Toolbar Editor Sketchup ^hot^ Full -
To get the full suite of tools in SketchUp, you typically need to switch from the basic "Getting Started" set to the Large Tool Set
. While SketchUp doesn't have a single "Toolbar Editor" button, you can fully customize your workspace using the native toolbar settings or specialized extensions. 1. Enabling the Full Tool Set
By default, SketchUp opens with a limited "Getting Started" bar. To see the full range of native tools: View > Toolbars In the list that appears, uncheck Getting Started Large Tool Set
. This will place a comprehensive vertical toolbar on the left side of your screen. You can also enable specific sets like to fill out your top navigation bar. 2. Customizing Toolbars (Windows)
On Windows, SketchUp allows you to create custom toolbars containing only the buttons you use most: Navigate to
In SketchUp, "Toolbar Editor" generally refers to either the native customization settings or specialized extensions that allow for more advanced control over your workspace. Native Toolbar Customization
SketchUp includes a built-in feature to manage and modify your visible tools. This is often the first step in creating a "full" or optimized workspace:
Accessing the Dialog: Navigate to View > Toolbars (on Windows) to open the Toolbars Dialog Box.
Enabling the Full Set: For a comprehensive workspace, many users check the Large Tool Set option, which provides a vertical strip of common tools including selection, drawing, and modification functions.
Customizing Buttons: While in the Toolbars dialog, you can click the Customize button. This allows you to drag individual icons to or from any visible toolbar to create a custom layout tailored to your workflow. 3D Text and Editable Solid Text
If your focus is specifically on editing solid 3D text rather than the UI toolbars, SketchUp's native 3D Text tool can be limiting because once the text is placed, it cannot be edited.
3D Text Editor Extensions: Many users install extensions like the 3D Text Editor from the Extension Warehouse.
Key Features: These tools allow you to type text and see a live preview. You can toggle whether the text is "filled" (creating solid faces) and adjust the "height" or extrusion in real-time, essentially creating editable solid text. Organizing Extensions
For those using a "full" suite of plugins, managing multiple toolbars can get messy.
Advanced Toolbar Management: Extensions such as LordOfOfTheToolbars or Fredo6's Custom Toolbars allow you to create custom palettes. These are often used to consolidate tools from different extensions into a single, organized bar.
Toolbar Editor for SketchUp refers to a popular extension designed to overcome native SketchUp limitations, allowing users to create fully customized toolbars that combine both native tools and third-party plugin commands. Toolbar Editor Extension (ae_ToolbarEditor) Created by the developer
, this extension provides an intuitive interface for managing your workspace. Customization toolbar editor sketchup full
: You can create new toolbars from scratch and populate them by dragging and dropping tools from a complete list of available commands. Search Filter
: It includes a search function to quickly locate specific tools, which is especially useful if you have many plugins installed. Availability : You can download it from the SketchUcation PluginStore
. Note that some users have reported compatibility issues with SketchUp 2024, though unofficial fixes often circulate in the community forums. Native SketchUp Toolbar Management
If you are looking for the full set of tools without using an extension, you can use SketchUp’s built-in options:
To get a "full" toolbar experience in SketchUp, you typically want to enable the Large Tool Set, which replaces the basic "Getting Started" bar with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. For more advanced customization, you can use the built-in Toolbar Editor or specialized extensions to create your own icon layouts. 1. Enabling the Full "Large Tool Set"
The quickest way to see all standard tools at once is to switch to the vertical Large Tool Set: Go to the top menu and select View > Toolbars.
In the dialog box that appears, find and check the box for Large Tool Set.
Uncheck Getting Started to remove redundant icons and save screen space.
Click Close. You can now drag this toolbar to "dock" it on the left side of your screen or leave it floating. 2. Customizing Your Toolbar Layout
If you want to create a custom mix of tools from different sets:
Open Customization: Navigate to View > Toolbars and click the Customize button.
Add/Remove Icons: While the "Toolbars" window is open, you can hold Alt (on Windows) and drag icons from one toolbar to another, or drag them off the bar entirely to remove them.
New Toolbars: Use the New... button in the Toolbars dialog to create a blank bar, then drag your most-used commands into it from the Commands tab. 3. Advanced Editing Extensions
For users who find the native SketchUp toolbar system limited (especially on Mac, where customization is handled differently), these third-party extensions are popular:
LordOfToolbars: Allows for creating highly organized, nested toolbars and custom icons.
Fredo6 - LordOfTheToolbars: A powerful extension available on the SketchUcation Plugin Store that provides a searchable, customizable interface for all your plugins and native tools. To get the full suite of tools in
3D Text Editor: If your "write text" query refers to editing 3D objects, this extension allows you to modify the font, height, and content of 3D text after it has been placed, which the native tool cannot do. Summary of Toolbar Options Feature Native Method Extension/Plugin All Basic Tools Enable "Large Tool Set" Custom Layouts View > Toolbars > New LordOfToolbars Editable 3D Text Create new 3D Text 3D Text Editor EDITABLE 3D TEXT IN SKETCHUP with 3D Text Editor
For users who want more control than SketchUp's default settings allow, the Toolbar Editor extension on SketchUcation is the top choice.
Create Custom Bars: Click the "+" button to create a new, empty toolbar and give it a unique name.
Drag-and-Drop Tools: You can drag individual command icons from the "Available Buttons" list directly into your custom toolbar panel.
