: Curved balconies, arched doorways, winding roads, and custom molding.
Input (Straight Geometry) + Red Baseline + Blue Target Curve = Bent Output.
Draw the curved path that you want your object to follow. This can be an arc, a Bezier curve, or a freehand spline. The curve can be any shape, but it must be —simply a loose set of edges in the model.
Keep your groups clean. Avoid nesting multiple groups inside the main group you intend to bend, as complex parent-child group hierarchies can sometimes confuse the script's calculation matrix. 6. Troubleshooting Common Errors plugin sketchup shape bender
: Spiral staircases, curved sofas, and custom light fixtures.
The Shape Bender plugin offers a range of key features that make it an essential tool for SketchUp users. Some of the most notable features include:
Click the on the toolbar (or go to Plugins/Extensions > Chris Fullmer Tools > Shape Bender ). : Curved balconies, arched doorways, winding roads, and
While the plugin is highly efficient, getting clean topology requires a basic understanding of how SketchUp calculates curves.
Shape Bender is a free SketchUp extension that allows users to take a straight group or component and bend it to match the shape of a specific curve or arc. Unlike the standard "Rotate" or "Scale" tools, Shape Bender preserves the proportions and details of your geometry as it follows the new path. Key Capabilities
Create the curve or arc that you want your object to bend along. This path can be placed anywhere in your workspace, but keeping it near the baseline makes the process easier to visualize. Phase 2: Executing the Plugin This can be an arc, a Bezier curve, or a freehand spline
To use the plugin in SketchUp, you need three elements: a group/component to bend, a straight base line on the red axis, and a target curve . Step-by-Step Guide
Even professionals struggle with this plugin. Here is how to avoid the pitfalls:
After the bend is applied, you may notice small imperfections, overlaps, or small gaps near the ends. These can be easily cleaned up with SketchUp’s native tools (Move, Eraser, Push/Pull, etc.).
To ensure the plugin functions correctly, your model must be set up with three specific elements: