Buildedge Plan Sketchup Free Download

Posted on by admin

Tips & Tricks‎ > ‎

B. Modeling Methods

Modeling Methods
Collection of modeling approaches and tools to create specific objects...

Contents

  1. 11 Organic - Sculpture
Tips & Tricksindex

Dynamic Components

  • Dynamic Component CollectionSketchUp DC training examples
  • Saving DCs and Uploading them to 3D WarehouseSketchUp tutorial
  • Animated Doors
    • http://forums.sketchup.com/t/looking-to-animate-a-folding-rotation-parent-and-child-components/3942 Bi-folding doors.
  • DC Bolt BuilderHoward Leslie
  • DC Chain PuzzleScott Lininger's simple game showcasing some of the fun things DCs can do.
  • How to make text that appears when you select an objectxxxx [dead link]
  • Non Concurrent DC AnimationJim Foltz Door handle turns before the door swings. Discussion.
  • The RoomJim Foltz's experimental use of different DC functions.
  • Sang Smusher 1.0 Got to have a smusher
  • Dynamic DoorEric Schimelpfenig - Video of a snazzy way to control cabinet door style, size and placement -model
  • Finding DCs in the 3D Warehouse
    • Add is:dynamic to the Search query
    • Go to Advanced Search and check Show only dynamic models

'Drafting'

General Tips
  • construct a line tangent to two circles Some modeling methods based on classic drafting techniques.
  • dimensioning sections A nice trick to place dimensions in specific places is to switch to one of the orthographic views, take a section cut and pull out dimensions from the section cut. Save that view to a Scene, so you can return to that orientation for construction drawings. Save the dimension text to a text Layer. That way the dimensions can be readily toggled off when they get in the way or you want to show an other dimension set.
  • Different 'isometric' perspective for my 3d-creations Setting up a diametric projection view.
  • dimension showing distance between 2 parallel lineswo3dan described how to dimension between two loose lines. xxxx[dead link]
  • How to align 3D text to a curved line A few methods are discussed. xxxx[dead link]
  • Is SketchUp Okay for 'Hidden Line' tech drawings? Some hidden line ideas
  • Funny DimensionsWo3Dan's tutorial SKP on dimension text tips and more, like replacing the dimension value with <> if you edited the dimension and you want the dimension to return to the actual value. hybrid text tool.
  • On a Mac, for multi-lined, dimension text, use Ctrl+Enter to create a new line and <> where you want the dimension to appear in the text area.
  • incorrect tangent to modelWo3Dan - 'Tangent to Edge' can give you a wrong solution. Even though popup and magenta make you believe otherwise.
  • Quick and dirty poché for sectional views SketchUpdate blog article.
  • Quick poché for your section cuts SketchUpdate blog article.
  • Single line flippingJean Lemire - What to do when 'Flip along ...' choice is not available in the contextual menu.
  • Tangent arcsJean Lemire
  • Tips for Dimensioning in SketchUp Tutorial video on hiding dimensions and adding text.
  • More on the Sage...
Plugins
  • Axo + Iso ViewTIG - Plugin to change current view to the axo/iso format desired and model-extents are zoomed.
  • CADupTIG - Makes 2D line drawing of all standard views of Groups and Components.
  • Eneroth Axonometric ProjectionEneroth3 - Distorts a group or component to resemble an axonometric projection when viewed from above.
  • Flatten to Plane TIG - (requires workplane.rb plugin)
  • Skema SurveySkema 4 SketchUp - Make trilateration for a correct plan reconstruction starting from survey measurements.

Face Me Components

2.5D trees
  • 2.5d tree toot...tutxxx[dead link] tomsdesk 2.5D tutorial.
  • SUWiki article on landscaping with alpha channel materials/textures showcasing the modeling performance benefits of utilizing entourage composed of transparent PNG images instead of high-poly components.
  • 3D Warehouse with sample components to use and study,
  • Tom's website.

  • How to Cut around Objects quickly in Photoshop etcHoward Leslie
  • How to export vectors from PhotoshopAlan Fraser
  • How does one go about creating brand new 2D 'face me' people & objects? - Several component tutorial suggestions. xxxx[dead link]

Shadow Studies

Determine building height from Google Earth satellite images
  • Highness of Buildings Determine building height from images.
  • The energy analysis plugin OpenStudio has a tool to help calculate the effect of shadows from surrounding buildings.

Depicting Shadows
  • Exporting just shadows from 3d cityAnssi goes over some internal SU settings in order to export only shadows.
  • Another method is to paint the model with a completely transparent material. Make a model with default colors. Paint only the faces you want to see, like the building footprint, a color. Make the model a group. Paint the group with the completely transparent material. To turn off edges: toggle off Display edges and Profiles in the Styles palette, Window (SketchUp in Mac) > Styles > Edit > Edges.
  • The World Clock A good internet site for finding time zones.

