Vertex Tool for SketchUp: A Powerful Extension for Organic Modeling
SketchUp Vertex Tool Full Version Download
If you are a SketchUp user who loves to create complex and organic shapes, you might have wished for a better way to edit vertices in your models. SketchUp's native tools are great for creating simple geometry, but they can be limiting when it comes to manipulating curved surfaces and edges. That's where SketchUp Vertex Tool comes in handy.
sketchup vertex tool full version download
SketchUp Vertex Tool is a powerful extension that allows you to take control over each vertex in your model. You can move, scale, rotate, extrude, bevel, bridge, poke, relax, merge, and more with a simple click and drag of the mouse. You can also use soft selection to blend the transitions of your mesh modifications smoothly. And you can lock the UV mapping of your faces to preserve the texture coordinates when you deform the geometry.
SketchUp Vertex Tool is developed by ThomThom, one of the most prolific and respected extension authors in the SketchUp community. He is also the creator of other popular extensions such as SubD, Quad Face Tools, Solid Inspector2, CleanUp3, and more.
In this article, we will show you how to download and install SketchUp Vertex Tool full version, what are its features and how to use them, some tips and tricks for getting the most out of it, and some alternatives to SketchUp Vertex Tool that you might want to check out.
Features of SketchUp Vertex Tool
SketchUp Vertex Tool is packed with features that make vertex editing a breeze. Here are some of the main features that you can use with this extension:
Manipulator Gizmo
The Manipulator Gizmo is a handy tool that allows you to quickly manipulate vertices without switching out of selection mode. You can use it to move, scale, rotate, or extrude vertices along any axis or plane. You can also adjust the values by typing in the VCB (value control box) for final precision adjustments.
Extrude Edges
You can use the Gizmo to quickly extrude edges from your selected geometry. It even takes into account the soft selection, so you can create smooth extrusions easily.
Soft Selection
Soft selection is a key feature that allows you to create organic shapes with ease. It lets you select not only the vertices you click on, but also the surrounding vertices within a certain radius. You can adjust the radius and the falloff curve of the soft selection to create different effects. The soft selection works with all the other tools, so you can easily deform your mesh with smooth transitions.
Lock UV Mapping
If you have applied textures to your model, you might want to preserve the UV mapping of your faces when you edit the vertices. SketchUp Vertex Tool allows you to lock the UV mapping of your selected faces, so that the texture coordinates will not change when you move, scale, rotate, or extrude the vertices. This way, you can avoid texture distortion and stretching.
Auto-Smooth
Another feature that helps you create smooth surfaces is Auto-Smooth. It automatically adjusts the smoothing and softening of your edges based on the angle between adjacent faces. You can set the threshold angle for Auto-Smooth in the extension settings. This feature works well with SubD and Quad Face Tools, as it can create smooth subdivision surfaces without manual smoothing.
New in version 2.0: Vertex Slide, Bridge, Bevel, Poke, Relax, Merge, and more
SketchUp Vertex Tool has recently been updated to version 2.0, which adds a lot of new tools and improvements to the extension. Here are some of the new tools that you can use with version 2.0:
Vertex Slide: This tool allows you to slide a vertex along an edge or a face loop. You can use it to adjust the position of a vertex without changing the shape of the surrounding geometry.
Bridge: This tool allows you to connect two sets of edges or faces with a bridge of faces. You can use it to fill gaps or create loops in your model.
Bevel: This tool allows you to bevel a vertex or an edge by creating chamfered or rounded faces around it. You can use it to create smooth corners or add details to your model.
Poke: This tool allows you to poke a face by creating a new vertex at its center and connecting it to the surrounding vertices. You can use it to create pyramids or spikes in your model.
Relax: This tool allows you to relax a vertex or a set of vertices by averaging their positions with their neighbors. You can use it to smooth out bumps or irregularities in your model.
Merge: This tool allows you to merge two or more vertices into one by moving them to their average position. You can use it to simplify your model or remove unwanted vertices.
