The "Play It Again" plugin for SketchUp—officially known as Memory Copy—is a productivity tool developed by Adam Billyard. It is widely used by designers to automate repetitive modeling tasks by "memorizing" a specific transformation and applying it to subsequent objects. Core Functionality
Unlike standard SketchUp arrays, which are limited to simple linear or radial movements, Play It Again can store and repeat complex, multi-step transformations including: Move: Shifts objects by a specific distance and direction. Rotate: Applies exact angular turns.
Scale: Progressively grows or shrinks copies relative to the original.
Combined Actions: The plugin's true power lies in repeating a combination (e.g., move up + rotate 15 degrees + scale 95%) simultaneously. How to Use the Plugin
The plugin does not typically appear in the standard Extensions menu; it is accessed via the right-click context menu.
Preparation: Create a Component of the object you want to repeat.
The Master Copy: Create one copy of that component and apply your desired transformation (move, rotate, and/or scale it).
Activation: Right-click on the original component and select "Play it again...".
Execution: Click on the transformed copy. Each subsequent click on that copy will generate a new instance that follows the same transformation pattern. Common Use Cases
The plugin is a favorite for creating parametric-style designs without complex coding: SketchUp Plugins | PluginStore | SketchUcation
The "Play it again" plugin for SketchUp is primarily used for repeating geometry or transformations—such as creating decorative brick columns—rather than generating standard text.
If your goal is to generate or edit text in SketchUp, you likely need a different tool or method. Here are the common ways to handle text: 1. Editable 3D Text (Recommended)
If you want to create text that you can "play back" or edit later (which native SketchUp 3D text doesn't allow), the 3D Text Editor by ThomThom is the industry standard. Location: Found under Draw > Editable 3D Text.
Key Feature: You can right-click any text created with this tool and select Edit Text to change the wording, font, or height without deleting and re-creating it. 2. Native 3D Text Tool For simple, one-time text generation:
Access: Click the 3D Text tool (often found in the dropdown under the Rectangle tool). play it again sketchup plugin
Usage: Type your text, set the height and extrusion (thickness), and click Place. It appears as a component you can move or rotate. 3. Generative Text-to-Image
If you meant "generating" a visual scene based on text prompts: EDITABLE 3D TEXT IN SKETCHUP with 3D Text Editor
"Play it Again" plugin, officially known as Memory Copy (xformclone), is a powerful utility for SketchUp that automates repetitive transformations—specifically movement, rotation, and scaling
—allowing users to generate complex geometric patterns with minimal effort Developed by Adam Billyard
, this extension serves as a "geometric memory" for the software. While SketchUp has basic native array tools (like
after a Move/Copy), "Play it Again" goes significantly further by allowing multiple different transformations to be "played back" simultaneously on a sequence of components. Core Workflow and Capabilities
The plugin does not appear in a standard toolbar; instead, it is accessed through a contextual right-click menu
. Its primary value lies in its ability to combine different types of changes: Move + Rotate
: Ideal for creating spiral staircases or twisted architectural columns. Move + Scale
: Used to create tapering structures, such as a "Jenga pyramid" where each successive block is smaller than the last. Rotation + Scale
: Useful for decorative furniture details, such as modern coffee table legs or ornate brick patterns. Operational Steps Prepare the Component : The plugin exclusively works with components Define the Transformation
: Select a component, make a copy, and apply the desired change (e.g., move it up 10 inches and rotate it 15 degrees). Initiate Memory : Right-click the component and select "Play it again..." : Click on the newly transformed component
. Each subsequent click will generate another copy that repeats the exact same transformation relative to the previous one. Strategic Significance in Design
In a professional workflow, "Play it Again" bridges the gap between manual modeling and computational design The "Play It Again" plugin for SketchUp—officially known
. It allows architects and designers to experiment with parametric-style forms—like complex lattices or generative facade elements—without needing to write code or master advanced software like Rhino/Grasshopper. SketchUp Plugins | PluginStore | SketchUcation 29 Apr 2013 —
The "Play It Again" SketchUp plugin, officially known as Memory Copy (xformclone.rb) by Adam Billyard, is a powerful time-saving tool that allows users to record and repeat complex transformations like moving, rotating, and scaling. By storing the transformation data of a single copy, you can instantly apply that exact change to other objects with a simple click. What is the Play It Again Plugin?
