Add the Ability to Edit 3D Text After Creation in SketchUp

SketchUp for iPad
1

Hello to the SketchUp team and community,

I would like to propose an improvement that I believe would be highly appreciated by SketchUp users worldwide: the ability to edit 3D text after its creation.

Current Issue:

Currently, when we use the 3D Text tool, the text is immediately converted into raw geometry (edges and faces). This design prevents any further modifications, which can slow down workflows. For example:

  • If a typo is detected, the text must be deleted and recreated from scratch.
  • If the font, size, or extrusion depth needs to be adjusted, we have to start over.
  • This process is particularly inconvenient for complex projects where 3D text is used for technical models, diagrams, or presentations.

Proposed Improvement:

I propose that 3D text becomes a dynamic, editable object with the following features:

  1. Editable Content: Allow users to modify the text directly, as they would in an editor.
  2. Retention of Original Parameters: Keep the font, size, extrusion depth, and letter spacing adjustable.
  3. Intuitive Integration: Add an option in the contextual menu or sidebar to edit the text without affecting its position or alignment.

Benefits for the Community:

  • Time-Saving: Reduce the need to recreate texts, which is a significant advantage for projects with frequent revisions.
  • Increased Flexibility: Enable users to experiment with different text styles effortlessly.
  • Better Integration with Modern Workflows: This feature is already available in other 3D tools (e.g., Fusion 360, AutoCAD), and its absence in SketchUp can be seen as a limitation.

Conclusion:

I strongly believe that adding editable 3D text would be a significant improvement for SketchUp and would further strengthen its position as a leading tool for 3D design professionals and enthusiasts. I encourage you to consider this request, and I remain available for any additional input or clarification.

Thank you for your attention and your continued efforts to improve SketchUp!

Best regards,

1 Like
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At least one extension exists for this.
Thomthom’s 3d editable text

I see now you are using an Ipad, so it is relevant as you can’t use extensions.

2 Likes
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Hence the op’s request to make it part of the native toolset. I agree it seems like editable text could or should have been built in or added some time ago. But like so many requested tools, if an extension exists…why spend development time making it native.

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Also, like some other things Sketchup, despite being created by a built-in tool, 3D text does not exist in the SketchUp model database as such. It is just a collection of edges and faces. The original developers seem to have had their “create only” hats on at the time.

I’ve never studied how @thomthom 's extension works, but it must somehow figure out which edges and faces belong to the 3d text.

2 Likes
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Oups, I forgot to mention SketchUp for iPAD version :heavy_check_mark: