Get the plugin from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse by searching "Shape Bender".
Create the arc or complex curve that you want your geometry to follow. Step 5: Activate the Tool. Select the Group or Component you want to bend. Click the Shape Bender icon or select it from the menu. Click the Baseline (the straight line). Click the Target Curve .
You can download the plugin for free directly from the Extension Warehouse .
Designers use Shape Bender for a wide range of projects: plugin sketchup shape bender
SketchUp will generate a wireframe grid preview showing how the object will bend.
A single line drawn along the red axis that represents the length of your object.
The plugin is one of those tools that you do not realize you need until you try it. Once you do, it becomes an indispensable part of your SketchUp workflow. Whether you are designing a curved handrail, a wavy building facade, or an organic piece of furniture, Shape Bender takes a tedious, error‑prone process and reduces it to a few clicks. Get the plugin from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse
Whether you are modeling a curved staircase, a custom arched window, wavy architectural facades, or complex road networks, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about mastering the Shape Bender plugin. What is the Shape Bender Plugin?
Your cursor will change again to point to a curve. Click on your . Step 5: Preview and Confirm
As a popular 3D modeling software, SketchUp has become a staple in the architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture industries. Its user-friendly interface and robust features make it an ideal tool for creating complex designs and models. However, one of the limitations of SketchUp is its inability to create complex, curved shapes and surfaces. This is where the Shape Bender plugin comes in – a powerful extension that unlocks new possibilities for SketchUp users. Select the Group or Component you want to bend
Check your extensions manager to ensure Progressbar is enabled. For highly complex models with thousands of polygons, give SketchUp a few minutes to process the geometry—it may look frozen, but it is calculating in the background. Pro-Tips for Advanced Workflows
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Shape Bender plugin, including how to download and install it, a step‑by‑step workflow, common pitfalls and solutions, and the best alternatives for different situations. Whether you're an architect, a woodworker, or a 3D hobbyist, this is the resource you've been looking for.
While Shape Bender is an essential tool, it's not the only solution for curved geometry in SketchUp. Several powerful alternatives exist for specific scenarios:
: A curve or series of connected lines that define the final shape. Step-by-Step Workflow