The tool was born out of necessity. Chris Fullmer initially created it to solve a problem: he needed to bend a client's nameplate to follow the natural curve of a stone wall in a landscape design. Unable to find an existing solution, he built his own extension—an example of proactive problem-solving that has since become a cornerstone of the SketchUp ecosystem.
It works on both simple arcs and complex paths composed of multiple connected lines. Key Requirements for Success
You need to download two specific extensions from the : CLF Shape Bender (The main plugin by Chris Fullmer)
Draw a straight line parallel to the red axis under or through your object (the Base Line).
: The plugin "slices" the original geometry based on the number of segments in the target curve. Smoother curves require more segments in the target line. Proportional Scaling plugin sketchup shape bender
Press (or Return) to accept the preview and generate the final 3D geometry. Pro-Tips for Advanced Troubleshooting
To use Shape Bender successfully, you must have these three components in your model: The Object to Bend : A group or component (e.g., 3D Text). A Straight Reference Line : A single line drawn along the that represents the length of your object. A Target Curve : The arc or curve that you want the text to follow. Step-by-Step Guide Prepare the 3D Text : Create your text using the 3D Text Tool . Ensure it is a single group or component. Draw the Reference Line
This is where the power of plugins comes in, and among them, one tool has become an absolute game-changer for architects, designers, and woodworkers alike: the .
Model a standard staircase handrail flat on the ground, then bend it beautifully to match a helical spiral stairs path. The tool was born out of necessity
Next, search for (or "clf Shape Bender" ) in the Extension Warehouse. Click Install .
: Reverses the start and end points of the geometry along the curve. 6. Commit the Mesh
Look at the ends of the wireframe. You will see text labels like Start and End .
With a deep breath, Elias clicked the Shape Bender icon. He selected the arch, then the straight line, and finally the curve. It works on both simple arcs and complex
CLF Shape Bender plugin by Chris Fullmer is one of the most common ways to wrap 3D text around curves in SketchUp. This tool allows you to map a group of geometry (like text) from a straight reference line onto a curved path. DanielTal.com Required Elements
Create the curve or path you want the object to follow. This can be an arc, a circle, or a complex polyline. Ensure this curve is "welded" into a single path (use the native "Weld Edges" tool in newer SketchUp versions). 4. Run the Plugin you want to bend.
The smoothness of your final bent object depends entirely on the segments of your target curve. Before drawing your arc, type a higher number (e.g., 48s for 48 segments) and hit Enter to ensure a perfectly smooth curve.
Your 3D object and its straight base line must run parallel to the Red (X) Axis. Shape Bender calculates the transformation based entirely on this axis.