From Sketchup to 3D printing

How to 3D print an object with makerbot from a Google Sketchup Project:
This guide will cover on what to do in order to print a 3D object modeled in the SketchUp CAD. It will adress on how to export the SketchUp project into STL (a separate extension is needed), import them in makerbot, and finally export the project into a file appropriate for any makerbot 3D printer.

Prerequisites:
Have both Sketchup and MakerBot Desktop installed.

Step 1: Install the SketchUp STL Extension from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse.
Open The project you wish to print and click on the 'Extension Warehouse' Icon.

Search for SketchUp STL in the pop-up window.

And install the SketchUp STL extension. *Note: You will be required to make a Google account.*

Step 2: Export the SketchUp project as an STL file.
Now that we can export a SketchUp project to STL, go to File -> Export STL. You will now export your SketchUp project into and STL file.

Step 3: Open the STL file in MakerBot Desktop.
Open MakerBot Desktop, go to File -> Open, and selected your exported STL file.

NOTE!!!

'''Select the appropriate printer. If you do not do this, the printing file will be incompatible with our printer. The MakerBot model we have is MakerBot Replicator 2.'''



Step 4: Export the project .
Click the export button.

'''This process might take a while, depending the complexity of the project. Save the exported .x3g file into a SD card. Now you're ready to plug and print your project!''' === into a .x3g/ any other supported file for the appropi Go to File -> Export. The program will process the project file and display useful information such as total print time, file size, dimensions and so on ===