How Do I Add an OpenStudio Plugin to Sketchup?

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How Do I Add an OpenStudio Plugin to Sketchup?

Adding an OpenStudio plugin to Sketchup can greatly enhance your workflow and enable you to create energy models more efficiently. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing and activating the OpenStudio plugin in Sketchup.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Download the Plugin

Before you can add the OpenStudio plugin to Sketchup, you need to download it. Visit the official OpenStudio website or a trusted plugin repository to find the latest version of the plugin.

Look for a download link that matches your operating system.

Step 2: Install the Plugin

Once you have downloaded the OpenStudio plugin, follow these steps to install it in Sketchup:

  1. Locate the downloaded file: Depending on your browser settings, the downloaded file may be saved in your Downloads folder or any other location you specified. Find the file and remember its location.
  2. Open Sketchup: Launch Sketchup on your computer. Make sure you are running a compatible version of Sketchup that supports plugins.
  3. Navigate to Preferences: In Sketchup, go to “Window” in the menu bar and select “Preferences”. This will open up the Preferences dialog box.
  4. Select Extensions: In the Preferences dialog box, click on “Extensions” in the sidebar.

    This is where you manage all installed plugins.

  5. Click on Install Extension: At the bottom of the Extensions panel, click on “Install Extension”. A file browser window will appear.
  6. Locate the Plugin: In the file browser window, navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded OpenStudio plugin file. Select the file and click “Open”.
  7. Confirm Installation: Sketchup will display a confirmation message indicating that the plugin has been successfully installed. Click “OK” to close the message.

Step 3: Activate the Plugin

Now that you have installed the OpenStudio plugin, it’s time to activate it in Sketchup. Follow these steps to activate the plugin:

  1. Enable Extension: In Sketchup’s Preferences dialog box, under the Extensions panel, locate the OpenStudio plugin in the list of installed extensions. Make sure the checkbox next to it is checked.
  2. Restart Sketchup: To apply the changes and activate the OpenStudio plugin, close Sketchup and reopen it.
  3. Access OpenStudio Toolbar: After restarting Sketchup, look for a new toolbar labeled “OpenStudio” in your workspace.

    This toolbar contains various tools and options provided by the plugin.

  4. Welcome Dialog Box: When you first open Sketchup with OpenStudio activated, you may see a Welcome dialog box from OpenStudio. Take some time to explore its contents and familiarize yourself with any important information or updates provided.

Congratulations! You’re Ready to Use OpenStudio Plugin!

By following these steps, you have successfully added and activated an OpenStudio plugin in Sketchup. You can now start using all the powerful features and tools offered by this plugin to create energy models efficiently and effectively.

Take your time to explore the capabilities of the plugin, and don’t hesitate to refer to the official documentation or community resources for further guidance.

Remember to regularly update the OpenStudio plugin to benefit from bug fixes and new features introduced by the developers. Enjoy your enhanced Sketchup experience with OpenStudio!