How do I install and use SketchyPhysics?

Alienizer

To use SketchyPhysics, you first need to install the latest Google SketchUp 3D designer. SketchyPhysics is not a "stand alone" program, it is a plugin for SketchUp, therefore, requiring SketchUp to run. You can download the free or the Pro version of SketchUp. Use the following URL to view the current available version...
http://sketchup.google.com/
Select the version for your OS, run it, and follow the on screen prompts.

Now that you have installed SketchUp, use the following link to view the latest SketchyPhysics downloads...
http://code.google.com/p/sketchyphysics/downloads/list
Again, run it, and follow the on screen prompts. It will install itself in the SketchUp Plugins folder.

After you have installed both SketchUp and SketchyPhysics, run SketchUp and go to the "View/Toolbars" menu. You will see some new menu items "Sketchy...". If there are no checkmark next to them, click them to add one. This will make the on-screen toolbar visible for easy access. Move the toolbars as you see fit. SketchyPhysics will also be listed in the "Plugins" menu, and in the right click context menu of objects.

To run a SketchyPhysics model, use the following link to search the Google 3D warehouse for SketchyPhysics models...
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=SketchyPhysics&styp=m&scoring=d

Once the model is loaded in your SketchUp, click on the "Play" simulation button. Some model may require you to use your keyboard/mouse/joystick to manipulate the simulation, as in a car game for example. Note that when running a simulation, you can not perform any modifications to the model. Anything that you move while the simulation is running will react as in real life. Click the "Play" button again to Pause the simulation, or the "Reset" button to stop it all together and then you can edit the 3D model and make changes.

Wacov

Sure beats my explanation... in the future, it simplifies things if you post your answer in the FAQ thread, Chris will delete it when he's copied it to the main post.

Alienizer

@wacov said:

Sure beats my explanation... in the future, it simplifies things if you post your answer in the FAQ thread, Chris will delete it when he's copied it to the main post.

oh, I thought it was the other way around, post it here, and then he'll delete it and add it to the FAQ!

CPhillips

Either will work. I will edit this into the Faq post.

Thanks Alienizer!