Can You Fillet Corners in SketchUp?

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Have you ever wondered if you can fillet corners in SketchUp? Well, the answer is both yes and no.

SketchUp, a powerful 3D modeling software, does not have a built-in fillet tool like some other CAD programs. However, there are workarounds that you can use to achieve similar results.

Method 1: Using the Arc Tool

If you want to create a fillet effect on a corner in SketchUp, one way to do it is by using the Arc tool. Here’s how:

  1. Select the edge or edges that you want to fillet.
  2. Go to the Tools menu and choose “Arc.”
  3. Click on one of the endpoints of the selected edge and drag the cursor towards the other endpoint.
  4. Release the mouse button when you’ve reached your desired fillet radius.

This method works well for creating small fillets on straight edges. However, it may not give you precise control over larger or more complex fillets.

Method 2: Using Plugins

If you need more flexibility and control over your fillets, SketchUp offers various plugins that can help you achieve this. One popular plugin is called “FredoCorner.” Here’s how to use it:

  1. First, make sure you have FredoCorner installed. You can download it from the SketchUcation Plugin Store or other reliable sources.
  2. Select the edges that you want to fillet.
  3. Go to “Extensions” in the menu bar, then choose “FredoCorner.

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  4. A dialog box will appear with various options for your fillet. Adjust them according to your requirements.
  5. Click “OK” when you’re satisfied with your settings, and the fillet will be applied to the selected edges.

This method gives you more control over the fillet radius, as well as additional options for adjusting the fillet shape and smoothing the resulting geometry.

Method 3: Exploding and Manually Creating Fillets

If you’re comfortable working with SketchUp’s native tools and don’t want to rely on plugins, you can also manually create fillets by following these steps:

  1. Select the edges that you want to fillet.
  2. Right-click on the selection and choose “Intersect Faces” > “With Selection.”
  3. This will create additional geometry where the selected edges intersect.
  4. Erase any unwanted geometry that was created in the previous step.
  5. Use SketchUp’s drawing tools, such as the Line or Arc tool, to manually connect the endpoints of your original edges with a smooth curve or arc.

This method requires more manual work but gives you complete control over the shape and size of your fillets. It’s particularly useful for creating custom or complex fillet designs.

Conclusion

Although SketchUp doesn’t have a dedicated fillet tool, there are several ways to achieve similar results. You can use SketchUp’s native Arc tool for basic fillets, employ plugins like FredoCorner for more advanced options, or manually create fillets by intersecting and connecting edges.

Experiment with these techniques to find the method that suits your needs best. Happy modeling!