Copy Components Along Paths with Path Copy – SketchUp Plugin of the Week #5
Sketchup comes built in with the functionality to create multiple copies both in straight lines with the move tool and around circles using the rotate tool. However, it doesn’t have any tools that help you create copies of objects along paths that curve. This tool allows you to do that.
Plugin Name:
PathCopy
Plugin Developer:
Smustard Team
How Much does it cost?
Free!
You can also download a pro version that allows path reversal, rotation of objects, and unique copies for $5 from the Smustard website.
Where do you get it?
You can get it in the extension warehouse or from Smustard’s website.
Where do you get it?
You can get it in the extension warehouse or from Smustard’s website.
Click the Button to Download from Smustard's Website
Tool Functions
This is a very simple tool designed to do one thing – take a group or component and copy it along a path. This means you can take basically any object you want and dictate spacing to create a certain number of copies along a line. This tool operates well in conjunction with Smustard’s “Weld” tool, which allows you to take multiple lines and combine them into a single line to create a path.
The free version is limited in that you can’t dictate rotation of the various objects, but overall, as long as you’re just copying along a flat path, the free version works just fine.
Ratings
Usefulness/Functionality – 3.5/5
The free version of this plugin does one thing – copy objects along a path, and it does it well. However, if you’re looking for a lot of options, it doesn’t give you many of those.
Value – 4/5
The base version is free, but you can tell some functions were held back for the pro version (which is fine, by the way).
Ease of Use/Documentation – 4/5 –
This plugin gives adequate instructions. It took me a moment to get used to the interface, but once I did, it worked fine.
Description
Overall score – 11.5/15.
Overall
This is kind of a tool that you download when you’re looking to create something specific, like curving balcony rails. However, it’s very useful in that regard. If you need more functions, you’ll have to pay for the pro version, but honestly, $5 is not a lot of money to get a tool that helps you do what you need to do. I’d definitely recommend this plugin, but it’s probably going to have to be in conjunction with a tool like “Weld.”
As always, leave a comment below and let me know if you’re using this tool and how.
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.
