Textured Models with SketchUp and Blender

This tutorial was made by Shapeways Community member dcyale

This step-by-step tutorial shows how to covert a textured 3D model created in Sketchup, and use Blender to convert it into a model that can be uploaded to Shapeways.

Part 1: Create a textured 3D model.

The process of creating a textured model withn Sketchup is covered by a number of tutorials. This tutorial assumes you used an image file to create your textures within Sketchup. In this example I have created a 1/87 scale model of a concrete bridge abutment for use in model railroading.

Part 2: Exporting your model to Collada DEA for color printing.

Your model should be free of holes and manifold. These issues are covered in detail in other tutorials.

Export your Finished model as a Collada DEA file by choosing the menu item FILE, then EXPORT, then 3D MODEL.



Export model as DEA file


Sketchup will save the DEA version of your file, and create a folder with the same name as your model containing the phototexture file.

Saved Files


Part 3: Convert your model into an X3D file with Blender.

Start Blender and delete the default mesh box so that there are no objects loaded.

Import you Collada DEA file into blender by choosing the menues FILE, then IMPORT.

If you cannot see the texture on your model, go to the viewport Shading selector and choose TEXTURE.

Choose texture from the Blender Viewport shading


Export your model as an X3d Extensible file.

Export model as X3D file


Part 4: Create a ZIP file and upload it to Shapeways.

Create a zip file containing the X3D model file the and material file.

Upload the zip file to Shapeways, selecting whatever size you used in Sketchup to design you model.

Upload to Shapeways


Use the same measurement as sketchup


After a while your model should show up in the Your Models section of the Shapeways Website.

Ready on Shapeways


Order your model and enjoy! (and yes, the sharp eyed will notice a difference between the actual model and the image on Shapeways. I created a new model for the tutorial and it was not an exact copy.)

Finished Model


A hint if the wrong side of your model shows up on Shapeways .

HINT: If you rotate the model within Blender- it will change the angle of the shapeways render. When I first uploaded this model it showed the end and back.

Bad angle in render


Within Blender hit 7 on the number pad to get top view.

Hit R to get into the rotate mode, and enter the number of degrees. In my case I used 270.

Rotate in Blender


Export the model again , create a new zip fle of your X3D model and the texture file, and update your model on Shapeways. It should change the angle of the default render shown on Shapeways.