Plugin Sketchup Shape Bender <Extended ✮>

Position your object so its length runs parallel to the Red Axis .

Ready to get started? Head over to the SketchUp Extension Warehouse or a trusted source to download and install the Shape Bender plugin.

Make sure you have installed the plugin mentioned in the installation steps. Without it, the script cannot complete the final calculation phase. Conclusion

Shape Bender requires a supporting script called to display the calculation progress bar in SketchUp.

Shape Bender is a Ruby-based extension for Trimble SketchUp. It automates the process of distorting, stretching, and curving geometry. Instead of manually rotating and stitching together small segments of a model to fit a curve, Shape Bender requires just three elements: A group or component you want to bend. plugin sketchup shape bender

If your preview is flying wildly across the screen or appearing miles away from your curve, your group's internal axes are likely misaligned. Ensure your component’s internal bounding box matches the global Red Axis alignment. Common Use Cases for Shape Bender

Shape Bender only works on components or groups.

If the preview looks upside down, backward, or inside out, use the Up/Down Arrow Keys on your keyboard to toggle the orientation. Use the Left/Right Arrow Keys to reverse the direction of the bend.

Have you tried the new Curve Bender in SketchUp 2024’s Development Tools? It’s slower but more stable. Until then, Chris Fullmer’s classic remains king. Position your object so its length runs parallel

Click on the straight line you drew directly beneath your object. Once selected, the line will display a and End (End) label. 4. Select the Target Curve

To ensure the plugin functions correctly, your model must be set up with three specific elements:

: The path or curve that the object will be molded to follow. DanielTal.com How It Works : Select the group or component you want to bend. Activate Tool : Click the Shape Bender icon. Reference Line : Click the straight reference line you created. Target Curve : Click the curved path. Preview and Commit : SketchUp will show a wireframe preview. You can use the Up/Down arrow keys

Alternatively, if downloading from SketchUcation, download the .rbz file. Go to > Extension Manager > Install Extension , and select the downloaded file. Make sure you have installed the plugin mentioned

Delete the baseline. Make sure your camera view is aligned, use the line tool, and force it to snap to the Red Axis (watch for the line to turn solid red). Ensure it is a single, unbroken segment. 2. The Bent Object is Distorted or Stretched Out

: A single straight line drawn on the red axis that represents the length of the original object.

Modelling rigid, straight geometric shapes in SketchUp is highly intuitive. However, creating complex curved geometry—like a winding staircase railing, a curved brick wall, or bent plywood furniture—can quickly become a frustrating challenge.