Sketchup top 10 Free Plugin in 2024

 

Introduction

SketchUp’s versatility is enhanced by a wide range of plugins, many of which are available for free. These plugins can significantly expand the software’s capabilities, allowing you to work more efficiently and achieve better results without spending a dime. In this post, we’ll explore ten of the best free SketchUp plugins that every 3D modeler should know about.

1. Selection Toys 

Purpose: Enhanced Selection Tools  

Description: Selection Toys is a must-have plugin that enhances SketchUp’s selection capabilities. It allows you to select objects by various criteria, such as by material, layer, or type (e.g., edges, faces). This makes managing complex models much easier, saving you time on tasks like cleanup and editing.

2. 1001bit Tools

Purpose: Architectural Modeling  

Description: 1001bit Tools offers a collection of architectural tools that streamline the modeling process for features like stairs, walls, and windows. It includes tools for creating parametric staircases, roof framing, and even wall extensions, making it an invaluable resource for architectural designers.

3. Soap Skin & Bubble 

Purpose: Organic Surface Modeling  

Description: Soap Skin & Bubble is a unique plugin that allows you to create organic surfaces by "inflating" flat mesh geometries into bubble-like forms. It’s perfect for creating complex, curved surfaces that would be difficult to model using standard tools, especially in architectural and product design.

4. Weld  

Purpose: Joining Segmented Edges  

Description: Weld is a simple but powerful plugin that allows you to join multiple edges into a single polyline. This is especially useful when working with complex paths or when you need to simplify your geometry for better modeling efficiency.

5. Eneroth Open Newer Version  

Purpose: Compatibility Management  

Description: This plugin is a lifesaver if you ever need to open a SketchUp file created in a newer version of the software. It allows you to convert newer files to older formats that are compatible with your current version of SketchUp, ensuring you can continue working without upgrading.

6. JHS Powerbar Plugin

Purpose: Combines numerous tools from different plugins into one toolbar

Description: FredoScale extends SketchUp’s scaling capabilities, allowing you to scale objects in non-uniform ways, such as tapering, stretching, or twisting. This plugin is perfect for creating more dynamic and complex models, especially when working with irregular shapes.

6. CleanUp³

Purpose: Model Optimization  

Description: CleanUp³ is an essential plugin for keeping your models optimized and running smoothly. It helps you remove unnecessary geometry, purge unused materials and components, and fix errors in your model, which is crucial for large or detailed projects.

8. Edge Tools² 

Purpose: Edge and Geometry Editing  

Description: Edge Tools² is a collection of tools designed to help you clean up and manage edges in your model. It includes functions for finding and fixing stray edges, simplifying geometry, and closing gaps, making it easier to create clean, watertight models for 3D printing or other purposes.

9. Truebend plugin

Purpose: Bending model in x-y plane  

Description: TrueBend is a free SketchUp plugin developed by ThomThom, a well-known plugin creator in the SketchUp community. The plugin is designed to bend selected geometry along a predefined curve, offering users an intuitive way to create complex shapes that would be difficult or time-consuming to achieve using SketchUp’s native tools.

10. Shape Bender plugin

Purpose: hape Bender bends objects along a user-defined path

Description: Shape Bender is a free plugin that enables users to bend objects along a predefined path in SketchUp. This powerful tool is ideal for creating smoothly curved shapes and components that follow a specific trajectory, such as bent railings, curved walls, or even complex design elements in furniture.

Conclusion

These free plugins are indispensable for anyone looking to enhance their SketchUp experience without spending any money. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tools can help you work more efficiently and achieve more with your models.

 Have you tried any of these plugins? Which ones do you find most useful? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more SketchUp tips and resources!

10 Sources for Free 3D Models

Finding quality 3D models can significantly streamline an architect’s workflow, especially when tackling time-consuming projects. Many talented 3D designers create models for others, making life easier for professionals by offering realistic elements like furniture, fixtures, and more. Here are 10 top sources to find free 3D models for your next design project:

1.Thingiverse

Thingiverse offers a wide range of 3D models across categories like gadgets, art pieces, educational items, and more. Primarily geared toward 3D printing, the models are provided in popular formats such as STL and OBJ, making them compatible with tools like Blender and Cura.

2. Sketchfab

Sketchfab is a popular platform among artists, designers, and architects, offering a variety of free and paid 3D models. It supports exports to multiple design software like Blender, Unity, and Unreal Engine, with free models often available under Creative Commons licenses.

