How to use point clouds in SketchUp?
SketchUp has no native point cloud support: you need the Scan Essentials extension (SketchUp Studio) or a third-party plugin like Undet. Here's how to prepare your scans and use them in SketchUp.
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The problem you know
SketchUp Pro alone cannot open point clouds. You need either SketchUp Studio (which includes Scan Essentials and reads E57, LAS, LAZ) or a third-party plugin like Undet. And even with these tools, large files (> 10 GB) significantly slow down SketchUp.
From scanner to SketchUp in 3 steps
With ATIS.cloud, you view and validate your scans before loading them into SketchUp.
Upload your scan to ATIS.cloud
Drag and drop your E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, or LGSx file. All formats, files up to 500 GB. Immediate browser visualization.
Check scan coverage and quality before loading into SketchUp. Avoid working on an incomplete file.
Explore, measure, and share online
Navigate the 3D point cloud, take measurements, annotate areas of interest. Share with your client or architect: they see the scan without installing anything.
Import into SketchUp when ready
With Scan Essentials (SketchUp Studio): import directly in E57, LAS, or LAZ. With Undet: E57, RCS/RCP, PTX, LAS, LAZ, PTS and more. Model using the point cloud as reference.
Tip: for large files, use section tools in SketchUp to load only the work area. SketchUp struggles with files > 10-15 GB.
With vs without ATIS.cloud
| Step | Traditional workflow | With ATIS.cloud |
|---|---|---|
| View the scan | Load into SketchUp (slow if > 10 GB) | Web browser, smooth up to 500 GB |
| Check quality | After SketchUp import | Before import, in a few clicks |
| Share with client | Export screenshots | Interactive 3D link, zero install |
| Measure on scan | Scan Essentials or Undet required | In the browser |
| Accepted formats | E57, LAS, LAZ (Scan Essentials) | E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, LGSx |
| Cost | Additional SketchUp Studio license | Request a quote (complement, not replacement) |
Which formats for SketchUp?
Support depends on your edition and plugins.
On ATIS.cloud, all these formats are viewable immediately in the browser, regardless of your SketchUp edition.
Practical tips for SketchUp
Use Scan Essentials or Undet
SketchUp Pro alone can't read point clouds. Scan Essentials is included in SketchUp Studio. Undet is a third-party plugin compatible with SketchUp Pro (Windows only).
Limit loaded file size
SketchUp struggles with clouds > 10-15 GB. Use section tools to load only the work area. Check the full scan in ATIS.cloud first.
Prefer LAZ over LAS
LAZ is 10x lighter than LAS (lossless compression). SketchUp Scan Essentials reads it directly: less RAM, faster import.
Check georeferencing
Ensure the scan's coordinate system matches your SketchUp project. Verifiable in ATIS.cloud before import.
Security and compliance
Other integration guides
FAQ: SketchUp and point clouds
Test with your own file.
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