Animate Doors, Drawers and Hinges with NT Motion Joint
NT Motion Joint is a free SketchUp animation plugin created by Nice Tower to add practical movement to architectural models. Define a hinge or sliding direction, set the motion range and preview moving components without building a complicated animation setup.
A focused animation tool for architectural SketchUp models
Static models are often not enough to explain how a design works. NT Motion Joint helps architects, interior designers, furniture makers and 3D artists demonstrate real movement directly inside SketchUp. Use it for cabinet doors, drawers, windows, gates, folding elements, sliding panels and other components that need a clear opening or closing motion. The plugin keeps the workflow visual and focused, making it useful for client presentations, design reviews and everyday modeling.
Rotational joints
Create hinge-style movement for doors, windows, lids and pivoting architectural components.
Sliding movement
Move drawers, panels and doors along a controlled direction with a practical range.
Fast preview
Test motion inside the model and refine the movement before presenting the design.
Clear toolbar
Access the core animation commands from a lightweight and easy-to-recognize toolbar.
Architectural workflow
Explain functional elements to clients and collaborators without exporting to another program.
Free RBZ installer
Download and install the extension through SketchUp Extension Manager at no cost.
How to animate a component in SketchUp
Prepare the object as a separate group or component before assigning movement. Keeping moving parts organized makes the animation predictable and protects the surrounding model geometry.
Select the object
Choose the door, drawer, panel or component that should move.
Choose a joint
Select rotational movement for hinges or linear movement for sliding parts.
Set direction
Define the axis, opening direction and useful range for the selected component.
Preview motion
Run the movement, inspect the result and adjust the joint when necessary.
Show how your design really works
Cabinets and furniture
Demonstrate cabinet doors, wardrobe panels, drawers, folding tables and other movable furniture details during design reviews.
Doors and windows
Preview swing direction, sliding clearances and opening behavior before construction documentation or client approval.
Gates and partitions
Explain large moving elements such as gates, screens, sliding partitions and retractable architectural systems.
Presentation models
Add simple functional motion to SketchUp presentations so viewers understand the model without long explanations.
Install the RBZ in minutes
- Download the NT Motion Joint RBZ file.
- Open SketchUp and choose Extensions → Extension Manager.
- Click Install Extension and select the downloaded RBZ.
- Enable the NT Motion Joint toolbar from the View → Toolbars menu.
- Restart SketchUp if the toolbar does not appear immediately.
Compatibility and requirements
- Plugin: NT Motion Joint
- Version: 1.0.0
- File format: RBZ
- Price: Free
- Best for: Architecture, interiors and furniture
- Recommended setup: Components or groups for moving objects
More tools and training for better SketchUp results
Combine free SketchUp plugins with professional training, AI-powered modeling and advanced extensions to build a faster architectural workflow. When your model needs curved rails, façades or furniture details, use the NT FlexPath SketchUp plugin to bend grouped geometry along a selected path.
NT Motion Joint FAQ
Is NT Motion Joint free?
Yes. Version 1.0.0 is available as a free RBZ download from Nice Tower.
What can I animate with this SketchUp plugin?
You can create practical rotational or sliding motion for grouped objects such as doors, drawers, windows, cabinet panels, lids, gates and partitions.
Do objects need to be groups or components?
Using a separate group or component is recommended because it keeps the moving geometry isolated from the rest of the model.
How do I install the plugin?
Use SketchUp Extension Manager, choose Install Extension and select the downloaded NT Motion Joint RBZ file.
Can it replace a full animation application?
NT Motion Joint is designed for focused component movement inside SketchUp. It is ideal for demonstrating functional motion, but complex cinematic animation may require a dedicated animation or rendering application.
Bring movement to your SketchUp model
Download NT Motion Joint free and create clearer architectural, furniture and interior-design presentations with practical hinge and sliding animations.