Here is a list of five key SketchUp Extensions which any 3D enthusiast can add to their workflow to improve productivity and also to speed up modeling. Just go for it.
Lumion Live Sync for SketchUp
Lumion Live Sync is one of the SketchUp Extensions that allows you to establish a live connection, allowing you to model and render at the same time. This will assist you in conveying the sensation of pushing and tugging a real-life structure. When it comes to lower-scale models, it’s a must.
Who can use it? Ranging from intermediate to advanced user
Best for: To visualize your small scale project as you model
System compatibility: Only available for Windows
Pricing: Lumion €1499 | Lumion Pro €2999 | Free educational license in some countries
Free trial duration: 14 days
Unreal Engine
This was made by Epic Games and was previously used for game development. It’s ideal for creating interactive, user-friendly visualizations that can be examined in real-time. The Unreal Datasmith Plugin for SketchUp allows for smooth exports from SketchUp to Unreal Engine.
Who can use it? Ranging from beginner to intermediate user
Best for Fast, real-time rendering
System compatibility: Available for Windows and Mac
Pricing: Free
V-Ray 5
V-Ray 5 has a long history in the arch-viz community as a powerful professional renderer capable of producing polished, photo-real renders for both novices and pros. Such render options are included in V-Ray 5’s current edition of SketchUp Extension, which you should quickly select and adjust to suit your preferences. It has an interactive viewing window that you can utilize while modelling in SketchUp, as well as a premium cloud rendering option that allows you to use your hardware for other things. You can experiment with other inputs or utilize the built-in presets if you’re new to rendering.
Who can use it? It can be used by both beginner and advanced users. It can adapt to suit your rendering knowledge.
Best for Interactive render viewing and also for high-quality professional renders
System compatibility: Windows/Mac
Pricing: It is available as part of SketchUp Studio
Trial: Free for 30 days
Profile Builder 3
By simplifying repetitive operations, this addition cuts modelling time in half. Profiles can be created using simple or sophisticated SketchUp faces and polylines. Simply extend these profiles along pathways to establish a profile member, and then link profile members to create parametrically defined assemblies.
Who can use it? From Intermediate to advanced users all can use
Best for: Creating bespoke and standard profiles for repetitive geometries
System compatibility: Available for Windows and Mac
Pricing: $79 for lifetime access
Free trial duration: 30 days – Download Now
Add Height from Datum
If you need to reference heights during modelling or at a vital stakeholder meeting, you’ll need this plugin. For greater accuracy throughout the design process, just mark and reference the important levels in your design.
Who can use it? From beginner to advanced users all can use it
Best for: Keeping track of key datums within your project
System compatibility: Available for Windows and Mac
Pricing: Free. Register with SketchUcation, an independent SketchUp community forum, to access the download