Dynamic Components (DC)
  • SunTracker Requires the plugin scenes.rb to see the component change orientation during an animation with scene changes. (Open a plain text file, on Windows use a text editor like Notepad, and paste in the text. Name the plugin scenes.rb and install in SketchUp's Plugins directory.)
    • TIP:The code snippet for scene.rb needs to be added and saved in a plain text editor (like Notepad, Notepad++ [Windows]). Add the file to SketchUp's Plugin directory. Reload the program if SketchUp was already running. This plugin runs in the background, it will not be listed in any menu. The main value of this plugin is if a scene animation video was created with SketchUp.
    • TIP: A DC needs to be added to SketchUp without losing its outer component wrapper. Try downloading the DC to the desktop then importing it into an active SketchUp workspace if there are any problems with the DC working as expected.
    • To make this DC react to time/date changes, use the DC Interact tool,. First make sure the DC extension is active. Go to Window > Preferences > Extensions and enable Dynamic Components. Select the DC in the workspace. Switch to the Interact tool through the DC toolbar (View > Toolbars > Dynamic Components or Tools > Interact. Change the time/date through the Shadow Settings window or toolbar, then click on the DC with the Interact tool to update the component's position.
  • True dynamic sun tracker Also requires the plugin scenes.rb to react to scene changes.

Plugins
Note: To download plugins from SketchUcation, join the forum (free) and logon.
  • 1001SkyRatioGoh Chun Hee
  • 1001ShadowsGoh Chun Hee
  • Ambient Occlusionqpik - raycasting plugin to add soft shadows.
  • Archelios ProCythelia - An all in one solution for photovoltaic simulations.
  • camera_parametersBakbek - Set camera parameters using viewpoint, target, elevation.
  • LSS ChronoluxKirill Bannov - Tests insolation duration and SVF (sky view factor) at any point.
  • Face Sunthomthom - Set faces in a selection to face the sun.
  • LightUp Integrated renderer which can perform realtime solar analysis. City Solar Analysis video.
  • LightUp Analytics Daylight, sunlight and skylight modeling tool for building development.
  • map_sunJim Foltz - Plots sun position over a 24-hour period.
  • Modelur Parametric urban design tool with a sun illumination simulation - pre-beta - Windows, Mac
  • param_cameraDidier Bur - Exports camera information to an external file. Original forum thread.
  • Position_shadowshonoluludesktop - Fine tune shadow position.
  • Rotate to Altitude and AzimuthGabriel - Rotate either an object or a face to match the user's selected altitude and azimuth
  • Shade Analysis ToolMartin - A plugin
  • SHADING Tools PluginAbraham Yezioro and Tali Gutman - Calculates the (Geometrical) Shading Coefficient of any selected surface.
  • Shadow AnalysisTomasz Janiak - Simple tool for analyzing daylight conditions. Demo, Fee - Windows, Mac
  • ShadowProjectorTIG - Shows shadows cast on selected faces by objects and other shadow display options.
  • ShadowtexRenderiza - Paints or textures all faces that are in shadows automatically.
  • Simple Solar Studydfwlarch - Calculates amount of sunlight falling on faces.
  • Skelion Insert solar panels on roofs quickly and find out tilt and azimuth. Windows
  • sunpositionGabriel - A plugin that draws the sun path over the course of one day.
  • Sun Tool PreviewJim Foltz - Beta sun studies tool.
  • Trnsys3DTransSolar - Open/save Trnsys3d file to work with TRNSYS 17 simulations.
  • Architectural plugins More relevant links on the SketchUp Sage's Resources page xx
Sun path - Geo explains how to set the correct sun path in his SketchUp Sage Article.
  • Pro 7 Sun Orientation Original Group thread
  • North Question Redux Original Group thread
  • Shadow and Nightfall Original Group thread
  • Set North in SketchUp Free/MakeDidier Bur - Set the North angle without having model Geo-location - compatible with ALL version of SketchUp [for Free/Make users].
  • Scene North Angle ToolAerlius - It appears SketchUp does not render the north angle that is set per scene. | This tool allows you to set the north angle per scene. In SketchUp Pro it uses SketchUp's fancy graphical North Tool to set the angle.
  • Solar NorthSketchUp Team - Provides tools for you to set and display the solar north angle. SketchUp Pro required

There's actually a 0% opacity, transparent PNG inside the square. Right-click on the image to save it you your hard drive or use the drag and drop method to drag the image into an open SketchUp session.

Some uses for this include architectural shadow studies and special shadow faces for low-poly 2.5D landscape components.
TIP: Image-misers can re-save the image down to 1 pixel.



Creating Terrain

  • Curb on topoJean Lemire - Tutorial
  • Digital Terrain Model - How to determine lowest altitude point value (and DTM positioning/measure operations)xxxx [deadlink]
  • Terrain TechTaffGoch - 9 models showing how to make and paint terrain
  • Sandbox Terrain (Pt.1) Video from Go-2-School
  • Sandbox Terrain (Pt.2) Video from Go-2-School
  • Working With Terrain and Other Irregular SurfacesDaniel Tal 3D Basecamp 2008 session
  • Using the Sandbox Tools: Terrain, Draping and Dropping Using TINs (Triangulated Irregular Networks) and grids.
  • Guidance on using Excel Spreadsheets to bring point cloud terrain data into SketchUp.
  • SketchUp Tips and Tricks: Creating Contour Lines from Google Earth Terrainconcept3D ltd - Youtube video
Add Location
There was a change to the Google Map API that doesnot play nice with SketchUp's ability to find locations with decimal degree coordinates. If this is an issue, use an online DMS calculator to convert to degrees, minutes, seconds.
  • Rapid Tables online references and tools.
  • http://www.satsig.net/degrees-minutes-seconds-calculator.htm
  • Sun Earth Tools coordinates conversion
fun facts
Control Points and Datum Shifts

