SKyscraperFX (specifically released as SKyscraperFX GOLD) is a Windows-based procedural concept generator designed to bridge 2D layouts from AutoCAD into rapid 3D tower massing models inside SketchUp.
Instead of drawing buildings floor-by-floor, you feed 2D geometry into the tool, and it instantly applies architectural effects (FX) to extrude complex, twisted, multi-faceted skyscraper shapes for gaming or urban design concepts. 🧱 Core Workflow: AutoCAD ➔ SKyscraperFX ➔ SketchUp
The fundamental concept relies on inter-application parallel workflow. You use AutoCAD for precision pattern drafting, and SketchUp to render the final 3D procedural geometries. [ AutoCAD ] [ SKyscraperFX ] [ SketchUp
] Draft 2D foot- Process via FX formulas Render, detail & prints or curves ====> (Twists, tapers, stepping) ====> scale procedural (DWG format) 3D concept tower 1. Preparing the Base Geometry in AutoCAD
SKyscraperFX relies heavily on base profiles to build up a tower.
Drafting the Footprint: Open AutoCAD and sketch flat 2D closed boundaries (rectangles, stars, interlocking geometric shapes).
Structuring Profiles: You can use specific AutoCAD layers to group different parts of your 2D grid structure if you are building complex tower layouts.
Exporting: Save the 2D pathing or boundaries as a standard .dwg or .dxf file so it can easily map to SketchUp’s environment. 2. Processing through the SKyscraperFX Form
Once your footprint is established, use the SKyscraperFX GOLD AutoCAD FX and Utilities Form interface:
Select your FX Type: Choose from preset algorithmic formulas such as Twists, Tapers, Lattice Grid Maker, or Stepped Blocks.
Input Parameters: Define variables such as floor height, number of stories, scaling factor per level, and rotation angle (to achieve twisted modern skyscrapers).
Combine Formulas: You can combine multiple 2D patterns to generate interlocking base structural columns and outer shells simultaneously. 3. Finalizing the Massing Model in SketchUp
The generated data populates directly into SketchUp (classically supported on SketchUp Make or Pro versions).
Generating Faces: If you import direct raw shapes from CAD, utilize SketchUp’s face creation extensions to close out the surfaces.
Component Grouping: SKyscraperFX builds the levels efficiently so that columns, glass components, and floor slabs are separated into organized groups.
Refining and Detailing: Once the base 3D shape is complete (which takes under 10 minutes), use native SketchUp tools or native extensions like Lattice Maker or Soap Skin & Bubble to quickly generate glass textures, curtain walls, and window lattices. 💡 Key Tips for Best Performance
Check Version Compatibility: SKyscraperFX GOLD requires a Windows platform. It is built to seamlessly coordinate with classic CAD formats (AutoCAD 2000 through 2017) and desktop SketchUp configurations.
Set Matching Units: Always confirm that your drawing units (e.g., meters or feet) perfectly match in both AutoCAD and your target SketchUp file before executing the generator to avoid scaling errors.
Keep Geometry Clean: Avoid overlapping lines or stray vertices in your 2D AutoCAD files; clean inputs prevent the extension from generating corrupted mesh faces.
If you are currently setting up a project, would you like assistance with how to import CAD files into SketchUp smoothly, or