Commonly referred to by its context-menu command "Play it again...", this extension acts as a macro recorder for physical transformations within SketchUp. While native SketchUp tools allow for simple linear or radial arrays (
number of copies), Play It Again captures multi-step changes—such as moving an object and then scaling it—and lets you "play" that sequence back on any other instance of the same component. Key Features & Functionality
Transformation Recording: Captures the precise distance, rotation angle, and scale factor applied to a duplicate.
Repetitive Execution: Apply the recorded sequence to multiple objects just by clicking them, ensuring perfect consistency.
Complex Arrays: Create intricate designs like decorative brick columns, coffee table legs, or Jenga-style pyramids where each successive piece is slightly smaller or rotated differently than the last.
VCB Support: You can type a string (e.g., "12x") into the Value Control Box (VCB) to set how many instances are created per click. How to Use Play It Again
The tool does not typically appear in the standard Extensions menu; it is accessed via the right-click context menu after a transformation is made. SketchUp Plugins | PluginStore | SketchUcation
Unlocking Creativity with Play It Again SketchUp Plugin
As a SketchUp user, you're likely no stranger to the frustration of repeating tasks or trying to recreate a specific design element. However, what if you could automate repetitive tasks and focus on the creative aspects of your project? This is where the Play It Again SketchUp plugin comes in – a game-changing tool that allows you to record and playback actions, saving you time and increasing productivity.
What is Play It Again SketchUp Plugin?
The Play It Again SketchUp plugin is a powerful extension that enables you to record a sequence of actions in SketchUp and then replay them with a single click. This plugin is perfect for tasks that involve repetitive actions, such as:
Key Features of Play It Again SketchUp Plugin Creating multiple instances of the same object Applying
Benefits of Using Play It Again SketchUp Plugin
Real-World Applications of Play It Again SketchUp Plugin
Getting Started with Play It Again SketchUp Plugin
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Play It Again SketchUp Plugin
In conclusion, the Play It Again SketchUp plugin is a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way you work in SketchUp. By automating repetitive tasks, you can unlock your creativity and focus on high-level design decisions. Whether you're an architect, interior designer, or landscape architect, this plugin is a must-have for anyone looking to boost productivity and efficiency in SketchUp.
Play It Again is a Ruby script plugin for SketchUp designed to generate animations based on the modification of entities within your model. Unlike SketchUp’s native animation tools, which simply move the camera from one "Scene" to another, Play It Again allows you to animate the geometry itself.
The plugin works by recording a "start state" and an "end state" of selected objects. It then interpolates the transformation between these states over a specified number of frames. This allows designers to create "reveal" animations, such as a house assembling itself brick-by-brick, furniture sliding into a room, or a roof peeling away to reveal the interior layout.
Developed by the legendary SketchUp scripter Chris Fullmer (and later updated by community members), Play It Again is a macro recorder. Unlike complex coding languages (like Ruby), this plugin allows you to record a sequence of actions inside SketchUp and replay them instantly.
The Core Concept: You turn on the recorder, perform a series of clicks and commands (e.g., Draw a line > Offset it by 2 feet > Push/Pull it up 6 inches), stop the recorder, and then click "Play." The plugin repeats that exact sequence automatically.
It is often compared to an "Auto-Clicker" for CAD, but much smarter—it respects geometry context and relative positioning.
While "Play It Again" sounds simple, creative users have found incredible uses for it that go far beyond simple rotation.
As of late 2024/2025, the SketchUp API has evolved significantly with the introduction of the new .layout file formats and improved Ruby 3.x support. The original Play It Again script is open-source, meaning community developers are currently working on "Play It Again 2.0." Rumored features include a visual macro editor (allowing you to delete mistaken clicks from a sequence) and cloud-based macro sharing.
If the original plugin becomes deprecated, look for modern alternatives like "Memory Copy" or "Numeric Array," though none currently offer the pure "record mouse movements" capability of Play It Again.
Once you have completed the sequence you wish to repeat, hit stop. The plugin saves this sequence to a temporary memory bank. You can even name and save sequences for later use across different SketchUp sessions.