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Resources   
 
 
Here, you'll find links to other great SketchUp resources to help take your SketchUp knowledge and skills to the next level:
 
 
 

 Educational Resources
   

SketchUp User's Guide

SketchUp 8

Download manuals  For the foreseeable future, only older versions are available.

 

SketchUp 7

        

SketchUp 6

 

Official SketchUp download sites

  • SketchUp 8  main download site,  French, German, Italian and Spanish versions were released along with English. Japanese, Portugese, Chinese and Korean versions are available too.
  • SketchUp Resellers
  • Hi-res icon tool icons for SketchUp and LayOut

The MSI for the English version of SketchUp Pro 8 has been released.  There will not be any technical support on distributing the MSI. But if someone is interested in using the MSI, they should be savvy enough to know how to distribute it ;-)
  • Ensure that Windows Installer 3.1 or newer is present.
  • Ensure that the OS is Windows XP Service Pack 2 or newer.
  • Ensure that Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or newer is installed.
  • Note: The regular install file (EXE) is compressed and is therefore much smaller than the MSI.

 

Video Tutorials

 

HTML, PDF, and other print Tutorials

(This section has just recently been added. Many of the resources that should be listed here can be found elsewhere here in scattered locations.)

Self-Paced Tutorials

    Self-paced tutorials are SketchUp files that are designed as interactive tutorials where you can read about a tool or technique and try it out right there, within the same SketchUp file.
    • Coming soon.  Meanwhile, search for "Self-paced tutorial" in the 3D Wharehouse.

      Books

       

      Some Authorized Training Centers

       

      3D Basecamp

      2008

      2010


      Forums

         

      A Bunch of Other SketchUp Sites

       

      Non-English SketchUp Sites

       

      Linux

       

       

       Modeling Projects
       

      SU Job Groups

      The old Pro Group Job site has been spun off to new places...

      • SketchUp Jobs  The original group now managed by Jeff Lummis
      • SketchUp Pro Jobs  A new group also managed by Jeff Lummis to network with people offering/requiring professional SketchUp services.
      • SketchUp Job Board  by [Plugin] SketchUp Blog

       

      Contests and Group Projects

       
       

       SketchUp Scripts, Plugins & Add-ons

      Plugin Management

       
       

      Plugin Collections

       

      Assorted Specialty Sites

      • 3ds Max  3ds Max 2010 and 3ds Max Design 2010 subscribers have an importer for SketchUp models.
      • 3skeng  Engineering pipework in SketchUp for pipe-lovers
      • Andersen Windows  A stand-alone applications which generates dynamic 3D SKP models of Andersen Windows - Free - Windows
      • Artisan   Whaat - Subdivision modeling with additional sculpting and soft transformation tools. - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • CabinetCRUNCHER  Excel-based, cabinet cutlist plug-in packange - Fee
      • CoolPipe   Engineering pipework in SketchUp for pipe-lovers - Work-in-progress.
      • CNC
      • CutList  The latest incarnation of this popular woodworker's tool
      • DrawMetal  Plugin Suite for metal artists, but great for anyone lusting to make spirals, helices, tapered extrusions and more - Free
      • Driving Dimensions  Dimensioned models automatically updates when the model is edited - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Dulux Trade digital colour pallette   Adds every single colour in the Dulux Trade Colour palette 4 fan deck - Free  
      • Eagle'up  Jerome Lamy - Tools to make PCB design easier.
      • Ferrari Sketch  Ferrari Architecture - Tensile forming - download link on page bottom.  Need to join mailing list.
      • FloMoCo  Generates a raw Bill of Materials from model that works in the FloMoCo 80/20 Aluminum Extrusion Instant Quote page.  This plugin has a companion component library.
      • GetCentroid  Area and centroid finding script
      • GML Texturizer  Textures 3D models for Google Earth
      • GoSimulate  Enmesh's plugin to integrate their mechanical analysis program with SketchUp models - unreleased beta
      • Individual Designs  For now, just a slicing plugin for prototyping - fee
      • LightUp  Real-time SU lighting - lux measurements for lighting design and landscaping
      • Martin Rinehart, Java++ Consultant  SketchUp tutorials, plugins
      • Model Unfolding (Print to Scale tutorial by George Knowles)
        • Flattery  Unfold model - Donationware - Windows, Mac
        • Pepakura  Not a plugin, but an unfolding program SketchUppers used before the unfolding plugins were developed - DXF, DAE, KML, KMZ among loadable file formats.
        • SketchUp-Glue-Tab-Plugin   Ryan Schenk -  Adds a glue tab onto any boundary edge, for paper crafts.
        • Unfold Tool  Jim Foltz - unfold plugin
        • Waybe  Unfold models -  A related papertoy network
      • ModelFunction  Tools to assist model layout with components and later help make 3D CAD models.
      • OhYeah!CAD!   Cadalog, Inc - Assorted Free and Fee plugins.
      • Pachube   Share & discover realtime sensor, energy and environment data from objects, devices & buildings around the world.  Tutorial
      • Pixdim  Digital measuring system - Fee - Windows
      • PhotoSketch  Build 3D urban structures directly from photographs. Fee
      • Photoshop CS3 Extended Plug-In for Google 3D Warehouse
      • Point-Cab  Laserscanning plugin from Laserscanning Europe
      • pointools  Work with large point cloud models.
      • PowerSuTool  PowerMedia, Chinese (English version soon)
      • Shapes  A stand-alone application that generates parametric geometry. Import plugin for SketchUp. - Fee 
      • Skelion  Insert solar panels on roofs quickly and find out tilt and azimuth.  Windows
      • sketchattributemanager  One of the attribute managers
      • SketchUp Engineering Toolbox  Engineering/plumbing (flanges, elbows, bends) components - Angle & channel iron, etc. (See description at Google SketchUp Blog.)
      • sketchup-skel  mattscar - This module makes it possible to create and animate bones (essentially components) within a skeletal hierarchy.
      • SkpEngineering  AEC industry specific plugins - Section Properties Calculator locates the centroid, plastic neutral axis and calculates mechanical properties of any closed planar face.  Free, Fee
      • SimuTerra  Upcoming SU terrain plugin
      • Soap, Skin & Bubble  Josef Leibinger - Donationware Pro Group thread
      • SketchyPhysics  Code download page, Groups Discussion and SketchUcation forum
      • spirixcode  Jim Hamilton
      • Spread3D   Create interactive 3D experiences (viewers, virtual walkthrough) embedded in a webpage.  Free, Fee
      • SunTools  Guedi Capeluto - Shows sun's path over time
      • SUperPlan   Automated construction schedule simulation and sequence validation tool.  Works with Microsoft Project.
      • SuSolid  Solids check/analyse and weigh tool - Free, Fee - Windows, Mac soon
      • TECLA  Alessandro Barracco - Extensions for contruction, landscape and architecture.
      • Tgi3D  Free-form 3D modeling, 3D scanning from image file and smart texture wrapping - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Tomatoes  Helps create Swiss Industry Norm Kitchens
      • Vali Architects  Chuck Vali - Blog and architectural plugins - Free and Fee
      • Vertex Tools  ThomThom - Selection tools for organic modeling. - Fee
      • Wudworx  Woodworking plugins and tools for SketchUp
      • Zomadic  Rob Bell - Shopbot exporter and hidden plug-ins, like this polar zonohedron.
          

