The Mental Training Ground

Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021 [2024]

Joint Push Pull is a powerhouse extension for SketchUp 2021 that overcomes the limitations of the native Push/Pull tool, specifically by allowing you to extrude multiple or curved faces at once. Developed by Fredo6, it is widely considered an essential "Swiss Army knife" for complex 3D modeling. Key Tools & Features

The extension is a suite of distinct tools, each suited for different geometric challenges:

Joint Push Pull: Extrudes multiple faces simultaneously while keeping them "joined" at the seams, perfect for thickening curved surfaces.

Vector Push Pull: Pulls faces along a specific direction (vector) rather than just their individual face normals.

Normal Push Pull: Similar to the standard tool but works on multiple faces at once, leaving gaps between them.

Round Push Pull: Extrudes surfaces and automatically rounds the resulting edges.

Thicken Mode: A specific setting that creates a solid volume from a surface by generating a back face, effectively adding "thickness".

Molding & Tapering: Allows extruded edges to expand or shrink as they are pulled, creating a tapered effect. Installation for SketchUp 2021

To use Joint Push Pull, you must install both the extension and its required library:

SketchUp 2021 Joint Push Pull extension (by Fredo6) is a vital tool for extruding multiple or curved surfaces that the native SketchUp Push/Pull tool cannot handle. Key Features of Joint Push Pull

The extension includes several specialized "modes" to handle different geometric challenges: Joint Push Pull (J icon)

: The primary tool for extruding multiple or curved faces simultaneously while automatically filling the "joints" between them. Vector Push Pull

: Extrudes faces along a specific direction (vector), regardless of their original orientation. Normal Push Pull

: Acts like the native tool but allows for multiple face selection at once. Extrude Push Pull

: Extrudes faces along an average direction while maintaining joint connectivity. Round Push Pull

: Extrudes multiple faces and automatically rounds the edges between them. Follow Push Pull : Extrudes faces along the edges of the adjacent geometry. The SketchUp Essentials Requirements & Installation

To use this extension in SketchUp 2021, you must install the following from SketchUcation : The foundational library required for all Fredo6 plugins. SketchUcation ExtensionStore

: Necessary for managing licenses and keeping the tools updated. SketchUp Community Joint Push Pull Not showing - Pro - SketchUp Community

In SketchUp 2021, the Joint Push Pull extension (by Fredo6) is a vital tool for extruding complex, multiple, or curved surfaces that the native Push/Pull tool cannot handle. Because SketchUp treats curved surfaces as a collection of individual flat faces, the standard tool can only move one face at a time, often breaking the geometry. Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021

Joint Push Pull solves this by calculating an average normal for the entire selection, allowing for a contiguous, uniform extrusion. Key Features of Joint Push Pull

Joint Push Pull (Main Tool): Extrudes multiple faces while automatically filling in the "joints" between them to maintain a single, smooth surface.

Vector Push Pull: Allows you to push or pull faces in a specific direction (e.g., locking to the Blue axis by pressing the Up Arrow), which is useful for flattening terrain or creating vertical extrusions from sloped surfaces.

Normal Push Pull: Similar to the native tool but works on multiple faces simultaneously. It creates gaps between non-contiguous faces rather than merging them.

Extrude Push Pull: Focuses on maintaining face contiguity during extrusion, often producing cleaner results for certain geometric layouts.

Thickening Mode: Specifically designed to add a set thickness to a surface while keeping the original faces (useful for modeling walls or shells). How to Use It in SketchUp 2021

Installation: Download the Joint Push Pull Interactive extension from the Sketchucation PluginStore.

Note: You must also install the LibFredo6 shared library for the plugin to function.

Selection: Select the faces you wish to extrude. You can select multiple faces across different parts of your model.

Activation: Click the desired Joint Push Pull icon from the toolbar or access it via Tools > Fredo6 Collection > Joint Push Pull. Execution:

Interactive: Click and drag the surface to visually set the extrusion depth.

Precise: Type a value (e.g., 10cm) into the Measurements box and press Enter.

Finalize: Double-click or press Enter to confirm the operation. Tips for Success

Shortcut Keys: Use the Arrow Keys to lock the extrusion to a specific axis (Red, Green, or Blue) during Vector Push Pull.

Group Creation: You can toggle an option to generate the new geometry inside its own group to keep your model organized and non-destructive.

Undo/Redo: The plugin has its own "Start-over" and "Redo" functions, which are often more reliable for these complex operations than the standard SketchUp Undo.

Fredo6's Joint Push Pull extension for SketchUp 2021 enables the simultaneous extrusion of multiple and curved surfaces, overcoming the limitations of the native, single-face tool . The plugin offers various modes, including vector and normal push/pull, to add consistent thickness to complex, connected geometry . Installation requires downloading the plugin and LibFredo6 from the SketchUcation PluginStore and loading them via the Extension Manager . Learn more about the extension at SketchUcation PluginStore. PUSH PULLING Curved Faces in SketchUp?

this is basically pushpulling all of the different faces. out um based on the individual face orientation that makes up the shape. YouTube·TheSketchUpEssentials Joint Push Pull is a powerhouse extension for

How to Install Sketchucation Plugins in Sketchup | Step-by-Step Guide

click on install extension select TT library and click on open just give SketchUp a bit for it to install the plug-in. YouTube·Sketchup Guru PUSH PULLING Curved Faces in SketchUp?

this is basically pushpulling all of the different faces. out um based on the individual face orientation that makes up the shape. YouTube·TheSketchUpEssentials

How to Install Sketchucation Plugins in Sketchup | Step-by-Step Guide

click on install extension select TT library and click on open just give SketchUp a bit for it to install the plug-in. YouTube·Sketchup Guru

Overview

The Joint Push Pull plugin allows users to create complex shapes and geometries by extruding 2D shapes along a path. It's particularly useful for creating detailed architectural models, furniture, and other objects with intricate profiles.

