[Plugin] Universal Importer - v1.2.6 - 30 July 2024

samuel_t

@TIG Yes, it seems plugin can't read "export.mtl" file. Normally, plugin reads "export.mtl" after conversion of input model to "export.obj". Maybe this conversion silently fails...

@EarthMover Can you follow these steps, please?

Import a model in SketchUp 2017 with Universal Importer plugin.
When plugin error message is shown: don't click on "OK" button!
Open "C:\ProgramData\Universal Importer\tmp" in File Explorer.
Display files with details so we see each file present and its size...
Send us a screenshot of File Explorer and "assimp.log" if it exists.

samuel_t

@earthmover said:

The extension is working as expected in my licensed SU 2021 version, but failing with 2017 only.

Hi EarthMover

When you import a model with this extension, are SU 2017 and 2021 running in same time and OS?

EarthMover

@samuel_t I don't get a .log file, I get this assimp.nfo here - https://www.dropbox.com/s/wl0v2chqcap2sdz/assimp.nfo?dl=0

File explorer looks like attached

Also, here is the .dae file I'm trying to import if that is helpful. It's from Home Designer (Chief Architect) Again, I don't have a problem importing the file into 2021, but this is to provide an option for my students who are looking for a free solution.-

Dropbox

(www.dropbox.com)

samuel_t

@EarthMover I can import with my plugin your DAE model in SketchUp Make 2017 on Windows 10:

Home Designer.jpg

In your last screenshot, there are some well written files in your "tmp" directory. I don't understand...

Rick959

Hi there,

I have installed your plugin and when I try to import a model, I have tried several different models, I get the same error each time.
Please see the image attached.

Thanks in advance

import error.jpg

samuel_t

@rick959 said:

Hi there,

I have installed your plugin and when I try to import a model, I have tried several different models, I get the same error each time.
Please see the image attached.

Thanks in advance

Hi Rick,

(Re)install Microsoft Visual C++ library then try again.

Please dell me

I want to try it, you say it FREE, bud if I instal it, I have jsut one icon - DONATE and then open PayPall. So it´s free, but you must pay ?

Realy thanks to waste 10 minutes to download and instal and unistaling again

Rich O Brien

@please dell me said:

I want to try it, you say it FREE, bud if I instal it, I have jsut one icon - DONATE and then open PayPall. So it´s free, but you must pay ?

Realy thanks to waste 10 minutes to download and instal and unistaling again

Not sure what you installed that you ended up with an icon that points to PayPal?

This tool exists in the File menu if properly installed.

Sounds like PEBKAC to me.

samuel_t

@please dell me said:

I want to try it, you say it FREE, bud if I instal it, I have jsut one icon - DONATE and then open PayPall. So it´s free, but you must pay ?

Ahh too bad, you were so close! In SketchUp menu, select: File > Import with Universal Importer... It will cost nothing but a few clicks

samuel_t

@rich o brien said:

Not sure what you installed that you ended up with an icon that points to PayPal?

This tool exists in the File menu if properly installed.

It's true but, in current version, there's also a Donate entry in Plugins menu. To avoid confusion, in next version, I will add an Import entry in Plugins menu too.

SreckoM

Is it possible to keep parts separated, as groups or components, when importing formats like obj, fbx of Collada? Right now it imports everything as a single mesh.

samuel_t

@sreckom said:

Is it possible to keep parts separated, as groups or components, when importing formats like obj, fbx of Collada? Right now it imports everything as a single mesh.

I think it's doable but I don't know how yet... Your request has been added to my todo list.

tonytony321

Hi there, appreciate the effort!

I have been trying to use it on obj and 3ds file, but it keeps showing error

Universal Importer Error: invalid byte sequence in UTF-8

Any idea how to solve this? Thank you

samuel_t

@tonytony321 said:

Hi there, appreciate the effort!

I have been trying to use it on obj and 3ds file, but it keeps showing error

Universal Importer Error: invalid byte sequence in UTF-8

Any idea how to solve this? Thank you

Hi,

Does your input model filename or path contain non-ASCII characters?

maxicus

Problem with dxf files

When I try to import a dxf file no error occurs and SU recognises the dxf file as a new component, but there is no content!

I get a prompt to place the import, but then there is nothing there.

Any idea what might be wrong?

Many thanks,

Max

samuel_t

@arakon said:

Found an issue with "small" models.
Example: I'm importing a functional model that is 95x46x75.45mm in size. The STL is 75.45 tall, however, in order for it to import semi-properly, I have to use the 46mm as height.
However, the model, when imported, is actually 99.12x47.99x78.72mm in size, so it's actually 104.3261% of the original size in all directions.
If I import it at a factor of 100 (telling it that the STL is 4600mm in height), then downscale it to 0.01 in Sketchup, the size is correct.

Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for your report. Universal Importer plugin contains too many hacks (scaling is one of them). This plugin needs a partial or full rewrite, but I can't promise it will happen.

samuel_t

@maxicus said:

Problem with dxf files

When I try to import a dxf file no error occurs and SU recognises the dxf file as a new component, but there is no content!

I get a prompt to place the import, but then there is nothing there.

Any idea what might be wrong?

Many thanks,

Max

Can you please send us the DXF file you try to import?

RBC60HzVolts

Am I missing something? I followed the steps in the video (I think anyway) and all I can get is the mesh. I tried several times with an export from Blender - just mesh. Tried a stock obj file "Lego man" - same thing even when opening the jpg & png files. I tried uninstall the re-install (only wat I could find was Extension manager (just a clue after one of your comment replies).

samuel_t

@rbc60hzvolts said:

Am I missing something? I followed the steps in the video (I think anyway) and all I can get is the mesh. I tried several times with an export from Blender - just mesh. Tried a stock obj file "Lego man" - same thing even when opening the jpg & png files. I tried uninstall the re-install (only wat I could find was Extension manager (just a clue after one of your comment replies).

It seems to me glTF import works better. Try to export your model to a .gltf file from Blender then import this .gltf file into SketchUp with Universal Importer plugin.

sketchgirl1

Hello: I downloaded it but when I click on it, the computer asks how I want to open it. What do I do now? I have Windows 11 and SketchUp 2017. Thanks.

Asks how to open.jpeg