      Exporters/Importers 

      Ruby Library Depot  May contain exporters/importers not included in the list below.

      • 3D Object Converter  Program to convert 550 file formats - Free - Windows
      • Babel3D  Online file translator.
      • BIMXML  Translation from SketchUp to Onuma and interoperate with other BIM applications (i.e. Revit, ArchiCAD, etc).
        •    
      • COLLADA
      • CSV  Import points from x, y, z coordinates in a spreadsheet.  
      • Deep Exploration  Among other things, a file format converter - $$$
        •   
      • DirectX
        • 3D Rad Exporter  Free
        • xExporter
        • Blender  To import a DirectX file: open the file in Blender and export it as Collada file (.dae).  The collada file will import into SketchUp. 
        • SimLab 3D PDF  Besides creating 3D PDFs, exports DirectX and imports/exports the following file formats through SketchUp: 3D PDF, 3DM, 3DS,  3D XML, ACIS, FBX, IGES, iPad, OBJ, OSG, STEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, STL, and U3D.  Also has integrated rendering and animation editions. - Fee - Windows, Mac
            
      • DWG/DXF
        • AllowDWGImportInSketchUp7  Google's DWG/DXF importer for SketchUp 7.1 Free (no more offical support.)
        • DWG Viewer AutoCAD has a viewer for desktop, web and mobile which can change DWG files into PDF. Link on the homepage.
        • DXF_export  joergber
        • DXF_In  Importer (alpha) honoluludesktop
        • FreeDXF Importer  Jim Foltz
        • Inkscape  An Open Source vector graphics editor.  Use CutePDF to 'print' a PDF using parallel Camera and check "Use high accuracy HLR" setting in SketchUp's Print menu.  Open a vector PDF in Inscape. Then Inkscape can save a DXF or SVG.
        • LTPlus AI  SketchUp exporter to DXF/SLT from ArchitektenInitiative (German/English) - Free
        • MeshLab  Open source converter.  Imports/exports COLLADA and several other 3D formats, including DXF. - Windows, Mac, Linux
        • Okino's SketchUp conversion system  to be used with Okino software. 
        • Output DXF for laser cutting  Anssi covers what you can expect from SketchUp for a DXF export.
        • skp_to_dxf  Export your Sketchup model as a DXF or STL triangular mesh or as DXF lines.
        • SYCODE has commercial exporters for both DWG and DXF.
      • EnjShape  Imports ESRI Shapefiles
      • FBX
        • SketchUp Pro can export FBX
        • FBX Converter  Autodesk's converter application located halfway down the page.  It will take SketchUp's COLLADA - DAE - file.  So this is the 'Free' alternative.
        • LightUp  SketchUp rendering plugin which allows FBX exporting - Fee
        • SimLab 3D PDF  Besides creating 3D PDFs, imports/exports the following file formats through SketchUp: 3D PDF, 3DM, 3DS,  3D XML, ACIS, DirectX, FBX, IGES, iPad, OBJ, OSG, STEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, STL, and U3D.  Also has integrated rendering and animation editions. - Fee - Windows, Mac
          
