The Sketchup MCP Server, developed by Sidhnor, is a free Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to connect AI assistants with SketchUp 3D modeling software. It enables programmatic control over SketchUp scenes and components through natural language prompts. Built with Ruby for the SketchUp Extension and Python for the MCP Server, this tool provides a bridge for AI clients like Claude, Cursor, and Gemini to interact with and manipulate 3D designs, expanding automation possibilities for architects and designers.

What does Sketchup MCP Server connect to?

Sketchup MCP Server connects directly to the SketchUp 3D modeling software, acting as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This open standard allows AI assistants to securely link with design tools, data sources, and various services. The server's architecture involves a Python component communicating with a Ruby extension within SketchUp, using a simple JSON-based protocol over TCP sockets. This internal communication establishes a reliable bridge that enables AI clients to send commands and receive information from the SketchUp environment, supporting interactive design.

Core features and tools

The server exposes several callable tools for SketchUp interaction. These include get_scene_info for current scene details, get_selected_components for information on chosen elements, and create_component to add new items. Users can delete_component to remove elements, transform_component to adjust position, rotation, or scale, and set_material to apply textures. It also offers export_scene for various output formats and eval_ruby for executing custom Ruby code directly in SketchUp.

Who is it for?

Sketchup MCP Server is for AI assistants such as Claude, Cursor, and Gemini, and for users who want to control SketchUp using natural language prompts. It helps automate 3D modeling tasks and scene adjustments. This tool is valuable for those seeking to integrate AI capabilities into their design workflows, allowing for more dynamic and responsive interaction with SketchUp projects. Skip this if you do not use AI assistants to manage 3D design software.

How to get started

No credentials are required for the connection between the AI client and the local MCP server. The communication between the Python MCP server and the SketchUp Ruby extension uses a simple JSON-based protocol over TCP sockets.

Use cases

• Programmatically creating 3D models in SketchUp using natural language.
• Performing scene creation and manipulation, including moving, rotating, scaling components, and applying materials.
• Executing arbitrary Ruby code directly in SketchUp for advanced operations.

Sketchup MCP Server offers a direct pathway for AI assistants to interact with SketchUp, enabling advanced 3D modeling control through natural language. Its architecture, combining Python and Ruby, supports a range of operations from basic component manipulation to executing custom code. This tool is ideal for enhancing design workflows with AI automation. Try creating a new component in SketchUp using a natural language prompt from a connected AI client.