Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021 | Deluxe
While there is no formal academic "paper" published in a scientific journal specifically titled "Joint Push Pull SketchUp 2021," the primary authoritative documentation for this extension is the Joint Push Pull User Manual authored by its creator, Official Documentation & Guides Joint Push Pull User Manual : This is the definitive technical guide provided by SketchUcation
. It covers the mathematical principles of extruding along normals vs. vectors and provides detailed instructions for all tool variations. Fredo6 Joint Push Pull Extension Page
: The official repository for the plugin where you can find version history, compatibility notes for SketchUp 2021, and the latest releases (e.g., v4.7). SketchUp Community Key Capabilities for SketchUp 2021
Joint Push Pull solves the inherent limitation where SketchUp's native Push/Pull tool cannot extrude curved or multiple surfaces simultaneously. Joint Push Pull
: Extrudes multiple faces while maintaining their connectivity, ideal for curved surfaces like cylinders or organic meshes. Vector Push Pull
: Extrudes surfaces along a specific direction (vector) regardless of their individual face normals. Normal Push Pull
: Acts like the standard tool but allows for the simultaneous extrusion of multiple selected faces. Round Push Pull
: Extrudes surfaces and automatically applies a rounded edge (fillet) to the result. Technical Requirements
To use this extension in SketchUp 2021, you must install the following dependencies from SketchUcation
Unable to install Joint-push/pull - Extensions - SketchUp Community Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021
Deep Guide: Joint Push Pull for SketchUp 2021
3. Keyboard Shortcut
Set a custom shortcut for JPP:
Window > Preferences > Shortcuts- Search "Joint Push Pull"
- Assign:
Alt+P(for example). This speeds up iterative modeling.
🎯 Bottom Line
If SketchUp’s native Push/Pull is a hammer, Joint Push Pull is a CNC router. It doesn’t just extrude – it sculpts. For anyone serious about modeling beyond boxes and roofs, this plugin is non-negotiable.
Would you like a short step-by-step example of using it in SketchUp 2021 as well?
For SketchUp 2021, the most helpful resource for managing complex extrusions is the Joint Push Pull Interactive plugin by Fredo6, available at SketchUcation. This tool is essential because the native Push/Pull tool in SketchUp 2021 only works on single flat faces and cannot extrude curved or multiple surfaces at once. Key Features of Joint Push Pull Interactive
This suite includes several specialized tools, each designed for different geometric challenges:
Joint Push Pull: The primary tool for thickening curved surfaces. It merges individual facets into a single, seamless contiguous shape.
Vector Push Pull: Extrudes faces along a specific direction (vector) regardless of their individual orientation. This is ideal for tasks like flattening terrains or creating vertical roadway walls.
Normal Push Pull: Similar to the native tool but allows you to push/pull multiple selected faces simultaneously. Note that it creates gaps between the extruded faces.
Extrude Push Pull: Focuses on extruding multiple faces while automatically filling in the joints to maintain a solid look. While there is no formal academic "paper" published
Round Push Pull: Extrudes surfaces and simultaneously rounds the edges of the resulting geometry, similar to the RoundCorner tool. Installation Requirements
To run this plugin in SketchUp 2021, you must install two separate components:
LibFredo6: A shared library required for all Fredo6 plugins.
JointPushPull: The actual toolset.Both are available via the SketchUcation PluginStore. Quick Tips for 2021 Users
Overview
The Joint Push Pull plugin allows users to create complex shapes and geometries by extruding 2D shapes along a path. It's particularly useful for creating detailed architectural models, furniture, and other objects with intricate profiles.
Key Features
- Advanced Extrusion: The plugin enables you to extrude 2D shapes along a path, allowing for more complex geometries.
- Joint Creation: The plugin creates joints between the extruded shapes, making it easier to manage and edit the model.
- Variable Profile: You can define a variable profile for the extrusion, which means you can control the shape and size of the profile along the path.
- Multiple Path Support: The plugin supports multiple paths, allowing you to create more complex shapes.
Performance in SketchUp 2021
In SketchUp 2021, the Joint Push Pull plugin performs smoothly, with no noticeable lag or crashes. The plugin is well-integrated with the software, and the UI is intuitive and easy to use. Deep Guide: Joint Push Pull for SketchUp 2021 3
Pros
- Increased Productivity: The plugin significantly speeds up the modeling process, especially when creating complex shapes.
- Improved Accuracy: The plugin ensures accurate and precise extrusions, reducing errors and iterations.
- Flexibility: The plugin offers a wide range of customization options, making it suitable for various applications.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: The plugin requires some time to get used to, especially for users without prior experience with similar tools.
- Limited Compatibility: The plugin might not be compatible with all SketchUp extensions or third-party plugins.
Conclusion
The Joint Push Pull plugin is a valuable addition to SketchUp 2021, offering advanced extrusion capabilities and improved modeling efficiency. While it may require some time to learn, the benefits of increased productivity and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment for architects, designers, and modelers.
Rating: 4.5/5
System Requirements:
- SketchUp 2021 (or later)
- Windows or macOS
Price:
- Free trial available
- License: around $50 (or less, depending on the vendor)
Keep in mind that the plugin's performance might vary depending on your system configuration, SketchUp version, and other factors. If you're interested in trying the plugin, I recommend downloading the free trial and testing it with your specific use case.
Abstract (Example)
The Joint Push Pull (JPP) extension for SketchUp 2021 represents a significant advancement in non-planar surface extrusion. Unlike SketchUp’s native Push/Pull tool—which operates only on flat faces—JPP allows users to extrude curved, faceted, and multiple contiguous faces simultaneously. This paper examines the mathematical underpinnings, workflow integration, and practical applications of JPP within SketchUp 2021’s API environment. Case studies in architectural detailing, terrain modeling, and organic form generation illustrate its utility. Limitations regarding mesh topology and extension conflicts are also discussed.
B. Create a Curved Roof Overhang
- Draw curved roof profile (arc + line).
Push/Pullthe roof face.- Select roof edge faces (the thickness).
Vector Push Pull→ pick horizontal vector → pull outward.
Step 3: Activate the Tool
After installation, the toolbar appears by default. If not:
- Right-click the toolbar area → Select Joint Push Pull.
- Or navigate to
Extensions > Fredo6 Collection > Joint Push Pull.
Troubleshooting for 2021: If the toolbar is greyed out, ensure you have not installed a 32-bit only version on a 64-bit machine. SketchUp 2021 is strictly 64-bit.