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Synctools Pro For Sketchup

by blenderVfxMaster·Workflow

Illustrative cover generated by AnyPlugins — no product screenshot available.

Why we like it

Sits in the Superhive library as part of the broader SyncTools family, which shares one exchange protocol across Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Cinema 4D, Rhino and Marvelous Designer. The developer dedicates a portion of revenue to the Blender Foundation.

What is Synctools Pro For Sketchup?

SyncTools Pro for SketchUp brings SketchUp into a wider DCC pipeline by copying 3D assets bidirectionally between SketchUp models or out to other applications. It runs through a unified FBX-based exchange protocol, the same one shared across the SyncTools family, so components, groups, faces and materials move without a rebuild.

What transfers is spelled out clearly: components are preserved as-is, materials carry their texture files and basic settings, groups keep their hierarchy, geometry retains its parenting, and faces bring both geometry and UVs. Selective transfer lets you toggle which elements come along, while smart scaling matches units automatically. The plugin adds a native SyncTools menu inside SketchUp, with default Ctrl + Shift + C and Ctrl + Shift + V shortcuts that can be remapped.

It's aimed at architects, interior designers and visualization artists, such as architects who model in SketchUp and render in Blender, or visualizers shuttling assets between programs. A shared cache directory supports team use, and the same protocol connects to Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Cinema 4D, Rhino and Marvelous Designer plugins. It works on both Windows and macOS.

Who is Synctools Pro For Sketchup best for?

Synctools Pro For Sketchup is best for architects, interior designers and visualization artists moving assets between SketchUp and other DCCs.

How much does Synctools Pro For Sketchup cost?

Synctools Pro For Sketchup is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Bidirectional sync from SketchUp to other DCCs and back
  • Component and group preservation, keeping SketchUp's organizational primitives intact with hierarchy
  • Material and texture transfer, including texture files and basic material settings
  • Selective transfer to toggle which elements come along
  • Smart scaling with automatic unit matching
  • Native SyncTools menu inside SketchUp, with remappable default Ctrl + Shift + C / V shortcuts
  • Cross-platform support for Windows and macOS

Tags

#sketchup#blender#pipeline#dcc#sync#architecture#components

Frequently asked questions

Does SyncTools Pro for SketchUp work with SketchUp 2024?

SyncTools Pro for SketchUp lists SketchUp 2022 and newer as recommended, with versions from 2014 through 2021 also supported, so SketchUp 2024 falls within the recommended range. Once installed, the plugin adds a native SyncTools menu inside SketchUp, and the default copy and paste shortcuts are Ctrl + Shift + C and Ctrl + Shift + V, both of which can be remapped. If the SyncTools menu doesn't appear after installation, the developer suggests checking folder permissions and confirming your SketchUp version is supported.

How do I install SyncTools Pro for SketchUp?

SyncTools Pro for SketchUp installs by copying its plugin folder into the SketchUp Plugins directory. On Windows that sits under %APPDATA%\SketchUp, and on macOS under ~/Library/Application Support/SketchUp, inside the version-specific SketchUp Plugins folder. Drop the included SyncTools folder there, then restart SketchUp and the SyncTools menu should appear. If it doesn't show up, check the folder permissions and confirm your SketchUp version is supported. No separate installer is described beyond copying the folder and restarting the application.

What operating systems does SyncTools Pro for SketchUp support?

SyncTools Pro for SketchUp runs on both Windows and macOS, with listed requirements of Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13 or later. It's listed as cross-platform, so the same plugin covers both desktop operating systems. A shared cache directory is available for team use, letting multiple people work through the same exchange setup. Check the developer's page for any further environment details before installing on an older system.

Can SyncTools Pro for SketchUp move assets to Blender and Maya?

SyncTools Pro for SketchUp moves assets both between SketchUp models and out to other DCCs such as Blender, Maya and 3ds Max. It uses a unified FBX-based exchange protocol shared across the SyncTools family, which also covers Houdini, Cinema 4D, Rhino and Marvelous Designer. Components transfer as-is, materials carry their textures, groups keep their hierarchy, and faces bring geometry plus UVs. Selective transfer lets you toggle which elements come along, and smart scaling matches units automatically during the exchange.

Is SyncTools Pro for SketchUp free?

SyncTools Pro for SketchUp is listed as free here in the catalog. For current licensing terms, including how it fits with the wider DCC Integration Suite, check the developer's page directly, since pricing and bundle options can change. The developer notes free lifetime updates within the current major version, along with email and ticket support through the Superhive inbox and a community chat for real-time help. Confirm the latest details on the developer's page before making any purchase decisions.

Alternatives to Synctools Pro For Sketchup

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