      • Games
      • GIS Importer  StrateGis
      • IFC2SKP  Interaction with IFC extension
      • IGES Export  rainer.ochs
        •    
      • Integrated Circuits
      • Kicad - .brd Importer  giodi1973
      • KML Tools  Aerilius - 
      • LDraw Importer  Jim Foltz - Import Lego components
      • Microsoft Robotic Developer Studio plugin  FunnyRobotics
      • MeshLab  Open source converter.  Imports/exports COLLADA and several other 3D formats. - Windows, Mac, Linux
      • MoleculeImporter  Imports chemical structures drawn in various Molecule Editors, supporting MDL Molfiles (*.mol) or Z-Matrices (*.mop, *.zmt, *.dat, *.mpc).
        •   
      • OBJ
        • AdamB_obj_importer and objloader  Look in the Files - Converters - Misc section for these and other converters 
        • Import OBJ with Materials  TIG
        • MeshLab  Open source converter.  Imports/exports COLLADA and several other 3D formats, including OBJ. - Windows, Mac, Linux
        • OBJ Exporter OBJ Importer  Jim Foltz's effort for the SU Free crowd
        • OBJexporter  TIG
        • SimLab 3D PDF  Besides creating 3D PDFs, imports/exports the following file formats through SketchUp: 3D PDF, 3DM, 3DS,  3D XML, ACIS, DirectX, FBX, IGES, iPad, OBJ, OSG, STEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, STL, and U3D.  Also has integrated rendering and animation editions. - Fee - Windows, Mac
        • Wavefront OBJ Exporter  which retains materials.  It's hosted on Jim Foltz's site.
      • PLY Importer  Jim Foltz
      • PolyTrans/NuGraf  Okino Computer Graphics programs which can convert major 3D file formats into SKP. - Fee, Windows, Mac 
      • SimLab Composer  Imports/Exports the following file formats through SketchUp: FBX, OBJ, STEP, IGES, ACIS, 3DM, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, 3D PDF, 3D XML, U3D, and STL.  SKP importer to Maya. - Fee - Windows, Mac soon
      • SketchUp to Vue  Exporter Plugin for SketchUp 7 and later which exports Sketchup models, sun direction, and cameras into Vue format.
        •   
      • STL (Tip: explode the model before running the exporter.)
        • su2stl  Didier Bur - Imports and exports - Free
        • stl4su  Revar Desmera - Supports both binary and ascii import and export. - Free
        • CADspan Plugin  Toolbar with several tools to make 3D-printable STL files. AEC 3DP tutorial
        • Cheetah 3D  This modeler/renderer converts to STL - Mac
        • LTPlus AI  SketchUp to DXF/SLT exporter plug-in from ArchitektenInitiative (German/English) - Free
        • MeshLab  Open source converter.  Imports/exports COLLADA and several other 3D formats, including STL. - Windows, Mac, Linux
        • Silo  Modeler/renderer converts to STL - imports OBJ, DXF, 3DS - Fee - Windows, Mac
        • SimLab 3D PDF  Besides creating 3D PDFs, imports/exports the following file formats through SketchUp: 3D PDF, 3DM, 3DS,  3D XML, ACIS, DirectX, FBX, IGES, iPad, OBJ, OSG, STEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, STL, and U3D.  Also has integrated rendering and animation editions. - Fee - Windows, Mac
        • skp_to_dxf  Export your Sketchup model as a DXF or STL triangular mesh or as DXF lines.
        • STL Importer  Jim Foltz 
        • STL checker  Inspect and check the integrity of the SketchUp-exported .STL file.
      • SU²CATT and SU²DDA  Exports SU models to acoustic formats CATT and DDA
      • SU4AC  Exports and imports SU models from/to Duran Audio DDA and L-Acoustics SoundVision - Free - Windows
        •   
      • SVG
        • 2D export to SVG  On the SketchUcation forum, deerwood figures out how to export a PDF from SU Pro or a PDF printer and open it in Inkscape to get a SVG file.
        • CutList  This woodworker's plugin has a SVG export option.  Webdialog interface.
        • Inkscape  An Open Source vector graphics editor.  Use CutePDF to 'print' a PDF using parallel Camera and check "Use high accuracy HLR" setting in SketchUp's Print menu. Then Inkscape can save a DXF or SVG.
        • Flights of Ideas  DIY laser cutter, SVG plug-in, and other neat stuff.  Instructables article.
        • svg.rb  Uli Tessel - Imports Inkscape images (stop a conflict with a secondary required script on the Smoove tool.)
        • sketchup-svg-outine   Exports SU model to SVG file.
      • SYCODE  3DM, DWG, DXF, IGES, OBJ, STEP, STL, VTK importers and exporters for SU.  SKP importers and exporters for Acrobat, Alibre Design, AutoCAD, IntelliCAD, Inventor, IRONCAD, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, SpaceClaim - Fee
      • Ultimate Unwrap 3D  Added a SketchUp importer - Windows - Fee
      • Trnsys3D  TransSolar - Open/save Trnsys3d file to work with TRNSYS 17 simulations.
       
        

       3D Printing and CNC

      Exporter/Importer plugins for SketchUp

      3D printing
      • Artisan   Whaat - Subdivision modeling with additional sculpting and soft transformation tools.  Make organic models in SketchUp > Run Artisan to smooth down the surface into a bunch of itty-bitty faces so you don't go nuts sanding a 3D print > Press Undo to return to low-poly model for tweaking/saving, if desired. - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • 3D Systems   Printers accepting 3DS files, recent purchase Z Corporation.
      • Bits from Bytes  Requires STL format.  There are several STL exporter plugins.
      • CADspan
      • Dimension  Accepts STL files.
      • i.materialize  Accepts several file formats and offers a custom plugin to work with their service.  Uses Z Corporation printers.
      • MakerBot   DIY 3D printer.  How to print article (useful for anyone wanting to 3D print.)
      • Scultpeo
      • Shapeways  Supported formats: STL, X3D, Collada or VRML97/2
      • Sweet Onion Creations
      CNC
      • 2bot  Alternative to 3D printing.  The device reads SketchUp KMZ files. 
      • 2.5D CAM  jgro11 - CNC router gcode export.
      • 2D export to SVG  On the SketchUcation forum, deerwood figures out how to export a PDF from SU Pro or a PDF printer and open it in Inkscape to get a SVG file. 
      • CamBam  Export to CamBam format for CNC
      • Flights of Ideas  DIY laser cutter, SVG plugin, and other neat stuff.  Instructables article.
      • Inkscape  An Open Source vector graphics editor.  Use CutePDF to 'print' a PDF using parallel Camera and check "Use high accuracy HLR" setting in SketchUp's Print menu. Then Inkscape can save a DXF or SVG.  Davereap goes into detail (beginning with post #893)  about getting a scaled PDF  file with CutePDF with SketchUp for radio-controlled planes.
      • Laseraur  Open source laser cutter device that can take SVG files.
      • Phlatboyz.com  DIY Foam-cutting CNC machine from SU models via PhlatscripT plug-in (g-code) - utilizes Mach3
      • SketchUp to G-code
      • Zomadicam  Rob Bell, SketchUp to Shopbot CNC router Pro forum thread  |  Demo on this YouTube video

      Solid checkers
      • SketchUp 8 now detects solid groups and components.  Select the group/component and view the Entity Info dialog from the Window menu (SketchUp menu on a Mac.)
      • FixSolid  GWydouw - Closes holes
      • Manifold  TIG -  A plug-in which helps prepare a SketchUp model for 3-D printing.  (SketchUp 8 now detects solids too.)
      • Solid Inspector  thomthom - The plug-in checks if Groups or Components are solids or not, highlighting holes or areas or errors.
      • SuSolid  Solids check/analyse and weigh tool - Free, Fee - Windows, Mac soon

        

