Curviloft is a powerful SketchUp extension developed by Fredo6 that specializes in generating complex surfaces and skins from contours. It is widely considered an essential tool for organic modeling, allowing users to create smooth, non-rectilinear shapes that are otherwise difficult to achieve in SketchUp. Core Tools & Functionality
The plugin is divided into three primary modules, each designed for specific geometric operations:
Loft by Spline: Joins separate contours (edges or faces) to create a smooth surface. Users can choose between "Pre-selection mode" for automatic ordering or "Manual Selection" to specify the exact sequence of the loft.
Loft Along Path: Generates a surface by following a specific rail path. It offers different generation methods: Stretch (deforms the path), Offset, and Sweep (maintains shape thickness, ideal for closed contours).
Skinning: Creates a "skin" over a frame of four or more contiguous contours. It is particularly effective for filling gaps in complex organic structures. Licensing and Costs
Curviloft is essential software for any SketchUp user who works with curves. It fixes one of SketchUp’s biggest native weaknesses: complex surface creation. The learning curve is real, but once mastered, it becomes as natural as the Push/Pull tool. At ~$35, it’s a no-brainer.
Recommendation: Download the free trial (30-day fully functional) from Fredo6’s site. Watch the 10-minute introductory video. If you make one curved object in that month, you’ll buy it.
Note: This review is based on the stable version 2.8a as of early 2026. Always check for updates, as Fredo6 occasionally adds new features.
Curviloft is a specialized extension for SketchUp, developed by Fredo6, that focuses on lofting and skinning to generate complex, organic surfaces from contours. It is widely considered one of the most powerful modeling tools for creating smooth geometry that SketchUp’s native toolset cannot easily produce. Core Functionality
Curviloft provides three primary tools, each accessible via a dedicated toolbar or the SketchUp "Tools" menu.
Loft by Spline: This tool joins separate open or closed contours by creating smooth intermediate splines. It is commonly used to merge different shapes—such as transitioning a hexagon into a circle—by drawing intermediate faces between them.
Loft Along Path: Similar to SketchUp's native "Follow Me" tool, this feature allows a shape to follow a specific "rail" or path. However, it is more advanced because it can transition between multiple different shapes (e.g., square to circle) as it moves along the path.
Skinning (Skin Contours): This tool generates a surface across a 3- or 4-sided frame of edges. It is ideal for creating tensile structures, organic architectural skins, or glass exterior panels. Licensing and Availability
As of 2024, Curviloft has transitioned from a completely free tool to a paid, licensed extension.
Free Trial: A full-featured free trial is available for 30 days from first use.
Pricing: A perpetual license (valid for 3 seats) costs approximately $15. Users can also purchase a Fredo6 Bundle for $50, which includes eight popular plugins.
Distribution: Official downloads are hosted on SketchUcation. Technical Requirements and Installation
To ensure Curviloft works correctly, users must fulfill specific technical prerequisites:
LibFredo6 Dependency: Curviloft requires the installation of the LibFredo6 shared library (v14.3b or above) to function.
Compatibility: Supports SketchUp version 2017 and above on both Windows and Mac OSX. Installation Steps: Download the .rbz file from SketchUcation. Install via the SketchUp Extension Manager. Restart SketchUp to load the plugin properly. Advanced Features for Precision
The plugin includes several interactive settings to refine organic geometry:
Segments Adjustment: Users can increase or decrease the number of segments (up to 99) in the preview mode to control surface smoothness.
Vertex Matching: In preview mode, you can manually drag vertices to adjust how different contours connect, preventing unwanted twisting in the mesh.
Interpolation & Oversampling: These settings allow for more precise control over the density of the generated mesh, helping to manage the model's overall complexity. Curviloft for Sketchup – 2 minute Tutorial
Curviloft is a dedicated SketchUp extension created by Fredo6 for Loft and Skinning, which allows you to generate complex organic surfaces from contours. Essential Requirements curviloft plugin sketchup full
To use the full version of Curviloft, you must install several components in order for it to function properly:
LibFredo6: This is a shared library required by all Fredo6 plugins. You must have LibFredo6 v14.3b or higher installed.
SketchUcation ExtensionStore: The plugin is managed through the SketchUcation ExtensionStore v4.4.0+ for licensing and updates.
SketchUp Version: Compatible with SketchUp 2017 and above on both Windows and Mac OSX. Licensing Information
Curviloft is now a paid extension under the SketchUcation SCFLicense.
Free Trial: A 30-day trial with full features is available from your first usage.
Perpetual License: Approximately $15 for a license that covers 3 seats.
