How to open SKP file online

If you’re a designer, you’ve certainly come across a typical SketchUp file encountering a bit of confusion around how to view it correctly without needing to install SketchUp.

In this article, I’ll show you how to open, view and manage an .SKP file for free in just a few simple steps, even if you do not have the SketchUp software, thanks to this free online SKP viewer.

How to open a .skp file | UsBIM interface

Contents

What is an SKP file?
Advanced Features of the Online SKP Viewer
Need to open an SKP file online?
FAQ on how to open SKP files online

What is an SKP file?

Let’s see what an SKP file is and what it’s used for.

The SKP file format is the SketchUp proprietary and native format a 3D Modelling software distributed by Trimble and widely used by AEC engineers. The SKP file contains three-dimensional models that can be enriched with information, such as materials, entity information, location, etc.

Generally the SKP file is used for the creation of conceptual models that take up different design areas such as architecture, engineering and design.

Advanced Features of the Online SKP Viewer

The online SKP viewer represents a cutting-edge tool for visualizing, analyzing, and managing 3D models in SketchUp (SKP) format and many others. This BIM viewer, accessible directly from the browser without software installation, is designed to provide an immersive and highly professional experience, useful for designers, engineers, and architects. Its advanced features are articulated in various operational areas, allowing users to go well beyond simple visualization.

Visualization Tools

usBIM.browser offers a wide range of visualization tools to optimize the user experience and understanding of the 3D model:

advanced rendering: supports different viewing modes that allow switching from a technical representation to a realistic one in just a few clicks;
intuitive navigation: enables smooth panning, zooming, and rotating of the model, even through gestures on touch devices (finger or hand movement performed on a touch screen);
camera control: allows setting perspective or orthogonal views, creating virtual walkthroughs (first-person viewing) or flythroughs (orbital viewing) for dynamic explorations;
layer and object management: the ability to activate/deactivate specific layers or objects, useful for isolating parts of the model and reducing visual complexity;
model federation: simultaneously displays multiple BIM models from different software in a single coordinated view, useful for multidisciplinary analyses.

Measurements, Sections, Shadows, and Styles

In addition to visualization, the skp viewer offers highly sophisticated technical analysis and presentation tools:

measurement tools: allows measuring distances, angles, areas, and volumes directly in the model, with results updated in real-time;
dynamic sections: thanks to cutting planes, it is possible to explore the interior of the model, highlighting systems, structures, or hidden architectural details;
shadow management: customizable solar simulation based on date, time, and geographical location, for environmental assessments and visual comfort;
style application: supports SketchUp visual styles, such as hand sketches, photographic views, or technical drawings, ideal for communicating the project effectively;
annotations and metadata: the ability to attach information, tags, and links to model objects, promoting documentation and collaboration among teams.

Support for Other 3D Formats

Although optimized for SKP files, usBIM.browser stands out for its extensive support for numerous 3D and BIM formats, making it a true interoperable platform:

extended compatibility: supports IFC, RVT, RFA, DWG, DXF, OBJ, 3DS, DAE, STL, FBX, and many others, as well as point cloud data (LAS, XYZ);
viewing from any device: works on Windows, Mac, Linux, tablets, and smartphones, with high performance even for large models;
simplified collaboration: allows sharing models via links, avoiding direct file exchange and ensuring synchronized access for all parties involved;
multi-format federation: integrates models from different software into a single view, promoting interdisciplinary coordination among designers.

How to open a SketchUp file online

Need to open an SKP file online?

There are several ways to open an SKP file. The most obvious is definitely to use the SketchUp software, in the free or paid version, but there are also other 3D design software that offer you this possibility.

However, this means that you have to install the software on your PC or other device.

But if you don’t want to install other software on your PC, how to open the file?

There is an alternative way, simple, free and completely online with which you can open SKP files in the browser and share them with others in real time, without making any downloads: use an online viewer.

What you need to have is an account at the ACCA site that allows you to access usBIM.

If you don’t have an ACCA account yet;

go to the MyACCA web page;
register your account entering all necessary personal data;
create your username and password.

To open or view the SKP file, access usBIM and do the following:

go to the usBIM web page and login with your credentials;
create a folder in which to store your files;
upload your SKP file to the folder;
click on the screen symbol on the right side of the file.

When you open usBIM.browser, you can view the file and also add new information related to the model.

In addition, you can take advantage of the countless functions of usBIM.browser with which:

create sections;
get measurements;
customize the viewing style;
adding shadows.

And much, much more..

Finally you can use usBIM.browser to open and manage many other formats such as IFC, DWG, RVT, DXF, EDF, without the need to have the specific software.

If you are interested in this topic, you might also read:

FAQ on how to open SKP files online

What is an SKP file?

The SKP file is the proprietary format of SketchUp, a 3D modeling software developed by Trimble. It is used to create three-dimensional models enriched with materials, information, location, and more, and is widely used in the fields of architecture, engineering, and design.

How to open an SKP file online for free?

You can open an SKP file online for free using usBIM.browser, a BIM viewer accessible via browser without installing any software. You just need to create a free account on the ACCA site, log in to usBIM, upload the SKP file, and view it directly in the browser.

What features does the online SKP viewer offer?

The online SKP viewer offers advanced features such as realistic rendering, smooth navigation, layer and object management, measurements, dynamic sections, shadow management, application of visual styles, annotations, metadata, and support for various BIM and 3D formats.

Can I view files other than SKP with usBIM?

Yes, usBIM.browser supports numerous formats besides SKP, such as IFC, RVT, DWG, DXF, OBJ, 3DS, STL, FBX, and data from point clouds. It is possible to federate multiple models from different software into a single coordinated view.

Do I need to install SketchUp to open an SKP file?

No, it is not necessary to install SketchUp. With usBIM.browser you can open and manage SKP files directly online, for free and from any device, without installations.

Can I use usBIM from a smartphone or tablet?

Yes, usBIM is compatible with all devices, including smartphones and tablets, and works directly from the browser, ensuring high performance even for complex models.