Hi everyone,

I'm just getting started with SU and am curious to know what you think are the 'must have' plugins? I've had a look through the plugins list and visual thread but I'm still slightly overwhelmed by the choice!

For example, I've seen a lot of people use 'contour map' surfaces (i.e. smooth hills and valleys) which seems like voodoo to me - is there one plugin that allows you to do this or are there several?

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

Wow, more fantastic replies... I think I'll be sticking around here

@ledisnomad: my intended use is - for the moment at least - to play! I work mostly in web design / graphic design, but I'm a bit of a jack of all trades (i.e. master of none) so I'm always happy to have something else to add to my CV. 3D modeling wise I'm interested in archviz and potentially organic landscapes - I've seen some amazing stuff done with instancing and indigo renderer.

Fun is definitely the keyword here - personally I tend to try and turn things I enjoy into a potential career (see the CV comment above!) which sometimes sucks all of the fun right out.

However, based on you guys and gals I'm going to stick with Sketchup! I had a peek at the 'get started' guide for Maya and threw up a little bit!

Next up is a thread asking for your recommendations for 'must have' plugins - i.e. what every newbie should have!

Thanks everyone for your views!

Wow - what an awesome response!

Cheers for all of your responses. I have to be honest, I'm still feeling the pull towards more 'pro' packages - specifically Maya - mostly due to the possibility of future employment... I guess I don't want to invest too much time in something (Sketchup) if I'm going to move on to something more powerful (Maya) in a few months.

Does that make sense or am I talking gibberish?

Hi! I've just started using Sketchup and doing a bit of exploration of some of the work you guys are up to - and it's amazing!

I was just wondering, with all of the 'pro' (e.g. Blender, Maya etc.) software out there, what made you stick with Sketchup? What does it offer you that the others don't? I guess the obvious one is money, but I'm sure there are other reasons?

Cheers!