© 2026 — UpLantern
Tools on Surface solves this by projecting the geometry following the contours of the face, maintaining the integrity of the 3D shape. Core Toolset The extension mirrors the native SketchUp drawing toolbar but optimizes it for surfaces: Line / Polyline on Surface: Draw freehand or straight segments that wrap around curves. Circle / Ellipse on Surface: Create perfect circular cutouts or patterns on domes and cylinders. Rectangle / Parallelogram on Surface: Useful for architectural details like windows on curved walls. Offset on Surface: Perhaps the most powerful tool in the set; it allows you to offset edges along a curved face, which is nearly impossible with native tools. Eraser on Surface: Specifically designed to remove lines drawn with the plugin without deleting the underlying curved face. Key Features Contour Following: The lines automatically follow the "topography" of your 3D model. Inference Support: It retains SketchUp’s "sticky" inference engine, allowing you to find midpoints and endpoints on curved edges. Editability: You can often adjust parameters (like the number of segments in a circle) during the drawing process using the Value Control Box (VCB). How to Get Started Installation: You can find it on the
Assists in picking specific angles on non-flat faces.
SketchUp gets confused on curved surfaces (like the side of a cylinder). If you try to draw a line on a rounded face, SketchUp will either refuse or create a random plane floating in space.
Allows you to draw edges that "stick" to curved faces, effectively splitting them into smaller segments.
In conclusion, SketchUp's surface tools offer a wide range of possibilities for creating and editing 3D surfaces. By mastering these tools, users can create complex 3D models with ease and precision. Whether you are an architect, product designer, or landscape designer, SketchUp's surface tools are an essential part of your toolkit.
When you draw lines on a surface, they create harsh edges (creases). If you are making a car fender or a terrain hill, you don't want lines.
It is essential for adding details like buttons, grooves, or logos to curved electronics or furniture models.
© 2026 — UpLantern