Where IS the SketchUp Plugin folder?
-
This is the Newbie Forum so I stand unashamed and ask - In SU version 8 being used on a Mac - where do I find the Plugin folder? Is this something that needs to be downloaded? The only things I have in my Google SketchUp8 folder from the computer Library are: a folder titled SketchUp in which 3 Folders titled: Autosave, OldColors, Templates.
-
Type or Copy+Paste this into the Window > Ruby Console, + <enter>.
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
This will return the path to your installed Plugins folder - that's where you should install any .rb files [or them with their subfolders of other files, if they come in a zipped set] - see each tool's instructions... -
Hi TIG, thank you for your help, please bear with me as I ask still more -
I copied the line highlighted in red. dropped it into the Ruby console window of an open SU file. Closed SU then restarted the computer. Where did the SU PlugIns folder go? Not in my applications library in the SU main folder.
Once I find it - when I download the ruby script "curvlioft" do I just drag it to that plugin folder? Will that "unzip". I select all as instructed by Fredo6 but my Mac doesn't provide the same next steps as Fredo6's PC for me to follow.
Thanks again. RPeM
-
OK
Reread what I said.
Paste the 'red' text into the Ruby Console + <enter>
This then shows you the path to the Plugins folder.
Open that folder to install new scripts into it...IF you haven't got a Plugins folder then I'm puzzled as Sketchup should make one there ??
There are two [perhaps three] types of 'scripts':
one is a a simple one file version 'xxx.rb' - put this into the Plugins folder and restart Sketchup to get the tool to auto-load [see below for more details]
the other type is a more complex 'set' of files that comes in a zip file; depending on the tool there are one or two .rb files in the main zip and a subfolder containing several helper files that might make toolbars or webdialogs etc; you put the 'loose' files in Plugins and the subfolder of files into Plugins, leaving that subfolder's files and other sub-subfolders in their places.
another type ask you to get additional tools that are needed to help the main tool - e.g. progressbar.rb or a TT_Lib file etc - you install these in a similar way.
Many script-sets come with detailed guidance on how these various installed files should look.
Tools also have various ways of being 'used'.
In an approximate order of complexity...
the installed script helps other scripts and it is never 'run' on its own.
the installed script must be run by typing a command into the Ruby Console - usual for rarely used tools.
the installed script might be an 'Extension' and it needs 'activating' from the Preferences dialog.
the installed script is run from a menu item or submenu - this is pretty common - the menu item can also be shortcutted to a single keystroke/combo.
the installed script is run from a right-click context-menu item or submenu - common if you must have a certain thing selected for the tool to work.
the installed script runs from a Toolbar which must be activated from View > toolbars menu
[a toolbar might be the only way to use it OR it might be complementary to the menu item]... -
@tig said:
OK
Reread what I said.
Paste the 'red' text into the Ruby Console + <enter>
This then shows you the path to the Plugins folder.
Open that folder to install new scripts into it...IF you haven't got a Plugins folder then I'm puzzled as Sketchup should make one there ??
I did just what you instructed the first time. This is what I saw.
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/PluginsJust as in my previous post I follow the path but it never ends with Plugins. I can't even find it with " Finder". I'm puzzled too.
-
In finder click on MacIntosh HD then on Library, Application Support, Google SketchUp 8, SketchUp and finally on Plugins.
-
I'm sure that that is what I should find, but I assure you that following that path does NOT lead me to plugins. Should I reload SU8? Have been using it for at least 6 months with no issues until trying to download ruby scripts.
Thank you both, nonetheless for taking the time to assist.
-
@rpem said:
I'm sure that that is what I should find, but I assure you that following that path does NOT lead me to plugins. Should I reload SU8? Have been using it for at least 6 months with no issues until trying to download ruby scripts.
Thank you both, nonetheless for taking the time to assist.
Note the difference between the the HD path described by Dave and the user path you are on.
-
@rpem said:
I'm sure that that is what I should find, but I assure you that following that path does NOT lead me to plugins. Should I reload SU8? Have been using it for at least 6 months with no issues until trying to download ruby scripts.