  • Plugins
    • Note: To download plugins from SketchUcation, join the forum (free) and logon.
    • 2DXY SiteSurvey tools Barry Milliken - Tools for drawing Site Surveys in SketchUp. Fee
    • Architect ToolsThomThom - Suite of tools for working with imported map data to generate buildings and stepped terrains.
    • BezierSplineFredo6 - After segmented lines have been welded into polylines (with Weld, Recurve, etc), this plugin will add curve control nodes.
    • CLF Color by SlopeChris Fullmer - Colors faces based on its slope.
    • CLF Color by Z Chris Fullmer - Colors faces based on the face Z location (height).
    • Cloud v8 - Didier Bur - Imports and exports points cloud.
    • Coords Text Tag from DatumTIG - Import a CSV coordinates file with option to mark the locations with a guide point and text tag.
    • Edge Tools² thomthom - Suite of edge tools to help fix line work from imported CAD files.
    • Eneroth Fractal Terrain EroderEneroth3
    • Eneroth Upright ExtruderEneroth3 - A Follow Me tool that will not twist on a 3D path with additional constrain options.
    • FollowMe and Keepwikii - A Follow Me tool that will not twist on a 3D path, good for making curbs on 3D terrain - among other nice things.
    • Guides
      • Color of Structural LinesSahi - Changes the color of guide lines.
      • Guide ProxyTIG - Tools to save Guide-Points and Guide-Lines from Deletion as Proxies.
      • PointToolMatt666 - Draws cpoints.
      • ProjectionsDidier Bur - Set of projection and guide tools.
    • KML LineString ImporterAerilius - Track path with GPS > Convert to KML in Google Earth > Import KML path into SketchUp.
    • KML ToolsAerilius - Imports and Exports KML files into SketchUp - bring almost any feature from Google Earth to SketchUp and back.
    • Make Furtak2hata - Add grass/fur/hair/filaments to surfaces.
    • Point-Cab Laserscanning plugin from Laserscanning Europe.
    • pointools Work with large point cloud models. Bentley discontinued SketchUp plugin in January 31, 2013, yet announced new alliance with Trimble.
    • Points cloud triangulation - Didier Bur, C. Fale - Creates triangles starting from a construction points selection. Use after importing points from Cloud_v80bxx.rb.
    • Sam D Mitch
      • Add Terrain SkirtSam D Mitch - Adds a skirt around a Google Earth snapshot or similar terrain mesh patch.
      • Clip or Trim Terrain MeshSam D Mitch
      • Connect Guide PointsSam D Mitch - Draws lines between selected guide points, like from an imported point cloud.
      • CSV_ImportSam D Mitch - Imports point data from a CSV file.
      • Terrain ToolsSam D Mitch - Bundles several terrain tools into one plugin.
    • Simplify ContoursSketchUp - Makes topo lines, contour lines, less complex to be easier to use in SketchUp
    • Stick groups to meshkirill2008 - deforms groups to sculpted, mesh surface.
    • Sun Tool PreviewJim Foltz - Beta sun studies tool.
    • Survey ToolDidier Bur - It uses bearing and distance data to draw property boundaries.
    • Terrain Reshaper Didier Bur - Tool to quickly rebuild a TRN (triangular regular network) based on a TIN (triangular irregular network)
    • TopoShaperFredo6 - Creates terrains from iso-contours.
      • SketchUp Sage Cotty's tutorial (image to the right)
        • Recommended companion plugins
          • PointTool Matt666 - Draws cpoints
          • Raytracer ThomThom - Collection of tools based on raytracing - drop, rayspray, grow component to construction points.
    • Trimble Field Points for SketchUpTrimble Field Solutions - Create Points and send them to Trimble Field Link.
    • WeldSmustard - Welds connected edges into a polyline.
    • RecurveDiggory Blake - Welds connected edges into a polyline.

Landscaping
  • Google SketchUp for Site Design: a Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and ArchitectureDaniel Tal - Book
  • Landscape with Alpha Images SUWiki tutorial.
  • Plugins
    • 3DArcStudio Tree Maker 3DArcStudio - Creates trees and plants.
    • 3D Tree MakerPoublan P. - Makes 3D tree, plant and grass components.
    • Canvasrenderiza - Paint group and components in spray type manner.
    • CLF Repeat CopyChris Fullmer - Quickly populate a model with components. Fee
    • CLF Scale and Rotate MultipleChris Fullmer - Scales and rotates components and groups.
    • ComponentSprayDidier Bur - Spray out components for landscaping.
    • LandF/XLandF/X - A landscape architectural add-on to create planting and site plans from AutoCAD plans. Free
    • Make Furtak2hata - Generates grass, crowds, fur, etc...
    • RaytracerThomThom - Collections of tools based on raytracing - drop, rayspray, grow component to construction points.
    • RpTreeMakerRender Plus - Tree generator plugin which will creates 3D vegetation and proxies for rendering. Free - Windows
    • Skatter jimimy-billy-bob - Scattering extension to render hundreds of thousands of objects.
    • SketchUp IvyPierreden - Ivy generator.
  • Vegetation Models
    • 2.5D Trees 3D Warehouse models
    • 2D Face Me trees 3D Warehouse models