These are just some of the new tools that are available in SketchUp Vertex Tool 2.0. You can find more information and tutorials on how to use them on ThomThom's website or YouTube channel.
How to use SketchUp Vertex Tool
Now that you know what SketchUp Vertex Tool can do, let's see how to use it in practice. Here are some basic steps on how to use SketchUp Vertex Tool for your 3D modeling projects:
How to activate and deactivate Vertex Tool mode
To activate Vertex Tool mode, you need to select some geometry in your model and then click on the Vertex Tool icon in the toolbar or go to Extensions > TT_Lib2 > Vertex Tools > Vertex Tools. Alternatively, you can assign a keyboard shortcut for Vertex Tool in SketchUp's preferences.
To deactivate Vertex Tool mode, you need to press Esc or click on another tool in SketchUp's toolbar.
How to select and manipulate vertices with the Gizmo
To select vertices in Vertex Tool mode, you need to click on them with the left mouse button. You can also drag a selection box around them or use Shift or Ctrl modifiers to add or remove vertices from your selection.
To manipulate vertices with the Gizmo, you need to click and drag on one of its handles with the left mouse button. The Gizmo has three types of handles: arrows, planes, and circles. The arrows allow you to move vertices along an axis; the planes allow you to scale vertices along two axes; and the circles allow you to rotate vertices around an axis.
You can also switch between different Gizmo modes by pressing Tab or using the context menu options. The Gizmo modes are: World (aligned with the world axes), Local (aligned with the local axes of the selected geometry), Normal (aligned with the normal of the selected face), or Screen (aligned with the screen view).
You can also use the VCB to enter numeric values for the Gizmo operations. For example, you can type in a distance to move vertices, a scale factor to scale vertices, or an angle to rotate vertices.
How to use the context menu and toolbar options
To access more options and tools for SketchUp Vertex Tool, you can right-click on the model or on the toolbar to open the context menu. The context menu has different options depending on what you have selected and where you click. Some of the options are:
Extrude: This option allows you to extrude edges or faces from your selected geometry. You can also use the Gizmo to extrude vertices.
Slide: This option allows you to slide a vertex along an edge or a face loop.
Bridge: This option allows you to connect two sets of edges or faces with a bridge of faces.
Bevel: This option allows you to bevel a vertex or an edge by creating chamfered or rounded faces around it.
Poke: This option allows you to poke a face by creating a new vertex at its center and connecting it to the surrounding vertices.
Relax: This option allows you to relax a vertex or a set of vertices by averaging their positions with their neighbors.
Merge: This option allows you to merge two or more vertices into one by moving them to their average position.
Soft Selection: This option allows you to adjust the radius and the falloff curve of the soft selection.
Lock UV Mapping: This option allows you to lock or unlock the UV mapping of your selected faces.
Auto-Smooth: This option allows you to enable or disable Auto-Smooth for your selected geometry.
Gizmo Mode: This option allows you to switch between different Gizmo modes: World, Local, Normal, or Screen.
Gizmo Operation: This option allows you to switch between different Gizmo operations: Move, Scale, Rotate, or Extrude.
The toolbar also has some buttons that allow you to access some of these options quickly. You can customize the toolbar by dragging and dropping the buttons from the context menu.
How to use the soft selection radius and falloff curve
To use the soft selection radius and falloff curve, you need to enable soft selection in the context menu or toolbar. Then, you can adjust the radius and the falloff curve in the VCB by typing in values or using the arrow keys. The radius determines how far from the selected vertices the soft selection affects. The falloff curve determines how fast the influence of the soft selection decreases from the center. You can choose between linear, smooth, sharp, root, and sphere falloff curves.
The soft selection radius and falloff curve affect how your mesh modifications blend with the surrounding geometry. You can use them to create smooth or sharp transitions depending on your desired effect.
