Create Complex Curves with Helix Along Curve – SketchUp Plugin of the Week #12



This plugin review will teach you to use helix along curve to create complex curves in SketchUp!
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Short Intro
It’s amazing the number of times in SketchUp that you need to draw a curve between two points. While SketchUp can draw some curves using the arc tool, it gets really difficult to draw lines that curve in a more than 180 degree fashion between two points. This extension allows you to draw a helix between two points.
Plugin Name: Helix Along Curve
Plugin Developer: 3dalbertsoft
How Much does it cost? Free!
Where do you get it?
It’s located in the SketchUcation extension warehouse. You can also follow the link at www.thesketchupessentials.com/helixalongcurve .
Tool Functions
This tool is basically a robust toolbox designed to create helixes along paths. While the name is helix along curve, it really just creates helixes along paths.
It includes the functionality to affect the radius of the curve (along both ends), allowing you to create a curve that is wider on one side than the other.
It lets you adjust the number of laps the curve makes along your path, as well as the smoothness of your curve.
Phase allows you to adjust the beginning rotation of your shape.
Noise allows you to randomize the width of your radius along your helix.
The adherence to the curve options affect how closely your helix follows your curve.
In addition to these options, helix along curve also comes with the option to create a tube along your curve. You can adjust both the thickness of your tube, as well as the number of sizes the tube has to manage faces.
Usefulness/Functionality
This extension is an example of an extension with a purpose done really well. It’s designed for one thing – drawing helixes – and all of its options work really well at helping you do that. It’s easy to learn and easy to use.
Value
This extension is free – there’s no reason to not download it and try it out!
Ease of Use/Documentation
This is a very easy to use plugin. The menu has a lot of clear options that are fairly easy to understand. In addition, the developer has a pretty good video online that shows him walking through all the different options. You can find that here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLbaFIRecZQ . I’d really recommend taking a couple minutes and watching it for some great ideas on how to use this extension!
Overall
Sometimes, you find an extension that just works – it’s not confusing, and it does what it’s supposed to do. This extension is great for creating helixes – go check it out today!

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