Plugin (extension)

A plugin, also called an extension, is a small program installed into a host application to give it new abilities. Almost every program used in architecture accepts them. A plugin can be a simple tool that speeds up one task, or a complete render engine running inside the host.

What plugins do in architecture

SketchUp is especially rich here. Its extensions are written in Ruby and usually distributed as a single file with the .rbz extension. Parametric tools that build stairs, roofs, window frames or kitchen cabinets from typed dimensions cut hours of manual modeling down to minutes. Render plugins let you produce realistic images inside the program you are already working in, without exporting the model. Beyond these there are countless tools for quantities, export, scene management and model cleanup.

What to check when choosing one

Make sure the plugin supports the version of the host program you use. Download only from trusted sources; files from unknown sites are a risk to both stability and security. Installing more plugins than you need can slow down start-up, so switching off the ones you never use is a good habit. It also pays to know how a plugin stores its data in the model; think about how the file will look when you share it with someone who does not have that plugin. You can find SketchUp extensions built for architectural workflows in our plugin store.