In SketchUp, draw a simple rectangle on the ground and extrude it into a "thick slab" (like a thick tile). Note: As one user discovered early on, flat 2D geometry with no thickness often breaks the plugin, so always ensure your object has depth . Step 2 (Apply): Select everything and make it a Group . Right-click the group, go to FFD , and choose 3x3 . Step 3 (Locate): You will see a bounding box with "dots" at the corners and edges. It may be hard to see. Open the Outliner window (Window > Outliner). You will see two groups: your original object and a new group named something like "FFD Mesh". Step 4 (Edit): Double-click the "FFD Mesh" group in the Outliner (or in the viewport). Step 5 (Sculpt): Select the Move tool. Click a control point in the top center of the box and pull it upward. Your flat slab will lift into a smooth wave.
How to use Sketchy FFD sketchup plugin to generate spiral shapes
Instead of manipulating hundreds of individual vertices, edges, or faces, you only interact with a simplified bounding box. The plugin automatically calculates the math required to morph your geometry seamlessly. Key Benefits of Using FFD in SketchUp sketchy ffd sketchup plugin
When to avoid it
What I liked
(Free Form Deformation) is a powerful, free SketchUp plugin that allows users to deform 3D geometry by manipulating a surrounding "control cage". Originally developed by Chris Phillips and now maintained by mindsight studios , it is an industry-standard tool for creating complex organic shapes, furniture, and sculptures that are difficult to achieve with native SketchUp tools. Key Features of Sketchy FFD
, where it continues to power organic modeling for a new generation of designers. Deforming Shapes with LATTICES with FFD in SketchUp In SketchUp, draw a simple rectangle on the
Verdict (short) SketchyFFD is a potent, no‑cost deformation tool that adds organic modeling capabilities to SketchUp—ideal for concepting and creative tweaks—though its dated UI, spotty docs, and occasional quirks mean it’s best used with caution and backups.