Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021 Today
Set a custom shortcut for JPP:
| Tool | Shortcut (custom) | Icon Color | Output |
|------|------------------|------------|--------|
| Normal | Alt+N | Blue | Solid/Group |
| Vector | Alt+V | Red | Group |
| Thickness | Alt+T | Green | Solid Group |
| Follow | Alt+F | Purple | Group |
| Offset | Alt+O | Yellow | Group |
Final Note for 2021 Users: Joint Push Pull remains one of the most powerful organic modeling tools for SketchUp 2021. While SketchUp 2022+ introduced native push/pull improvements, JPP still outperforms them for complex, multi-face, and non-planar extrusions. Keep LibFredo6 updated to avoid compatibility issues.
Would you like a printable PDF version of this guide, or a tutorial on a specific Joint Push Pull workflow (e.g., terrain, furniture, architecture)?
Joint Push Pull is one of the most essential "power-user" extensions for SketchUp 2021, developed by the prolific Ruby script creator
. While the native SketchUp Push/Pull tool is limited to flat faces and single directions,
Joint Push Pull allows you to extrude multiple faces—including curved and non-planar surfaces—simultaneously Key Features and Modes
The extension is actually a suite of several specialized tools, each designed for different geometric challenges: Joint Push Pull:
Extrudes multiple faces along their average vertex normals, keeping the resulting faces connected (welded). Round Push Pull:
Similar to Joint, but it generates rounded transitions at the edges of the extrusion. Vector Push Pull: Joint Push Pull Sketchup 2021
Extrudes faces along a specific direction (vector) regardless of their orientation. Normal Push Pull:
Extrudes each face individually along its own specific normal. Extrude Push Pull:
Works like the standard tool but handles multiple faces at once without maintaining a "joint" connection. Why Use It in SketchUp 2021?
For SketchUp 2021 users, this plugin solves several workflow bottlenecks: Curved Surface Thickness:
It is the go-to tool for adding thickness to "skins" or organic shapes (like a curved roof or a car body) that the native tool cannot process. Efficiency:
Instead of pushing 50 individual window panes, you can select them all and extrude them to the same depth in one click. Visual Preview:
The 2021-compatible versions include a "ghost" preview that shows exactly where the geometry will land before you commit to the operation. Installation Requirements
To run Joint Push Pull on SketchUp 2021, you must satisfy two dependencies: LibFredo6:
This is a shared library plugin required for almost all of Fredo6’s tools. SketchUcation Extension Store: Set a custom shortcut for JPP: | Tool
Since Fredo6 moved away from the Extension Warehouse, you typically need to download and manage these via the SketchUcation marketplace Licensing Note
As of late 2021/2022, many of Fredo6's plugins transitioned from "Donationware" to a paid "Freemium" model
. While some legacy versions exist, most users on SketchUp 2021 will need to purchase a small, perpetual license through SketchUcation to unlock the full feature set permanently. installation
To make Joint Push Pull in SketchUp 2021 feel like a native tool, adopt these habits.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Joint Push Pull
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the Joint Push Pull tool:
Common Challenges and Solutions
Here are some common challenges you may encounter when using the Joint Push Pull tool, along with their solutions:
Conclusion
The Joint Push Pull tool in SketchUp 2021 is a powerful feature that can help you create complex geometries and modify existing models with ease. By mastering this tool, you'll be able to improve the accuracy and efficiency of your workflow, while also expanding your creative possibilities. With practice and patience, you'll become proficient in using Joint Push Pull to bring your designs to life.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about SketchUp and the Joint Push Pull tool, here are some additional resources:
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Joint Push Pull tool in SketchUp 2021. Happy modeling!
While the plugin functions similarly across versions, in SketchUp 2021 it benefits from the updated Ruby API and performance improvements:
JPP writes a single undo entry. If SketchUp 2021 crashes (rare, but possible with huge meshes), you lose work. Save manually before running the tool on >10,000 faces.
Combine Joint Push Pull with FredoCorner (also by Fredo6) to first soften edges, then extrude – perfect for creating sleek, modern furniture or car body panels.
| Feature | Native Push/Pull (2021) | Joint Push Pull | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Flat surfaces | ✅ Fast | ✅ Works (but overkill) | | Curved surfaces (Curviloft mesh) | ❌ Error | ✅ Normal mode | | Spheres, domes | ❌ Creates jagged artifacts | ✅ Perfect concentric shell | | Extruding edges | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Extrude mode | | Memory usage | Low | Moderate (requires LibFredo6) | | Undo reliability | Perfect | Occasionally fails on massive extrusions |
Verdict for 2021: Use Native for simple boxes. Use JPP for everything else. Final Note for 2021 Users : Joint Push