How to use the new tools in version 2.0
To use the new tools in SketchUp Vertex Tool 2.0, you need to download and install the latest version of the extension from SketchUcation or Extension Warehouse. Then, you can access them from the context menu or toolbar. Here are some examples of how to use some of the new tools:
Vertex Slide: To use this tool, you need to select a vertex and then right-click on an edge or a face loop that you want to slide it along. Then, drag the mouse to slide the vertex. You can also type in a value in the VCB to specify the slide distance.
Bridge: To use this tool, you need to select two sets of edges or faces that you want to connect with a bridge of faces. Then, right-click on the model and choose Bridge from the context menu. You can also type in a value in the VCB to specify the number of segments for the bridge.
Bevel: To use this tool, you need to select a vertex or an edge that you want to bevel. Then, right-click on the model and choose Bevel from the context menu. Then, drag the mouse to adjust the size of the bevel. You can also type in a value in the VCB to specify the bevel distance or radius.
Poke: To use this tool, you need to select a face that you want to poke. Then, right-click on the model and choose Poke from the context menu. Then, drag the mouse to adjust the height of the poke. You can also type in a value in the VCB to specify the poke distance.
Relax: To use this tool, you need to select a vertex or a set of vertices that you want to relax. Then, right-click on the model and choose Relax from the context menu. Then, drag the mouse to adjust the amount of relaxation. You can also type in a value in the VCB to specify the relaxation factor.
Merge: To use this tool, you need to select two or more vertices that you want to merge into one. Then, right-click on the model and choose Merge from the context menu. The vertices will be moved to their average position.
Tips and tricks for SketchUp Vertex Tool
SketchUp Vertex Tool is a versatile and powerful extension that can help you create amazing 3D models with ease. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of it:
How to use Vertex Tool with SubD and Quad Face Tools for organic modeling
If you want to create organic shapes with SketchUp Vertex Tool, you can combine it with SubD and Quad Face Tools, two other extensions by ThomThom that allow you to create smooth subdivision surfaces with quad-based geometry. SubD lets you subdivide your model into finer meshes with smooth curves, while Quad Face Tools lets you create and edit quad faces with various tools.
To use Vertex Tool with SubD and Quad Face Tools, you need to first create a base mesh with quad faces using SketchUp's native tools or Quad Face Tools. Then, you can use Vertex Tool to edit the vertices of your base mesh and create different shapes and forms. You can also use soft selection, lock UV mapping, and auto-smooth features to create smooth transitions and preserve textures. Finally, you can use SubD to subdivide your base mesh into a smooth surface with more detail and realism.
How to use Vertex Tool with Sandbox Tools for terrain modeling
If you want to create terrain models with SketchUp Vertex Tool, you can combine it with Sandbox Tools, a native toolset in SketchUp that allows you to create and edit terrain meshes with various tools. Sandbox Tools lets you create terrain from contours, from scratch, or from imported data. It also lets you sculpt, smooth, stamp, drape, and add details to your terrain.
To use Vertex Tool with Sandbox Tools, you need to first create a terrain mesh with Sandbox Tools using one of its methods. Then, you can use Vertex Tool to edit the vertices of your terrain mesh and create different features and variations. You can also use soft selection and relax features to create smooth transitions and natural shapes. Finally, you can use Sandbox Tools to add textures, vegetation, buildings, or other elements to your terrain.
How to use Vertex Tool with other extensions for advanced modeling
If you want to create advanced models with SketchUp Vertex Tool, you can combine it with other extensions that offer different functionalities and features for 3D modeling. There are many extensions available for SketchUp that can enhance your modeling workflow and capabilities. Here are some examples of extensions that work well with Vertex Tool:
Artisan Organic Toolset: This is a paid extension that allows you to create organic shapes with various tools such as sculpting, smoothing, soft selection, subdivision, mesh optimization, and more. It is similar to Vertex Tool, but with more options and features. You can use it to create realistic and detailed organic models such as characters, animals, plants, rocks, etc.
FredoScale: This is a free extension that allows you to scale, rotate, shear, twist, bend, taper, and stretch your geometry with various tools. It is similar to SketchUp's native Scale tool, but with more options and features. You can use it to create complex and distorted shapes such as spirals, helices, arcs, domes, etc.