       Architectural

      The 2008 3DBascamp session  SketchUp and Green Design  presents several energy analysis plugins listed below.  A great tutorial on setting up Real World Shadows will also help adjusting the SketchUp sun to best match a location.
      • 1001bit tools  Large collection of specialty architectural elements and shadow analysis - academic Free, retail Fee
      • BIM
        • BIMServer  Open source Building Information Model server.  Exports Collada and KML.  Requires IFC2SKP
        • BIMXML  Translation from SketchUp to Onuma and interoperate with other BIM applications (i.e. Revit, ArchiCAD, etc).
        • 4D Virtual Builder  Add planning and scheduling information to the model - Fee - Windows, Mac
        • SketchUp2BIM   Site dedicated to the overview of using SketchUp as a BIM tool.
        • SketchUpBIM  Pixel Tech - A BIM plugin - Free and Fee 
        • Space Design  This add-on by Render Plus, for adding attributes to components, may be enough for some modelers.
        • SpecifiCAD  A CAD/BIM plug-in to dynamically match building component data to manufacturer data.
        • Synchro Project Constructor  4D construction visualization - a standalone program - Fee
        • SketchUp and OPS
      • Energy analysis
        • ecoScorecard  SmartBIM - Free web-based tool to help evaluate and document products against the major environmental rating systems.
        • GreenspaceLive  Greenspace Research's building energy analysis plugin. Formerly known as Demeter.  Beta - Windows, Mac
        • IES  Plugin to do building energy analysis inside SketchUp.
        • LightUp  Integrated renderer which can perform realtime solar analysis. City Solar Analysis video.
        • OpenStudio  EnergyPlus building energy analysis plugin | YouTube Channel - Free - Windows, Mac, Linux
        • Pachube   Share & discover realtime sensor, energy and environment data from objects, devices & buildings around the world.  Tutorial
        • Skelion  Insert solar panels on roofs quickly and find out tilt and azimuth.  Windows
        • Trnsys3D  TransSolar - Open/save Trnsys3d file to work with TRNSYS 17 simulations.
        • Shadow Studies  SketchUp Sage's collection of links to shadow study stuff.
      • Google Earth Connections  ArchiCAD plugin to import GE and 3DWarehouse models into ArchiCAD
      • Land F/X  An AutoCAD application for landscape architects that's integrated with SketchUp.
      • Microstation and Bentley Architecture
      • Modelur  Parametric urban design tool  - SketchUp plug-in - currently in alpha testing - Windows, Mac
      • PhotoSketch  Build 3D urban structures directly from photographs. Fee
      • Point-Cab  Laserscanning plug-in from Laserscanning Europe
      • pointools  Work with large point cloud models.
      • SITEOPS  Exporter to view SITEOPS conceptual land development plan in SketchUp
      • SPIRIT  users can import SKP models into their BUILDING INFORMATION NETWORK.
      • su2rad  Radiance exporter
      • SUperPlan   Automated construction schedule simulation and sequence validation tool.  Works with Microsoft Project.
      • TacForge GeoSketch  Imagery, video, assisted modeling, and OpenFlight plug-in.
      • Tomot  Windowtools, doortools, bookshelf and bifold door plugins - Free and Fee
      • Trelligence Affinity  Schematic, shoebox design software with a SketchUp plugin
      • Urban Developer  StrateGis - Automatic assessments of urban development plans.
      • Vali Architects  Chuck Vali - Blog and architectural plugins - Free and Fee

       

      Engineering

      • 3skeng  Engineering pipework in SketchUp for pipe-lovers
      • GearGenerator  Free online generator makes vector PDFs.  Program exports SKP files.
      • GetCentroid  Area and centroid finding script
      • GoSimulate  Enmesh's plugin to integrate their mechanical analysis program with SketchUp models - unreleased beta
      • Involute Gears  Cadalog, Inc.
      • SketchUp Engineering Toolbox  Engineering/plumbing (flanges, elbows, bends) components - Angle & channel iron, etc. (See description at Google SketchUp Blog.)
      • SkpEngineering   AEC industry specific plugins - Section Properties Calculator locates the centroid, plastic neutral axis and calculates mechanical properties of any closed planar face. Free, Fee

        