Helical forms - spirals, screw threads and more

  • Hand-stitched methods
    • Create Basic and Cone SpiralsTyson - While not giving mathematically correct results, it's still a neat modeling technique. xxx[dead link]
    • Doughnut Helix Kito Raupp
    • Rope • Cornish Wheel KnotTaffGoch Rendered version displayed at DeviantArt.
    • Spiral Square Stock ITaffGoch
    • Spiral Square Stock IITaffGoch
    • Spiral Staircase HandrailTaffGoch
    • Twist Drill BitTaffGoch
    • Spiral duct 2 Tutorial based on Jean Lemire's handstitched method - Gully Foyle
  • Mix of Hand-stitched and plugin-aided helical modeling
    • Follow Me -- Profile Twisting Half-round spiral handrail
    • screw thread and threaded nut and boltJean (Johnny) Lemire, Bruce Walker and catamountain (plugin aided tutorials)
  • Plugin-aided helical modeling | Plugin Help
    • Twisty Things Constructing cylindrical and tapered helical models with script generated helices - a Scale about Center and Move tool exercise found on the Tweaking Tool Tips. Scale page - catamountain
    • helix + follow me tool Scripted-based method for a spiraled, square handrail- catamountain
    • Odlanier's InducerGully Foyle
    • Spiral ductGully Foyle
    • k_toolsK. Kruch - Most recent version of the k_tools.rb script which added a screwing feature.
    • Toroidal HelixGully Foyle - Showcases a good mix of modeling methods - hand-stitched to script-aided.
    • Spherical four bar toyxxx[dead link]SUWiki tutorial. Old plugin that most likely needs updating.
    • GrowTIG - Original forum threadxxx[dead link], version 2.0 is posted toward the end of the thread.
    • Follow me rotatewikii - Rotates and tapers along a path.
    • Helix plugins
      • 3d printing screw threadsjimhami42 - Create high-poly threads suitable for printing with the plugin Spirix.
      • BezierSplineFredo6 - One of the bezier curves is the Courbette spiral.
      • Bolt MakerSam D Mitch - Add nut and bolt details.
      • Draw MetalTerry - Plugins for spirals, helices, curved and tapered shapes as seen in ornamental ironwork.
      • Draw HelixJim Foltz - Draws a cylindical helix or taper helix.
      • Draw WhorlRick - Draws spiral threads with tapered section (if needed) for making screw and bolt threads.
      • Eneroth Cylindrical CoordinatesEneroth3 - Move all vertices inside selected group/component by letting the old X represent a radius and old Y an angle. Useful for creating spiral shapes.
      • EP Fasteners & Threaded HolesJay Watson - Produces Printable Nuts, Bolts, Screws and Tapped or threaded Holes for 3D parts.
      • Follow Me Helixsdmitch - Create a helix around a path.
      • FredoScale Fredo6 - The Box Twisting tool will create helices. Free
      • FredoTools Fredo6 - A suite of tools. One of the tools, CurviShear, will produce helices. Free
      • Helix along curve3dalbertsoft - Plugin.
      • Helix on Surfacesdmitch - Draws a helix around a surface.
      • Helix12 Rick Wilson - Draws a helix around any selected face.
      • Loxodromeregularpolygon - spherical helix plugin.
      • MagicBoxShapeWizards - Parametric shapes. Free version on Extension Warehouse.
      • screwTDB - Screw a set of edges around the z-axis.
      • Spherical Spiralregularpolygon - Archimedean spherical spiral.
      • SpirixJim Hamilton - Revolve or extrude any 3D sequence of edges along the z-axis.
      • SU Draw Parametric ShapesJohn McClenahan - Drawing shapes based on circles, polygons, or helix.
    • Skinning/lofting and extruding along helical path(s)
      • CurviloftFredo6 - Skinning and lofting
      • FredoScaleFredo6 - Scaling and tapering tools after creating a helical model.
      • Eneroth Upright ExtruderEneroth3 - A Follow Me tool that will not twist on a 3D path with additional constrain options.
      • ExtrudeToolsTIG
      • FollowMe and Keepwikii - Follow Me plugin which will not distort the extrusion along a 3D path.
  • Rope Strands on Irregular PathsTaffGoch
  • Rope Grommet StudyTaffGoch
  • 3-Strand Rope StudyTaffGoch
  • Knot TutorialTaffGoch
  • Bowline 3-Strand Rope ConstructionTaffGoch
  • Spiral Minaret ConstructionTaffGoch
  • Nuts to youGully Foyle
  • Creating a 'Twisted Sphere' Making a blacksmith's 'basket'
  • Spiral Ramp TutorialIgloo Studios
  • 3D Warehouse may already have a model you need.