Soap Skin & Bubble: This is a free extension that allows you to create minimal surfaces from edges or contours with a soap skin algorithm. It is similar to SketchUp's native Sandbox From Contours tool, but with more options and features. You can use it to create smooth and organic surfaces such as membranes, bubbles, sails, roofs, etc.
Alternatives to SketchUp Vertex Tool
SketchUp Vertex Tool is a great extension for vertex editing in SketchUp, but it is not the only one. There are some alternatives to SketchUp Vertex Tool that you might want to try out if you are looking for different features or functionalities. Here are some of the alternatives to SketchUp Vertex Tool that you can use:
Sandbox Tools (native)
Sandbox Tools is a native toolset in SketchUp that allows you to create and edit terrain meshes with various tools. It is similar to Vertex Tool, but with less options and features. You can use it to create basic terrain models from contours, from scratch, or from imported data. You can also use it to sculpt, smooth, stamp, drape, and add details to your terrain.
Artisan Organic Toolset (paid)
Artisan Organic Toolset is a paid extension that allows you to create organic shapes with various tools such as sculpting, smoothing, soft selection, subdivision, mesh optimization, and more. It is similar to Vertex Tool, but with more options and features. You can use it to create realistic and detailed organic models such as characters, animals, plants, rocks, etc.
FredoScale (free)
FredoScale is a free extension that allows you to scale, rotate, shear, twist, bend, taper, and stretch your geometry with various tools. It is similar to SketchUp's native Scale tool, but with more options and features. You can use it to create complex and distorted shapes such as spirals, helices, arcs, domes, etc.
Soap Skin & Bubble (free)
Soap Skin & Bubble is a free extension that allows you to create minimal surfaces from edges or contours with a soap skin algorithm. It is similar to SketchUp's native Sandbox From Contours tool, but with more options and features. You can use it to create smooth and organic surfaces such as membranes, bubbles, sails, roofs, etc.
Conclusion
SketchUp Vertex Tool is a powerful extension that allows you to edit vertices in your SketchUp models with ease. You can use it to create complex and organic shapes with various tools such as move, scale, rotate, extrude, bevel, bridge, poke, relax, merge, and more. You can also use soft selection, lock UV mapping, and auto-smooth features to create smooth transitions and preserve textures. SketchUp Vertex Tool is compatible with SketchUp 2014 or newer and costs $20 for a single user license.
If you want to take your 3D modeling skills to the next level, you should definitely download SketchUp Vertex Tool and try it out yourself. You will be amazed by what you can create with this extension. You can also combine it with other extensions such as SubD, Quad Face Tools, Sandbox Tools, Artisan Organic Toolset, FredoScale, Soap Skin & Bubble, and more to create even more amazing models.
To download SketchUp Vertex Tool full version, you can visit SketchUcation or Extension Warehouse and follow the instructions there. You can also find more information and tutorials on how to use SketchUp Vertex Tool on ThomThom's website or YouTube channel.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about SketchUp Vertex Tool:
What are the system requirements for SketchUp Vertex Tool?
SketchUp Vertex Tool requires SketchUp 2014 or newer and TT_Lib2 2.11.0 or newer. It also requires a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.0 or higher.
How much does SketchUp Vertex Tool cost?
SketchUp Vertex Tool costs $20 for a single user license. You can purchase it from SketchUcation or Extension Warehouse.
Is SketchUp Vertex Tool compatible with SketchUp 2021 or newer?
Yes, SketchUp Vertex Tool is compatible with SketchUp 2021 or newer. However, you might need to update the extension to the latest version to ensure compatibility.
Where can I find tutorials and support for SketchUp Vertex Tool?
You can find tutorials and support for SketchUp Vertex Tool on ThomThom's website or YouTube channel. You can also ask questions or report issues on the SketchUcation forum or the Extension Warehouse page.
What are some other extensions by ThomThom?
ThomThom is one of the most prolific and respected extension authors in the SketchU