Bundle Option: It is included in the Fredo6Bundle2022 (8 plugins) for roughly $50. Core Tools in the Full Version
The extension provides three primary modeling methods to create "skins" over frames:
Loft by Spline: Joins separate open or closed contours smoothly.
Loft along Path: Generates a surface by following a specific rail or path curve.
Skinning: Creates a surface bounded by 3 or 4 contiguous edges. Installation Steps
Download the .rbz file from the official SketchUcation page.
Install via SketchUp's Extension Manager (Window > Extension Manager > Install Extension).
Restart SketchUp after installing both LibFredo6 and Curviloft to ensure they load correctly.
Curviloft is widely considered the gold-standard SketchUp extension for creating complex organic surfaces and lofts. Developed by Fredo6, it is a powerhouse for architectural and product designers who need to bridge the gap between rigid geometry and fluid, "curvy" forms. Core Functionality
Curviloft operates through three primary modes that allow you to generate skins over contours:
Loft by Splines: Joins separate open or closed contours to create a continuous surface. It is perfect for creating fabric-like structures or smooth transitions between different shapes.
Loft Along Path: Follows a specific "backbone" or path to extrude a shape, maintaining the profile's orientation along the curve.
Skinning: Generates a surface from a closed wireframe of edges. This is the "magic wand" for filling in complex gaps in a 3D mesh. Key Strengths
Interactive Preview: Unlike many basic tools, Curviloft allows you to adjust parameters (like segment density and vertex matching) in real-time before finalizing the geometry.
Clean Topology: It generates high-quality quad-faced or triangular meshes that are easier to clean up and more compatible with rendering software.
Edge Smoothing: It automatically handles the "softening" of edges, making your models look professional immediately upon creation. Important Considerations (The "Full" Version)
Licensing: As of recent years, Curviloft is no longer free. It is part of the Fredo6 Bundle on Sketchucation. You must purchase a license (usually a very affordable one-time fee) to access the full, permanent version. Curviloft is a powerful SketchUp extension developed by
Dependencies: To run Curviloft, you must also install LibFredo6, which is the shared library for all of Fredo6's plugins.
Learning Curve: While the icons are intuitive, mastering "Vertex Matching" (ensuring the skin doesn't twist awkwardly) takes some practice. Final Verdict
If you are moving beyond boxy architecture into organic shapes, Curviloft is essential. It saves hours of manual "stitching" and provides a level of control that SketchUp’s native "Sandbox" tools simply cannot match.
Curviloft by Fredo6 is a premier SketchUp extension for creating organic shapes
and complex surfaces from contours. While it was previously free, it is now a paid extension available through the SketchUcation PluginStore Pricing and Licensing 30-Day Free Trial : Offers full features for one month from the first usage. Perpetual License : Approximately for a 3-seat license. Fredo6 Bundle : Available for
, which includes 8 popular plugins like Joint Push Pull and FredoScale. Core Features
Curviloft consists of three primary tools designed for different modeling scenarios: Loft by Spline
: Joins separate open or closed contours with smooth, interpolated surfaces. Loft along Path
: Generates a surface or solid by following a defined "rail" or path curve.
: Turns a framework of intersecting edges or closed loops into a continuous, well-ordered mesh. Installation Requirements
To use Curviloft, you must install the following components from SketchUcation
The Ultimate Guide to Curviloft: Mastering Organic Modeling in SketchUp
Curviloft is a powerful script by Fredo6 dedicated to lofting and skinning in SketchUp. It allows users to generate complex, smooth surfaces from separate contours—features that the standard SketchUp toolset lacks. Whether you are creating tensile structures, automotive bodies, or intricate furniture, Curviloft is widely considered an essential extension for organic modeling. Key Features of Curviloft
The plugin is divided into three primary tools, each specialized for different surface generation methods:
Loft by Spline: Joins separate contours (open or closed) using smooth splines. It is ideal for creating faces between a series of lines by drawing intermediate edges.
Loft Along Path: Generates surfaces by following a specific rail curve. Unlike the standard "Follow Me" tool, this allows you to add intermediate shapes, transitioning between different profiles like a circle and a square over a single path.