      Presentation and Viewing

      • 3D PDF
        • Acrobat 
        • RPS 3D PDF  Render Plus - Turns SketchUp models into 3D PDFs - Fee - Windows
        • Share3D PDF  QuadriSpace - Create 3D PDFs - Fee - Windows
        • SimLab 3D PDF  Besides creating 3D PDFs, imports/exports the following file formats through SketchUp: 3D PDF, 3DM, 3DS,  3D XML, ACIS, DirectX, FBX, IGES, iPad, OBJ, OSG, STEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, STL, and U3D.  Also has integrated rendering and animation editions. - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • 3DPaintBrush  Imports SKP and other formats to enhance and/or animate then export in 2D or 3D XAML, 3DS, SWF, AVI, SVG, OBJ and images.
      • 3DXplorer  Create 3D virtural world online.
      • 3DVIA.com  Model-sharing community.  Blog post on making a virtural world with uploaded SketchUp model. - Free
      • Android
        • Apps by Afanche  Several different 3D viewers, including: STL View 3D, DAE View 3D, DXF View 3D, 3DS View 3D, 3D View, and Power View 3D
        • Glovius  Interactive 3D Viewer for SketchUp/3DS/OBJ/STEP/IGES/JT/STL files, optimized for better performance/rendering via a free Babel3D.com account.
        • TeamViewer  Access remote computers from everywhere - i.e. run SketchUp on your desktop and use Android device as a portal.
        • SightSpace 3D  Limitless Computing - Mobile viewing of Google SketchUp designs with intuitive controls and Augmented Reality* capabilities. - coming soon to Android.
      • Animation
      • Antics  Animation package that imports SKP models - Fee Antics SketchUp Blog  (New sales have ended)
      • Archvision  Viewer to place SU models in PowerPoint, IE and Word | Homepage
      • AR-media Exporter  Visualize SU models in real space.  SketchUp plug-in for their Augmented Reality platform, ARmedia (Student and Educator licenses available), AR-media Player is Free - Windows, Mac  |  YouTube channel
      • eDrawings  Publish SketchUp models to eDrawings files which can pack into a self-executable (.exe) with a viewer.
      • Embed KML gadget  Place a Google Earth Project on a website.
      • GermaniumWeb  Web building presentations.  Modeling guide - Windows
      • Google SketchUp Web Exporter | hack technique
      • Holoxica  Make a hologram from a 3D model.
      • Hypercosm Teleporter for SketchUp  Web publishing SketchUp models - Windows and Mac beta (new)
      • iClone  Stereoscopic animation package that imports GE and SU models.
      • ICEvision  Web-based, rendered model exploration. - Fee
      • i.materialize  A company that produces 3D printed models via their plug-in - Fee
      • iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
        • 3DeeWarehouse  Download and view 3D Warehouse models in 3D and in sterioscopic view for 3D glasses
        • 3DOn ARchitecture  An augmented reality app which allows viewing SketchUp models overlaid onto a site photograph.
        • 3DVIA.com  View SketchUp and other 3D models uploaded to the 3DVIA.com 3D model-sharing community.
        • CadRemote  Maide - iPhone / iPad app which will act as a navigator for SketchUp on Mac and Windows.
        • Cubits  Download, view, and save 3D models from Google 3D Warehouse, or load your own KMZ files exported from SketchUp
        • Glovius   Interactive 3D Viewer for SketchUp/3DS/OBJ/STEP/IGES/JT/STL files, optimized for better performance/rendering via a free Babel3D.com account.
        • ICEvision  Present a walk-through your 3D model.
        • iPhone and iPod Touch  Keypad for Google SketchUp | application link
        • MagicPlan  Create 2D floor plans via camera with JPG, PDF and DXF export options.
        • Maide Control  3D control input device on an iPad for SketchUp..
        • NaviCAD  3D Warehouse viewer app - iPad too
        • Remotix  VNC remote access tool for iPhone and iPad to touch/control your SketchUp model on Mac, Windows and Linux.
        • SimLab CAD Viewer  an IPad /IPhone application for viewing 3D CAD and architectural models - and SketchUp models exported from SimLab Composer.
        • SightSpace 3D  Limitless Computing - Mobile viewing of Google SketchUp designs with intuitive controls and Augmented Reality* capabilities.  
        • TeamViewer  Access remote computers from everywhere - i.e. run SketchUp on your desktop and use iPad as a portal.
      • JavaScriptObject  Display SketchUp models as a 3D object on the internet - non-commercial, Free - commercial, Fee
      • OGS Composer  Simlab Soft - Build 3D scenes from different sources - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • SimLab 3D PDF  Besides creating 3D PDFs, imports/exports the following file formats through SketchUp: 3D PDF, 3DM, 3DS,  3D XML, ACIS, DirectX, FBX, IGES, iPad, OBJ, OSG, STEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, STL, and U3D.  Also has integrated rendering and animation editions. - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Simmetry 3d  Create fully interactive, three-dimensional “virtual reality” simulations.- Windows
      • Sketchers Studio  Animate SketchUp models - 3D Warehouse integration - Fee - Mac
      • Spread3D   Create interactive 3D experiences (viewers, virtual walkthrough) embedded in a webpage.  Free, Fee
      • Stereo  TBD - Create left/right for anaglyph images.
      • WalkAbout3d   Real-time walkthrough application.
      • WireFusion  Uses a 3DX format to make a web presentation - Fee - Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris
       
       
       

       Renderers

      Integrated add-ons within SketchUp

       

      External Programs

      Other presentation options

      • 3DPaintBrush   Near photo-realistic images and animation.  Imports SKPs, GE integration - Fee - Windows 
      • Artlantis  Fee  
        • TIP:  To get a good ATL file, it is often best to explode all the components and groups in your SKP model and then check for reversed faces, prior to exporting to ATL or saving the model for ATL to import. Not doing so often results into missing geometry or messed up materials in the ATL scene.
      • AutoDesk
      • Cheetah 3D  Modeler/renderer - Fee - Mac
      • fryrender  SU plugin - Fee - Windows 32 and 64-bit
      • Bunkerspeed Shot  SU plugin - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Kerkythea  Free - SU2KT exporter - Windows, Mac, Linux
      • LightWave 3D  Fee - SketchUp to LightWave book, Ready...Set...Render!
      • Lumion  Free, Fee - Windows
      • MachStudio Pro  Fee - exporter - Windows
      • Maxwell Render  Fee - forum - Windows, Mac, Linux
      • NuGraf  Photo-real renderer of all major 3D file formats.  Includes PolyTrans, which converts 3D files to other formats. - Fee - Windows
      • Piranesi  Non-photorealism - Fee  
      • PovRay  Free - Windows, Mac su2pov exporter
      • Raylectron  Offers stereo vision renderings and rendering farm management - among other things. - Free (watermark), Fee - Windows
      • Silo  Modeler/renderer - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • SUWalk  Walk-, fly-thru rendered animation. Fee - Windows
      • Thea Render  beta - Windows, Mac, Linux
      • Twinmotion  Under development
      • Vue  Specializes in natural, 3D scenery - Windows, Mac
        • SketchUp to Vue  Exporter Plugin for SketchUp 7 and later which exports Sketchup models, sun direction, and cameras into Vue format. - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Yafray  Free
       
      Educational and other stuff

       

      Relevant Plugins

      • ColladaMaya, ColladaMax translator  Import COLLADA format models into Maya and 3dsMax.
      • GlobalMaterialChange  TIG - globally changes materials in model or a selection.
      • Goldilocks  AdamB - Helps to determine texture density and geometry analysis to help determine adequate detail for rendered scenes.
      • Grey Scale  Jim Foltz - SU render style
      • GroupByTexture  RickW - Groups faces by texture for export to other 3D software
      • layerbymaterial  T. Bertschinger - located in the Selection - Layer section - Moves faces to layers based on the assigned material.
      • Material Tools  thomthom - Collection of material control tools.
      • MXM Reporter  vodkamartini - Reads material attributes assigned by the Maxwell renderer plugin.
      • Originate Component Axes  TIG -  Moves the component origin of any component in the model to the world origin. 
      • podium_texture+bumpmap  TIG
      • Podium to LightUp convertor  AdamB - Converts the Podium material and light source settings to a LightUp form.
      • Remove_CG_material.rb  Matt666 - V-Ray specific material plug-in, but others may need it too.
      • SU2KT  Tomasz Marek - SketchUp Exporter to Kerkythea.  Exports materials to a folder.
      • Very fast texture writer  Didier Bur and others - Exports all of the model's materials (including any unused ones) as individual image files (jpg, etc.) into the model's folder.