Gearheads

Companion engineering plugin resources on the SketchUp Sage.
  • Bevel Gear Pair Online SLT gear generator by 3DDoctors.net. Free and donationware
  • Clocks
    • gary's clocksGary Mahony - Engineering wooden clock gears - DWG patterns - AND great practical advice on engineering gears in general.
    • Lujdvik Cejp Artsy 'clock' pieces with lots of gears to admire and inspire. From both an artistic and engineering perspective, this fella's work is fantastic! Many of the pieces have a mouse-over button or video to show the animation. German | English
    • Woodline Wooden clock router accessories. (Woodline sells router bits cheaper than most retail outlets.)
  • Dimensioning wooden gears Article on dimensioning parts for wooden peg gears.
  • Drawing gears in SketchUpCapolight Electronics Project - Guide for designing gears for 3D printing.
  • DXF import plugins SketchUp Pro can import DXF files that many of the linked sites in this section offer, but the free-crowd would need an import plugin.
  • GearDXF Spur gear generator. Free
  • Gearotic Motion DXF, CNC output. Wide variety of gears. Fee
  • GearsphereTaffGoch - 3D Warehouse model for inspiration.
  • Gear Template Generator Free online gear generator creates several different types of gears, animates two gears and exports a vector PDF (several conversion steps for SketchUp to import. Inkscape can convert a vector PDF to DXF. The DXF file can then be imported). Program exports SKP, Fee
  • 3D Printing and CNC Resources for using SketchUp with 3D printers and CNCs. Check out the new STL exporter from the SketchUp developers to help streamline the 3D printing process.
  • Me-Bac Online, involute spur gear calculator. Exports DXF files. Free

More on the gear train animation by Jim Hamilton...
gear_animation.skp
gear_train_2.skp
Video of the gear train being assembled. While a little blurry, nonetheless you can almost hear the 3D printed pieces being snapped together in this silent video.

Plugins
  • ANSI SprocketSam D Mitch - Create standard ANSI sprocket as used on bicycles and motorcycles.
  • DHgear4Doug Herrrmann and Jim Hamilton - Involute gear generator, with and without a key slot. Jim's video of his 3D printed gear train using an early version of this plugin. Free
  • HypocyloidCamDan Rathbun - Plugin to make hypocycloid cams for cycloid reduction drives. Free
  • Involute GearsCadalog - First SketchUp gear plugin. Idea: Use the resulting gears as a template for other gear shapes. Free
  • jimhami42_rack_and_pinion Jim Hamilton - Plugin for rack and pinion. Free
  • SimFonIA Animation, numerical simulation plugin for virtual prototyping gear function, etc., includes transformation processor, keyframe editor, exportation options, and bullet (physics engine.) Windows - Fee
  • SPGearsjgrundman - SketchUp plugin to create spur, helical, bevel, and beveled helical gears with involute tooth profiles. Free


Grid Nuts

While LayOut, a companion 2D document program with SketchUp Pro, can have a grid background, there is no native grid in SketchUp. That feature can be added through plugins.
  • Grid ToolSketchUp team - One of the first sample plugins created for SketchUp, dating back to version 4. And it's still one of the best, basic grid plugin because it is maintained and parametric. Meaning after you make a grid, r-click on the grid group and select Edit SketchUp::Samples::Grid::Grid from the context menu to change grid-size at will.
  • Combine EditorWikii - Move, Scale and Rotate using an onscreen manipulator that displays rulers and protractors.

If you love grids in your model space, then consider adding one to a Template.
Avoid inadvertently moving the grid by locking it in place by r-clicking on the grid > Lock.


Buildings

  • Asymmetric building nightmare Creating a sloping roof to fit on a very old building. xxxx[dead link]
  • Creating Windows which cut through several walls. As a component can only be set to cut through one face, here are a few suggestions on cutting a window through several faces. xxxx[dead link]
  • Crown & Rake Molding Study Tutorial on the changing crown proportional when it goes up a raked eave. Also useful for some classical cabinetmakers.
  • Highness of Buildings Determine building height from Google Earth images.
  • Roof tutorial with section planes and tiles Using section planes to define an edge instead of removing geometry
  • Problems with groin vaults Several methods on making groin vaults
  • Construction Books Several detailed SketchUp modeling construction books by Insitebuilders
    • 3D Construction Modeling Insitebuilders' Dennis Fukai's blog
  • Nick Sonder SketchUp BaseCamp 2012 inspirational presentation broken down into several YouTube videos. More links under LayOut.
  • ProTradeCraftMatt Johnson has a series of video tutorials on building homes.
  • SketchUp for DummiesAidan Chropra - Book's video companion channel featuring modeling buildings.
  • SketchUp House Plans A marketplace for House Plans, Models, Components, Styles, Materials, Scrapbooks, Templates and Plugins.
  • Tiny House Blog Some SketchUp concept modeling.