Skinning (Skin Contours): Creates surfaces bounded by three or four contiguous contours. This tool is highly effective for creating "skins" over frames, making it a favorite for architectural tensile structures or glass exteriors. Licensing and Version Information
As of March 2022, Curviloft transitioned from a free tool to a paid extension. Users can obtain a license through the SketchUcation Plugin Store . Curviloft - SketchUcation
The story of the plugin for SketchUp is one of community-driven innovation that transformed how designers handle organic geometry. Developed by the legendary extension creator
, Curviloft was born out of a specific frustration: SketchUp’s native tools were excellent for "box" modeling but struggled to create smooth, flowing surfaces between irregular shapes. The Three Pillars of Curviloft
The plugin became an essential toolkit for architects and 3D artists by offering three powerful ways to "bridge the gap" between lines and curves: Loft by Spline
: This tool acts as a digital bridge builder. If you have a series of separate profiles (like a square that needs to morph into a circle), this feature connects them with a smooth, continuous skin. Loft Along Path
: Similar to the native "Follow Me" tool but far more sophisticated, this allows a shape to be extruded along a rail while adapting its form to stay consistent with the path’s curvature.
: This is the ultimate "patch" tool. By selecting three or four bordering edges, Curviloft instantly generates a smooth mesh surface to fill the empty space, making it perfect for complex roof structures or terrain. Evolution and "Full" Version Final Verdict Curviloft is essential software for any
For over a decade, Curviloft was a gift to the community, offered entirely for free on the SketchUcation Plugin Store . To run the full version, users must also install the
shared library, which provides the framework for all of Fredo6's tools.
Master the Curve: A Complete Guide to the Curviloft Plugin for SketchUp
SketchUp is renowned for its user-friendly interface, but modeling complex, organic surfaces can often feel like a hurdle. This is where Curviloft, a powerhouse extension developed by Fredo6, becomes an essential tool for any serious designer. Curviloft specializes in lofting and skinning, allowing users to generate smooth, intricate skins from a variety of contours. Core Tools of Curviloft
Curviloft is built around three primary functions that transform basic lines into advanced 3D geometry:
Loft by Spline: This tool joins separate open or closed contours using smooth splines. It is perfect for transitioning one shape into another, such as a square base morphing into a circular top.
Loft Along Path: Similar to SketchUp's native "Follow Me" tool, this function extrudes a shape along a rail curve. The key difference is it allows for intermediate shapes, enabling complex transitions along the path.
Skin Contours (Skinning): A favorite among organic modelers, this tool creates surfaces bounded by three or four contiguous contours. It is widely used to create tensile structures, glass exteriors, and fluid architectural forms. Why Designers Choose Curviloft
Beyond its primary tools, Curviloft offers several advanced features that set it apart from other organic modeling extensions:
Precision Geometry: Unlike some tools that produce choppy results at the edges, Curviloft maintains an ordered grid right up to the boundary of your shapes.
Customization: Users can adjust the number of segments to control the smoothness of the mesh or choose to generate only the framework of lines without the faces.
Interpolation Options: The plugin provides various interpolation methods and allows for the addition of twists to create highly customized skins. Getting Started: Installation and Requirements
Curviloft is available through the SketchUcation Plugin Store. To ensure it runs correctly, keep these requirements in mind:
Curviloft, developed by Fredo6, is a powerful extension for SketchUp designed to generate complex surfaces and skins from contours
. It is an essential tool for organic modeling, allowing users to create smooth transitions between varying shapes. Key Features and Tools
The plugin provides three main methods for surface creation: Loft by Spline
: Joins separate open or closed contours using smooth splines. This is ideal for connecting diverse profiles (e.g., a square to a circle) to form a complex continuous shape. Loft Along Path
: Creates a surface by sweeping profiles along a dedicated rail curve or path. Unlike the native Follow Me tool, it allows for intermediate shape transitions along that path. Skinning (Skin Contours)
: Generates a surface bounded by three or four contiguous contours. This tool is frequently used for creating architectural skins, tensile structures, or complex roof shapes. Installation and Requirements
To use Curviloft, you must follow a specific installation order: : You must first install the latest
shared library, as it is a mandatory dependency for all Fredo6 plugins. SketchUcation ExtensionStore : Install the SketchUcation Toolset to manage licensing and updates. Curviloft Plugin : Download the Curviloft RBZ file and install it via SketchUp's Extension Manager. must quit and restart SketchUp for the extension to load properly. Compatibility: SketchUp Versions : SU2017 and above. Operating Systems : Windows and Mac OSX. Pricing and Licensing As of March 2022, Curviloft is no longer a free plugin. Curviloft for Sketchup – 2 minute Tutorial Curviloft for Sketchup – 2 minute Tutorial Sketchup Style
You might ask, "Can't I just use Sandbox Tools or Artisan?"
Verdict: If you design furniture, stadiums, jewelry, RC plane wings, or modern architecture, the full Curviloft plugin is non-negotiable.
This replicates the "Loft" command in Rhino or SolidWorks.