⚡ SKETCHUP EXTENSION
Sun Diagram is an extension for creating 3D sun paths and analyzing sunlight in architectural projects.
Accurate solar simulation, real-time interactive shadow studies, daylight saving time calculations, and one-click batch animation exports for SketchUp 2020–2026.
[ FEATURES ]
The plugin has 04 core features.
1. Create Sunpath (Feature 1)
Generate a 3D Sunpath by entering your project’s location. Choose input methods:
- Option A – From Model: Use the coordinates already embedded in your SketchUp model (via File -> Add Location).
- Option B – Manual Input: Enter latitude and longitude directly. Coordinates can be copied from Google Maps (format example:
26.2649, -81.6255).
⭐
Smart DST Engine: Enable Daylight Saving Time (DST) for highly accurate solar analysis in regions with seasonal time changes (Premium Feature).
2. Shadow Analysis (Feature 2)
Simulate shadows and sun positions instantly with our real-time interactive UI.
- Real-Time Sliders: Check your desired months and drag the time slider to update shadows instantly—no guessing or clicking 'Apply'.
- Custom Dates: Select any specific day of the month (1-31) for pinpoint accuracy, or stick to the standard Solstices and Equinoxes.
- On-Screen Info (HUD): Display real-time solar data (Location, Date, Time, UTC) directly in your viewport.
⭐
Automate your workflow and prevent UTC errors with built-in Daylight Saving Time (DST) support.
3. Batch Export Shadows (Feature 3)
Export shadow sequences with a single click to create stunning time-lapse animations.
- Automated Workflow: Select your time ranges, and let the system generate all images automatically based on your Shadow Analysis settings.
- Multiple Resolutions: Export in standard Landscape (FullHD, 2K, 4K) or Vertical formats (9:16) perfectly sized for social media (Reels, TikTok, Shorts).
- HUD Control: Choose to include or remove the On-Screen Info watermark from your final exported frames.
- Presentation Ready: Combine exported images into a video (CapCut, Premiere, After Effects) or merge into a PDF.
4. Diagram Styles (Feature 4)
Find the perfect visual style for your project — instantly, with just one click.
- One-Click Activation: Load a style to automatically adjust SketchUp graphics, edge settings, and Sun Path layers (tags).
- Premium Library: Unlock 09 professional diagram styles and 03 dynamic compass designs (Pro/Studio).
- Standard (Free): Includes 02 clean, beautiful styles that fit most basic presentation needs.
⭐ This advanced feature is exclusively available in Sun Diagram Pro or Studio.
[ PLUGIN CAN DO ]
What You Can Do with Sun Diagram:
- 1 3D Sun Path Diagrams & Solar Domes
- 2 Solstice & Equinox Solar Studies
- 3 Accurate Neighboring Shadow Analysis
- 4 4K & Vertical (9:16) Batch Shadow Motion
- 5 Architectural Presentation Boards
Compatible with standard SketchUp scenes and presentation export tools.
[ REFERENCE DIAGRAMS ]
Explore Diagrams Created with Sun Diagram
[ DOWNLOAD ]
Get Sun Diagram
Choose the version that fits your workflow
Sun Diagram Standard
Free for all users, commercial work permitted.
✔️
Generate 3D Sun Path: Scientifically accurate from coordinates.
❌
No DST Support: Base UTC time only.
➖
Core Shadow Analysis: June & December only (Solstice testing).
➖
Standard Batch Export: June & December only (FullHD 1080p).
➖
Diagram Style: 02 Basic Styles + Sun/Skydome toggle.
✔️
Updates: Auto via Extension Warehouse.
Official Free Release • Compatible with SketchUp 2020–2026
POPULAR
Sun Diagram Pro ⭐
Unlock full features. Annual Subscription or Lifetime.
✔️
Generate 3D Sun Path: Scientifically accurate from coordinates.
✔️
Smart DST Engine: Automatic Daylight Saving Time adjustment.
✔️
Full Shadow Analysis: All 12 Months (Any day & hour).
✔️
Advanced Batch Export: All 12 Months (2K, 4K, Vertical 9:16, Watermark-Free).
✔️
Diagram Style: All 09 Pro Styles + Unlimited color control.
✔️
Updates: Extension Warehouse / SketchUcation / Gumroad.
Prefer SketchUcation? Get it here
Sun Diagram is developed by Febhouse.
The Standard version is officially available on SketchUp Extension Warehouse.
The Pro version is available via Gumroad or SketchUcation (Lifetime) and Extension Warehouse (Annual).
📩 Support: [email protected] (response within 24h)
[ VERSIONS & CHANGELOG ]
Release History
Versions: 4.5.52026-07-03
🛠️ Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements: Text Stability on Save/Autosave: Fixed a critical issue where sun path hour labels (12h, 14h, 16h, etc.) would randomly disappear when saving the model in SketchUp 2023 and 2026.
Legacy Changelog (All previous versions)
Versions: 4.5.0 (2026-06-06)
- Comprehensive Diagram Style Upgrade: Overhauled Diagram Style panel with full visual control.
- Ultra-Clean Sun Path: Removed the Section Slice at the base for a distraction-free 3D model.
Versions: 4.0.2 (2026-04-01)
- Flexible 3D Sun Path & Sky Dome (New): Dynamic 3D solar dome showing sun trajectory across all 12 months.
