Plugin Loader for SketchUp

Description

This SketchUp plugin was created out of a need for having plugins available in a “locked down” computer lab setting (similar to my solution for AutoCAD). It also provides an easy way to browse some of the web plugin repositories and then to load any plugin into SketchUp – from any location. Because I had a recurring need for keeping some developer references handy, I decided to include several reference web links as well. As a result, this plugin serves novice SketchUp users as well as in-depth users.

After installation, this is how the plugin appears under the “Plugins” menu:

Plugin menu items

These are the menu items:

• The top two items allow for loading either a single plugin (RB file) or several plugins at once that are all contained in a folder. For the second option, simply select any file within the folder and all will be loaded.
• The next set of links point to the main web plugin repositories. After clicking the menu item, a web browser window opens within SketchUp. You can then browse to a plugin and download it. After closing the browser window, an option is presented to install the plugin right away. You can save these plugins anywhere. In a locked-down computer lab, it may be a good idea to save them to your USB memory stick.
• The final items show some developer links (e.g. the Ruby API). These links open in an external browser since I found this most useful for my own use.
• If you get stuck, maybe the help option has some information. Otherwise leave a comment on the bottom of this page.

Downloads

Plugin Loader for SketchUp v.1.1 (4.33 KB, downloaded 3620 times) - PLEASE NOTE: Download the ZIP file and unzip it. Then drop it into the SketchUp plugin directory (usually at C:\Program Files\Google\SketchUp\Plugins\ in Windows). Then re-start SketchUp and look for the new menu item in the Tools menu.

IMPORTANT: I changed file names from v. 1.0 to 1.1. If you are updating, delete the old version first. Also, save both files (the RB and the TXT file).

ALSO: If you want to receive updates whenever a new version is published, subscribe to the comments below.

Alternatively, you can save the contained RB file anywhere (e.g. your USB memory stick – the H: drive in my case) and then load it into SketchUp (no restart required!) by opening the Ruby Console (Window > Ruby Console) and entering this (modify for your setup):

  load "H:\PluginLoader.rb"

Screenshots

Browser window (as it opens in SketchUp)

You can browse to a plugin and download it right from this window. Your standard plugin directory is shown in the title bar but it is not necessary to save the plugin file(s) there. Using the load function, you can load plugins that are located anywhere.

Load dialog

To load a plugin, browse to its main RB file. While this will work in most cases, it may fail to load some plugins due to programmed-in dependencies.

Credits:

Thanks to Jim Folz for his help (in the SCF) and for contributing the require_all function.

Revision History

• 1.0 (3/9/2009) – First version
• 1.1 (3/18/2009) – Changes:
  – Added more plugin links and fixed some spelling
  – Added browser “buttons” and better explanation
  – Added help menu item and updated help file
  – Changed menu order a bit

To-Do

• Would be nice to open the plugin collections in a web dialog and then allow the user to download and install the plugin with one click. This will likely need a different web directory setup. Shouldn’t be impossible, though.
• Unloading of plugins.
• Should I add more web links?
• Folder selection is a bit workaroundish. A standard directory picker would be better.
  

RATE POST: (2 votes, 5.00/5)

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