Toolbar Editor Sketchup

The Toolbar Editor for SketchUp is an essential extension for power users who want to declutter their workspace by creating custom, consolidated toolbars.

An interesting "feature" or workflow you can create with this tool is a Context-Based Multi-Tool Ribbon. Instead of having 20 different plugin toolbars open, you can group specific commands from various extensions into a single, workflow-oriented bar. Custom Workflow Feature: The "Super-Bar"

You can use the Toolbar Editor to build a single toolbar that combines tools usually buried in different menus:

Mixed Command Access: Combine native SketchUp tools (like Follow Me) with third-party extension buttons (like FredoScale or Curviloft) in one row.

Custom Icons: If you want to differentiate your custom tools, the editor allows you to assign unique icons so you don't confuse them with standard sets.

Space Optimization: By cherry-picking only the 5 tools you actually use from a 20-tool plugin, you can save significant screen real estate. How to Use the Editor Feature Open the Editor: Access it via Extensions > Toolbar Editor. Create New: Click the + icon to start a new custom toolbar.

Drag and Drop: Open the "Command List" and drag the specific icons you need from any installed plugin directly into your new bar.

Save and Dock: Once finished, your new custom bar will appear in the View > Toolbars list, where you can dock it anywhere on your screen.

Watch these guides to see how to manage and customize your toolbars effectively:

Open the Editor: Navigate to the Window menu and select Toolbar Editor.

Create a New Toolbar: Click the "+" button on the left sidebar.

Add Tools: Find commands in the right-hand list and drag them into your new toolbar panel.

Save Changes: Click Apply to finalize the layout. Note that some changes might require a SketchUp restart to appear. Native Alternatives

If you don't want to use an extension, SketchUp has built-in (but more limited) toolbar management: toolbar editor sketchup

Windows: Go to View → Toolbars to toggle standard sets like the Large Tool Set or Styles.

macOS: Native customization is limited to a single top toolbar stripe where you can drag and drop icons. Top Community Recommendations

Toolbar Editor: Best for simple, standard-looking custom toolbars.

Lord of the Toolbars (LOTT): A more advanced alternative by Fredo6, though some users find it more complex than Aerilius' version.

EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor!

Closing tip

Build several role-based custom toolbars and switch between them as your task changes—this provides the speed of a minimalist UI without sacrificing access to specialty tools.

Related search suggestions prepared.

Toolbar Editor for SketchUp is a popular extension developed by

that solves a major limitation of SketchUp's native customization: the inability to mix and match native tools with those from third-party plugins in a single toolbar. Core Features of Toolbar Editor

This plugin allows for a highly personalized workspace by consolidating your most-used features. Custom Toolbar Creation

: Create entirely new toolbars from scratch and name them according to your workflow (e.g., "Organic Modeling" or "Rendering"). Drag & Drop Interface

: Easily move icons from a library of available tools into your custom toolbar panels. Search and Filter

: Quickly find specific tools from a long list of installed plugins using a built-in search filter. Ruby Command Buttons

: Create custom buttons by pasting Ruby code snippets or commands, effectively turning small bits of code into functional buttons without creating a separate plugin. How to Use the Extension : Once installed, navigate to Window → Toolbar Editor to open the customization interface. : Click the button on the left to start a new toolbar.

: Search for tools in the left pane and drag them into your new toolbar panel.

to save your changes. Note that some modifications may require a SketchUp restart to appear.

Watch these tutorials to see how to build your own custom toolbars and organize your SketchUp workspace effectively:

Customizing Your Workflow with the Toolbar Editor in SketchUp The Toolbar Editor for SketchUp is an essential

The Toolbar Editor in SketchUp is a powerful tool that allows you to customize your workspace and streamline your workflow. With the Toolbar Editor, you can create, edit, and manage your toolbars, adding or removing tools and commands to suit your specific needs.

Why Use the Toolbar Editor?

By default, SketchUp comes with a set of pre-configured toolbars that provide access to commonly used tools and commands. However, every user is unique, and you may find that you use certain tools more frequently than others. The Toolbar Editor allows you to tailor your toolbars to your specific workflow, saving you time and increasing productivity.

How to Access the Toolbar Editor

To access the Toolbar Editor in SketchUp, follow these steps:

1. Go to View > Toolbars > Toolbar Editor.
2. Alternatively, you can right-click on any toolbar and select Toolbar Editor from the context menu.

Using the Toolbar Editor

Once you've accessed the Toolbar Editor, you can start customizing your toolbars. Here are some of the things you can do:

• Create new toolbars: Click the New Toolbar button to create a new toolbar. Give it a name and start adding tools and commands to it.
• Add tools and commands: Browse through the available tools and commands and add them to your toolbar. You can search for specific tools or browse through the categories.
• Remove tools and commands: Select a tool or command and click the Remove button to remove it from the toolbar.
• Rearrange tools and commands: Use the Move up and Move down buttons to rearrange the tools and commands on your toolbar.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a consistent naming convention: When creating custom toolbars, use a consistent naming convention to help you quickly identify them.
• Keep frequently used tools front and center: Place your most frequently used tools and commands on a easily accessible toolbar, such as the main toolbar.
• Experiment and iterate: Don't be afraid to try out different toolbar configurations and see what works best for you.

