The Ultimate Guide to Estimator for SketchUp: Features, Benefits, and Free Download
Estimator for SketchUp: What Is It and How to Download It for Free
If you are looking for a way to create accurate and detailed estimates for your SketchUp projects, you might have heard of Estimator for SketchUp. This is a powerful and easy-to-use plugin that allows you to generate estimates using components, layers, or materials in your 3D models. But what exactly is Estimator for SketchUp, and how can you download it for free? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will also show you how to install and use Estimator for SketchUp, and how to find alternatives if you are not satisfied with it.
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What Is Estimator for SketchUp?
Estimator for SketchUp is a plugin that integrates with SketchUp, a popular 3D modeling software that can be used for various applications such as architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape design, and more. Estimator for SketchUp enables you to create estimates while you model in SketchUp, saving you time and money.
A Brief Introduction to SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that was developed by Google in 2000 and later acquired by Trimble in 2012. It is known for its intuitive, user-friendly interface and its patented "Push and Pull" method that allows you to extrude any flat surface into 3D shapes. You can use SketchUp to create 3D models of anything you can imagine, from buildings and furniture to vehicles and characters. You can also customize the look and feel of your models with textures, colors, materials, and styles. You can also import and export your models in various formats, such as DWG, STL, OBJ, PDF, PNG, etc.
SketchUp has two versions: SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro. SketchUp Free is a web-based version that you can use online without installing anything on your computer. It has limited features and functionality compared to SketchUp Pro. SketchUp Pro is a desktop version that you can install on your Windows or Mac computer. It has more advanced features and functionality, such as layout tools, solid tools, dynamic components, extensions, etc. You can also access additional services such as 3D Warehouse, Extension Warehouse, Trimble Connect, etc.
The Features and Benefits of Estimator for SketchUp
Estimator for SketchUp is a plugin that adds estimating capabilities to SketchUp Pro. It was developed by John Brock, a builder who wanted to make estimating easier and faster for himself and other professionals. Estimator for SketchUp allows you to assign costs by component, layer, or material in your 3D models. You can also use predefined cost codes or create your own custom codes. You can also use take-off tools to measure areas, lengths, volumes, etc., in your models.
Some of the features and benefits of Estimator for SketchUp are:
It works seamlessly with SketchUp Pro. You can access it from the Extensions menu or the toolbar.
It is easy to use. You can simply select an object in your model and enter its cost information in the Estimator dialog box.
It is customizable. You can create your own cost codes, items database, templates, reports , etc. You can also adjust the currency, tax rate, markup, overhead, etc.
It is accurate. It calculates the total cost of your project based on the data you enter in your model. It also updates the cost automatically whenever you make changes to your model.
It is flexible. You can generate estimates for different scenarios, such as different design options, materials, quantities, etc. You can also compare the estimates and see the differences.
It is professional. You can create and print detailed reports with your logo, company name, project name, date, etc. You can also export the reports to PDF, Excel, or CSV formats.
Estimator for SketchUp can help you save time and money by creating estimates while you model in SketchUp. It can also help you improve your communication and collaboration with your clients, contractors, suppliers, etc., by providing clear and transparent information about your project costs.
How to Download Estimator for SketchUp for Free
If you are interested in trying Estimator for SketchUp, you might be wondering how to download it for free. There are two ways to do this: the official way and the unofficial way. Let's take a look at both of them and see their pros and cons.
The Official Way: Get a Free Trial or Buy a Subscription
The official way to download Estimator for SketchUp for free is to get a free trial or buy a subscription from the developer's website. This is the safest and most reliable way to get the plugin and enjoy its full features and functionality.
To get a free trial, you need to fill out a form with your name, email address, phone number, company name, and country. You will then receive an email with a link to download the plugin and a license key to activate it. The free trial lasts for 14 days and gives you access to all the features of Estimator for SketchUp.
To buy a subscription, you need to choose a plan that suits your needs and budget. There are three plans available: Basic, Pro, and Enterprise. The Basic plan costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year and allows you to use Estimator for SketchUp on one computer. The Pro plan costs $19.99 per month or $199 per year and allows you to use Estimator for SketchUp on up to three computers. The Enterprise plan costs $49.99 per month or $499 per year and allows you to use Estimator for SketchUp on unlimited computers. All plans include unlimited projects, reports, support, and updates.
The official way has several advantages over the unofficial way:
It is legal and ethical. You are supporting the developer who created the plugin and respecting their intellectual property rights.
It is safe and secure. You are downloading the plugin from a trusted source and avoiding any potential malware or viruses that might harm your computer or data.
It is updated and supported. You are getting the latest version of the plugin with all the bug fixes and improvements. You are also getting access to customer support and technical assistance in case you encounter any issues or have any questions.