3.TurboSquid

TurboSquid provides highly detailed 3D models used by professionals in game development, engineering, and film. Although known for its premium content, TurboSquid also offers some free models that are available in formats like OBJ, MAX, and FBX, suitable for 3ds Max and Blender.

 4. GrabCAD

A go-to platform for engineers and product designers, GrabCAD specializes in detailed technical models, including mechanical parts and assemblies. These models are available for free and are compatible with software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

5. CGTrader

CGTrader offers a blend of free and paid 3D models, including character designs, vehicles, and architectural elements. Although it features a higher number of paid models, it still provides a solid range of free content in formats like OBJ and FBX, compatible with software like Maya and Unity.

6. 3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse, a part of Sketchup, is favored by architects and interior designers. It offers free 3D models covering architectural elements, furniture, and complete projects. The models can be easily downloaded in various formats and used in powerful design software like 3ds Max and Unreal Engine.

7. Free3D

As the name suggests, Free3D offers a diverse selection of free models, including characters, vehicles, and electronics. These models are available in multiple formats, such as OBJ and FBX, making them usable across different platforms like Blender and Maya.

 8. Freepik

Known primarily for its digital design assets, Freepik has recently ventured into 3D models, offering a selection of free models in OBJ and FBX formats. These are ideal for graphic designers, architects, and marketers who need flexible assets for various design projects.

9. Cults3D

Cults3D focuses on 3D printing and offers a range of models in STL format. Its collection covers everything from fashion and art to home décor and toys, with a strong emphasis on creativity and quality. This platform caters mainly to hobbyists and 3D printing enthusiasts.

 10. 3DExport

3DExport provides a wide selection of 3D models, including vehicles, household items, and architecture. Although more focused on premium content, it also offers free models in formats like OBJ and FBX, suitable for use in leading design tools like Blender and Unity.

Sketchup Plugin For Texture - Architexture plugin

Architextures plugin for SketchUp-

enables the creation of materials within SketchUp using the Architextures web application. Materials can be imported immediately, facilitating the instant testing of material options for your design, thus eliminating the manual process of downloading, importing, and scaling materials. 

Textures that have been imported can be modified by right-clicking on a surface with the assigned material and choosing 'Edit with Architextures'.

Click to Download Plug-in

Sketchup Artisan 2 plugin

ARTISAN TOOL SKETCHUP 

Artisan is a SketchUp extension that enables the creation of what seems impossible. It boasts robust tools for subdivision, sculpting, soft selection, free-form deformation, extrusion, among others, empowering you to craft detailed models of terrain, characters, furniture, and various intricate organic shapes.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PLUGIN

CLICK TO WATCH TUTORIAL 

Sketchup True bend plugin / sketchup free plugin

The TrueBend tool bends instances to a specified degree while preserving the original length of the reference segment, which is currently the bottom front of the bounding box. The bending occurs along the X (red) axis of the component, so it's important to align your instance axis with the bend. 
You can control the number of segments by
 entering the desired number followed by 's' in the VCB, such as '24s'. 
To revert to adjusting the bend angle via the VCB, 
simply append 'deg', like '60deg'. You can access True-Bend from the Tools menu, by right-clicking, or from the Toolbars.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PLUGIN

SKETCHUP EXTRUSION PLUGIN - FREE PLUGIN

 

Extension Description – Extrude Tools

Extrude Tools is an extension for SketchUp created by TIG that provides additional extrusion capabilities. This extension includes a variety of tools for extruding along edges, rails, and beyond.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PLUGIN 

CLICK TO WATCH TUTORIAL

GATE ARCHITECTURE MATERIAL - Building Earthquake-Resistant Structures

Building Earthquake-Resistant Structures: Engineering Solutions to Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can wreak havoc on infrastructure, often leading to significant losses. While we can't completely prevent these events, engineering can help us mitigate their impact. Proper planning and construction strategies can make buildings more resilient to such disasters.

Understanding Earthquakes

Before designing earthquake-resistant buildings, it's essential to understand what earthquakes are and how they occur. Earthquakes are sudden shakes or disruptions in the Earth's crust, generating shock waves that travel through the lithosphere and cause seismic activity. These seismic waves result in the ground shaking that characterizes an earthquake.

