SketchUp extensions

Extensions, also called plugins, extend SketchUp's functionality and can be found in many places on the Web.

Where to find extensions online

The following websites are the best places to download extensions:

• Extensions Warehouse at http://extensions.sketchup.com/ is the official extensions site. It is also available directly inside SketchUp and can be found by navigating to Window | Extensions Warehouse.

• SketchUcation Plugin Store at http://sketchucation.com/resources/plugin-store-download. This is an extension for downloading and managing extensions, having the largest collection of SketchUp plugins online, with instant install, plugin sorting, and more useful features.

• Smustard at http://www.smustard.com/. It is a collection of free and for-pay plugins.

Extensions and plugins mentioned in the book

The following extensions and plugins are mentioned in this book:

• SketchUp STL at http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl converts SketchUp models into the common .stl format for 3D printing

• Solid Inspector at http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/solid-inspector checks for errors preventing solid groups and components

• CleanUp³ at http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/cleanup%C2%B3 automatically deletes stray lines and performs other tedious tasks

• Import DXF at http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=31186 imports existing artwork in .DXF format

• Edge Tools² at https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/edge-tools² cleans up imported .DXF and .DWG files

• Make Faces at http://www.smustard.com/script/MakeFaces fills in imported linework with faces for pushing/pulling into 3D

• Roundcorner at http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20485 is used to add fillets to your 3D model, making the corners rounded

• BezierSpline at http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13563 is used to make complex curves

• Joint Push Pull Interactive at http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=496773 is used to make wall thickness; it works best on models of simple to medium complexity

• Add Terrain Skirt at http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=359903#p359903 quickly adds a flat base to terrain models, making them solid for printing

• i.materialise 3D Print Service at http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/3d-print-service uploads a model directly from SketchUp to i.materialise

More useful extensions

The following extensions are also useful:

• Curviloft at http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=28586 is used to create complex curved surfaces.

• Bounding box at http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/draw-boundingbox draws faces on the bounding box of a group or component. It is useful for aligning odd-shaped objects.

• Artisan priced $39 at http://artisan4sketchup.com/ adds subdivision capabilities inside SketchUp for organic modeling.