How Do I Use Truebend in SketchUp?

Welcome to this tutorial on how to use Truebend in SketchUp. Truebend is a powerful tool that allows you to create and modify curved objects with ease. In this article, we will explore the various features and functionalities of Truebend and how you can incorporate it into your SketchUp workflow.

What is Truebend?

Truebend is a SketchUp extension that enables you to bend and manipulate objects along a curved path. It provides a simple and intuitive way to create smooth curves, making it an ideal tool for creating organic shapes or adding intricate details to your designs.

Installing Truebend

If you haven’t installed Truebend yet, here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open SketchUp and go to the “Extension Warehouse” from the “Extensions” menu.
  2. In the search bar, type “Truebend” and hit enter.
  3. Click on the extension and then click on the “Install” button.
  4. Once installed, restart SketchUp for the changes to take effect.

Using Truebend

Now that you have installed Truebend, let’s dive into how to use it effectively. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the object or group that you want to bend using the Select tool.
  2. Go to the “Extensions” menu, navigate to “Truebend”, and click on “Bend”.
  3. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to set the desired bend angle and radius.
    • Bend Angle: Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to bend the object.
    • Bend Radius: Specify the radius of the curve.
  4. Once you have set the desired parameters, click on the “Bend” button.
  5. The selected object will now be bent along the specified path.

Tips and Tricks

To make the most out of Truebend, here are some additional tips and tricks:

  • Undo and Redo: Truebend supports Undo and Redo functionality, allowing you to revert or repeat your actions as needed. Use the keyboard shortcuts or navigate through the “Edit” menu to access these options.
  • Grouping Objects: If you want to bend multiple objects together, group them before applying Truebend.

    This way, all objects within the group will be bent simultaneously.

  • Exploding Objects: To revert a bent object back to its original state, right-click on it and select “Explode”. This will remove any bend modifications applied by Truebend.

In Conclusion

Truebend is a valuable tool that expands SketchUp’s capabilities by providing a seamless way to create curved objects. With its intuitive interface and flexibility, you can now add complex curves and organic shapes to your designs effortlessly.

Remember to experiment with different angles and radii to achieve your desired results. Happy bending!