       

       'Other' Modelers

       

      CAD

      2D Tools  TIG - SketchUp plugin

      • Alibre Design  2D/3D parametric - old add-on for SketchUp  that still works in version 12 - Fee - Windows
      • AllyCAD  Free and Fee
      • Ashampoo 3D CAD Architecture
      • ArchiCAD  Google Earth and 3D Warehouse integration
      • AutoCAD  OK, most everyone know about this program, but they have a free viewer for desktop, web and mobile that can convert DWG files into other format versions to improve importation options into other programs.  Look for "DWG, The Original" link on the homepage.
      • Bricscad  2D/3D via IntelliCAD engine - Fee - Windows, Linux
      • Cadsoft Envisioneer
      • CadStd  2D CAD - Free and Fee - v3.7.3 Pro and Lite feature DAE export (imports directly into SketchUp)
      • DoubleCAD  Imports SKP and integrated 3D Warehouse access - Free - Fee - Windows
      • DraftSight  2D CAD - Free - Windows , Mac, Linux
      • HighDesign  2D CAD - Fee - Mac
      • LinuxCAD  2D/3D - Fee - Windows, Mac, Linux
      • MicroGDS  2D and 3D CAD, imports SKP.  From Informatix, the makers of Piranesi - Fee - Windows
      • ProgeCAD  2D/3D via IntelliCAD engine
      • PunchCAD   2D/3D modeling products - Modest Fee - Exports to common CAD formats IGES, STEP, SAT, and STL:
      • QCad  2D - Multilingual - Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix
      • Revit  The Building Maker feature allows SKP import as mass objects
      • Rhino 4.0  Imports and Exports SketchUp Files and uses KZL to anchor Rhino files in Google Earth.  It has a Google 3D Warehouse plugin - Windows, Intel Mac
      • SoftPlan  2D/3D  - renders - imports/exports SKP - Windows
      • Solid Edge  2D/3D - Fee and Free 2D version - Windows
      • SpaceClaim 
      • SPIRIT CAD  users can import SKP models into their BUILDING INFORMATION NETWORK and export SPIRIT models into SU
      • TouchCAD  3D modeling and unfolding - Windows, Mac
      • TurboCAD  2D/3D drafting, Import/export SKPs, Pro and Pro Platinum is compatible with SketchUp plugins - Windows, Mac
      • VectorWorks  Native SketchUp import and export functions - Windows, Mac
       
       

      'Other' programs that play nice with SketchUp

       
       
       

       Component Sites
      • SketchUp Bonus Packs  from the Google SketchUp 'downloads' page
      • Collections by Google  In the 3DWarehouse, a collection of generic objects to help you populate your 3D models.  Instructions on downloading 12 at a time via the Component browser within SketchUp.

      2D

       

       2D, 3D and Styles

       

      3D

       

        

       Materials and Textures
       

      Seamless Textures

       

      Textures

       

      Seamless Skies

       

      Solid Color Materials

      use web screen color pickers listed below when downloadable palettes are not available

       

      Web Resources

       

      Digital Image Tutorials and Editors

       

      Color Pickers

      • Color Cop  Color picker - Free, Donationware - Windows
      • ColorLab  Color picker, lots of features - Free - Windows
      • ColorPic  Picks color from monitor - Free - Windows
      • ColorPix  Color picker - Free - Same developer has some other, Pro color pickers
      • Color Selector - Color picker - Free
      • Colour Detector  Pick screen color and get RGB, HEX, HTML & Long values - Free - Windows
      • CPick  Color picker - Free
      • eyeDropper  Color picker - Free
      • Pixie  Color picker - Free - Windows
      • Pixel Pick  Color picker - Free
      • pkColorPicker  Free
      • CBN Selector   Multi-function - colors digital images, create real material color specs, access manufacturers' standard colors - Fee - Win

       

      Plug-ins/Programs

      • AmphiSoft  Photoshop-compatible plugins - Free and Fee - Windows
      • Auto FX  Photoshop-compatible plugins - Free and Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Autostitch  Automatic 2D image stitcher licensed by 3 commercial products - Fee - Windows, Mac, Linux
      • Bricks'n'Tiles  Brick and tile material generator - German - Free
      • CrazyBump  Bump map creator for photoreal renderers
      • GIMP  Image manipulation program - Windows - free
      • GML Image Undistorter  Corrects lens distortion - Free
      • Grafnet: Photoshop Filters  large, comprehensive, PS filter listing
      • GrowCut  Makes image cutouts - Fee
      • Hidden Elements  Power tools for Photoshop Elements (comes with a very useful, informative book on mastering digital image manipulation)
      • Inkscape  Open source vector graphics editor - Free - Windows
      • Jay Arraich's Photoshop Elements Tips  Photoshop Elements education
      • Lightbox and Sagelight  Image editors.  LIghtbox is free - Windows
      • Little Ink Pot  Photoshop-compatible plugins - Free and Fee - Windows
      • NVIDIA normal map filter  Photoshop plug-in to creates normal maps from grayscale height maps
      • Optix XR  Color calibrate the screen
      • Paint.NET  Image and photo editing program - Free - Windows
      • Paint Shop Pro  Corel's image and photo editing program - Fee - Windows
      • PhotoFiltre  Image and photo editing program - Free - Windows
      • PhotoSculpt  Creates OBJ and STL 3D photoreal models from image files and texture maps - Fee - Windows
      • Power Retouche  Photoshop-compatible plugins and tutorials - especially nice is the transparency editor IMHO
      • ProjecTile   Preview images as a tiled image - Free - Windows
      • PTLens Program that corrects lens pincushion/barrel distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberration, and perspective - Windows, Mac 
      • SmillaEnlarger  A small graphical tool ( based on Qt ) to resize, especially magnify bitmaps in high quality. - Windows, Mac
      • Squiggle  Converts DWGs to squiggly linework
      • The Plugin Site  Photoshop-compatible - Free and Fee
      • Trimoon  Photoshop black/white eliminator/transparency plugin - Free
      • Ultimate Unwrap 3D  Image mapping program - Fee - Windows
      • UVTools  A SU plugin for simple image mapping, like you need for a skydome  
      • Xero  Photoshop-compatible plugins - Free and Fee - Windows

       

        

       Fonts

      In SketchUp, fonts can become clipart in addition to 3D text characters thanks to the 3D Text Tool.

      Font Programs

      • AllChars  Quickly creates accents and special characters - Free - Windows
      • Elefont and Spiralizer  Elefont converts system fonts to 3D DWF.  Spiralizer spirals fonts - Free
      • High-Logic  Font creators and font manger programs - Windows
      • FontForge  Font-creator program - Mac, Linux
      • Fontlab  Font creator programs - Windows, Mac
      • Font properties extension  Adds additional r-click TTF and OTF property tabs - XP
      • Cleartype Tuner  XP PowerToy which adjusts font clarity on LCD screens.

       

      Download Fonts

      (If you collect many fonts, consider getting a font manager.  They allow easy font viewing and can temporarily load fonts so the system font directory doesn't get cluttered.  Go to Download.com for program reviews.  Comprehensive font utility list at MyFonts.  And here are useful articles on Font Management in OS X and Snow Leopard & fonts.)
      • 3DTextTool  Smustard plugin - This plugin was created before the Text Tool was added to SketchUp.  Unlike the native tool, this tool allows text editing and includes more options.  Fee
      • ABC Webworx  Over 3,800 fonts - All free
      • dafont  Free and shareware
      • High Fonts  Free and Fee
      • Larabie Fonts  Free and Fee
      • Simply the Best Fonts  Free
      • Font Freak  Free and shareware
      • Abstract Fonts  Free and shareware
      • 1001 Free Fonts  Free and shareware
      • Dingbats-UK  Lots o' dingbats which can become SU 3D Text Tool clipart shapes - Free, shareware and Fee
      • Font identification
        • Identifont  Web resource which identifies font from a series of questions.
        • WhatTheFont  Web resource which identifies font from an uploaded image.

       

         

       Ruby Code Stuff

       

      Developer Tools

       

      HTML and JavaScript

       

      Ruby

      • RubyInstaller  Win - version 1.8.6-26 - includes the SciTE text editor and the full text of Programming Ruby: The Pragmatic Programmer's Guide as a help file.  
      • RubyInstaller.org  version 1.9.2-p0
      • Ruby
      • (Other Ruby downloads are also available.)
      • Rdoc  A way to document a Ruby file.

       

      Python

      • SuPy  And now there's a plugin for Python lovers

       

      Education

       

      Text Editors 

       

      2D and 3D Math

       

       

       Research & Web Services

      Browser Stuff

      • Firefox extension  Aerilius - Firefox extension that automatically executes custom 3D Warehouse search queries.
      • Microsoft Fix it 50098  Increase the number of downloadable files in IE8 from 6 to 10.
      • Javascript Tester  Online javascript testing diagnostic tool from RCRT.
      • What Browser?   Google's diagnostic browser testing site.  Go to the Under the Hood section to run various online tests on your browsers to compare several benchmark tests.

       

      Stuff

       

      Troubleshooting

      when bad things happen to good computers

       

      Tools

       

      Maps

       

      Architectural

      • ARCAT  Information on building materials for architects, spec writers, engineers and contractors
      • CGarchitect  Online magazine for computer graphics related stuff for architecture
      • BIMServer  Open source Building Information Model server.  Requires IFC2SKP
      • MPI  Master Painter's Institute resource list Igloo Studios  Homebase for the Go-2-School franchise with additional architectural-related stuff, like re:Sources Network 
      • Insitebuilders  List of homebuilder's resources
      • Membranes24  Online tensile structure program which makes DXF files.
      • Planetizen  News and information site for urban planners, designers and developers - some SketchUp, Earth and Maps webinars for  CM credit
      • SPIRIT  users can import SKP models into their BUILDING INFORMATION NETWORK
      • Square One  Reference material on environmental design and building performance analysis SketchUp to EcoTect tutorial
      • Sweets Network  Construction network with 3DWarehouse building product models
      • Techonic Studio  Designer products resource
       
       

       More Useful Programs
      • 3DWin  3D file format converter
      • Deep Exploration  Among other things, a file format converter - $$
      • Delftship  Hull program - Free and Fee
      • Elefont and Spiralizer  Elefont converts system fonts to 3D DWF.  Spiralizer spirals fonts - Free
      • eyePilot  Helps color-blind people distinguish colors on the monitor - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Fences  Organize the desktop icons - Free - Windows
      • GraphicConverter  Multimedia viewer/editor/converter - Fee - Mac
      • PhotoZoom Pro 2  Enhance/sharpen screen captures and other images
      • ImageMagick  Open source image viewer/editor/converter from an API or command line - Free - Windows, Unix, Mac
      • Irfanview  Great freeware multimedia viewer/editor/manager/converter - Windows
      • Karpo   3D Object Converter - Windows
      • Mach3  Converts a PC to a 6-axis CNC controller - Imports DXF - For the Do-It-Yourself crowd
      • MojoPac  Portable PC settings on a USB memory stick.
      • Morilla Firefox, Portable Edition  Portable browser version - custom settings and extension on a USB memory stick.  
      • Sqirlz Reflections  Adds animated water effect to images or AVI files
      • Vitrite  Transparent screen overlay for Photomatch technique one Pro forum thread  and another Pro thread - Win
      • Pepakura  Before SU unfolding plugins, this program was widely used instead
      • sflender  Blender exported for Macromedia
      • ShapeCapture  Accurate 3D measurement and modeling from stereo matching
      • WinTopo  Raster to vector imaging - Free and Fee
      • Xara  Image editing
      • XnView  Multimedia viewer/editor/converter - Free - Windows, Mac, Linus, Irix, Solaris, HP-UX, AJX

       

      Collections

       

