Architectural_Design_with_SketchUp
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Chapter 4 Using Plugins Effectively<br />
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ZIP file—A ZIP (compressed) file contains not only the RB file(s) but often other necessary<br />
files (e.g., images) and folders. Unzip this file using any compression software you like and<br />
paste its content exactly as it is into the Plugins folder (this is sometimes called extracting<br />
the file contents). Important: Make sure you keep its internal folder structure intact.<br />
Usually your operating system will open a ZIP file if you just double-click it. If that doesn’t<br />
work, look for compression software such as 7-ZIP (www.7-zip.org) to help you out. Please<br />
note: You can also install a ZIP file plugin using the method described for the RBZ file.<br />
RBZ file—This is a new file format that was introduced in <strong>SketchUp</strong>’s Version 8 Maintenance<br />
Release 2. If you are running an older version of <strong>SketchUp</strong>, consider upgrading (it’s worth<br />
it!) or look for a ZIP version of the plugin. If you have the latest version of <strong>SketchUp</strong>, then<br />
all you need to do is go to the Extensions tab in the Preferences window (see Figure 4.1).<br />
There you will find a small button labeled “Install Extension. . ..” Click that button, browse<br />
to the RBZ file, and okay any confirmation dialogs that come up. <strong>SketchUp</strong> will install this<br />
plugin for you, and you don’t even have to browse to the Plugins folder. As mentioned<br />
before, this method also works <strong>with</strong> ZIP files.<br />
Figure 4.1: The new “Install Extension . . .” button.<br />
In Windows, you should be able to simply copy the URL of an RBZ or ZIP plugin and paste<br />
it into the dialog that opens when you click the “Install Extension . . .” button. Windows<br />
will download the file for you, and then <strong>SketchUp</strong> will install it in one step.<br />
TIP<br />
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An installable EXE or DMG file—If a plugin comes as this type of file, the plugin author<br />
will have packaged it in a system-specific installation or setup file (an EXE file in Windows<br />
and a DMG file for use on Macs). You can then install it as you would any other software<br />
on your computer. Usually this format is used <strong>with</strong> larger, commercial plugins. Most of<br />
these do not require you to do anything other than click a few Next buttons. You might<br />
be required to confirm <strong>SketchUp</strong>’s installation location, though. Modify this only if you<br />
installed <strong>SketchUp</strong> in a custom location. Restart <strong>SketchUp</strong> to activate your plugin.<br />
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