This week’s SketchUp plugin of the weeks allows you to deform geometry to create cool new shapes!
♦Plugin Link♦ http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=SketchyFFD
♦SUPPORT ME♦ http://www.patreon.com/thesketchupessentials
♦Courses♦ http://www.thesketchupessentials.com/courses
♦Website♦ http://www.thesketchupessentials.com
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Short Intro
One of the ways that you can make complex shapes in Sketchup is to draw a simple shape, then deform it do that it looks the way you want. This week’s extension creates an easier way to do that.
Plugin Name: FFD
Plugin Developer: CPhillips
How Much does it cost? Free!
Where do you get it?
It’s located in the SketchUcation extension warehouse. I’ll link to it in the notes down below.
Tool Functions
This tool creates a deformation matrix that you can use to deform shapes in your model.
The way it works is that it creates a grid of points. When you move the points around, it will deform your model to match your point movement.
This grid only works with individual geometry in a single group. Groups within groups won’t work. In addition, your geometry must be subdivided in your model. What this means is this plugin doesn’t divide your faces in a model, so it will only move geometry you’ve created.
This plugin comes with several built in grid sizes (2 x 2, 3 x 3). It also allows you to create custom grid sizes as well for greater control.
It also has a subdivide function that allows you to divide your geometry based on your grid size.
Usefulness/Functionality
This plugin is great for deforming different shapes. It has a bit of a learning curve, but it allows you great flexibility in creating interesting and different shapes. You do have to be careful to divide your geometry the right way sometimes.
Value
This extension is free – there’s no reason to not download it and try it out! I wasn’t able to find a download link for this extension.
Ease of Use/Documentation
This extension had a bit of a learning curve, but once I figured out the specifics, like dividing faces and keeping individual geometry in a group, I was able to start making it do what I wanted.
Overall
Overall, this plugin has some interesting applications. It won’t be the right fit for every model, but it’s definitely worth learning how to use.
That’s where we’re going to wrap up this plugin overview. If you liked this video, click that like button down below. If you’re new, click that subscribe button for more SketchUp videos every week.
As always, leave a comment below and let me know if you’re using this tool and how.
Finally, please consider supporting me on Patreon. As you know, The SketchUp essentials is a side project for me, and a lot of these tools and extensions cost money. By supporting me on Patreon, you help me be able to purchase licenses for new softwares to keep bringing you new plugin reviews and other SketchUp content. Even a dollar a month helps.
In either case, thanks very much for watching, and I’ll catch you in the next video.
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