Daan Kessels
CAD & BIM specialist
Daan has worked with AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D in the construction and installation sector for over ten years, helping designers produce drawings faster and with fewer errors.
Writes about
- Autodesk
- SketchUp & Enscape
Articles by Daan Kessels
- Autodesk
Open an IFC File: Link It, Open It, or Just View It
Opening an IFC and linking one are different jobs in Revit, and most people pick the wrong one. Here is the route for each program, and what an import leaves behind.
Last updated: 8 August 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
Import SketchUp into Revit: materials, families, Revit LT
The import takes three clicks. Getting materials, categories and sections to behave afterwards is the real work, and Revit LT can do more of it than people think.
Last updated: 8 August 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
Export SketchUp to DWG: 2D drawing or 3D model?
Two very different exports hide under one menu. Here is how to pick the right one, keep your tags as layers, and deal with an export that looks frozen.
Last updated: 8 August 2026 - Autodesk
Assign an Autodesk licence to a user: the two steps
Being in your team is not the same as holding a seat. Here is the order of the two steps, the role you need to make them, and the assignment choice that quietly expires.
Last updated: 8 August 2026 - Autodesk
Missing SHX files in AutoCAD: ignore it or fix it?
The Missing SHX Files dialog shows up on almost every drawing you receive. When ignoring is fine, when a linetype is to blame, and how to remove the reference for good.
Last updated: 8 August 2026 - Autodesk
Open a DWG without AutoCAD: pick your job first
Which free tool opens your DWG depends on what you plan to do with the drawing. Four cases, four answers, plus the file format table behind most failures.
Last updated: 8 August 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
Activate and manage your SketchUp licence
Activate and manage your SketchUp licence: sign in with your Trimble ID, use up to 2 devices, and assign seats in the Admin Console. Step-by-step guide.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
SketchUp Components vs Groups: When to Use Which
SketchUp components vs groups: components share a definition and update together, groups are independent. Read when to choose each and how to keep your file small.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
Setting up Revit worksharing: how does the central model work?
Set up Revit worksharing via the Collaborate button: create a central model, divide the project into worksets, and let each team member work in their own local model.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to Create a Revit Family: A Beginner's Guide
Learn step by step how to create a Revit family: choose a template, set up reference planes, add parameters, build geometry, and load it into your project.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to fix the Revit central model error: what does the message mean?
Fix the Revit central model error by creating a new local model or detaching: restore the link and synchronise with central again.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
Inventor: Derive a 2D drawing from a 3D model
Derive an Inventor drawing from a 3D model using Base and Projected views: place views, sections and dimensions that update associatively.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
Enscape not working in SketchUp after an update: solutions
Enscape not working in SketchUp after an update? Check version compatibility, extension status, GPU driver and perform a clean reinstall to get the toolbar back quickly.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
Realistic Enscape rendering in SketchUp: 8 settings
Realistic Enscape rendering in SketchUp: 8 specific settings for lighting, HDRI, PBR materials, and camera that instantly make your images more believable.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to export DWG to PDF in AutoCAD?
Export a DWG to PDF in AutoCAD using EXPORTPDF, PLOT, or PUBLISH. Set the correct plot style, scale, and resolution to avoid blank or skewed pages.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - SketchUp & Enscape
Import DWG into SketchUp without issues
Import DWG into SketchUp: choose the correct unit and import options via File > Import. Avoid scaling errors, missing lines and slow models.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to Create a Corridor in Civil 3D
Creating a corridor in Civil 3D requires an alignment, profile, and assembly. Follow this step-by-step plan for the dialogue box, targets, frequency, and surface.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to transfer an Autodesk licence to a new PC
How to transfer an Autodesk licence to a new PC: with a subscription you simply sign in, while with a perpetual licence you use the License Transfer Utility. Here's how.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
AutoCAD Xref Not Found: How to Fix the Path
AutoCAD Xref not found? Fix the broken path via the External References palette, choose the correct path type with REFPATHTYPE and prevent it with eTransmit.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to use the TRIM command in AutoCAD
Learn to use the AutoCAD TRIM command: Quick versus Standard mode, choosing cutting edges, using Shift to extend, and the mistakes that cause trimming to fail.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
Why is AutoCAD slow or freezing?
AutoCAD slow or freezing? With 9 targeted fixes you can solve it: cleaning, graphics performance, WHIPTHREAD, GPU driver, xrefs and Windows settings.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to Reduce AutoCAD File Size with PURGE – Step-by-Step Guide
Reduce your AutoCAD file size with PURGE: clean out unused layers and blocks, remove RegApps via -PURGE, use OVERKILL and AUDIT to keep your DWG fast.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD: what is the difference?
AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD: LT is purely 2D, the full version adds 3D, AutoLISP and .NET, and seven toolsets. Compare features and price and choose with confidence.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
AutoCAD licence activation not working: what to do?
AutoCAD licence activation not working? Resolve sign-in errors, a blank sign-in window and licensing service problems with this step-by-step guide and error table.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
How to Set the Annotation Scale in AutoCAD
Set the annotation scale in AutoCAD with CANNOSCALE and annotative styles. This keeps text and dimensions at paper size, regardless of the drawing scale.
Last updated: 12 July 2026 - Autodesk
3ds Max: Reduce Arnold Noise Without Long Render Times
Reduce Arnold noise in 3ds Max with adaptive sampling, the correct Camera AA, clamping, and a denoiser – for a clean image without long render times.
Last updated: 12 July 2026