The installation process varies slightly depending on whether you are using Artlantis 6, 7, or the newer Artlantis 202X versions.
Prerequisites:
Name your SketchUp materials clearly (e.g., “Brick_Red_Glossy”). Artlantis will import them as separate shaders, saving you hours of selection time.
Final thought: If you need physically accurate lighting, a huge media library (over 3,000 materials and 400+ IES lights), and don’t want to battle with biased settings, Artlantis + the SketchUp plugin is still one of the most underrated combos in AEC.
Have you used the Artlantis plugin recently? Share your workflow below. 👇 artlantis plugin sketchup
The Artlantis plugin for SketchUp is a dedicated export tool that bridges the gap between your 3D modeling and final photorealistic rendering. It allows you to transfer your SketchUp geometry, textures, and camera views directly into Artlantis while maintaining a link between the two programs for easy updates. Core Functionality
Direct Export: The plugin allows you to export projects into the native Artlantis .atl format directly from the SketchUp interface.
Reference File Feature: One of its most powerful tools is the "Use Reference File" function. If you modify your SketchUp model after you've already started working in Artlantis (adding shaders, lights, etc.), you can import the updated model and Artlantis will automatically re-apply all your previous settings to the new geometry.
Native Compatibility: Newer versions of Artlantis (like Artlantis RT²) can also import .skp files directly, but using the dedicated plugin often provides better control over how materials and layers are handled. How to Use the SketchUp to Artlantis Workflow The Artlantis plugin for SketchUp is a dedicated
Installation: Download and install the plugin version corresponding to your SketchUp version (e.g., SketchUp 2022, 2023) from the Artlantis Downloads page.
Preparation: In SketchUp, organize your model by layers or materials, as Artlantis uses these to group surfaces. Export: Go to File > Export > 3D Model. Select Artlantis (.atl) as the file type.
Initial Import: Open Artlantis and load the .atl file. You can then begin adding shaders from the Artlantis Media Catalog or adjusting sun and light settings.
Updating: To bring in changes from SketchUp, save your modified SketchUp file, then in Artlantis, use the File > Use Reference File menu to merge the new geometry with your existing render setup. Tips for Best Results save your modified SketchUp file
Scale Factor: Ensure you enter the correct scale factor during import to avoid issues with texture sizing and lighting.
Texture Management: Place your SketchUp file in its own dedicated folder before exporting. Artlantis saves texture images as separate files, and this prevents them from cluttering your workspace.
3D Warehouse: You can download high-quality objects from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse and import them into your Artlantis library for more detailed scenes. Exporting SketchUp file to Atlantis (atl)
For architects and designers who use Trimble SketchUp as their primary modeling tool, transforming a schematic 3D model into a polished, photorealistic rendering has traditionally required either complex in-program rendering engines or laborious file exports. The Artlantis plugin for SketchUp (often called the Artlantis Exporter or SketchUp connection) solves this by creating a seamless bridge between SketchUp and Artlantis, a standalone, GPU-accelerated rendering application developed by Abvent.
SketchUp can export to COLLADA (DAE), which Artlantis can import. However, the plugin offers critical advantages: