The 1001 Bit Tools plugin created by Goh Chun Hee is an amazing set of tools to create architectural works with best of detail. This plugin comes with 39 tools directed at designing architectural master pieces. Once installed the plugin comes with its own toolbar, the tools are more advanced and helpful in the design process. These tools could almost constitute an entire design program. Though these tools do require a good amount of practice to master. It can be confusing but fortunately there are great tutorials on YouTube, see below for some.
There are too many tools to discuss them all in detail here, but I do want to point out a few of my favorites. The wall tool is amazing at making walls follow a path. This tool is similar to the follow me tool, but it has much more ability to get the wall positioned exactly how you would like it. The window tool is something that SketchUp should of definitely already had as a standard tool. Whenever you are ready to make windows all you do is choose this tool and punch a window through! Though, the window framing tool does NOT work the same way as the window hole tool. If you already have an opening for a window then the frame tool will not work correctly. Its counter intuitive but the frame takes the entire solid, putting a frame on the wall as well as around the window.
Another great tool is the roof rafters tool and the joist tool. These are awesome to show the construction of a building in different phases. One of the most useful tools in this package are the stairs tools. Allows you to quickly create stairs, whether they be spiral, dogleg, or single flight. There are also basic tools in the package that allow you to chamfer and fillet corners and do some basic object manipulations that SketchUp does not already have options for.
Overall, the 1001 Bit Tools plugin by 1001 Bit Tools is an amazing set of tools that once you get the hang of it, will change the way you use SketchUp. At the time of this review this plugin is $29 or you can receive a free version as a student. The plugin is available at 1001bit.com. I give this plugin 4 out 5 stars! Lookout for new reviews on this plugin in the future!
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