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How can I generate my own 2D files from a 3D model?

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If you already have a 3D CAD file, you can generate 2D floor plans yourself from your design program:

SketchUp

  1. Open the .skp file in SketchUp.
  2. Using SketchUp's instructions here, use the slicing plane to slice through the model horizontally: https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/slicing-model-peer-inside
  3. Go to Camera –> Standard Views –> Top
  4. Go to Camera –> check "Parallel Projection" instead of Perspective
  5. Go to Tools –> Dimensions, and then touch the points for which you want measurements displayed. Repeat until you have annotated all the important measurements.
  6. Take a screenshot or export as a 2D graphic.

Revit

  1. Open the .rvt file in Revit
  2. Go to Project Browser and expand the Views tab
  3. Expand the Floor Plan section under Views
  4. Double click on the floor plan level you want to display

Chief Architect

  1. Open the .plan file in Chief Architect.
  2. Position 2D plan the way you'd like to see it on the page
  3. Go to File –> Export –> Export Current View and save the drawing as a DWG

2020

  1. DesignOpen the .kit file in 2020 Design.
  2. Position 2D plan the way you'd like to see it on the page.
  3. Go to File –> Export –> Other Formats –> save the drawing as a DWG
  4. For 2D Plan choose in "Shape Selection" dialog – "Floor plan shapes"

AutoCAD

1. Open the .dwg file in AutoCAD.

2. Hit the top-down button in the top right corner.

3. Annotate the dimensions you need (there are multiple ways to do this in AutoCAD)

4. Go to File –> Export and save the drawing as a PDF.

You can learn more about Scan To CAD's compatibility with various architecture and design programs in general here: What file formats and programs does Scan To CAD export?

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