Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021 [ A-Z SIMPLE ]

Mastering Joint Push Pull in SketchUp 2021: A Complete Guide

If you’ve spent any time in SketchUp, you know the standard Push/Pull tool is the bread and butter of 3D modeling. However, you’ve likely hit its biggest limitation: it only works on flat faces. If you try to push/pull a curved surface or multiple faces at different angles simultaneously, the native tool simply gives up.

That is where Joint Push Pull comes in. Developed by the legendary Fredo6, this extension is arguably the most essential plugin for SketchUp 2021 users. Here is everything you need to know to master it. What is Joint Push Pull?

Joint Push Pull is a suite of tools designed to extend SketchUp’s extrusion capabilities. It allows you to extrude multiple faces at once, thicken curved surfaces, and maintain the continuity of "joint" edges between faces.

In SketchUp 2021, keeping your workflow efficient is key. Instead of extruding fifty faces one by one, Joint Push Pull lets you do it in a single click. Key Features and Tools

The extension isn't just one tool; it’s a collection of specialized extrusion methods:

Joint Push Pull (J): The flagship tool. It pushes multiple faces along their average normals, keeping them connected. Perfect for thickening a curved wall or a car hood.

Vector Push Pull (V): Extrudes faces along a specific direction (vector) regardless of their orientation. Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021

Normal Push Pull (N): Pushes each face along its own individual normal. Unlike the Joint version, this will usually result in the faces "splitting" apart if they aren't parallel.

Extrude Push Pull (E): Similar to the native tool but works on multiple faces while maintaining the original edges.

Round Push Pull (R): A unique feature that extrudes faces with automatically rounded edges, saving you hours of manual filleting. How to Install for SketchUp 2021

Since Joint Push Pull is a third-party extension, you won't find it in the default SketchUp toolbar. Follow these steps:

Install LibFredo6: This is a shared library required for all of Fredo6’s plugins. Download it from the SketchUcation Plugin Store.

Download Joint Push Pull Interactive: Also available on SketchUcation.

Install RBZ Files: In SketchUp 2021, go to Extensions > Extension Manager > Install Extension and select the downloaded files. Mastering Joint Push Pull in SketchUp 2021: A

License Check: As of recent versions, some of Fredo6’s plugins have moved to a "freemium" or licensed model. Ensure you have the SketchUcation ExtensionStore v4 installed to manage your licenses. Tips for an Efficient Workflow

The Interactive Handle: When you activate the tool, don't just type a distance. Look for the blue handle on the face. You can drag this for a real-time preview of the extrusion.

Thickening Surfaces: If you have a zero-thickness surface (like a mesh or a landscape), use the Joint mode with the "Finishing" option set to "Thickening." This creates a solid volume instantly.

Modifier Keys: Watch the status bar at the bottom of your screen. Using Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac) often toggles between keeping the original face or deleting it.

Double-Click to Repeat: Just like the native tool, double-clicking a new face will apply the last used extrusion distance. Why It’s Better in 2021

While the plugin works on older versions, SketchUp 2021’s improved handling of high-poly meshes means Joint Push Pull runs smoother than ever. When working with complex organic shapes generated by other tools like Curviloft or SubD, Joint Push Pull handles the heavy geometry without the frequent "Not Responding" lag seen in older versions. Conclusion

If you want to move past modeling simple boxes and start creating organic, professional-grade geometry, Joint Push Pull is non-negotiable. It solves the "curved surface" problem and cuts modeling time by half for complex projects. Download JointPushPull_vX

Method 2 – Manual RBZ

  1. Download JointPushPull_vX.X.X.rbz and LibFredo6_vX.X.X.rbz from Fredo6’s official site or SketchUcation.
  2. In SketchUp 2021: Window → Extension Manager → Install Extension (choose each .rbz).
  3. Restart SketchUp.

After installation, you’ll see:

Error 3: SketchUp 2021 freezes/lags

Cause: JPP creates temporary geometry. If your mesh has >50,000 faces, the undo buffer chokes. Fix:

Mastering Joint Push Pull in SketchUp 2021: The Ultimate Guide to Extruding Complex Geometry

If you have ever tried to extrude a curved surface or add thickness to a complex organic shape in SketchUp, you have hit the famous "SketchUp glass ceiling." Native Push/Pull works perfectly on flat planes—but the moment you face a double-curved surface, a sphere, or a terrain mesh, the standard tool gives you an error.

Enter Joint Push Pull (JPP). For years, this extension has been the gold standard for thickening geometry. But as SketchUp evolved to version 2021, many users wondered: Does it still work? Is it stable? What has changed?

This article is your complete roadmap to using Joint Push Pull in SketchUp 2021. We will cover installation, the different modes (Vector, Normal, Extrude), workflow tips, and how to avoid the dreaded "purple face" syndrome.

2. Combine with SubD (Subdivision)

If you have a low-poly shape, subdivide it first (using Artisan or SubD), then apply Normal Push/Pull. The result is a beautifully smooth double-sided shell.

9. Pro Tips & Best Practices