faqs

A. Setting up

A.1 How do I setup 1001bit tools?

Setting up for Windows XP, Vista

Step 1: Download 1001bit tools (1001bit(1.1.x).zip file).

Step 2:Place the 1001bit folder into Sketchup's plugin folder.
i.e. the 1001bit folder should be at
"C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 7\Plugins\1001bit"

Step 3: Copy the file 1001bit_tools.rb and place it in SketchUp Plugins folder.
On a PC, this file should be located at
"C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 7\Plugins\1001bit_tools.rb".

The screen shot below shows the correct location for the 1001bit folder and the 1001bit_tools.rb file.
screenshot for setup in Windows

and you're done! You can now run the scripts from the 1001bit menu when you run Sketchup.

Setting up for Mac OSX

Step 1: Download 1001bit tools (1001bit(1.1.x).zip file).

Step 2:Place the 1001bit folder into Sketchup's plugin folder.
i.e. the 1001bit folder should be at
"/Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Google Sketchup 7/Sketchup/plugins/1001bit"

Step 3: Copy the file 1001bit_tools.rb and place it in SketchUp Plugins folder.
On a Mac, this file should be located at
"/Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Google Sketchup 7/Sketchup/plugins/1001bit_tools.rb".

The screen shot below shows the correct location for the 1001bit folder and the 1001bit_tools.rb file.
screenshot for setup in Mac

and you're done! You can now run the scripts from the 1001bit menu when you run Sketchup.

A.2 Can I place the .rb files in folder other than inside Sketchup's Plugins folder?

Yes, create a text file 1001bit_path.rb points to the 1001bit folder. You can edit the file using any text editor (eg. Notepad)

Step 1: Edit the '1001bit_path.rb ' file using a text editor (notepad).

Step 2: Change the text that defines the path to 1001bit tools
$GH1001bit_path="c:/1001bit" (assuming your destination folder is 'c:\1001bit'
note that forward slash is used for path.

Step 3: Place the 1001bit_path.rb file into Sketchup plugins folder.
On a PC, this file should be located at
"C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 7\Plugins\1001bit_path.rb".
On a Mac, this file should be located at
"/Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Google Sketchup 7/Sketchup/plugins/1001bit_path.rb".

A.3 How do i run 1001bit tools scripts?

If you've downloaded and placed the scripts in the correct location (refer above) you should find the tools inside the pull down menu >> Plugins >> 1001bit tools >>
1001bit tools also comes with a set of toolbars. Just pick on the icons.

A.4 How do i know whether my version of Sketchup can run the scripts from 1001bit.com?

Sketchup version 4 and later (both standard and pro version) can run ruby scripts, and therefore can run scripts from 1001bit.com. 1001bit tools are free for trial for a period of 30 days before purchase.

A.5 I have downloaded some scripts but they do not show up in the 1001bitmenu

Please make sure that you've placed the file 1001bit_tools.rbs into Sketchup's plugins folder.
Details please refer the setting up section above.
Please take note that you've copied the '1001bit_tools.rbs' file to the plugins folder, NOT the '1001bit_loader.rb' file.
Also please open the 1001bit_path_win_su7.rb or 1001bit_path_mac_su7.rb file using a text editor (notepad) and check whether the $GH1001bit_path is pointing to the correct location.

A.6 How do I know whether I have the latest version of 1001bit tools?

Go to the 'Plugins' pull down menu >> 1001bit tools >> About 1001bit tools
This will show the current version of 1001bitmenu. Visit our discussion forums for updates and latest version.

A.7 Do I need to restart Sketchup everytime i add a script?

Yes, you should do all setting up works when Sketchup is closed. Run Sketchup after you've done all the necessary setup.

A.8 How do i remove/disable 1001bit tools?

If for whatever reasons you need to disable 1001bit tools, go to pulldown menu >> Window >> Preferences >> Extensions and uncheck 1001bit tools checkbox.
You can always enable 1001bit tools again by checking the 1001bit tools checkbox.

A.9 Can i modify the 1001bit scripts?

No, we're currently not allowing direct modification to our scripts.

A.10 Where can I find more information about Sketchup Ruby API?

go to http://code.google.com/apis/sketchup/docs/gsrubyfaq.html

B. Running 1001bit tools/scripts

B.1 How do I know whether a script is running, or has encountered an error?

Running of most scripts is pretty straight forward. However, if you wish to monitor the progress, keep the Ruby Console open when you run the scripts.
To open the Ruby Console, go to menu >> Window >> Ruby Console

B.2 How do I know what to do next? or how to use a script?

