Instant Roof NUI (formerly Instant Roof Pro) plugin for SketchUp is a professional-grade extension developed by Vali Architects that automates the creation of complex roof structures
. While some older forum discussions mention a limited "free" version, the current tool is primarily offered as a paid yearly subscription
Extension Inspection - Instant Roof - SketchUp Blog - Trimble
The Instant Roof plugin for SketchUp is an automated tool developed by Chuck Vali of Vali Architects that generates complex roof structures like gables, hips, and Dutch gables from simple faces or edges. While users often search for "fixed" or "cracked" free versions, these are strongly discouraged due to security risks and software instability. Instead, the plugin is officially available through a subscription model or as a limited free version for older software versions. Official Versions & Pricing
Instant Roof NUI (Subscription): This is the current professional version, priced at $39 per year. It requires an internet connection to execute.
Instant Architecture Bundle: Includes Instant Roof NUI and other tools for $118 per year.
Instant Roof (Original/Legacy): Historically, a free version existed with limited functionality, restricting users to specific roof slopes like 9.5∘9.5 raised to the composed with power 26.6∘26.6 raised to the composed with power
. Newer professional versions require the paid subscription for full pitch flexibility. Key Features instant roof plugin for sketchup free download fixed
Automated Generation: Creates complex roofs in seconds by selecting building wall edges or faces.
Multiple Styles: Supports hip, gable, shed, mansard, Dutch gable, and gambrel styles.
Detailed Elements: Automatically adds rafters, hips, beams, fascia, gutters, and even mission tile or shingles.
Customization: Users can save groups of parameter settings as "Roof Styles" to reuse across different projects.
CAD Fixer: Includes a tool to help fix geometry issues when importing CAD files into SketchUp. How to Install Legally
Extension Warehouse: Open SketchUp, navigate to Extensions > Extension Warehouse, and search for "Instant Roof".
Vali Architects Website: Download directly from Vali Architects to ensure you have the most recent, compatible version for SketchUp 2024 or 2025. Instant Roof NUI (formerly Instant Roof Pro) plugin
Manual Installation: If you have a .rbz file from a trusted source like SketchUcation, use the Extension Manager in SketchUp to click "Install Extension" and select your file. Free Alternatives
If the subscription cost is a barrier, consider these free alternatives: INSTANT ROOFS IN SKETCHUP with Instant Roof NUI
TIG_Roof.rbz from SketchUcation (Free).Why TIG Roof is the real "fixed" solution:
unless file_loaded?(FILE) UI.menu("Plugins").add_item("Instant Roof") do generate_roof end
# Add toolbar button (if you have SketchUp 2017+)
cmd = UI::Command.new("Instant Roof") generate_roof
cmd.tooltip = "Generate a roof instantly from selected face"
cmd.status_bar_text = "Click to generate a hip roof"
toolbar = UI::Toolbar.new("Instant Roof")
toolbar = toolbar.add_item(cmd)
toolbar.show
file_loaded(__FILE__)
end
end
Meta Description: Struggling with roofing in SketchUp? Discover how to get the Instant Roof Plugin for SketchUp. We cover the free download, the "fixed" cracked/patch version risks, and the best free legal alternatives for 2D & 3D roof generation. Download: TIG_Roof
def self.add_gutter(model, points) points.each_cons(2) do |p1, p2| model.active_entities.add_line(p1, p2) end end
.rbz to .zip.C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\SketchUp 20XX\SketchUp\Plugins\Developer: TIG (a legendary SketchUp forum contributor) Price: $0 (Free) Works with: SketchUp 2017 to 2024 (64-bit)
TIG’s "Roof" plugin is the most downloaded free roofing tool in SketchUp history. It is often mistakenly called the "Instant Roof free alternative," but many argue it is better.
How to get it: Go to the official SketchUcation Plugin Store (not a random blog). Search for "TIG Roof."
What it does:
Download instructions:
Window > Extension Warehouse..rbz and install via Window > Extension Manager > Install Extension.def self.add_eaves(model, points, thickness) points.each_cons(2) do |p1, p2| line = [p1, p2] model.active_entities.add_line(p1, p2)
# Extrude downward for eave
vec_down = Geom::Vector3d.new(0, 0, -thickness)
p1_down = p1 + vec_down
p2_down = p2 + vec_down
face = model.active_entities.add_face(p1, p2, p2_down, p1_down)
face.reverse! if face.normal.z < 0
end
end