7 of the Best Sketchup Plugins

In this article, we’re going to take a look at what we think are some of the best Sketchup plugins! These are mostly geared towards architecture use (since that’s where my background is), but you may find them helpful even if you use Sketchup for other purposes. Let’s get started!
1. Joint Push Pull
Looking for an easy way to add a beveled edge to an object? Try the Joint Push Pull plugin to click and drag a surface to make it rounded. Select the “Round Push Pull” option and you can extrude a surface to have rounded corners instead of hard edges. You can also use this plugin to extrude curved or smoothed surfaces. For a more detailed tutorial on how to use this plugin, check out this tutorial.
We highly recommend any of the Freedo tools because they create some of the best Sketchup plugins. They are easy to use, well made, and most importantly- free!

2. Round Corner
Similar to creating beveled edges, this

3. Weld
This plugin takes selected line segments and groups them as one item. This is a great tool to use if you want to connect a long string of line segments that make a curved or spiraling shape. With the weld tool, you can easily extrude or use the “follow me” tool along a curved path without having to select every line segment.

4. Curviloft
Curviloft is another Freedo6 plugin. It adds really needed functionality that makes it one of the best sketchup plugins. With Curviloft, you can create an extrusion that begins as one shape and ends as another. First, select your path. Then select your starting shape and finish by selecting your ending shape. Hit “enter” when you finish making your selections to generate your shape.

5. Eneroth Flatten to Plane
If you’ve ever imported a DWG to Sketchup, you may have had some trouble closing up walls because your lines end up in different planes. A simple solution is using the Eneroth plugin. Simply select your lines and then navigate to “extensions” > “eneroth flatten to plane.” Select the plugin and all of your lines will be on one plane!

6. Artisan
Another alternative to using the Joint Push Pull plugin to create curved edges is Artisan. Once you have the plugin installed, select the cube icon in the menu that says “subdivide and smooth.” This will take any hard edges and turn them into a smooth surface. There may be a few areas that need additional smoothing, but this plugin gives you a great starting point!

7. ClothWorks
This plugin will allow you to take a flat surface and drape it over another object to create the appearance of fabric. First, right click on the object you want to drape and select “ClothWorks” > “make cloth.” Then, right click on the object you want to drape your fabric over and select “ClothWorks” > “make collider.” Use the UI toggle tool in the menu to customize options. Right click on your fabric and make sure you select “ClothWorks” > “1 cloth” > “simple grid.” Use the simulation tool next to the UI toggle tool to drape the fabric. When you are happy with the way it looks, click the stop icon to stop the animation.

Your best Sketchup plugins?
Which
Happy Hacking!
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Ok sure, I will follow your steps before going to do exams. I hope your article will help me more.
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thank you very much, verry helpfull…
Very effective and informative article.Thanks for sharing such an important tutorial.
Really helpful website
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
Thank you for this website. The practice questions are helpful.
Taking this test on Saturday. Last 4.0 exam to complete for the trio, then on to 5.0. This site is my go-to place when organizing what materials I’ll be studying
Hi , very good article.
thanks for sharing, keep up the good work
Good advice. Best of luck to all!
This is my favorite site for practicing for my tests! Great advise and super helpful.
Nice post to read. A complete guide that can help all of us.
Nice one… very helpful! Thanks!!!
Nice post
Great post!
In the NCARB ARE 5.0 handbook they reference Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods in both of their example questions for cost estimating. Unfortunately there isn’t a specific chapter on cost estimating, it’s woven throughout the content.
What is the best reference for cost estimating for PDD.
Thanks! Great advice
Deciduous trees should only be used for shade (especially in temperate climates). Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and will have little protection against wind in the winter when it is most needed. Likewise, the leafless trees allow solar heat gain in the winter when it is desired, and shade in the summer.
Coniferous trees are only to be used to block wind and views. Since they don’t lose their needles, they work great for these two items year-round.
Hello. My name is Shahid. This comment is for anyone who would like to reply. On the Siteplanning test. To block the wind, can you use a Deciduous tree or must you use a Coniferous tree?
Hi Tony,
I need to take 5.0 PPD & PDD. Do you plan on posting notes such as “Caroline’s Notes” that you had posted for the various 4.0 exams for either of those sections? I found those notes to be some of the best resources in studying for the 4.0 sections. If so any idea when? Thanks
Hi Tony,
Any updates on the SS exam ? If there’s an expected release date ? Thanks
Paige,
We are releasing practice exams for the SS exam later this fall.
Best,
Tony
Will you have SS questions on here at some point?
Great post, very helpful with the lists of suggested materials, I just passed CDs in July and am taking PPP in November so I definitely needed the list.