- Instant Shadow Control & Smart DST: Automatic Daylight Saving Time offsets and interactive sliders.
- One-Click Batch Export: Generate up to 4K shadow sequences with custom HUD overlays.
Versions: 3.5.1 (2026-02-11)
- Smart Time Zone Engine: Removed hardcoded UTC+8 override for East Asia.
- Stability: Optimized Undo/Redo stack performance for Shadow Analysis.
- Security Patch: Enhanced handling of special Unicode/Windows characters in file paths.
V3.5 (2026-02-06)
- Regional Overrides: Handles political vs solar time differences.
- Flexible Time Zone Setup: Global time zone dropdown (Auto or Manual).
- Vertical Resolution Support (9:16): FullHD_V, 2K_V, 4K_V for TikTok, Reels, Shorts.
V3.4 (2025-11-25)
3D Sun Path: Added a yellow 3D Dome surrounding the Sun Path on tag Feb_Dome.
V3.3 (2025-10-31)
Dynamic Compass North Pointer with 03 customizable styles.
V3.2 (2025-08-25)
Pro Feature Launch: 09 Diagram Styles and 3D Sun Path Dome.
V3.1 (2025-08-18)
Critical algorithm bug fix for Southern Hemisphere, Equator, and Poles.
V3.0 (2025-08-11)
Redesigned UI with real-time interactive sliders.
V2.0 (2025-06-18)
Automated Batch Export and custom styles.
V1.0 (2024-08-22)
Initial release.
[ USER GUIDE ]
Step-by-Step User Guide (PDF)
Official comprehensive 4-page reference manual
[ VIDEO TUTORIAL ]
2-Minute Quick Start Video
[ FAQ ]
Frequently Asked Questions & Documentation
What is Sun Diagram used for?
Sun Diagram is an advanced SketchUp extension that allows architects to analyze sunlight, simulate seasonal shadow movement, calculate true solar azimuth and altitude, and generate high-resolution presentation diagrams directly inside their 3D models.
Which versions of SketchUp are supported?
The plugin supports SketchUp 2020 through SketchUp 2026 on both Windows and macOS (including native Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3).
Are there different versions of Sun Diagram?
Yes, there are three options:
- Standard (Free): Released on SketchUp Extension Warehouse (June & Dec analysis).
- Studio: Annual subscription ($15/year) via Extension Warehouse with auto-updates.
- Pro: Lifetime version ($45) via Gumroad and SketchUcation.
Can I use the plugin for commercial projects?
Yes, all versions (Free, Studio, and Pro) are fully permitted for commercial architectural work and client projects.
Why does the default Sunpath highlight specific months (June, Dec, March/Sep)?
By default, Sun Diagram highlights the 4 most critical dates for solar analysis:
- June 21 & Dec 21 (Solstices): Represent extreme solar positions (highest/lowest) and shortest/longest shadows.
- March 21 & Sept 21 (Equinoxes): Exact midpoints where the sun rises due east and sets due west.
How does the plugin handle tropical countries without DST?
Sun Diagram calculates physical sun trajectories strictly from your Latitude and Longitude coordinates. For tropical countries that do not observe DST, simply set the DST toggle to "No" and enter your local standard UTC offset. Adjusting UTC only aligns the display clock with local time and does not distort physical sun angles.
Do I need to manually turn DST on and off when analyzing different months?
No! Sun Diagram features a Smart DST automation engine. If you enable DST once for your project location, the plugin automatically checks the date being analyzed and applies the 1-hour offset only during the summer DST period.
I only see sun rings and time labels after creating Sun Path. What went wrong?
This usually happens when your SketchUp file contains excess hidden geometry or broken tags. Simply copy your model (Ctrl+C), open a fresh blank SketchUp file (Ctrl+N), paste, and run the tool again.
Can I use Sun Diagram offline?
Yes. Both Sun Diagram Standard and Pro can operate completely offline once installed. You can input coordinates manually using the Lat/Long boxes without needing an active internet connection.
How do I activate my license on SketchUcation?
Install the SketchUcation Tools extension, open SketchUp > Extensions > SketchUcation > SCFLicense, select Sun Diagram Pro, and validate your license file.
How do I remove stuck or overlapping HUD text (Date, Time, Location) after Batch Export?
In rare cases where Batch Export is interrupted, the On-Screen Info (HUD) watermark overlay might remain in the viewport. To clear it: click the "Clear HUD" button in the Shadow Analysis panel or toggle the tool again.
Can I turn off or hide the Sun Path diagram while keeping building shadows?
Yes, absolutely! The Sun Path diagram generated by the extension is assigned to dedicated tags (e.g.
Feb_SunPath, Feb_Dome). Simply toggle those tags off in SketchUp’s Tags panel; your building shadows will remain 100% active.The Sun Path diagram geometry is casting shadows on my building. How do I disable that?
Select the Sun Path group, open Entity Info, and uncheck "Cast Shadows".
Why do hour texts (6h, 8h, 12h...) appear black instead of color?
In SketchUp 2024–2026, switch your graphics engine to classic: go to Window > Preferences > Graphics > Graphics Engine and choose "Use classic graphics engine".
Why do text labels disappear on save in SketchUp 2023/2026?
Please update to version v4.5.5 where this native SketchUp text memory pointer bug has been completely resolved.
Where can I download free sample files?
You can download free sample SKP files at ArchiDiagram.com or via our Instagram (@febhouse_com).