Currently, users rely on various workarounds (like the Scale tool, the “Intersect with Model” feature, or extensions like “Unwrap and Flatten Faces” and “FredoScale”) to achieve flattening and projection effects. A built-in, robust suite of tools would streamline workflows significantly for tasks such as CNC prep, generating 2D architectural documentation, fixing non-coplanar geometry, and creating optimized components.
I am proposing an intuitive, powerful toolset accessible via the main toolbar or a right-click context menu. This will only bring Sketchup into the fold with other design ware as appropriate for the native power Sketchup already commands.
Core related conditions of this request are:
Requested Functionality & Ideas:
Intelligent Plane (Planar) Selection: Automatically suggest the “best fit” plane for selected entities, or allow the user to sample an existing face or infinite plane (like the ground plane) as the target.
Scale to Zero ~ Logic integration: Implement the core functionality of scaling an entire axis to zero in a controlled manner, making edges coplanar reliably.
Built-in Merge Coplanar Edges: After flattening, automatically delete edges that end up dividing a single coplanar face, ensuring clean, single faces for easier manipulation and exporting.
(Optional characteristics of this tool) Preserve Dimensions: For specific use cases like generating sheet material cutouts, a setting to ensure the dimensions of individual faces remain true during the unfolding/flattening process (where applicable) would be highly valuable.
Core Tool 2: Project Geometry
This mode would project edges and faces onto other surfaces, similar to how the “Drape” tool works but with enhanced control and flexibility.
User-Requested Functionality & Ideas:
-
Directional Control: Allow projection along any of the primary axes or a vector defined by the user (e.g., perpendicular to a selected face), not just the Z-axis.
-
“Intersect with” as a Feature: Build upon the current “Intersect with Model” functionality, offering a dedicated, simpler tool that projects selected geometry onto all intersecting faces, automatically cutting and cleaning up the results.
-
Project as Guides/Construction Lines: A simple option to project the outline or specific lines onto a surface as guides, which can then be used for modeling operations.
Potential Interface/Interaction Ideas
-
Context-Aware Right-Click Menu: The option to “Flatten” or “Project” appears when geometry is selected, with sub-options for axis/plane selection.
-
Dedicated Toolbar: A small toolbar with “Flatten to Plane” and “Project Onto Surface” buttons.
-
Visual Feedback: Dynamic, color-coded visual feedback showing the target plane or the projected outline before committing the action.
Implementing these tools natively would prevent users from relying on a multitude of extensions or cumbersome manual methods, offering a fast, reliable, and officially supported solution for common professional workflows. Don’t incorrectly assume that I don’t like plugin’s (Sketchup own’s this and its awesome, I’m only suggesting that for the sake of competition and the fact that you’re group has already added similar tools (i.e. trim, and fillet) I believe this ask is appropriate). Appreciate your review and your work…!