      Utilities

      • 7-zip  Open source zip program - Windows
      • Advanced Uninstaller  - Windows
      • Convert  Unit converter - Windows
      • f.lux  Adjust screen brightness based on time of day.
      • Eraser  Before disposing of old hard drives, this utility will make the drive unreadable - Free - Windows
      • Launchy  An easy way to locate an launch installed programs - Donationware - Windows
      • Dexpot  Virtual Desktops for people without multiple monitors - Windows
      • Dual Display Mouse Manager  Free - Windows
      • MB-Ruler  Transparent screen ruler and screen loupe - Windows
      • VMN Toolbox  Web tool (screen capture, ruler, sticky notes, color picker, magnifier)
      • A suggestion:  Periodically, clone (exact copy) your harddrive onto an external harddrive and store it physically separate from your main computer.  Store that harddrive in a small fire-proof safe for good measure.  So in case of fire, theft, major crash, etc., there is a ready backup.  Casper and True Image are two harddrive cloning software.  Other scheduled, backup options include programs like APBackup and Genie
      • AutoHotkey  Hotkey / Macro Recorder Utility - Free - Windows
      • KeyText3  Auto-phrase completer - Windows
      • Mystic Thumbs  Windows Explorer thumbnail generator added support for SKP, SKB and SKM files - Fee - Windows
      • PS Hot Launch  Hotkey / Macro Recorder Utility - Free - Windows
      • QlIner  Hotkey / Macro Recorder Utility - Supports international keyboards - Free - Windows
      • Texter  Customize abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images, stuff like post signatures. - Free - Windows
      • Textexpander  Customize abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images. - Fee -  Mac
      • Vitrite  Adjusts window transparency.  In SketchUp it is used to position a model against an image for post-processing image export.  
      • Universal Viewer - Views file content without necessary importing program - runs on flash - portable no installation - Free - Windows 
      • WinDirStat  Analyzes what is consuming your hard drive space - Video (applies to Mac and Windows) - Free - Windows  
      • WizMouse  Activates the scroll wheel in whatever window is under the cursor - Windows
      • Clipboards
        • ArcClip  Large clipboard, permanent clips (i.e.., thread post signatures) - Free
        • Climomatic  Small clipboard, permanent clips - Free 
        • ClipX  Small clipboard, permanent clips - Free 
        • PhraseExpress  Clipboard utility - access to common phrases, stuff - Free - Windows
      • Spell Checkers
        • IE7Pro  Internet Explorer spell checker similar to Firefox's, with many other features, a bit hyperactive - Free, Fee - Windows
        • tinySpell  Form spell checker - Free, Fee - Windows
        • ieSpell  Spell checker for Internet Explorer - Free, Fee - Windows

       

      Architectural

       

      Landscape

       

      PDF

       

      Screen & Video Capture and Editing

      • Fraps  Free
      • CamStudio  Open Source, free screen recording software.  TaffGoch method to make an animated GIF  YouTube tutorial
      • TechSmith  Camtasia (video capture/editing) - Windows, Mac - SnagIt (screen capture/recorder/editing) - Windows - Fee
      • Gadwin PrintScreen  Screen capture - captures SU tool cursors - Free - Windows
      • Jing  Instant screenshots and screencasts, save to HD or upload to a TechSmith server to share the URL with others. - Free, Fee - Windows, Mac
      • ScreenHunter  Screen capture - 3 products, Fee to Free - Windows
      • Riva FLV Encoder  Transcode AVI, MPEG, Quicktime and WMV files to flash - Free
      • SnapZ  Video capture - Mac - Fee
      • Pinnacle  Video editing - Fee
      • TipCam  Screen recording - Free, Fee - Windows
      • VideoSpin  Video editing - Free editor from Pinnacle, but the codecs will cost something
      • VirtualDub  Video capture/processing - Windows - Free
        • VirtualDub filters  Free filters - Reportedly, an installation step for "PCVideo Image Processor" is missing.  Delete this filter once the package is installed.

       

      Web Video Downloaders/Converters

      Over time, browsers change how well they support these add-ons.  Many of the programs listed below work well in IE.  Other browsers may require special downloaders.
      • Free Video to Flash Converter  Convert video files to flash video format (SWF and FLV)
      • Free YouTube Download  Makes AVI files.  Colors seem muddier than RealPlayer downloads
      • RealPlayer  Download web videos - like SU YouTube videos - Saves in FLV format unless you pay for the software.  But the free player does have a nice library organization system.  You can edit file information and add notes.
      • SavingYoutube  Downloads internet YouTube and Megacafe videos to a FLV file format
      • YouTube Downloader  It can convert to AVI, MP3, WMV, and Xvid formats and comes with a small video editor - Free - Win
      • Video DownloadHelper  A Firefox add-on
      • FLV Players
        • RealPlayer above records and plays FLV files
        • VLC Media Player  Plays FLV files - Windows, Mac OS X , BeOS, Syllable
        • IrfanView  Great freeware multimedia viewer/editor/manager/converter  - plays FLV - Windows
      • Other YouTube downloaders  A download.com search list

       

      Cool math stuff

      • 180 Wrapped Tubes  Shapes made by sampling and wrapping point sets on tubes.  SLT importer
      • Geometricks  Study some Virtual 3D geometry online
      • K3DSurf  Windows, Mac, Linux
      • KnotPlot  Knot program and lots o' links
      • Poly Pro  Work with polyhedra - Fee - Windows, Mac
      • Qhull  Computes the convex hull, Delaunay triangulation, Voronoi diagram, halfspace intersection about a point, furthest-site Delaunay triangulation, and furthest-site Voronoi diagram.
      • Spirals  And other cool math-based stuff.
      • Stella  Polyhedron navigator - Fee - Windows

      SketchUp Plugins
      • DrawMetal  Plugin Suite for metal artists, but great for anyone lusting to make spirals, helices, tapered extrusions and more - Free 
      • FredoTools::ContructFaceNormal  Fredo6  - Draws a normal guideline at faces' barycenter.
      • k tools  Draws mathematical Graphs in 2D and 3D and some geometrical constructions. Draws curves and curved areas. - Free
      • Regular Polygon  Ruby plugins for SketchUp
      • Ruby Library Depot  Current selection of geometry plugins.
      • Surface Plotter  jzer7 - 2D/3D equation plotter.
      • Voronoi, Convex Hull  a4chiture - Companion to Qhull (listed above.)
      • Zomadic  Rob Bell - Hidden plug-ins, like this polar zonohedron.

      Sister Sites