Bending Objects Along Complex Faces with Flowify for SketchUp – SketchUp Extension Tutorials
In today’s SketchUp extension tutorial, we’re going to talk about using the extension flowify to bend geometry along an organic shape.
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In today’s SketchUp extension tutorial, we’re going to talk about using the extension flowify to bend geometry along an organic shape.
If you remember, flowify is an extension that allows you to create a base face, along with a target face, then bend geometry that’s modeled on the base face along the target face.
I’ll link to the extension in the notes below.
I’m going to reference you back to an old tutorial I did for super in-depth instruction, but generally speaking, there’s a 5 step process to follow when working with flowify.
Step 1
Model the face you’d like to bend geometry along. When you’re done with it, select the whole thing and put it in a group.
Step 2
Model a pair of lines going to the corners of the object you’d like to bend your face along. Put those lines in a group.
Step 3
Model your base face, touching the target lines you just created. Put this face in a group.
Step 4
Put these 3 groups in their own group. At this point, you want to test to make sure that your “targeting system” is working. To do this, go up to extensions, flowify, and select “impose grid.” If you’ve set this up properly, a grid should appear on your base face. Usually, when this doesn’t work, it’s because you’ve set your groups up wrong. I find that using the outliner to check my groups is especially helpful in this situation.
Step 5
Model your geometry that you’d like to bend – note that it has to be raw geometry inside a group.
Once you’ve completed these 5 steps, select both your “targeting group” and your geometry group, go up to the extensions menu under “Flowify,” and select “Flowify.”
Once your geometry has been bent, you can use the “Soften Edges” tool in your tray to smooth out your geometry.
About Justin Geis
Hi, I'm Justin Geis, and I'm the founder of The SketchUp Essentials. I started using SketchUp as part of my work as a general contractor in 2008. I quickly realized the power of the software and started using it for personal projects. I started The SketchUp Essentials as a place to share easy to follow SketchUp tutorials and tips to help everyone harness the power of 3D Modeling in their lives. When not working with SketchUp, I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my wife and our two dogs.
