This page is about Frequently Asked Questions about Sketchyphysics in general.
What Is SketchyPhysics?[]
Sketchyphysics is a plugin for Google SketchUp, which runs simulations based on real-world object physics. This means that, during the simulation, Newtonian physics laws are applied to grouped objects, with runtime user interactivity added through an on-screen object dragging stystem, using the mouse to pull objects around. Joysticks, and limited joypad button/keyboard input is supported to control a selection of joints and settings applicable to grouped objects, including self-replicating emitters, thruster settings, magnets, and more. Limited Ruby script use is also supported for more advanced actions; for examples of Sketchyphysics in action, please install Sketchyphysics on your PC/Mac, and search for 'Sketchyphysics' on the Google 3D warehouse. - From the SketchUcation Community Forums - Link to post
Where Do I Download SketchyPhysics?[]
SketchyPhysics3b (Most Stable) Windows.exe / Mac.zip
- SketchyPhysics3a1
- SketchyPhysics3a2 Windows.exe / Mac.zip
- SketchyPhysics3 RC1 Windows.exe / Mac.zip(There are known Bugs that affect this release.)
- SketchyPhysics3X Windows.exe / Mac.zip(There are known Bugs that affect this release.)
How To Install And Start Using SketchyPhysics[]
To use SketchyPhysics, you first need to install the latest Google SketchUp 3D designer. SketchyPhysics is not a "stand alone" program, it is a plugin for SketchUp, therefore, requiring SketchUp to run. You can download the free or the Pro version of SketchUp. Use the following URL to view the current available version...
http://sketchup.google.com/
Select the version for your OS, run it, and follow the on screen prompts.
Now that you have installed SketchUp, use the following link to view the latest SketchyPhysics downloads...
http://code.google.com/p/sketchyphysics2/downloads/list?can=1&q=&sort=-uploaded&colspec=Filename%20Summary%20Uploaded%20Size%20DownloadCount
Again, run it, and follow the on screen prompts. It will install itself in the SketchUp Plugins folder.
After you have installed both SketchUp and SketchyPhysics, run SketchUp and go to the "View/Toolbars" menu. You will see some new menu items "Sketchy...". If there are no checkmark next to them, click them to add one. This will make the on-screen toolbar visible for easy access. Move the toolbars as you see fit. SketchyPhysics will also be listed in the "Plugins" menu, and in the right click context menu of objects.
To run a SketchyPhysics model, use the following link to search the Google 3D warehouse for SketchyPhysics models...
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=SketchyPhysics&styp=m&scoring=d
Once the model is loaded in your SketchUp, click on the "Play" simulation button. Some model may require you to use your keyboard/mouse/joystick to manipulate the simulation, as in a car game for example. Note that when running a simulation, you can not perform any modifications to the model. Anything that you move while the simulation is running will react as in real life. Click the "Play" button again to Pause the simulation, or the "Reset" button to stop it all together and then you can edit the 3D model and make changes. - CPhillips on the SketchUcation Community Forums - Link to post
What Do All The Buttons And Menus Do?[]
For UI-related information please go to the UI and toolset page.
What is a Joint - And how do I use one?[]
For information on Joints please go to the Joints page.