Thank you both, nonetheless for taking the time to assist.
There's nothing wrong with Sketchup.
It's 'PEBCAC'...
As others have tried to explain the path/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Pluginsis where your 'Plugins' should go.
On a MAC the 'HD' is not returned at the start of the path... so the full folder-path is actually
HD/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins
PLEASE DO NOT start searching from your own 'User' starting point withHD/Users/RPeM+/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/...as there will NOT be a 'Plugins' folder there [unless you have erroneously made it!]
See wind-borne's screen-shots if you don't believe us...
-
@rpem said:
...but I assure you that following that path does NOT lead me to plugins.
I assure you it is there. In fact, you told us it was there when you wrote:
@unknownuser said:
I did just what you instructed the first time. This is what I saw.
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
Sketchup.find_support_file("Plugins")
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins -
@dukejazz said:
Right click on your sketchup 8 shortcut...
dukejazz, this would all be nice except the OP is using a Mac so none of this applies to him.
-
@dave r said:
@dukejazz said:
Right click on your sketchup 8 shortcut...
dukejazz, this would all be nice except the OP is using a Mac so none of this applies to him.
BUT you can make the equivalent to a shortcut - an 'alias' - on a MAC... so it is a quick way of going to a particular folder/file too... -
True
-
@tig said:
@rpem said:
I'm sure that that is what I should find, but I assure you that following that path does NOT lead me to plugins. Should I reload SU8? Have been using it for at least 6 months with no issues until trying to download ruby scripts.
Thank you both, nonetheless for taking the time to assist.
There's nothing wrong with Sketchup.
It's 'PEBCAC'...
As others have tried to explain the path/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Pluginsis where your 'Plugins' should go.
On a MAC the 'HD' is not returned at the start of the path... so the full folder-path is actually
HD/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins
PLEASE DO NOT start searching from your own 'User' starting point withHD/Users/RPeM+/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/...as there will NOT be a 'Plugins' folder there [unless you have erroneously made it!]
See wind-borne's screen-shots if you don't believe us...My Newbie badge is glowing.
Yes indeed starting the search from my "user" starting point leads to no plugins folder, but starting from "DaDisk" – the Mac HD – the path follows just as you all told me it would. I won't ask why - it's a computer thing. Again, I thank you all for your patience and contributions. Yikes! 
-
Yes, Jobs only knows why we have TWO very important "Library" folders. Well actually, it's because one is for everyone and one is for each user. So get used to it. I put my Plugins Folder "alias" in the sidebar which shows in every finder window (drag the folder icon into the sidebar). Then you just drag plugins from the Downloads folder to that alias. (Your Downloads folder should also be in your dock or the sidebar or both, for ease of use.)
To make it interesting, when you use LayOut the Scrapbook folder for Layout ends up under the User Library folder, by default, which seems opposite logic to me. It could be worse. I tried to load a plugin for Gimp and gave up (for now).
MacUser
-
Mac users I sorry, I miss readed your question.
This is how window work with sketchup.MS Windows vista, win7 only not mac:
Right click on your sketchup 8 shortcut, select open file location or properties - open file loaction.
When file loaction opens in explorer you should see a Plugins folder
if not create a new folder and rename it to Plugins.If it say you can't rename it then its is hidden or the file has security see your admin for help. To unhide a file use Explorer - tools -folder options - view
then select, show hidden files or folders = on.I think you should be ready to go now.
Extra set up:
Right click Plugins folder - create shortcut.
Cut and paste to any folder for easy access to the internet
Example: desktop or links folder.note
[vista, win 7] open Explorer - organize - layout - navigation pane is on
favorite links list comes from the links folder.The navigation pane favorite links can be added to or reorder by dragging and dropping folders shortcuts to it and will show up in the links folder
Go go internet download action on zips and xxx.rb:
zips: open - select all - drag and drop on (navigation pane) plugins folder. (nice and sweet).
xxx.rb: Save as - (navigation pane) press plugins folder - Save (easy work).
-
Here you go sketchup Macintosh users.
Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/plugins.
if plugins folder is missing then create one here in SketchUp folder.
Advertisement