How to use QuadFace Tools in SketchUp

QuadFace Tools is the most fantastic plugin which helps to allow the users to handle the quad-based geometry and increase the modelling experience of the users in SketchUp software. This SketchUp plugin has been designed to improve the workflow in SketchUp software regarding the creation and management of quad faces in 3D models. QuadFace Tools offers so many features including splitting edge features and merging the faces. The features of this SketchUp plugin help to streamline the design process of the users. In the case of a user diving into 3D modelling, the use of this plugin can be a game-changer in making 3D designs.

QuadFace Tools is the organic modelling plugin which allows users to create organic shapes in SketchUp software. Through this plugin, users can smooth out the geometry of the designs which helps to make the designs more organic. A number of useful selection tools are present in this plugin which helps to make innovative designs.

Functions of QuadFace Tools in SketchUp software

Quad-based Topology

The creation and manipulation of the quad faces have been done by using this feature of QuadFace Tools. In addition, this feature also helps to ensure the clean and efficient geometry of the designs in the SketchUp software.

UV Mapping Tools

The UV Mapping Tools are used to map textures to quad faces in the SketchUp software.

Ring Selections

This feature of QuadFace Tools allows users to expand the number of objects that have been selected by users on the basis of their requirements. As an example, users can select all the vertical lines in a design by using the expand selection feature.

Loop Selections

Users can select an entire line from end to end by using the select loop feature in the SketchUp software. This feature helps to save the time of the users by enabling users to hide or unhide hidden geometry within a short period of time.

The conversion of Sandbox

This feature of QuadFace Tools helps to allow the users to convert a sandbox grid. In this case, the sandbox grid comes in as tri shapes into a series of quads which allows the quad-based modeling of sandbox shapes.

The conversion of Wireframe to Quads

This is another useful feature of QuadFace Tools which helps to generate quad-based geometry out of a wireframe grid.

The conversion of Triangulated Mesh to Quad

This feature of the QuadFace Tool helps to allow the users to take a piece of geometry. This geometry should be a 4 sided shape along with a triangulated edge which can be converted into a quad geometry in SketchUp software.

Triangulation Tools

This tool enables the users to adjust the ways that quads are triangulated. This tool also enables the users to remove or add triangulation into the design objects.

Build Corners and Build Ends

Users can generate quad corners and end in their design geometry by using this feature. In this case, users may face trouble while getting the work of this feature properly.

Smooth and Unsmooth Quads

The quick transition of the quads has been allowed by QuadFace Tools. This tool allows the transition of the quads from smooth to unsmooth.

Quad Analysis

The quad analysis is another important feature of QuadFace Tools which helps to analyze the design models as well as involves colourizing shapes on the basis of the geometry. As a result, the triangle objects are blue in colour whereas, the quad objects are green in colour. The objects that are N-Gons or shapes with more than 5 sides are red in colour.

Insert Loops

QuadFace Tools also allows the users to insert the geometry between the design objects which are selected by the users.

OBJ Importer and Exporter

QuadFace Tools also helps to import and export OBJ files along with the quad-based topology.

Free Downloading Process of QuadFace Tools

Users have to visit the official website of SketchUp Extension Warehouse to download the QuadFace Tools for SketchUp. The QuadFace Tools can also be downloaded from other trusted sites which offer free plugin downloading options. This following step-by-step guide can be followed by the users to download the QuadFace tools for free:

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: TheSketchUpEssentials

➢ The first step that has to be followed by the user is opening the SketchUp software and going to the SketchUp Extension Warehouse.

➢ The next step is searching for the 'QuadFace Tools' in the SketchUp Extension Warehouse.
➢ The next and final step is clicking the download button and following all the instructions regarding the installation procedure.

Once, the QuadFace Tools are installed, users can start utilizing all the features of this plugin immediately for free and can make innovative design models.