Overview

ScaffPlan allows you to Import complete ScaffPlan model from SketchUp into ScaffPlan for Tekla with full data integrity and no functionality loss.

This enables reliable model handover between SketchUp and Tekla, version-to-version collaboration, backups, and controlled project transfers — while preserving native ScaffPlan intelligence wherever possible.

Purpose of the Export/Import Function

The ScaffPlan Export and Import functionality is designed to:

• Transfer complete scaffolding models between compatible ScaffPlan versions.
• Preserve native ScaffPlan intelligence, components, and metadata.
• Allow SketchUp concept models to be handed over into Tekla for detailed design workflows.
• Maintain traceability and logging for support and troubleshooting.
• Support full Undo functionality after import.

The interoperability workflow prioritises SketchUp → Tekla model transfer.

Version Compatibility

⚠️ Only same-version compatibility is supported.

You can only import models between matching major versions:

• ✅ 2025.x → 2025.x (including service packs)
• ✅ 2026.x → 2026.x (including service packs)
• ❌ 2025.x → 2026.x (not supported)

If versions do not match, the import will be blocked.

What Is Included into the Exported model

The following data is fully supported and preserved:

• ✅ All native ScaffPlan components
• ✅ Custom Items and ScaffBlocks
• ✅ Reference models - Native SketchUp objects are prepared as .skp reference models
• ✅ Project Information
• ✅ Company logo (stored inside the exported file)
• ✅ Advanced Options (e.g. timber sizes)

Non-ScaffPlan objects are exported and imported using IFC data.

How to Import a ScaffPlan Model Exported from SketchUp

Step 1 – Prepare the Model
Before importing:
⚠️The current Tekla model must be empty.
⚠️If objects exist, the import will be blocked and following message will appear:

Step 2 – Start Import
1.    Locate the Import Button under the Project management tab and press it:

2.    Select a .sm file from a location where it is been saved on SketchUp export.
The default folder opens automatically:[Current Model Folder]\ScaffPlan\
 

Step 3 – Version Validation

ScaffPlan checks that the file version matches your installed version.

If versions do not match, import is blocked.

Step 4 – Advanced Options Confirmation (If Required)

If the imported model contains different Advanced Options (for example timber sizes), you will be prompted to choose whether to override your current settings.

This ensures consistency while preserving user control.

Step 5 – Import Progress

During import you will see:

• Progress percentage (0–100%)
• Current operation status (reading file, importing components, validating model)
• Item counters

Step 6 – Model Validation

After import completes, ScaffPlan automatically validates:

• All components are present
• Geometry integrity
• Reference data consistency
• Object relationships

If warnings are detected, you will be notified and details are written to the log.

Step 7 – Completion

On success:

✅ Model imported successfully.

The view refreshes automatically and the operation can be undone using Ctrl+Z.

Logging and Diagnostics

All export and import operations are logged automatically.

Log file location:

[Model Folder]\ScaffPlan\Logger\Interoperability.log

The log contains:

• Timestamp
• Platform and version
• File path
• Component counts
• Validation results
• Errors and warnings

This log is essential when reporting issues to support.

Common Error Messages

Best Practice Recommendations

✔ Always confirm version compatibility before importing.
✔ Keep files to be imported inside ScaffPlan's model folder.
✔ Attach the log file when contacting ScaffPlan support.

Current Limitations

The following items are not exported at this stage:

• ❌ Model display settings not controlled by ScaffPlan:
  • Length units
  • Angle units
  • Decimal precision
• ❌ Attributes belonging to ScaffPlan plugin internal settings
• ❌ Certain Tekla-only or SketchUp-unsupported plugins when importing into SketchUp, such as:
  • Containment mesh
  • Encapsulation
  • Other specialised sheeting systems

These exclusions do not affect core scaffolding geometry or intelligence.