By using the Toolbar Editor in SketchUp, you can create a customized workspace that streamlines your workflow and boosts your productivity. Take some time to explore the Toolbar Editor and see how it can help you work more efficiently in SketchUp.

Part 6: Advanced Techniques

6. Pro Tips for Efficiency

• The "Core Four": Most experts recommend keeping the Select, Eraser, Rectangle, and Push/Pull tools in the most accessible spots.
• Keyboard Shortcuts vs. Toolbar: Even if you use keyboard shortcuts heavily, keeping the tools visible helps you remember what shortcuts you have assigned.
• Extension Tools: When you install plugins or extensions (like Curviloft or RoundCorner), they often create their own toolbars. Use the editor to integrate these new icons into your main toolbar so you don't have to switch between multiple floating windows.

By taking five minutes to organize your interface, you create a more comfortable modeling environment tailored specifically to your style.

The "Toolbar Editor" in SketchUp primarily refers to a popular third-party extension designed to overcome the limitations of SketchUp’s native interface, which historically struggled to consolidate tools from various plugins into a single, cohesive space The Core Conflict: Native Limits vs. Extension Chaos

By default, SketchUp organizes tools into preset toolbars (like the "Large Tool Set" or "Getting Started") that can be toggled via View > Toolbars

. However, as users install more extensions, their workspace often becomes cluttered with dozens of tiny, floating windows that cannot be easily combined. The Solution: The "Toolbar Editor" Extension

Developed by Aurelius, this extension serves as a "command center" for workspace customization. Custom Toolbars

: Users can create entirely new toolbars from scratch by clicking a "+" button. Unified Interface

: It allows you to drag and drop both native SketchUp tools and third-party plugin tools into the same custom panel. Search and Filter

: For power users with hundreds of plugins, a built-in search filter helps find specific commands instantly. Ruby Integration

: Advanced users can even create custom buttons by pasting Ruby code snippets directly into the editor to automate specific tasks. Notable Alternatives Go to View > Toolbars > Toolbar Editor

Several other tools have entered this space to help users manage "extension bloat": Lord of the Toolbars (by Fredo6)

: A popular free alternative that offers enhanced control over managing extensive plugin libraries from a single interface. Native Customization (MacOS & iPad)

: Interestingly, the Mac and iPad versions of SketchUp offer more robust native customization than Windows, allowing users to drag and drop icons directly onto the main top bar without external plugins. How to Use the Toolbar Editor Installation : Download and install the Toolbar Editor SketchUcation PluginStore : Open the editor from the menu, click the "+" to name a new toolbar.

: Search for tools in the left pane and drag them into your new toolbar panel on the right.

to finalize the changes (some changes may require a SketchUp restart). or a comparison of the best free toolbars available for SketchUp?

EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor! 11 May 2021 —

The SketchUp Toolbar Editor is the unsung hero of a productive 3D modeling workflow. While the default "Getting Started" set is fine for beginners, the editor allows professionals to strip away the clutter and build a cockpit tailored to their specific niche, whether that’s architectural visualization or woodworking. The Purpose of Customization

SketchUp is built on the philosophy of simplicity, but its power lies in its extensibility. As users install plugins (extensions), the interface can quickly become overwhelmed by floating windows. The Toolbar Editor (found under View > Toolbars on Windows or View > Customize Toolbar on Mac) serves as the primary management system for organizing these tools. By grouping frequently used commands and hiding the ones rarely touched, users reduce "click fatigue" and visual noise. Efficiency Through Organization

The true value of the editor is speed. A well-organized workspace minimizes the distance the mouse travels. Advanced users often create "Master Toolbars" that combine native tools—like Push/Pull and Offset—with high-end extension icons like those from Fredo6 or Curviloft. This eliminates the need to dive into drop-down menus or remember dozens of obscure keyboard shortcuts. Platform Differences

It is worth noting that the experience varies by operating system:

Windows: Offers a more modular "docking" system where users can create entirely new named toolbars and snap them to any edge of the screen.

Mac: Utilizes a more centralized, single-tray customization style typical of macOS applications, focusing on the top ribbon. Conclusion

Ultimately, the Toolbar Editor isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about intent. By curated your workspace, you transition from someone who just uses SketchUp to someone who has mastered its environment. A clean, custom toolbar setup ensures that the software stays out of the way of the creative process.

Here’s a concise write-up for a Toolbar Editor in SketchUp, suitable for a user guide, blog post, or feature summary.

Part 3: Building Your First Custom Toolbar

Let’s build a practical example: The "Fast Modeling" toolbar. This bar will contain the six tools every architectural modeler needs: Tape Measure, Push/Pull, Move, Rotate, Scale, and Eraser.

Step-by-Step on Windows (SketchUp 2021+):

1. Open the Toolbar Editor (Right-click > Toolbars).
2. Click the New button.
3. Name your toolbar: "Fast Modeling".
4. A small, empty grey toolbar will appear on your screen.
5. In the Toolbar Editor window, scroll to the Draw section. Find Rectangle and Push/Pull. Drag them from the list into your new empty toolbar.
6. Scroll to Modify. Drag Move, Rotate, and Scale.
7. Scroll to Construction. Drag Tape Measure.
8. (Optional) You can drag icons left or right inside your custom toolbar to reorder them. Put Push/Pull right next to Tape Measure.
9. Click Close.

Result: You now have a compact, floating toolbar. You can dock it next to your default toolbars or leave it floating near your cursor zone.