I assume you already know how usefully SketchUp extensions can be. In this article you will learn how to find and use them. You will also find help here if...
SketchUp extension not showing up?
Can't find extension in SketchUp?
How to use extension in SketchUp?
After you choose and install the plugin, you would like to use it. But it turnout that you don't know how to do that.
Of course you could go to the extension dedicated web page in Extension Warehouse or on developer site.
There you could read and watch all videos showing how to do that.
But you want to use it now. It couldn't be so complicated.
Sounds familiar?
Read below article to check how to find the way to run the user interface and commands of the SketchUp extension.
Where can I find extension in SketchUp?
SketchUp extensions developer can use few different places to locate buttons that user hit when he want's to use the extension. If you can not find it strength away look all of those places.
Shortcuts:
Dedicated Main Menu
SketchUp has Main Menu category dedicated to extensions. This is your first place to search for new program.
Many developers groups his extensions in one subcategory. Usually they called it same as the name they use. So every time you install new extension from particular creator most likely it will appear in that subcategory group. This is the place where all different extensions made by DBS are placed.
Every extension has his own commands submenu there.
Other Main Menu categories
However plugin creator can place his commands into any other Main Menu area.
For example Solid Inspector plugin was placed in the Tools Menu category.
In most cases its connected with its functions and purpose of use.
For example a plugin made for creating edges could be placed in the Draw Menu category.
Toolbars
Often the more advanced or frequently used plugin has his dedicated toolbar. It's very handy when you have access to commands right below on your screen.
However it has the downside as well. First thing is that if you don't use it regularly it will take your precious space on the screen. Next important knowledge is how to show and hide this toolbar button.
Go to View Menu to open Toolbars... dialog window.
Toolbars dialog window allows to show and hide particular extension toolbar.
For the windows users there is another way to quickly show or hide plugin buttons. Mouse right click on empty space of the sketchup bar will open context menu where every extension toolbar can be easily showed or hided.
Context menu
Sometimes plugin commands are placed in the mouse click context menu. Depending on what element is selected during the click that will context menu commands looks like. Context menus a powerful tool for users, as it allows them to quickly access the commands they need without having to navigate through menus or toolbars.
Commands Search function
Great way to find a extension is to use Search function build in into SketchUp.
Go to Help Menu and press Search SketchUp or use Shift+S keyboard shortcut.
Search bar will appear. You can now write few letters or a word that is part of command that you are searching for.
Below the search bar you will see the results list. There are every extensions commands that fit into your searching text. Select desire command to use it.
Conclusion
Regarding you can not find fresh installed SketchUp plugin or you would like to improve your work flow, information from this article will help you not waist your time.