Key Features

  1. Advanced Extrusion: The plugin enables you to extrude 2D shapes along a path, allowing for more complex geometries.
  2. Joint Creation: The plugin creates joints between the extruded shapes, making it easier to manage and edit the model.
  3. Variable Profile: You can define a variable profile for the extrusion, which means you can control the shape and size of the profile along the path.
  4. Multiple Path Support: The plugin supports multiple paths, allowing you to create more complex shapes.

Performance in SketchUp 2021

In SketchUp 2021, the Joint Push Pull plugin performs smoothly, with no noticeable lag or crashes. The plugin is well-integrated with the software, and the UI is intuitive and easy to use.

Pros

  1. Increased Productivity: The plugin significantly speeds up the modeling process, especially when creating complex shapes.
  2. Improved Accuracy: The plugin ensures accurate and precise extrusions, reducing errors and iterations.
  3. Flexibility: The plugin offers a wide range of customization options, making it suitable for various applications.

Cons

  1. Steep Learning Curve: The plugin requires some time to get used to, especially for users without prior experience with similar tools.
  2. Limited Compatibility: The plugin might not be compatible with all SketchUp extensions or third-party plugins.

Conclusion

The Joint Push Pull plugin is a valuable addition to SketchUp 2021, offering advanced extrusion capabilities and improved modeling efficiency. While it may require some time to learn, the benefits of increased productivity and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment for architects, designers, and modelers.

Rating: 4.5/5

System Requirements:

  • SketchUp 2021 (or later)
  • Windows or macOS

Price:

  • Free trial available
  • License: around $50 (or less, depending on the vendor)

Keep in mind that the plugin's performance might vary depending on your system configuration, SketchUp version, and other factors. If you're interested in trying the plugin, I recommend downloading the free trial and testing it with your specific use case. Advanced Extrusion : The plugin enables you to

Master Curved Geometry: The Ultimate Guide to Joint Push Pull for SketchUp 2021

SketchUp’s native Push/Pull tool is a staple for 3D modeling, but it has one major limitation: it can’t handle curved surfaces. If you've ever tried to thicken a dome or extrude a complex organic shape only to hit a "Cannot push/pull curved or smoothed surfaces" error, you need Joint Push Pull Developed by legendary plugin creator

, this extension is an essential upgrade for any SketchUp 2021 user. Key Features: Beyond the Standard Extrusion

Joint Push Pull is actually a suite of tools, each designed for specific geometric challenges: Joint Push Pull

: The flagship tool. It extrudes multiple faces simultaneously while automatically filling the "joints" between them, making it perfect for thickening curved shapes. Vector Push Pull

: Extrudes faces along a specific direction (vector) rather than just perpendicular to the face. This is ideal for flattening terrains or creating angled extrusions. Normal Push Pull

: Functions like the native tool but allows you to push/pull multiple disconnected faces at once. Round Push Pull

: Extrudes faces while rounding the edges of the resulting geometry, similar to the "RoundCorner" plugin. Extrude Push Pull

: Designed to extrude multiple faces while maintaining a clean, joined result without creating internal overlapping geometry. How to Install for SketchUp 2021

To get Joint Push Pull running in SketchUp 2021, you must follow a specific installation sequence, as the plugin relies on shared libraries. Download LibFredo6

: This is the shared library required for all of Fredo6's plugins. You can find the latest version on the SketchUcation PluginStore Download Joint Push Pull : Get the RBZ file from the official Joint Push Pull Interactive page Install via Extension Manager In SketchUp 2021, go to Extensions > Extension Manager Install Extension and select the LibFredo6.rbz Repeat the process for the JointPushPull.rbz Restart SketchUp

: This is a critical step to ensure the toolbars and menus load correctly. Licensing & Pricing As of recent updates, Joint Push Pull is a paid extension

Part 6: Joint Push Pull vs. Native Push/Pull in 2021

| Feature | Native Push/Pull (2021) | Joint Push Pull | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Flat surfaces | ✅ Fast | ✅ Works (but overkill) | | Curved surfaces (Curviloft mesh) | ❌ Error | ✅ Normal mode | | Spheres, domes | ❌ Creates jagged artifacts | ✅ Perfect concentric shell | | Extruding edges | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Extrude mode | | Memory usage | Low | Moderate (requires LibFredo6) | | Undo reliability | Perfect | Occasionally fails on massive extrusions |

Verdict for 2021: Use Native for simple boxes. Use JPP for everything else.

Joint Push Pull — SketchUp 2021: A Chronicle

In early 2021, as the architecture and maker communities wrestled with remote collaboration and tighter deadlines, a quiet but profound refinement arrived in SketchUp: improved control and nuance for the Push/Pull tool. What might seem a modest upgrade actually unfolded into a story of workflow liberation — a small, tactile victory for designers who live by geometry.

Part 1: Why Joint Push Pull is Essential for SketchUp 2021

SketchUp 2021 introduced substantial improvements to "Live Components" and tagging, but it did not change the core geometry engine regarding curved surfaces. Without an extension, you cannot:

  • Give thickness to a terrain model (e.g., for CNC milling).
  • Create a solid from an imported 3D scan.
  • Add wall thickness to a curved vase or dome.
  • Offset a complex facade panel.

Joint Push Pull solves this by calculating the offset geometry along the vertex normals of a surface. In SketchUp 2021, the extension runs faster than previous versions thanks to improved Ruby API handling.

Suggested Title

“Parametric Extrusion Control in SketchUp 2021: An Analysis of the Joint Push Pull Tool for Complex Geometry Manipulation”