The Easiest Way to Bring 3ds Max Files into SketchUp

Ufuk ŞEN

October 27, 2026Updated: November 9, 20264 min read1

Bringing a 3ds Max file into SketchUp is one of the topics SketchUp users search for most online. In this lesson we move an armchair model made in 3ds Max into SketchUp cleanly. For the conversion we use a standalone program called Transmutr. We walk step by step through how we set the units, polygon count and textures during the transfer.

The Easiest Way to Bring 3ds Max Files into SketchUp

We recorded this lesson in 2022. Transmutr’s interface has changed a little with updates. But the core steps are the same. (The video is in Turkish; this guide walks through the key steps in English.)

In this video

exporting the model from 3ds Max as FBX or OBJ,
loading the file into Transmutr,
setting the units to centimeters,
reducing the polygon count to lighten the file,
assigning textures and producing a SketchUp file.

Why is moving a 3ds Max file to SketchUp hard?

SketchUp doesn’t open .max files directly. So you first need to convert the model to a common format. But two problems come up here. The first is units: the model comes in either huge or tiny. The second is polygon density. 3ds Max models often carry a very dense mesh. That mesh slows the scene down badly in SketchUp.

Transmutr is a converter that solves both problems during the transfer. We consider it the most useful tool we’ve tried so far. Check the current license and trial terms on the program’s own website.

Step 1: exporting from 3ds Max

If you already have an FBX or OBJ file, skip this step. Otherwise, in 3ds Max we select the model with Ctrl+A. Then we run Export Selected from the File menu. We save the file as FBX or OBJ. In the settings window that appears, just click OK without changing anything.

You may see some warning messages during the conversion. They are usually unimportant. Click OK and move on.

Step 2: Transmutr settings for moving a 3ds Max file

We open Transmutr and drag and drop the file into the window. If you prefer, you can pick the file with Browse. The program first offers a loading option based on the file’s polygon count. When loading is done, the model appears in the preview.

Choosing the right units

In our view, the most important setting is the unit conversion. In the video, the armchair came in at the right proportions once we switched the units to centimeters. To check, look at the scale figure on screen. If the model looks out of proportion next to it, switch the units to millimeters or meters and try again.

Reducing the polygon count

The second important setting is mesh simplification. In the second minute of the video we lower the polygon ratio step by step. In the end we brought the model down to about thirty percent. There was no noticeable loss in appearance. That gave us a light model we can work with comfortably in SketchUp.

Assigning textures

Sometimes the model comes in gray. If you have the texture images, select the relevant material in the materials section and drop the image onto it. In the video we textured the armchair’s materials one by one this way. If you don’t have texture files, that’s fine too. You can paint the gray parts yourself later in SketchUp with the Paint Bucket.

Step 3: finishing the 3ds Max to SketchUp transfer

When the settings are done, we click the Start button. Transmutr converts the file to SketchUp format and saves it. At the end of the video we open the model in SketchUp. The file size dropped by about a third. Even so, the model looked just as good.

Here’s a tip that isn’t in the video. After the transfer, make the model a component in SketchUp. That way the file size won’t grow when you copy the same armchair around the scene. You can also move and rotate the model easily as a single piece.

You can work in the other direction too. To move a SketchUp model into 3ds Max and render it, see our article on rendering a SketchUp model in 3ds Max. If you’re dealing with heavy files, our article on reducing file size will also help. If you’re looking for ready-made models, read our 3D Warehouse article. To download models directly, use the official 3D Warehouse site.

Summary

Moving a 3ds Max file into SketchUp takes three steps. Export the model from 3ds Max as FBX or OBJ. In Transmutr, set the units to centimeters, reduce the polygon count and assign the textures. Finally, produce the SketchUp file with Start.