Your target curve must be a single continuous entity. If it is made of separate segments, use the Weld Edges command before starting.
Draw a straight line that runs the length of your object (or slightly longer). This line must be parallel to SketchUp’s global . It does not need to lie directly on the red axis, but it must be parallel. The line should be placed outside the group or component you intend to bend.
Now for the main event. Follow this precise workflow to achieve success with Shape Bender on your first try. We'll use the example of bending a long, straight component into an arc.
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Enter (specifically Chris Fullmer’s clf_shape_bender ), one of the most iconic, time-tested plugins in the SketchUp ecosystem. Whether you are modeling a winding staircase, a curved brick wall, a custom skateboard ramp, or organic architectural facades, this plugin is an absolute necessity. plugin sketchup shape bender
Uncheck "Keep Horizontal" if you want the top of the baluster to tilt with the curve’s slope (like a race track). Check it if you want the top to remain level (like a bookshelf).
: Flips the direction of the bend (toggles which side of the curve the geometry sits on).
💡 : Shape Bender is completely free. Do not pay for it from third‑party websites. The official version is available for free in the Extension Warehouse.
This is where the power of plugins comes in, and among them, one tool has become an absolute game-changer for architects, designers, and woodworkers alike: the . Your target curve must be a single continuous entity
: The plugin "slices" the original geometry based on the number of segments in the target curve. Smoother curves require more segments in the target line. Proportional Scaling
The SketchUp Shape Bender plugin turns an otherwise impossible modeling task into a quick, five-step process. By mastering the relationship between your 3D object, the straight red-axis base line, and your target curve, you can unlock limitless organic modeling capabilities directly inside SketchUp. To help me tailor advice for your project, let me know: What specific are you trying to bend? What version of SketchUp are you currently running? Are you experiencing any error messages during the process?
This usually happens when the internal axes of the group do not match the global model axes. Right-click your 3D object, select Change Axes , and realign them to match the model’s global Red/Green/Blue orientation before running the plugin. Alternatives to Shape Bender
The Shape Bender plugin remains one of the most popular extensions for SketchUp because it solves a complex geometric problem with a simple, three-click workflow. While newer plugins like Flowify or FredoScale offer similar features, Shape Bender’s lightweight nature and ease of use make it a staple for beginners and pros alike. This line must be parallel to SketchUp’s global
Click on the group or component you want to bend. You will know it is selected when its bounding box appears.
Instead of manually moving and adjusting each individual face, vertex, and edge—a process that is both time-consuming and prone to error—Shape Bender automates the entire bending process. You simply create your detailed model on a flat plane (like a long, straight railing), draw the curve you want it to follow (like a winding staircase), and let the plugin do the rest. It "snaps" your straight object onto the curved path in seconds, maintaining the integrity and proportions of your original geometry.
Once the green preview looks exactly how you want it, press (Return) on your keyboard to generate the final 3D geometry. Advanced Tips for Flawless Bending