Plugins
Note: To download plugins from SketchUcation, join the forum (free) and logon.
  • 1001bit toolsGoh Chun Hee - Plugin tools for architectural modeling.
  • 3D Doors Windows FramesRubySoft - Adds doors, windows and frames. Fee
  • BeamToolsCadalog - Parametric, industry standard C, I, H, L Angles, T sections. Free - Windows
  • BuildEdge Plan Parametric building modeler. Fee - Windows, Mac
  • BuildingStructureToolstak2hata
  • ConDoc Tools Create construction documents based on 'The SketchUp Workflow for Architecture' by Michael Brightman. Fee - Windows, Mac
  • Create Section Drawingtak2hata - Tools to create and work with multiple section cuts and export section DXFs.
  • Doors and Windows
    • 3DRubyWindowRubySoft - Tool for drawing frames, window and door components. Fee
    • Didier Bur - Cut through double-sided walls - Cutting Windows (Windows) Cutting Windows (Mac)
    • DoorMakerPaul Russam
    • DoorsSKСергей К. - Create and manipulate doors opening and closing.
    • GKWare Door MakerGary K - Style and rail cabinet door plugin. Free, Fee
    • Windowizer3Windowizer4Smustard - Automates window-making - Free and Fee
    • Window Studio Andersen Windows - Generates detailed SketchUp components of Andersen Windows & doors plus other CAD support. Scroll down a bit for this downloadable design tool.
  • Generate Ceiling GridSam D Mitch - Written for tile size 2X2' and 2X4'.
  • Instant Script ExtensionsChuck Vali - Several extensions to automate the creation of different architectural details. Yearly subscription.
  • Hole Punching ToolTIG - Tool for glued, cutting components to cut through several faces.
  • HouseBuilderHouseBuilder There are 3 flavors of this useful plugin for homebuilders - Video Tutorial
  • Lamella Roofstimwarner - Creates lamella roofs.
  • Lines to tubesDidier Bur - Extrudes arcs, curves along selected lines.
  • Sam D Mitch has quite a few plugins listed on a blog page as well as at the SketUcation PluginStore.
  • Medeek Truss Plugin Creates accurate, 3D truss geometry. Fee
  • MultiWall ToolDidier Bur - Creates walls made of up to 4 layers, with widths and materials.
  • SketchUp Ruby PluginsFrancis McShane - Several plugins to help create buildings.
  • Stairs
    • GKWare Stair MakerGary K - Circular and spiral staircases.
    • Stair Makersdmitch - Straight, spiral, and u-shaped
  • SUperPlan Automated construction schedule simulation and sequence validation tool. Works with Microsoft Project.
  • Timber Frame Designdaiku - Timber framing plugins
  • Tomot Windowtools, doortools, bookshelf and bifold door plugins - Free and Fee
  • TubeAlongPathTIG - Extrudes tubes and cylinders along selected path.
  • Wikihouse Open source construction set - print your own house (link may not work in IE8.)

Google Earth

  • Fudging below terrain modelingmatthiasbasler
  • display issue: burning througholaf troubleshoots overlapping transparent PNGs burn-through.
  • Faux 3D window Show building interior with an image
  • Tip: To bring the highest resolution image from Google Earth, go to Window > Preferences > OpenGL and check Use maximum texture size. This will bloat the file and quite probably/possibly slow down the modeling process, so use judicially.
Plugins
Note: To download plugins from SketchUcation, join the forum and logon.
  • KML LineString ImporterAerilius - Track path with GPS > Convert to KML in Google Earth > Import KML path into SketchUp.
  • KML ToolsAerilius - Imports and Exports KML files into SketchUp - bring almost any feature from Google Earth to SketchUp and back.
  • Ocean ModelingSketchUp Team - Allows you to model on the ocean surface, ocean bottom, or somewhere in between.

Organic - Sculpture

To read some specific tips on how to tweak/sculpt models with the native SketchUp tools, review the information on the Tweaking Tool Tips pages.
  • 3D human figures in Google SketchUp YouTube video.
  • Growing a legcatamountain - Extruding a human leg from a circle.
  • need help making a tap How-to layout and make a faucet handle.
  • bar stool Egg-shaped seat back.
  • Organic Modelling A SketchUcation sub-forum.
  • rockwork Extruding a rocky face with Push/Pull and a few other SketchUp friends.
  • ruins Making architectural structures look craggy, rocky and aged. Look for the tutorial in the thread.
  • twe posingTakuji Hagihara - two human posing rigs. Search, Search 2 the Pro group for her beautiful human models. xxx[dead link]
  • SketchUp Character Buildingmonsterz3rO blog with some figurative SketchUp work. | YouTube tutorials.
  • sketchup-skelmattscar - This module makes it possible to create and animate bones (essentially components) within a skeletal hierarchy. (Quite dated. It needs an update to run in the latest version of SketchUp.)

Cars - and other fast stuff

  • Car Tutorialslisted on the 3D Warehouse.
  • EliseiDesign SketchUp car tutorial website, several tutorial videos, forum.
  • Google Sketchup tutorial : How to do a car in 3D. part 1 YouTube video.
  • How do you model vehicles?Alan Fraser - General approach xxx[dead link]
  • How to model a carMarian
  • How to model a simple car: Google SketchUp Video from RogueAutomotive.3D Warehouse model
  • Modeling from different elevations Setting up elevation images as modeling templates for a YF-19 fighter jet - catamountain
  • X-15 Construction 3-ViewTaffGoch
  • My Sketchup Worksixlrlxi Concept 'transportation.' Tutorial toward the thread bottom.
  • 'Project Matchbox' 3D Car Modeler An autobody plug-in by antantantant.
  • Silvershadow's eye candy 2 -: BLACK HAWKsilvershadow - U.S. army helicopter
  • Silvershadow's eye candy 3 - H.M.C.S. Snowberrysilvershadow - British warship
  • Sketchup car modeling realtime workflow YouTube video
  • The secrets behind Car modeling in SketchUpElisei Jurubita - First of 3 pdf modeling 'books'. Fee
  • Complex shapes... how'd they do that? Using elevations, create an initial autobody mesh with the plugin:
    • Soap Skin & Bubble, tutorial threadxxx[dead link]. Note: the Hidden center component seam in the SU5 file 'Front end with SSB' may be visible in SU6. Using Erase+Shift is one way to hide the 'seam' between the adjoining, mirrored components.
    • Bezier SurfaceThomThom - Create bezier surface with bezier patches. beta
    • 'FerrariSketchSerge Ferrari Architecture - Tensile structure forming - more options than Soap, Skin & Bubble.
    • MeshMakerSam D Mitch - Creates a regular triangulated network on a selected face.
    • Jacob Samuel has several bezier surface manipulation extensions on the Extension Warehouse.
Tips
  • With so many body style options only limited by the imagination, take advantage of making custom, component libraries. For example, with a car, model a body half to a good stopping point. Make it a component and drag that component into a custom library. That way, when you want to make a new - but similar - car body style, bring in that original component body and rework it. It saves a lot of time by eliminating the initial modeling set-up steps.
  • To rework the same component in the same file, right-click the component and select Make Unique.
  • Scroll down a bit for a list of useful plugins.


