To create a piece using the full Curviloft plugin for SketchUp, you must first ensure you have the shared library installed , as Curviloft requires it to run. Curviloft is a script by Fredo6 dedicated to Loft and Skinning
, which allows you to generate complex organic surfaces from contours or frames. You can download the extension and its required library from the SketchUcation Plugin Store Core Tools for Creating a Piece
You can create a piece using one of these three primary functions: Loft by Spline
: Connects a series of separate profiles or polylines to create a continuous "bridge" or surface. Loft Along Path
: Generates geometry by extruding one or more profiles along a specific curve or path.
: Creates a smooth "skin" or face from three or four bordering contours that form a closed or semi-closed framework. Step-by-Step Workflow Curviloft - SketchUcation
Curviloft is a powerhouse extension for SketchUp, developed by the legendary Fredo6, designed to generate complex surfaces and organic skins from existing contours. Whether you are creating advanced architectural forms or smooth, flowy geometry, Curviloft simplifies the process by joining separate lines or curves into clean 3D faces. Key Features of Curviloft
The plugin is divided into three primary tools that handle different surface generation needs:
Loft by Spline: Joins separate open or closed contours using smooth splines. It is ideal for creating a shape that transitions from one profile to another, such as a square base morphing into a circular top.
Loft along Path: Connects profiles along a specific "rail" or path curve, giving you precise control over the direction and curvature of the resulting skin. curviloft plugin sketchup full
Skinning: Creates a surface bounded by 3 or 4 contiguous contours. This is particularly useful for filling in complex gaps in a model where standard face creation fails. Pricing and Licensing
As of March 2022, Curviloft transitioned from a free model to a paid extension.
Free Trial: A 30-day full-feature trial is available for new users.
Individual License: A perpetual license for Curviloft typically costs $12 to $15.
Bundle Option: You can purchase the Fredo6Bundle, which includes 8 popular plugins (like JointPushPull and RoundCorner), for approximately $40 to $50.
Licensing: The license is managed via SketchUcation and usually covers up to three seats (computers) per user. Installation Guide
To ensure Curviloft runs correctly, you must install its required dependency first. Curviloft - SketchUcation
Curviloft is a specialized extension for SketchUp, developed by Fredo6, that focuses on lofting and skinning to generate complex, organic surfaces from contours. It is widely considered one of the most powerful modeling tools for creating smooth geometry that SketchUp’s native toolset cannot easily produce. Core Functionality
Curviloft provides three primary tools, each accessible via a dedicated toolbar or the SketchUp "Tools" menu. To create a piece using the full Curviloft
Loft by Spline: This tool joins separate open or closed contours by creating smooth intermediate splines. It is commonly used to merge different shapes—such as transitioning a hexagon into a circle—by drawing intermediate faces between them.
Loft Along Path: Similar to SketchUp's native "Follow Me" tool, this feature allows a shape to follow a specific "rail" or path. However, it is more advanced because it can transition between multiple different shapes (e.g., square to circle) as it moves along the path.
Skinning (Skin Contours): This tool generates a surface across a 3- or 4-sided frame of edges. It is ideal for creating tensile structures, organic architectural skins, or glass exterior panels. Licensing and Availability
As of 2024, Curviloft has transitioned from a completely free tool to a paid, licensed extension.
Free Trial: A full-featured free trial is available for 30 days from first use.
Pricing: A perpetual license (valid for 3 seats) costs approximately $15. Users can also purchase a Fredo6 Bundle for $50, which includes eight popular plugins.
Distribution: Official downloads are hosted on SketchUcation. Technical Requirements and Installation
To ensure Curviloft works correctly, users must fulfill specific technical prerequisites:
LibFredo6 Dependency: Curviloft requires the installation of the LibFredo6 shared library (v14.3b or above) to function. Part 7: Workflow Example – Modeling a Yacht
Compatibility: Supports SketchUp version 2017 and above on both Windows and Mac OSX. Installation Steps: Download the .rbz file from SketchUcation. Install via the SketchUp Extension Manager. Restart SketchUp to load the plugin properly. Advanced Features for Precision
The plugin includes several interactive settings to refine organic geometry:
Segments Adjustment: Users can increase or decrease the number of segments (up to 99) in the preview mode to control surface smoothness.
Vertex Matching: In preview mode, you can manually drag vertices to adjust how different contours connect, preventing unwanted twisting in the mesh.
Interpolation & Oversampling: These settings allow for more precise control over the density of the generated mesh, helping to manage the model's overall complexity. Curviloft for Sketchup – 2 minute Tutorial
I understand you're looking for the Curviloft plugin for SketchUp. Here's what you should know:
Let's put the Curviloft Plugin Sketchup Full to the test.
Without Curviloft, this would take 3 hours of manual line drawing. With the full plugin, it takes 90 seconds.