Monday, April 20, 2026, 4:30 PM / 5 min read

How to Put a SketchUp Model on a Website with model-viewer

A practical web workflow for converting SketchUp geometry into GLB and embedding it with model-viewer.

Putting a SketchUp model on a website usually starts by leaving SKP behind. Browsers do not want a native SketchUp project. They want a delivery format such as GLB that is smaller, more predictable, and easier to embed.

Why GLB Is the Practical Web Format

GLB is compact and friendly to modern web viewers. It is a strong fit for interactive product pages, project previews, and simple 3D embeds where download size and compatibility matter.

That lines up with both SketchUp's own GLB guidance and the official model-viewer docs, which are both built around compact, browser-friendly 3D delivery.

Export Path

Start with SKP to GLB. Once the file is exported, host the GLB alongside the page that needs the interactive model.

Minimal model-viewer Example

<model-viewer
  src="/models/example.glb"
  camera-controls
  auto-rotate
  alt="Interactive 3D model">
</model-viewer>

Optimization Notes

  • Reduce unnecessary geometry before export.
  • Keep texture size reasonable for mobile loading.
  • Test the viewer on desktop and phone before publishing.

When Blender Fits Into This Flow

If the model needs cleanup before web publishing, Blender can sit in the middle of the workflow. The related guide on moving SketchUp assets into Blender covers when OBJ, FBX, or GLB makes the most sense.

Related reading

If your next step is browser embedding, keep model-viewer open next to this page. If the asset still needs cleanup first, use the Blender format comparison before you publish.

Sources and References

Official or primary references that support the guidance in this article.

Common Questions

Short answers to the most common follow-up questions on this workflow.

Why is GLB a good format for websites?
GLB is compact, efficient, and broadly compatible with modern web viewers, which makes it practical for interactive 3D delivery.
Can model-viewer display a SketchUp file directly?
No. model-viewer expects a web-ready 3D format such as GLB rather than a native SketchUp project file.
Should I optimize the model before publishing it on the web?
Yes. Reducing unnecessary geometry and oversized textures improves load time and mobile usability.
Get started

Try the converter routes next

The dedicated pages bring together upload, format selection, related routes, and FAQs.