What are the Plugins & Extensions in SketchUp As well as their Differences & Installations?

You can greatly increase your productivity by installing SketchUp plug-ins and extensions. You learn the differences between tools, plug-ins, and extensions to prevent confusion in the future. Let's walk you through how to install extensions automatically or manually.

SketchUp Plugin Installation

Save the .RB file where SketchUp can find it after downloading it from the internet. By default, the Tools folder is in your SketchUp directory. The SketchUp Plug-ins folder requires older SketchUp versions. Then restart SketchUp after your file has been saved. SketchUp will automatically initialize your plug-in when you reopen it. There are many ways to use a plug-in, depending on its functions. If you right-click on an object, you will find it in the context menu for right-clicking.

SketchUp Extension Installation

Manual Process

There are many extensions on the web, and it is completely fine if you find one. Ensure that you save your .RBZ file in a location where it is easily accessible and received. Go to Window Preferences and select the SketchUp Plugin file.

In older versions, you might have to use the SketchUp Plug-in folder. Select Extensions from the left-hand side. You can install the extension by clicking the Install Extension button. Click ok after finding the .RBZ file and selecting it. Toggling your extensions on and off in Preferences is as simple as clicking on one of the checkboxes adjacent to your extension name.

Automatic Process

Access to the extension warehouse is only available if you use SketchUp latest version. The extension warehouse can access by clicking on Window, followed by Extension Warehouse.

Ensure that you are logged into your account as soon as you open the Extension Warehouse window. On the top right, there is a button that says Sign In. The extensions will not be available for download or installation if you are not logging in. Explore different extensions to find one that piques your interest. Click the red download button located in the upper right corner once you have found one. You will see several pop-ups. You should see your extension installed once you click through.

Key Differences between SketchUp Plug-in & Extension

Plug-ins can install after SketchUp initially installs to give it additional functionality. A third party usually develops these. The .RB suffix is associated with plug-ins in SketchUp.

The extension is a more robust plug-in. Plug-ins are a bandage for current problems, whereas extensions offer a longer-term solution. Moreover, extensions are toggle able by default, but plug-ins are not. .RBZ files are the extensions for SketchUp.

How to find Plugin & Extensions

SketchUp Extension Warehouse

You cannot get better extensions anywhere else. You can find whatever you need here in a safe and more convenient way.

SketchUcation

SketchUp users should check out this forum. The extension is free, quite simply. Their site also offers a few extensions for sale as well as free extensions.

Ruby Library Depot

To sort through this site's many free plug-ins and extensions, click this link. However, it doesn't have the easiest navigation, but other than that it's fairly good.

Smustard

It used to be the place where you only looked for free plug-ins, but it seems more and more paid plug-ins is available here lately.

Conclusion

You will work way faster with a plug-in or extension. SketchUp offers several plug-ins and extensions that enable users to customize the program according to their needs.

Creating stairs to meet your needs or designing a window to match your taste are things you might not even realize you can do.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Designer Hacks

What are the Plugins & Extensions in SketchUp As well as their Differences & Installations