In brief
- After sequencing scenes, preview the animation via View > Animation > Play.
- Adjust transition duration and scene delay in the animation settings.
- For video export, choose 1080p Full HD, 720p HD, 480p SD or a custom size.
- In SketchUp for iPad, the Scenes panel brings together scene management and animation playback options.
Saved scenes in SketchUp can be used to turn different camera angles and presentation views of a model into an animation. SketchUp’s official help documentation explains how to play animations and export them as videos or image sequences on desktop, as well as how to manage scenes through the Scenes panel on iPad. Since the documentation does not specify a particular application version, the workflows and options below are limited to the functions it describes.
1. Prepare and sequence scenes for your presentation
Scenes form the basis of an animation. Each scene stores a separate view of the model. In an architectural presentation, this approach can be used to examine a design from different angles, compare view options or show specific points in a model in sequence. The documentation does not detail how to create scenes; it notes that scenes should be prepared and placed in the correct order before you begin animating.
To start the animation, select the scene you want to use as the starting point, then go to View > Animation > Play. This lets you review the camera sequence and flow between scenes before exporting. If a view changes sooner than expected or a transition does not suit the presentation, you can adjust the animation settings before exporting.
On SketchUp for iPad, scenes are managed in the Scenes panel. The panel includes controls for adding a new scene, updating scene options and playing a customized animation. Camera options include Perspective, Parallel Projection and Two-Point Perspective. The listed views also include top, front, right, back, left and bottom, along with Iso and Standard Views.
2. Set transitions and how long scenes stay on screen
In SketchUp for desktop, you can access animation settings via View > Animation > Settings or Window > Model Info. When Scene Transitions is enabled, SketchUp creates a smooth transition from one scene to the next; you can also set the transition duration in seconds. Scene Delay determines how long SketchUp displays the current scene before moving to the next one.
| Setting | Recommended value | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Scene Transitions | Enable based on the presentation flow | Creates a smooth transition between scenes; the transition duration can be adjusted. |
| Scene Delay | Set according to the content | Controls how long the current scene stays on screen before the next one appears. |
| Frame Rate | Documented default: 24 frames per second | A higher frame rate makes the video smoother and increases file size. |
The source documentation does not recommend a single ideal value for transition or delay duration. Choose settings based on the content of your scenes, and play the animation before exporting. On iPad, Animation Settings opens through the relevant control in the Scenes panel; the documentation does not provide all the details of the desktop setting names for this interface.
3. Choose a video format, size and frame rate
Animation export options include .mp4 with the H.264 codec, uncompressed .avi, .webm with the VP8 codec and .ogv with the Theora codec. The official documentation describes MP4 as a compressed video format that is widely supported. Uncompressed AVI can produce large files and may be a good choice if you plan to edit the video in video-editing software. WEBM is an open web media format, while OGV is one of the alternatives for HTML5 video on web pages.
Resolution options are 1080p Full HD, 720p HD and 480p SD. Higher resolutions look better in full-screen playback on a large display, but also increase file size. The custom resolution option lets you set the aspect ratio and frame width and height. For custom settings, you can choose 16:9 widescreen, 4:3 standard or Custom, which lets you adjust width and height independently.
Line Scale Multiplier controls line weight in the exported animation. If lines look too thick or too thin, you can change this value; a higher value produces thicker lines. You can also use Preview Frame Size to check how the video will look at the selected frame size.
4. Export the file and save your initial settings
An animation made up of scenes can be exported as a video file. Alternatively, export the scenes as separate images and turn them into an animation in video software. In SketchUp for iPad, the Export Image option in the Scenes panel lists .png, .mp4, .usdz, .stl and .obj file types. SketchUp’s general iPad export documentation also lists DWG, DXF and PDF options; the available formats can vary depending on where you export from.
For projects with frequently repeated settings, it can be useful to save the initial settings for new files as a template. Create a new file using the current default template in SketchUp, make the changes you want to keep, then go to File > Save As Template. A template can include Model Info settings, style and shadow settings, as well as any basic geometry you have created. This lets you carry recurring preferences, such as units or the initial presentation view, into new model files.
Considerations for architectural and visualization workflows
Scene animations can help architecture firms, interior designers and students present a design model from different viewpoints. Choose the export format based on how you plan to deliver the file: the documentation highlights MP4 when broad support across browsers and devices is needed; uncompressed AVI may be worth considering for video-editing workflows. Keep in mind, however, that AVI files can be large. Higher resolutions and frame rates can also increase file size, so the display used for the presentation and the sharing method should inform your choices.
Common mistakes
Exporting without previewing the animation after sequencing scenes; the scene order and delay may not deliver the intended presentation.
Choosing a low resolution for a presentation on a large display, or opting for a high resolution without considering file size.
Leaving the Line Scale Multiplier unchanged without checking how thin lines look in the video.
Assuming export formats are the same on every screen in SketchUp for iPad; the official documentation notes that some formats may not be available in every export location.
Sources
3 sourcesSource texts are not republished; short quotes are marked, everything else is our own summary and commentary.
For architecture and visualization teams in Turkey, scene animation can bring presentations that explain the same model from different viewpoints together in a single workflow. The most practical starting point is to preview the scene order and transitions, then choose a file format and resolution suited to the delivery channel.
File size is worth considering, especially when exporting at high resolution or choosing uncompressed AVI. The documentation does not specify hardware requirements, so it would be unwise to make assumptions about performance. Teams should also avoid assuming that the export options listed in SketchUp for iPad are the same as those on desktop, and should verify that the required format is available in the interface they are using.
Frequently asked questions
Which file formats can SketchUp animations be exported in?
The documentation lists MP4 with the H.264 codec, uncompressed AVI, WEBM with the VP8 codec and OGV with the Theora codec. Scenes can also be exported as an image sequence.
How do you set scene transitions and delay in a SketchUp animation?
You can access Scene Transitions and Scene Delay via `View > Animation > Settings` or `Window > Model Info`. You can adjust the transition duration and how long a scene stays on screen.
Does SketchUp for iPad support scene animation?
Yes. The Scenes panel includes controls for adding and updating scenes, playing animations and opening Animation Settings. The Export Image option in the panel lists several formats, including MP4.
