SketchUp 7 - Tools, Plugins, and Scripts similar to Rhino, Max, Maya, and Revit

Software: SketchUp

Description: This is the first SketchUp post on DesignReform.net. This post contains highlights of SketchUp with links to several useful videos on SketchUp7’s new tools as well as some interesting plug-ins.  Several of these plug-ins and scripts offer tools similar to those in Revit, 3ds MAX, and Maya.

Sketchup7 - Links to new features and scripts in order of what I found most interesting and useful [some are free, some have a small fee]

Download Script: Subdivide and Smooth (not free)

2. Dynamic Components [Similar to:  Revit - Generic / System Families]

More info on creating dynamic components:

3. Unfold [Similar to: Rhino - Unwrap] (From forum post: http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/ruby-scripts/9467-visual-index-ruby-scripts-2.html)

Download Script: Unfold

4. Weld (skip to 3:10 in video) [Not that same as weld at the sub-object level in 3ds MAX. It is more like pedit>join in AutoCAD]

Download Script: Weld

5. Drop [No glaring similarities.  I actually like a similar script better called Smart Drop but I couldn't find a link to the script] (From forum post: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=3474)

Download Script: Drop

6. Draw on Curved Surface [Similar to: Rhino - InterpCrvOnSrf] (From forum post: http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/ruby-scripts/9467-visual-index-ruby-scripts-2.html)

Download Script: ToolsOnSurface

7. SketchUp Layout 2 [Not as intelligent as Revit but useful]

***If you want to learn the basics of SketchUp, here are four clear intro videos: Video 1 / Video 2 / Video 3 / Video 4 [Note: Videos 2 through 4 are the most useful. Video 1 is more for those new to 3d in general]***