Combine Extensions: It allows you to group tools from different plugins (like Joint Pushpull or CurveLoft) into one single, efficient bar.
Save Changes: Always click Apply to save. Note that some changes might require a SketchUp restart to appear. 2. Native SketchUp Toolbar Setup (Windows)
If you prefer not to use extensions, SketchUp has built-in customization via the View menu.
EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor!
In SketchUp, a "full" toolbar setup typically refers to moving beyond the basic "Getting Started" set to a more comprehensive layout that includes the Large Tool Set
and various specialized functional bars. You can achieve this through native settings or enhanced extension-based editors. 1. Enabling the Native "Full" Toolbar
To access a more complete range of tools without installing any extras: Access the List: View > Toolbars in the top menu. Enable the Large Tool Set: Getting Started Large Tool Set
. This adds a vertical bar on the left containing nearly all essential drawing and modification tools. Add Functional Bars: For a "full" experience, also enable:
For quick switching between isometric, top, and front views. To toggle between x-ray, wireframe, and shaded modes. For file operations (Save, Print) and basic Edit functions. Shadows & Measurements: Crucial for precise modeling and environmental studies. 2. Using Advanced Toolbar Editors (Extensions)
If you have many plugins, native toolbars can become cluttered. Specific "Toolbar Editor" extensions allow you to consolidate these into custom, space-saving bars. AE Toolbar Editor: This is a popular plugin available on the SketchUcation PluginStore . It allows you to: Create Custom Bars: button to name a new toolbar. Drag-and-Drop:
Drag specific buttons from any installed extension into your new custom panel. Custom Ruby Buttons:
You can even create your own buttons by pasting Ruby code snippets directly into the editor. Lord of the Toolbars (LOTT): Developed by Is the Toolbar Editor Available in "SketchUp Full" (Pro)
, this is a powerful alternative for managing vast amounts of extensions. It requires the
library and allows for sophisticated "palettes" and top-bar integration. 3. Layout Management Tips
You can drag toolbars by their "dotted handles" to snap them to the top, bottom, or sides of your workspace. Tray Customization: Window > Default Tray > Show Tray
to manage properties like Layers (Tags), Materials, and Entity Info on the right side of the screen. Saving Workspace:
SketchUp generally remembers your layout, but if it resets, check that you are using a consistent upon startup. to populate your new custom toolbars? Create Own Buttons/Toolbar for Extensions - SketchUp Forums
Creating a "full" guide for the SketchUp Toolbar Editor requires looking at both the native interface (which is functional but basic) and the professional method (which gives you the truly "full" control you see in expert workflows).
Here is a comprehensive guide to mastering the Toolbar Editor in SketchUp.
Is the Toolbar Editor Available in "SketchUp Full" (Pro)?
There is often confusion between "Toolbar Editor full" and "SketchUp Full." The term "Full" is sometimes misused to describe SketchUp Pro (the paid, desktop version) vs. SketchUp Free (web) vs. SketchUp Make (legacy).
- SketchUp Pro (Full License): Has the complete, unrestricted Toolbar Editor. You can create unlimited custom bars, save presets, and integrate any extension.
- SketchUp Free (Web): Has a limited Toolbar Editor. You can rearrange icons and toggle visibility, but you cannot create brand new toolbars or drag individual tool buttons between categories.
- SketchUp Make 2017 (Discontinued): Has the same editor as Pro 2017, but lacks newer extension support.
Verdict: To get the "Full" toolbar editor experience, you need SketchUp Pro.
Overview
The Toolbar Editor for SketchUp is a powerful extension that lets you customize, create, and organize toolbars and menus to streamline your SketchUp workflow. Use it to add frequently used tools, group related commands, create custom toolbars for specific tasks (modeling, rendering, layout), and assign icons and keyboard shortcuts.
Part 4: The "Full" Toolbar Editor vs. Extensions
SketchUp’s built-in toolbars are great for native tools, but third-party extensions often clutter your screen randomly.
The Problem: When you install an extension (e.g., V-Ray, Artisan, Solid Inspector), it usually creates its own default toolbar, often massive and intrusive. The Solution: In the Toolbar Editor, uncheck the default extension toolbar to hide it permanently. Then, go to the Commands List. You will see a new tab at the bottom named after the extension. Individually drag only the 1 or 2 tools you actually use from that extension into your custom "Architect Lite" toolbar.
Example: You don't need the 20 V-Ray lights on screen. You just need "Rect Light" and "Sphere Light." Curate them.
The Ultimate Guide to the SketchUp Toolbar Editor
3. Customizing Individual Icons (Windows Only)
SketchUp for Mac has a locked native interface; you cannot rearrange individual icons natively. You must rely on the "Customize" palette to drag preset tools.
- Rearranging: You can usually click and drag icons between different active toolbars.
- Resetting: If you mess up your layout, click the
Resetbutton in the Toolbars dialog to return to factory defaults.
Toolbar Editor for SketchUp — Detailed Post
Step 4: Integrating Extensions (The "Full" Experience)
A standard SketchUp install is powerful, but a full editor includes your extensions. If you use V-Ray, Skalp, Artisan, or 1001Bit Tools:
- Ensure the extension is active in Extensions Manager.
- Open the Toolbar Editor.
- Scroll through the left panel. You will see new categories for your installed extensions.
- Drag the specific tool icons (e.g., "Start V-Ray Interactive Rendering" or "Create Terrain") directly into your custom bar.
This integration transforms your toolbar from a basic input device into a command center.