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Getting Started

SketchAcoustics is a SketchUp extension that brings acoustic analysis — room modes, RT60, early decay time, first reflections, and more — directly into your model, without leaving SketchUp.

This guide walks you through installation, license activation, and running your first analysis.

Requirements

  • SketchUp 2023 or newer
  • Platform: Windows or macOS
  • License: An active beta key (free during the beta period — request access here)

Step 1 — Download the extension

Go to the Download page to get the latest .rbz file. Your download should start automatically.

Step 2 — Install in SketchUp

SketchUp extensions are installed through the built-in Extension Manager. Follow the official SketchUp guide for installing a local extension file:

Installing an extension in SketchUp →

In short:

  1. Open SketchUp
  2. Go to Extensions → Extension Manager
  3. Click Install Extension
  4. Select the .rbz file you downloaded
  5. Restart SketchUp (recommended)

Step 3 — Activate your license

When you first use any SketchAcoustics tool, a license dialog will appear.

License activation dialog

  1. Enter your beta key (sent to you by email after requesting access)
  2. Click Activate

If you don’t have a key yet, click Register for Private Beta in the dialog, or request access here.

Step 4 — Run your first analysis

Room Mode Analysis is a great place to start — no material assignment needed.

Room modes are the acoustic resonance frequencies of a room, determined purely by its geometry. Low-frequency standing waves build up at these frequencies and cause uneven bass response — something every recording studio, home cinema, or listening room designer needs to account for.

  1. Click the Room Modes button in the SketchAcoustics toolbar
  2. Select all faces that form your room boundary — walls, floor, and ceiling
  3. Configure the analysis settings and click Run
  4. Results appear in the dialog and a 3D pressure visualisation overlays your model

What else can SketchAcoustics do?

ToolWhat it does
Room Acoustics SimulatorParticle-tracing simulation across octave bands. Outputs RT30, EDT, C50/C80, and other ISO 3382 metrics.
First Reflections CalculatorVisualises sound ray paths and reflections in 3D.
Acoustic Material AssignmentAssign absorption/diffusion coefficients to surfaces for use in simulations.
Listener PlacementMark objects as listeners for targeted ray filtering.

Need help?

Next Room Mode Analysis