Plugins
Note: To download plugins from SketchUcation, join the forum (free) and logon.
  • AutoSmooththomthom - Automatically softens and smooths autofolded edges created by the native tools.
  • BezierSplineFredo6 - Bezier curve plug-in on steriods.
  • Bezier Surfacethomthom - WIP
  • Bitmap to Meshthomthom - Generates a mesh from a given BMP image. - Free
  • Blendkirill2008 - A lofting tool.
  • Boolean tools
    • BoolToolsWhaat - Boolean tools for the free crowd and pre-SketchUp 7 Pro. Fee
    • OSCooleanoscarlok - Boolean tools for the free crowd.
    • Solids Trim and Keep (Pro)Jim Foltz - Trim a Component and have all instances update as well. SketchUp Pro-only plugin.
  • CleanUpthomthom - Many model cleaning options.
  • Control pointskirill2008 - Adds control construction points to curves and groups with faces for 3D model manipulation.
  • CurviloftFredo6 - Loft and skinning.
  • ExtrudeTools - Zippered SetTIG - Extrudes a faced-mesh group along various polyline rail-curves.
  • Ferrari Architecture - Tensile forming - More options than Soap Skin & Bubble. The plugin used to be available on the Ferrari website.
  • FredoScaleFredo6 - Scaling on steroids. YouTube
  • HoverSelectFredo6 - Multiple selection of lines.
  • JointPushPull Fredo6 - 3D Push/Pull tool.
  • Make Furtak2hata - Adds hair, fur,...
  • Point Merger ToolsBTM - Merges multiple edges.
  • Projections Didier - Projection/extrusion tools.
  • RoundCornerFredo6 - Makes fillets/chamfers.
  • Sculpt ToolsBTM - Suite of sculpting tools.
  • Shape BenderChris Fullmer - Bends a model to a curved path.
  • Simple LoftChris Fullmer - A alpha version loft script
  • SketchUp Loop Subdivide Smooth PluginGuitar List. Free
  • sketchup-skelMatt Scarpino - Creates animated bones (essentially components) within a skeletal hierarchy for 3D people. These bones are animated with keyframes that define the local axis and duration of each rotation.
  • SketchyPhysicsAnton Synytsia, Chris PhillipsSketchyPhysics original code site and SketchUcation forum. (Anton Synytsia took over development from Chris Phillips.)
  • Snap Connector Tool Cadman, Inc - Embed snap connection points within a group or component to align assemblies. Fee
  • Stick groups to meshkirill2008 - deforms groups to match a sculpted, mesh surface.
  • Graduated, organic shaping / Tensile Structure / Bezier Surface / Quad Subdivision
    • ArtisanDale Martens - Subdivision modeling with additional sculpting and soft transformation tools. Fee
    • Bezier SurfaceThomThom - Create bezier surface with bezier patches. beta
    • Eneroth Fractal Terrain Eroder Enerroth3 - Nice way to break up surface into a more organic form. Free
    • FerrariSketchSerge Ferrari Architecture - Tensile structure forming - more options than Soap, Skin & Bubble. Ferrari Sketch at the Ruby Library Depot
    • MeshMakerSam D Mitch - Creates a regular triangulated network on a selected face.
    • Jacob Samuel has several bezier surface manipulation extensions on the Extension Warehouse. Fee
    • Sketchy FreeForm and Deformation - Chris Philips, (TIG updated) - Deforms a model. A version by gbabcock.
    • Smoove tool from the Sandbox tools extension that comes with SketchUp.
    • Soap, Skin & BubbleJosef Leibinger - Tensile Structure. Donationware - to keep the plugin around, donate. Pro Group thread with lots of tutorials. xxx[dead link]
    • SUbDThomThom - Subdividing model mesh with the ability to weight an edge for controlled creasing. tutorial Fee - Windows, Mac
    • SubdivideSmustard - Apply a Catmull-Clark subdivision to selected surfaces. Free
    • SubdivideAndSmoothDale Martens - Organic modeling toolset with a Push/Pull-like workflow. Precursor to Artisan. Fee - Windows, Mac
    • Teapotthomthom - It makes parametric teapots. But more seriously, the plugin is an investigation of bezier meshes.
    • triangulateFacesTIG - Newer version of Triangulate Quad Faces.
    • Vertex ToolsThomThom - Selection tools for organic modeling. - Fee
  • Tools On SurfaceFredo6 - Toolset to draw shapes on proxy models to help influence how Artisan will subdivide.
  • Tgi3D Free-form 3D modeling softwares - Fee - Windows
  • Tools on SurfaceFredo6 - Support drawing shapes/offsets on top of 3D mesh surfaces.
  • triangulateFacesTIG - Newer version of Triangulate Quad Faces.
  • Vertex ToolsThomThom - Selection tools for organic modeling. - Fee

