Tools like Bend and Twist require enough edges and faces to deform smoothly. If your object is a simple long box with no segments along its length, it will not bend cleanly. Divide your faces before using these tools.
is widely regarded as an essential "power tool" for SketchUp, drastically expanding the capabilities of the native Scale tool. While SketchUp’s built-in scaling is limited to the red, green, and blue axes, FredoScale allows for transformations regardless of an object's orientation. Key Features
If you want to bend, twist, stretch, or taper your geometry without breaking it, here is why FredoScale deserves a permanent spot in your toolbar.
| Feature | Native Scale Tool | FredoScale (Box Stretching / Taper) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Multiplies dimensions (Scaling Factor). | Moves or stretches specific control points. | | Impact on Details | Scales everything proportionally. (e.g., makes window frames thicker). | Maintains the thickness of details; only adds length to empty space. | | Skew/Taper | Cannot taper a box into a pyramid. | Can taper any face independently. | | Precision | Input by ratio. | Input by absolute values (using the TAB key). |
It is part of the extensive , which often requires the LibFredo6 shared library to function. It is designed to handle groups, components, and raw geometry, making it incredibly versatile for both architectural and industrial design workflows. Key Features and Tools fredoscale plugin sketchup
Tapering scales one end of an object while keeping the opposite end fixed, creating a smooth gradient transition between the two sizes.
: With FredoScale, what would typically take several steps and a good deal of guesswork can now be accomplished quickly and accurately. This efficiency gain means you can focus more on the creative aspects of your project.
Even a great plugin can have its moments. The SketchUcation forums are an invaluable resource for troubleshooting. Here are some common issues and their typical solutions:
Enter , a legendary plugin by developer Fredo6. It transforms how you manipulate geometry, allowing for complex deformations like twisting, tapering, and radial bending—all while keeping your model's integrity intact. What is FredoScale? Tools like Bend and Twist require enough edges
However, for a combination of stretching, twisting, scaling, and bending all in one stable plugin, FredoScale remains unmatched.
: By providing more intuitive scaling options, FredoScale significantly speeds up the modeling process. Users can achieve complex scaling tasks in a fraction of the time it would take with SketchUp's native tools.
While FredoScale is the industry standard, there are a few alternatives if you are looking for different workflows:
The story of FredoScale is a reminder that in the world of digital design, the most important innovations don't always come from the software developers themselves. Sometimes, they come from a community member who looks at a box and realizes that it doesn't have to stay a box. is widely regarded as an essential "power tool"
Provides precise numerical inputs for bends, twists, and scales.
: If you have many plugins, use the FredoTools Quick Launcher to find and start FredoScale tools by name. 4. When to Use FredoScale vs. Native Scale SketchUp: Making and using guides
In SketchUp, go to Extensions > Extension Manager > Install Extension and select the downloaded file.
Enter , a legendary extension created by developer Fredo6. This plugin revolutionizes how you scale, deform, taper, and twist objects in SketchUp.