Mastering the toolbar editor allows you to create a workspace that fits your specific workflow, saving you clicks and making modeling faster.
To say you have "mastered" the toolbar editor:
SketchUp Toolbar Editor: The Ultimate Guide to Workspace Customisation
The Toolbar Editor (by Aerilius/Aurelius) is a essential extension for SketchUp users looking to streamline their 3D modelling workflow. Unlike SketchUp’s native customisation, which often limits you to standard tools, this plugin allows you to consolidate frequently used tools from various third-party extensions into a single, personalised toolbar. Key Features and Benefits
Multi-Plugin Integration: Combine tools from different plugins—like JHS Power Bar or Quad Face Toolbar—into one unified set.
Custom Ruby Buttons: Instantly create new buttons for specific Ruby commands or code snippets without needing to write a full standalone plugin.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: An intuitive visual editor where you can drag tools from a master list directly into your custom panels.
Search and Filter: Easily find specific tools among dozens of installed plugins using a built-in search filter.
Workspace Efficiency: Minimises the "toolbar clutter" that often results from having too many extensions installed, freeing up valuable screen real estate. How to Set Up the Toolbar Editor toolbar editor sketchup full
You can download the extension for free from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse or SketchUcation. Once installed: Access the Editor: Navigate to Window → Toolbar Editor.
Create a New Toolbar: Click the "+" button on the left panel and give your new toolbar a name.
Add Tools: Locate tools in the available list on the left and drag them into your new panel.
Save Changes: Click "Apply" to save your configuration. Note that you may need to restart SketchUp for some changes to take effect. Compatibility and Maintenance Tips
While the original plugin was designed for older versions (SketchUp 8 to 2014), the community has maintained it for modern releases.
Modern SketchUp Support: For SketchUp 2024 and later, users on the SketchUp Community Forums recommend using an updated registrar file (ae_toolbareditor.rb) provided by community members to ensure compatibility with newer Ruby versions.
Performance Note: Some users report that heavily customised toolbars can slightly slow down SketchUp’s startup time, so it is best to only include tools you use daily.
For those looking for alternative workflow managers, some professional users also recommend tools like Fredo's Lord of the Toolbars (LOTT), though the original Toolbar Editor is often praised for being simpler and more intuitive for basic customisation. Mastering the toolbar editor allows you to create
EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor!
Customising the workspace in is essential for high-level efficiency, especially when dealing with dozens of extensions. While SketchUp has native customisation tools, professional workflows often rely on the Toolbar Editor (also known as the Custom Toolbar Editor by ) to overcome default limitations. 1. The Core Limitation: Why use an Editor?
SketchUp’s native "New Toolbar" feature allows you to group basic tools, but it often struggles to integrate complex commands from third-party plugins. The Toolbar Editor extension addresses this by allowing you to: Consolidate Tools:
Mix native SketchUp tools with those from various extensions (like FredoScale or Joint Pushpull) into a single, cohesive bar. Custom Icons: Assign your own image files as icons for specific commands. Searchability:
Use a filter to find specific tools by name rather than scrolling through endless menus. 2. How to Use the Toolbar Editor (Full Steps)
To set up a "proper" custom toolbar using this extension, follow these steps: Access the Interface: Open the editor via Window > Toolbar Editor Create a New Bar: "+" button on the left to create and rename a new toolbar. Search & Populate: Type the tool name into the search field. Drag and drop
the desired tool buttons from the "Available Buttons" list into your new toolbar panel.
You can move buttons around to change their order or drop them out to the right to remove them. Apply & Restart: to save. Note that some changes require a restart of SketchUp to fully update the visual interface. 3. Professional Alternatives Key Features
If your needs go beyond simple custom bars, consider these pro-level alternatives: Lord of the Toolbars (LOTT): Developed by
, this is a more advanced workspace manager that allows for palettes, folders, and highly organized "super toolbars".
A quick-search "launcher" (similar to Spotlight or Alfred) that executes commands instantly by typing, reducing the need for visible toolbars entirely. 4. Native Tool Management (Quick Tip) For simple cleanup without extensions:
EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor! 11 May 2021 —
Q: My toolbar disappeared!
Window > Default Tray (Windows) and ensure "Trays" are reset, or simply go to View > Toolbars and uncheck/re-check the box to force it to snap back to the center.Q: I accidentally deleted a tool from the toolbar.
Reset in the Toolbars dialog.Q: My extensions don't show up in the native editor.
The "Customize" window has two main tabs: