 2: Import into SketchUp

Open SketchUp
File → Import
Select "COLLADA Files (*.dae)" from dropdown
Navigate to your downloaded file
Click Import

The model appears at origin with correct scale.

Step 3: Organize Your Model

After import, you'll have geometry organized by type:

Buildings (with heights)
Roads
Water bodies
Green areas
Terrain

Create Groups/Components

For easier editing:

Triple-click to select all connected geometry
Right-click → Make Group
Name appropriately (e.g., "Context Buildings")

Step 4: Adjust Materials

Materials come pre-applied. To modify:

Open Materials panel (Window → Materials)
Use eyedropper on existing material
Click Edit tab
Adjust color/texture as needed

Recommended Material Settings

Buildings:

Matte white or light gray
No reflection for clean diagrams

Terrain:

Darker gray or contextual color
Slight texture optional

Rendering Tips

With V-Ray

Add V-Ray Sun or HDRI
Use "Material Override" for white model look
Enable ambient occlusion for depth

With Enscape

One-click start
Adjust time of day for shadows
Export high-res images

Common Issues & Fixes

Model is tiny or huge?

Check import units match your template
Use Tape Measure tool to rescale if needed

Materials look wrong?

Check face orientation (View → Face Style → Monochrome)
Reverse faces if needed (Right-click → Reverse Faces)

SketchUp is slow?

Simplify distant geometry
Hide layers not needed for current view
Use Outliner to manage visibility

Pro Workflow

Import DAE as context
Create new group for your design
Model your building within context
Use scenes for different views
Export to renderer for final images

Create your SketchUp model →

How to Import DAE City Models into SketchUp