Odds and Ends

  • how do you create solid arches? Making model similar to the 'St Louis Arch.'
  • How to draw this pine cone-shaped light fixture tutorial by catamountain


Bending stuff - along a 2D path
  • Tutorial
    • Curving a Componant For the tutorial, see Jean Lemire posted file on 'manually' bending a detailed, dimensional component.
      • From suggestion in Jean's bending tutorial above, position intersecting planes by making a Linear Array with the Move tool | video
      • Plugins
        • Zorro2Whaat - Slices a model - replaces the need to setup intersecting planes in Jean's tutorial model.
        • Tools on Surface - Fredo - Draws profiles on a curved surface.
  • Extensions and plugins that now bend existing models
    • Shape BenderChris Fullmer - Bends models to a curved path (doesn't like wrapping cylinders though.)
    • FredoScaleFredo - Some bending operations

  • Tutorials
  • Extensions
    • FlowifyAnders L. - Bends groups and components to a quad surface.
    • Sketchy FreeForm and Deformation - Chris Philips, updated by TIG - Deforms a model. Version by gbabcock.
  • Joint Push Pull - Fredo - Push/Pulls a curved surface.

Woodsy Stuff

  • Crown & Rake Molding Study Tutorial on the changing crown proportional when it goes up a raked eave. Also useful for some classical cabinetmakers.
  • compound curve Tutorials on modeling a compound curve in a manner similar to how compound curves can be fabricated in wood. xxxx[dead link]
  • Tricky problem~ Desk with tapered, rope legs xxx[dead link]
  • desk leg question Several methods to make a cabriole leg. There are a few more cabriole threads if you search the Pro group.
  • Molding Profiles SketchUcation thread with many classic moulding profiles for a component collection. Join forum and logon to download.
  • Dynamic DoorEric Schimelpfenig - Video of a snazzy way to control cabinet door style, size and placement - model

Woodsy SketchUp Sites
  • Come Along for the Ride Woodworking blog
  • Chiefwoodworker's Blog Cabinetmaking
  • Cloud Cut Online cut optimization.
  • Design. Click. Build. Fine Woodworking's SketchUp Blog featuring articles by Dave Richards.
  • SketchThis!Eric Schimelpfenig blog geared toward kitchen design.
  • SketchUp for WoodworkersRob Cameron video tutorial collection.
  • Swamp Road Wood Works Tutorials
  • Woodworking SketchUcation's woodworking forum.

Plugins
Note: To download plugins from SketchUcation, join the forum (free)and logon.
  • CabinetSensePaul Verhelst - Readies cabinet models for production and processing with CNC, CutList Plus and SimLab. Fee
  • Cutlists
    • Builder-FreeJack S. - Nesting, graphical cutlists and material cost estimating. Pro version too.
    • Cabinet Vision Version 5 began importing SKP files. Fee - Windows
    • CutListCaptPanic, Vendmr - The original version of CutList as it first appeared. New updates by Steve Racz.
    • CutListSteve Racz - The latest incarnation of this popular woodworker's tool. Wiki page has tutorial links.
    • CutList Bridge 4Joe Zeh - Plugin to export SketchUp data to the program CutList Plus fx and shreadsheets.
    • Cutlisterishboo - Original code based on CutList, currently developed by Steve Racz, but with different features.
    • CutMap Graphical cutlisting.
    • Mozaik Software Cabinetry design, material list, cutlist and CNC applications and sends rendering data to SketchUp. Fee
  • Eclate_DisplacePilou - Create exploded parts.
  • ExplodeImplodeTodd Burch - Creates exploded parts.
  • GKWare Cabinet Maker Garry K - Cabinets.
  • GKWare Door MakerGarry K - Style and rail cabinet door plugin. Free, Fee
  • K2WS_Toolsktkoh - A joint set.
  • Milling Toolsthomthom - Creates dog-bone fillets at corners of faces.
  • Mortise & tenon tool for woodworkersktkoh - An earlier version of K2WS_Tools. Links to video tutorials.
  • ProfileBuilderWhaat - Follow Me on steriods - quick-change profiles. Fee, Free
  • TIG.splitsausageTIG - Adding edges at molding joints after extruding a Follow Me molding profile.
  • Wood working rubys Updatejhoutman - Quickly add parts and pieces common to woodworking projects.
  • Wudworx Woodworking plugins and tools for SketchUp.

Sketchup

Free

3d Warehouse Sketchup Free Download

So we find plugins that expand SketchUp functionality into this field. BuildEdge PLAN – Draw parametrically connected. 50 SketchUp architectural plugins No. Simple Wall Input: Define wall width and height, then draw walls just as easy as drawing SketchUp lines!