Plugin Sketchup: Fredoscale

The FredoScale plugin for SketchUp is a comprehensive transformation suite developed by Fredo6 that significantly expands the native scaling capabilities of the software. While SketchUp’s built-in tool is limited to basic scaling and stretching along the model's axes, FredoScale allows users to orient scaling boxes freely and perform complex geometric deformations like twisting, bending, and tapering. Key Features and Tools

: Enables stretching of objects without distorting specific parts. It uses a "divider" to define which area of the geometry should be stretched, preserving the proportions of the rest. Box Twisting fredoscale plugin sketchup

How to Install and Use FredoScale

  • Use case: Twisted columns (Solomonic columns), helical staircases (partial twist), or decorative finials.
  • Precision: Type the angle (e.g., 180 for a half-twist) and press Enter. For a full spiral, type 360.

At its core, FredoScale addresses a fundamental frustration in base SketchUp: the "Scale" tool. The native tool scales uniformly on axes, distorting textures and rounding dimensions. FredoScale, however, introduces the concept of Box Morphing. Through tools like Radial Bending, Twist, and Stretch, users can bend a straight tower into a curved spine, twist a rectangular column into a helical stair core, or stretch a window component to fit an irregular facade—all while maintaining the object’s parametric integrity. The FredoScale plugin for SketchUp is a comprehensive

The standard SketchUp Scale tool (shortcut 'S') is great for simple tasks, but it lacks precision for complex geometry. FredoScale introduces: At its core, FredoScale addresses a fundamental frustration

This is the "wow" tool of the bunch. By selecting a group and using Box Twist, you can rotate the top of the selection while the base remains stationary. This is perfect for modeling wrought iron railings, drill bits, or organic architectural towers. 4. Radial Bend

: Bends geometry along a curved path. It includes a "slicer" feature to manage how the mesh deforms during the bend. Radial Bending