The Unofficial Way: Use a Crack or a Patch
The unofficial way to download Estimator for SketchUp for free is to use a crack or a patch from an unauthorized source. This is a risky and illegal way to get the plugin without paying for it or getting a license key.
A crack or a patch is a file or a program that modifies or bypasses the original code of the plugin to make it work without a license key or a subscription. You can find cracks or patches for Estimator for SketchUp on various websites, forums, blogs, torrents, etc., that offer pirated software.
The unofficial way has several disadvantages over the official way:
It is illegal and unethical. You are violating the developer's copyright and terms of service by using their plugin without their permission or compensation.
It is unsafe and insecure. You are downloading the plugin from an untrusted source and exposing yourself to possible malware or viruses that might harm your computer or data.
It is outdated and unsupported. You are getting an old version of the plugin that might not work properly or have bugs or errors. You are also not getting any customer support or technical assistance in case you encounter any issues or have any questions.
The Risks and Drawbacks of Using a Crack or a Patch
Using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp might seem tempting if you want to save some money or try the plugin without limitations. However, there are many risks and drawbacks involved in using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp. Here are some of them:
You might face legal consequences. Using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp is considered software piracy, which is a criminal offense in many countries. You might be fined, sued, or even jailed for violating the law.
You might damage your reputation. Using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp is also considered unethical and unprofessional, especially if you are using it for commercial purposes. You might lose the trust and respect of your clients, colleagues, partners, etc., who might question your integrity and credibility.
You might compromise your quality. Using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp might affect the quality and accuracy of your estimates, as the plugin might not work as intended or have errors or glitches. You might end up with inaccurate or incomplete estimates that might cause problems or disputes later on.
You might lose your data. Using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp might expose your computer and data to malware or viruses that might corrupt, delete, or steal your files, passwords, personal information, etc. You might lose your work, money, identity, or privacy as a result.
As you can see, using a crack or a patch for Estimator for SketchUp is not worth the risk or the hassle. It is better to use the official way to download Estimator for SketchUp for free by getting a free trial or buying a subscription from the developer's website. This way, you can enjoy the plugin safely, legally, and ethically.
How to Install and Use Estimator for SketchUp
Now that you know how to download Estimator for SketchUp for free, you might be wondering how to install and use it. In this section, we will show you how to do that step by step.
How to Install Estimator for SketchUp on Windows
To install Estimator for SketchUp on Windows, you need to follow these steps:
Download the plugin from the developer's website. You will receive an email with a link to download the plugin and a license key to activate it.
Extract the ZIP file that contains the plugin files. You will see two files: estimator.rbz and estimator_license.txt.
Open SketchUp Pro and go to Window > Extension Manager.
Click on Install Extension and browse to the location where you extracted the plugin files.
Select estimator.rbz and click on Open.
Click on Yes to confirm that you trust the extension.
Restart SketchUp Pro to complete the installation.
Go to Extensions > Estimator > License Manager.
Copy and paste the license key from estimator_license.txt into the License Key field and click on Activate License.
You will see a message that says "License Activated Successfully". Click on OK.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Estimator for SketchUp on Windows. You can now access it from Extensions > Estimator or from the toolbar.
How to Use Estimator for SketchUp to Create Estimates
To use Estimator for SketchUp to create estimates, you need to follow these steps:
Create or open a 3D model in SketchUp Pro that you want to estimate.
Go to Extensions > Estimator > New Estimate or click on the New Estimate icon on the toolbar.
A dialog box will appear where you can enter some basic information about your project, such as project name, date, client name, address, etc. You can also choose a template and a currency for your estimate. Click on OK when you are done.
A new tab will open in SketchUp Pro where you can see your estimate. You can also see a list of cost codes on the left side of the screen. Cost codes are categories of items that you can assign costs to in your model.
Select an object in your model that you want to assign a cost to. For example, if you want to assign a cost to a wall, select the wall in your model.
A dialog box will appear where you can enter the cost information for the selected object. You can choose a cost code from the list or create your own custom code. You can also enter the unit price, quantity, unit of measure, description , notes, etc. for the selected object. Click on OK when you are done.
The cost information for the selected object will be added to your estimate. You can see the subtotal, tax, markup, overhead, and total cost for each cost code and for the whole project. You can also see the percentage of each cost code in relation to the total cost.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all the objects in your model that you want to assign costs to. You can also use the take-off tools to measure areas, lengths, volumes, etc. in your model and assign costs to them.
When you are done with your estimate, you can save it, print it, or export it to PDF, Excel, or CSV formats. You can also customize the appearance and layout of your estimate by changing the fonts, colors, styles, etc.
Congratulations! You have successfully used Estimator for SketchUp to create an estimate for your project. You can now share it with your clients, contractors, suppliers, etc. and get feedback and approval.
How to Find Alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp
Estimator for SketchUp is a great plugin that can help you create estimates for your SketchUp projects. However, it might not be the best option for everyone. Maybe you are looking for a different feature, a lower price, or a better compatibility with other software. Maybe you are not satisfied with Estimator for SketchUp's performance, support, or updates. Whatever the reason, you might want to find alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp that can suit your needs and preferences better.
Some Popular Alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp
There are many alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp that you can choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Name
Description
Price
Quantifier Pro
A plugin that allows you to calculate quantities and costs of materials, areas, lengths, volumes, etc. in your SketchUp models. It also lets you create reports and export them to PDF or CSV formats.
$79 per year
PlusSpec
A plugin that allows you to create parametric 3D models of buildings and structures in SketchUp. It also lets you generate estimates, specifications, schedules, reports, etc. based on your models.
$395 per year
ConDoc Tools
A plugin that allows you to create construction documents from your SketchUp models. It also lets you generate estimates, schedules, reports, etc. based on your models.
$149 per year
SketchUp2CostX
A plugin that allows you to export your SketchUp models to CostX, a software that allows you to create estimates and take-offs from 2D and 3D drawings.
$495 per year
BIMBits
A plugin that allows you to create BIM models in SketchUp and export them to IFC format. It also lets you generate estimates and reports based on your models.
$99 per year
How to Compare and Choose the Best Alternative for Your Needs
To compare and choose the best alternative to Estimator for SketchUp for your needs, you need to consider several factors such as:
Your budget. How much are you willing to spend on an estimating plugin? Do you prefer a one-time payment or a recurring subscription?
Your features. What features are you looking for in an estimating plugin? Do you need advanced features such as parametric modeling, BIM integration , or IFC export?
Your compatibility. What software are you using for your 3D modeling and estimating? Do you need a plugin that works well with SketchUp or other software such as CostX, Revit, etc.?
Your performance. How fast and reliable is the plugin? Does it run smoothly on your computer or does it cause crashes or errors?
Your support. How good is the customer service and technical support of the plugin? Do you get timely and helpful responses to your queries or issues?
Your updates. How often is the plugin updated and improved? Do you get access to the latest versions and features of the plugin?
To compare and choose the best alternative to Estimator for SketchUp for your needs, you can do the following:
Make a list of your requirements and preferences for an estimating plugin.
Research the features, prices, reviews, ratings, etc. of the alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp that you are interested in.
Narrow down your options to the ones that meet most or all of your requirements and preferences.
Download and try the free trials or demos of the alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp that you have selected.
Evaluate the performance, functionality, usability, etc. of the alternatives to Estimator for SketchUp that you have tried.
Choose the alternative to Estimator for SketchUp that best suits your needs and preferences.
By following these steps, you can compare and choose the best alternative to Estimator for SketchUp for your needs.
Conclusion
Estimator for SketchUp is a plugin that allows you to create estimates while you model in SketchUp. It is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that can help you save time and money by generating accurate and detailed estimates using components, layers, or materials in your 3D models. You can also create and print professional reports with your logo, company name, project name, date, etc. You can also export the reports to PDF, Excel, or CSV formats.
You can download Estimator for SketchUp for free by getting a free trial or buying a subscription from the developer's website. This is the official way to get the plugin and enjoy its full features and functionality. You can also download Estimator for SketchUp for free by using a crack or a patch from an unauthorized source. This is the unofficial way to get the plugin without paying for it or getting a license key. However, this is a risky and illegal way to get the plugin that might expose you to malware, viruses, legal consequences, reputation damage, quality compromise, data loss, etc.
You can install Estimator for SketchUp on Windows by downloading the plugin from the developer's website, extracting the ZIP file that contains the plugin files, opening SketchUp Pro and going to Window > Extension Manager, clicking on Install Extension and browsing to the location where you extracted the plugin files, selecting estimator.rbz and clicking on Open, clicking on Yes to confirm that you trust the extension , restarting SketchUp Pro to complete the installation, going to Extensions > Estimator > License Manager, copying and pasting the license key from estimator_license.txt into the License Key field and clicking on Activate License, and seeing a message that says "License Activated Successfully". You can then access Estimator for SketchUp from Extensions > Estimator or from the toolbar.
You can use Estimator for SketchUp to create estimates by creating or opening a 3D model in SketchUp Pro that you want to estimate, going to Extensions > Estimator > New Estimate or clicking on the New Estimate icon on the toolbar, entering some basic information about your project in the dialog box that appears and clicking on OK, seeing a new tab where you can see your estimate and a list of cost codes on the left side of the screen, selecting an object in your model that you want to assign a cost to and entering the cost information for the selected object in the dialog box that appears and clicking on OK, repeating this process for all the objects in your model that you want to assign costs to, and saving, pri