, developed by Chris Fullmer, is a free SketchUp extension used to bend groups or components along a curved path. It is particularly useful for modeling complex, organic shapes like curved stairs, ramps, and railings. Essential Requirements
To use Shape Bender effectively, you must have three specific elements in your model: The Object : A group or component that you want to bend. A Straight Reference Line : A single straight line drawn along the
Your cursor will change to a curve icon with a green letter . Click on the Target Curve you drew in Step 3. Step 5: Preview and Commit plugin sketchup shape bender
If your object twists unpredictably during the bend, its internal group axes might be misaligned. Right-click the group, choose Explode , and immediately right-click the selected geometry to Make Group again. This resets the group's bounding box relative to the global coordinates.
When bending facades or detailed wood grain: , developed by Chris Fullmer, is a free
Click the Shape Bender icon on the toolbar. Your cursor will change, prompting you to select a line.
We'd love to see what you create with Shape Bender! Share your projects, models, and experiences with the plugin in the comments below. A Straight Reference Line : A single straight
When SketchUp bends an object, it stretches the faces. If your original straight object does not have enough hidden geometry subdivisions (segments), the bent result will look blocky or jagged. Add extra vertical loops or segments across the length of your straight object before bending to ensure a smooth, organic curve. Component Nesting
An arc, circle, or freehand curve that defines the final shape you want your object to take.