Go to the products page and look at the page on each scripts. There is a video clip on every script showing how the scripts are used.

B.3 Can i slow down or pause the video clips?

The video clips are macromedia flash files. To minimize file size and download time, we made them fast and short. You cannot change the speed of the video clip, but you can 'pause' and 'play'.
Right click on the video clip will show the options including rewind, forward etc.

B.4 Units, do the scripts works in inches, feet?

The scripts are written to work in both metric and imperial (feet and inches) units. They simply follow the current units setting of the model.

B.5 How do i set the units?

From the pull down menu >> Windows >> Model Info >> Units

B.6 What happens when something goes wrong? or the script does not function properly?

Press Esc will terminate most scripts. We've tried to test all the scripts as much as we can before publishing it. However, if you encounter some difficulties with the scripts, or if you notice some bugs, please report the bug or, send us a feedback and we'll fix it asap.
We appreciate all feedbacks.

B.7 Where can I get additional information or advise on using 1001bit tools?

Please visit the discussion forums. We'll keep this update on additional tools.
Also, we're working on some help and tutorials, 'coming soon!'

B.8 Can I make a request for a script that is not currently available?

Yes, we welcome useful comments and ideas. And if your comments/ideas are adopted, you will receive a free copy of the scripts.
Write to us if you have any ideas

B.9 How soon can i expect the bugs to be fixed after I've reported it?

While we try our best to make sure that every bugs are caught, we cannot commit to a fixed time period for solving the bugs.
Be assured, however, that we will put all efforts in making all the scripts as best as they can be.

B.10 I found a bug and I believe I can fix it myself. Can I have the source code? and will i get paid for fixing bugs?

It is our vision that we could one day make this a community exercise where more people can contribute and be rewarded for their contributions. However, as of now, there's just too much to do and we have not work out how do we evaluate and reward contributions.
That being said, If you wish to participate in what we do, please drop us a mail.

B.11 How do I get notified if there is a new update on the scripts I've downloaded? Will I get free updates on the scripts I've downloaded?

Please visit our news update forum often. Updates, patches and bug fixes will be placed there. Alternatively, you could always re-download the latest updated version of 1001bit tools for free. The license that you've obtain will continue to be valid so long as you keep the 1001bit.key file in the 1001bit folder. You can also reactive the 1001bit tools if you've deleted the 1001bit.key file.

C License, copyright and purchases

C.1 What are the differences between the free trial, academic and full user license ?

1001bit tools are shareware. You are free to download and try out the full version of 1001bit tools for a duration of 30 days.
If you then decides that 1001bit tools are suitable for your needs, you will need to purchase a user license to continue to use it.
If you've decided that you do not need to use 1001bit tools after the trial period, you have to remove it from your computer.
The free trial version is a fully functional version. The only difference is that it'll show a free trial notification dialog box everytime Sketchup starts up (loading 1001bit tools)

If you are a student or working for an academic/educational institution, and you are using 1001bit tools for non-commercial functions, you can register for a academic/education license. The academic version will have a notification dialog showing upon the startup of Sketchup.

If you do not belong to any of the above, and you're using 1001bit tools for charity purpose, please drop us an email.
Depending on merits, you may be entitled to a free user license.

C.2 Can I make multiple copies of the script?

The licence is linked to singular usage at a particular time. You may copy the scripts on as many computers as you like so long as you are the only one using it.
If different persons work on different computers at the same time, then you should purchase separate licence for each computer.

C.3 How do I activate my copy of 1001bit tools?

If you are using 1001bit tools for commercial purposes, you need to obtain a user license.
Click here to register/purchase a user license..
After registering for a user license, you will receive an email with activation key from us within 24 hours.
Go to the pull down menu in Sketchup, Plugins >> 1001bit tools >> Activate 1001bit tools.
This will bring up an activation dialog box. Copy and paste the activation key from the email into the text area of the activation dialog box. Click Activate.
Exit and restart Sketchp. From Plugins >> 1001bit tools >> About 1001bit tools, you will see the license information.

C.4 What happens if I've lost my activation key?

Write to us and we will resend the email with the activation key to you.

C.5 How do I get notified when there is a bug fix, or and update to 1001bit tools ?

Please visit our news update page and discussion forums for updates, and patches. The number of our registered users is growing to quite a large number and sending notification emails is becoming problematic. We'll keep everyone posted using the discussions forums.

Related links...

News updates & forums
Latest updates, additions and bug fixes, discussions.

Sketchucation's forum
Check out discussions on Sketchup community forum

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Check out discussions on [pushpullbar]2 sketchup and architectural discussions forum

Report bugs
Report bugs and issues.

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