: Instantly force selected non-coplanar edges onto a flat plane. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Transforming geometry in SketchUp can sometimes feel limiting. The native Scale tool only allows you to stretch objects uniformly or along standard axes, which often distorts complex models.
Pressing the Tab key while a tool is active opens a settings menu. This allows you to precisely align the bounding box to the object's local coordinates rather than the world coordinates.
At its core, FredoScale addresses a fundamental frustration in base SketchUp: the "Scale" tool. The native tool scales uniformly on axes, distorting textures and rounding dimensions. FredoScale, however, introduces the concept of . Through tools like Radial Bending , Twist , and Stretch , users can bend a straight tower into a curved spine, twist a rectangular column into a helical stair core, or stretch a window component to fit an irregular facade—all while maintaining the object’s parametric integrity. fredoscale plugin sketchup
| Feature / Aspect | Native SketchUp Tools | FredoScale Plugin | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Uniform, non-uniform scaling; basic rotate. | Scaling, Tapering, Stretching, Planar Shear, Twisting, Radial Bending, Rotation. | | Detail Preservation | Scaling a stretched object scales all details uniformly. | Stretch tool adds/subtracts length while preserving detail thickness. | | Bounding Box Control | Limited to global red, green, blue axes. | Can orient the selection box along any object's axes. | | Learning Curve | Shallow, very intuitive. | Moderate; requires learning new tool modes and workflows. | | Cost | Free (included with SketchUp). | $15 Perpetual License / $50 for the Bundle of 8 tools. | | Best Use Case | General, everyday modeling of simple forms. | Complex, organic, or parametric-style transformations (twists, bends, tapered forms). |
Toggles aspect ratio locking to switch smoothly between uniform and non-uniform scaling modes.
This is the "wow" tool of the bunch. By selecting a group and using , you can rotate the top of the selection while the base remains stationary. This is perfect for modeling wrought iron railings, drill bits, or organic architectural towers. 4. Radial Bend : Instantly force selected non-coplanar edges onto a
Slant geometry along a specific plane, which is perfect for drafting structural slopes or angled architectural facades. 3. Advanced Bending and Twisting
There is a lot of confusion regarding whether FredoScale is free. Here is the breakdown as of the latest version (v3.6a):
: The streamlined process of scaling and resizing objects reduces the need to perform multiple steps or to create and manipulate temporary models for scaling tests. This not only saves time but also declutters your workspace. Pressing the Tab key while a tool is
Just like SketchUp’s native tools, pressing the Left, Right, or Up arrow keys locks your deformation box to the Green, Red, or Blue axis.
SketchUp is an intuitive tool for 3D modeling, but its native scaling options are limited. When you scale an object with complex geometry, SketchUp stretches the entire model uniformly. This deforms specific details like chamfers, joints, and material thicknesses.