Why Buildings Fail During Earthquakes

Foundation Instability

Most structures are designed to support their own weight under normal conditions. However, they often lack the capacity to withstand the irregular, multidirectional, and intense side-to-side loads experienced during an earthquake. This instability can lead to structural collapse.

 Material Failure

Poor-quality materials or those not designed to withstand seismic vibrations can cause buildings to fail during an earthquake. High-quality, durable materials are crucial for earthquake resistance.

Design Flaws

Buildings not designed with the capability to withstand seismic waves and lacking high ductility can suffer catastrophic failures during an earthquake. Proper architectural and engineering design is essential.

Soil Failure

Earthquakes can transform soft soil into a substance akin to quicksand, unable to support the structure's weight. This phenomenon, known as liquefaction, can cause severe damage.

Joint Failure

Inadequate clearance between structures and overly rigid joints between columns and beams can lead to collapse during an earthquake. Proper joint design and spacing are critical.

Building Earthquake-Resistant Structures

Robust Foundations

A solid foundation is vital for any structure. However, not all foundations are created equal; they must be tailored to the specific needs of the building. For earthquake resistance, structures should be placed on pads made of steel, rubber, and lead, which can absorb seismic waves and keep the building steady while the ground moves.

Vibration Control Devices

Incorporating vibration control devices in the structural design can significantly reduce seismic hazards. These devices absorb energy and are typically used in mid- or high-rise buildings to withstand earthquakes and strong winds.

Cross Bracing System

Cross bracing, where diagonal supports intersect in an X-shaped pattern, is effective in earthquake-resistant construction. This system helps buildings withstand lateral forces like wind and seismic waves, with one brace in tension and the other in compression during an earthquake.

Diaphragms

Diaphragms, which are floors and roofs that transfer lateral forces to vertical components, play a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity during seismic events. They help distribute seismic forces across the building.

Earthquake-Resistant Materials

Using high-quality, ductile materials is essential for earthquake-resistant construction. Materials like steel and wood can undergo significant deformations and tensions without failing. Innovations like memory alloys, which can return to their original shape after heavy strains, provide additional resilience.

Load Considerations

Buildings should be designed with load considerations in mind. Taller structures typically have narrower shapes at higher levels, making lower floors less likely to crumble during an earthquake. Reinforcing concrete and using materials like Polyurethane (PU) insulated panels can strengthen the structure.

By incorporating these engineering principles, we can build structures that are better equipped to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes, minimizing damage and enhancing safety. Proper planning, design, and material selection are key to creating resilient buildings that stand the test of time.

Soap Skin Bubble Plugin Sketchup 2024

 

Soap Skin & Bubble

is a tool designed for the initial studies of surfaces strained mechanically and pneumatically.

Tensile structures are captivating architectural forms. However, those who wish to sketch these buildings often face challenges with visualizing the structure. this plugin gonna help you to create such model.

Click to Download plugin

GATE Architecture material / International Green Building Rating Systems

International Green Building Rating Systems

1. Australia
- Rating System: Green Star
 2. Brazil
- Rating System: AQUA/LEED Brasil
3. Canada
- Rating System: LEED, Canada/Green Globes
4. China
- Rating System: Label-3
5. Finland
- Rating System: PromisE/Green Building Council Finland
6. France
- Rating System: HQE
7. Germany
- Rating System: DGNB/CEPHEYS
8. Hong Kong
- Rating System: KHBEAM
 9. India
- Rating System: GRIHA, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
10. Indonesia
- Rating System: Greenship, Green Building Council Indonesia
11. Italy
- Rating System: Protocollo ITACA, Green Building Council Italia
12. Japan
- Rating System: CASBEE
13. Korea
- Rating System: KGBC
14. Malaysia
- Rating System: GBI Malaysia
15. Mexico
- Rating System: LEED Mexico
16. Netherlands
- Rating System: BREEAM Netherlands
17. New Zealand
- Rating System: Green Star NZ
18. Philippines
- Rating System: BERDE, Philippines Green Building Council
#### 19. Portugal
- **Rating System**: LiderA
20. Singapore
- Rating System: Green Mark
 21. UAE
- Rating System: Estidma
22. UK
- Rating System: BREEAM
 23. USA
- Rating System: LEED
This comprehensive list of international green building rating systems highlights the various certifications and councils dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices across different countries.