True Bend SketchUp Plugin – Complete Guide, 5 Key Features & Easy Tutorial
The True Bend plugin for SketchUp is a powerful extension designed to bend objects accurately along a curved path. Unlike basic scaling or manual editing, this tool lets you create smooth curves, arcs, and organic shapes while keeping the geometry clean and predictable. If you work with curved architecture, furniture, pipes, or any design that follows a bend, the True Bend plugin can save you a lot of time and effort.
What This Plugin Does
This extension allows you to take a straight model and bend it around a circular or custom arc. The transformation is controlled and precise, which makes it very useful for professional design workflows. Instead of moving vertices one by one, you select the object, set the bend angle and radius, and let the plugin generate a smooth result. The tool is especially helpful when you need repeatable bends with consistent angles.
You can use True Bend to create:
- Curved beams, rails, and handrails
- Arched façades and architectural elements
- Bent wooden or metal furniture parts
- Pipes, tubes, and cable routes
- Decorative patterns that follow a curve
- Organic shapes for 3D printing or visualization
Because the extension keeps the geometry under control, you can continue editing the bent model or copy it as a parametric-style element in other designs.
Main Features
1. Controlled Bending by Angle
You can specify the exact angle for the bend, which is perfect for engineering-style or repeatable designs. This level of control helps when multiple parts must align correctly in the final model.
2. Radius-Based Deformation
The plugin uses a radius value to determine how tight or wide the curve will be. This makes it easy to experiment with different design options while keeping your original object as a reference.
3. Clean Geometry Output
The resulting geometry is clean and usable. Faces and edges stay well distributed, which avoids messy meshes and reduces the need for manual cleanup.
4. Supports Complex Shapes
You can bend groups or components that contain detailed geometry. This is useful for furniture profiles, metal parts, layered objects, and more advanced models.
5. Beginner-Friendly Workflow
The interface is simple, and the steps are straightforward, so even new SketchUp users can start using the plugin without a long learning curve.
How to Use the Plugin
Here is a basic workflow to use this extension effectively:
- Model or select the straight object you want to bend.
- Make sure it is grouped or made into a component.
- Activate the True Bend tool from your plugin toolbar.
- Define the bend center and set the angle or radius.
- Preview the bend and adjust if needed.
- Apply the operation to finalize the bent shape.
After the bend is applied, you can copy the object, mirror it, or combine it with other modeling tools to build more complex structures.
Real-World Use Cases
In real projects, designers use this plugin for curved stair rails, balcony edges, round furniture elements, custom signage, and bent metal or wood parts. It is especially popular among architects who design dynamic building skins and among product designers who need smooth bends without switching to other 3D software. Because it works directly inside SketchUp, you can keep your workflow simple and fast.
The tool also works well for 3D printing preparation. You can design straight profiles first, verify dimensions, and then bend them at the final stage, keeping better control over accuracy and tolerances.
Plugin Preview
FAQ
Is the True Bend plugin free?
Some versions or similar tools may be free, while others are paid. If you are looking for more premium tools, you can explore our collection of paid SketchUp plugins here: Paid SketchUp Plugins.
Where can I download this extension?
You can search for it on the official SketchUp Extensions website: True Bend – Extension Warehouse.
Which type of projects benefit most?
Any project with curves or arcs can benefit from this plugin: curved handrails, furniture, building façades, lighting fixtures, piping routes, and decorative elements all become much easier to model.
Can I edit the model after bending?
Yes. After the operation, the result is normal SketchUp geometry. You can continue editing faces, edges, and materials or use the bent object as a component in other models.
Useful Resources
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Explore our full SketchUp plugin collection here: SketchUp Tools.
Download ready-made 3D models for your projects: SketchUp 3D Object Library.
Learn more about our work and services: About Nice Tower.
Watch SketchUp tips and plugin tutorials on our YouTube channel: Nice Tower YouTube.
Discover more professional SketchUp tools and AI-powered extensions here: Suapp AI Tools.