---
title: "Save as External Model"
canonical: "https://documentation.chaos.com/space/ESKETCHUP/223838220/Save%20as%20External%20Model"
format: markdown
---
The **Save as External Model** feature in SketchUp allows you to offload heavy geometry into separate files while keeping your main project light and fast.   
After a major rework, it's now rebuilt for modern, multi-process workflows –  delivering **improved stability, reliability, and performance** for large-scale projects.

# Overview

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This feature helps reduce main file size and enables real-time collaboration between team members. Linked models appear as wireframe placeholders in SketchUp and render as full geometry in Enscape, giving you both performance and visual fidelity.


# Key Benefits

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### Streamlined Performance

Large, detailed SketchUp files can quickly become slow to navigate. When you save a component as an external model, its geometry moves to a separate `.skp`file, replaced by a placeholder box.   
Your main project becomes much lighter, while Enscape still renders the full geometry in real time – giving you speed in SketchUp without losing visual detail.

### Real-Time Collaboration

Multiple users can now work simultaneously. The main file holds placeholders, while each team member edits their own linked external model.   
When those models are saved, Enscape updates them automatically – no manual reloading required.


# Usage

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> ℹ️ Before you begin:
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Works only on **components** (not groups or raw geometry).
> ℹ️ - Only one component can be exported at a time.
> ℹ️ - To export several objects, nest them inside one parent component.

# Behavior and Details

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# Limitations and Best Practices

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## **Limitations:**

- Nested external models are not supported.
- Section planes in external files do not affect the main model.
- Not reliable with Trimble Connect cloud paths.
- No automatic re-import. Manual import required to bring the geometry back to the original file. The placeholder won't be replaced with the original geometry automatically when the external model file is deleted.

## **Best Practices:**

- Store all external files in a dedicated folder (for example: _external models).
- Use descriptive file names for clarity (for example: Project_Facade_West.skp).
- For final deliveries, consider reimporting all geometry into one master file.