Toolbar Editor Sketchup ((install)) | Full

Here’s an interesting piece of trivia and insight regarding the "Toolbar Editor" in SketchUp Full (the desktop Pro version, not the free web version).

The "Hidden" Power of the Toolbar Editor Most Users Miss

While most people use the Toolbar Editor simply to drag icons on or off the screen, the full version holds a secret weapon: you can build a custom "Hybrid Tool" that doesn't exist natively.

Here’s how:

Open View > Toolbars > Customize (the Toolbar Editor dialog).
Instead of just adding single tools, hold Ctrl (or Cmd) and drag an icon on top of another icon on a toolbar.
Result: SketchUp creates a nested toolbar button—a tiny dropdown menu hidden inside a single icon.

Why is this fascinating in "SketchUp Full"? In the free web version, you’re stuck with the default layout. But in the Full (Pro) version, you can condense 20 rarely-used extensions into one master button. Advanced modelers use this to build a "Zero-Click Workspace"—hiding 90% of icons until needed, gaining a massive, uncluttered modeling window that no other 3D software (like Blender or Rhino) achieves without complex scripts.

The "Museum" Oddity: If you dig into the full toolbar editor, you’ll find abandoned tools from SketchUp versions 6 through 8—like the "Get Models" button (Google 3D Warehouse’s original interface) or the "Sandbox from Scratch" tool. They still work, but the editor is the only way to resurrect them. Most users never realize these digital fossils are hiding in their "Full" version.

So the Toolbar Editor isn't just a UI tweak—it’s a time capsule and a power-user's secret weapon for workflow speed.

The Toolbar Editor (also known as ae_ToolbarEditor) is a powerful extension for SketchUp that allows you to break free from static default toolbars by creating fully custom ones that suit your specific workflow. Key Features

Unified Custom Toolbars: Combine tools from different native SketchUp sets and third-party extensions into a single, organized toolbar.

Custom Ruby Buttons: Add unique buttons that execute specific Ruby code snippets, which is perfect for launching commands from extensions that don't have their own icons.

Personalized Icons: Select and assign custom icons to any of your newly created buttons for easy visual identification.

Simple Drag-and-Drop: Build your interface by dragging available tools into a new toolbar panel on the left side of the editor window.

Dockable Interface: Unlike some alternatives, toolbars created with this editor can be docked into the main SketchUp interface on Windows. How to Use the Editor

Open the Extension: Access the Toolbar Editor on SketchUcation to download and install it.

Create a New Toolbar: Click the "+" button on the left panel to start a new set and name it.

Add Tools: Drag existing tools from the "Available Buttons" list on the right into your new toolbar on the left. Create Custom Commands:

Click the "+" button on the right to open the command creation dialog.

Enter a name, description, and paste your Ruby code into the designated box.

Apply and Restart: Click Apply to save changes. Note that some toolbars may only appear or update correctly after you restart SketchUp. Best Alternatives

If you need more advanced management for a vast library of extensions, consider these:

Lord Of The Toolbars (LOTT): A commercial plugin by Fredo6 that offers extensive control over toolbar organization, though some users find its interface less intuitive than the standard Toolbar Editor.

Native "Large Tool Set": For beginners, simply navigating to View > Toolbars and checking Large Tool Set provides a much more comprehensive array of tools than the "Getting Started" default. Create Own Buttons/Toolbar for Extensions - SketchUp Forums

For users who want more control than SketchUp's default settings allow, the Toolbar Editor extension on SketchUcation is the top choice. toolbar editor sketchup full

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

, 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

In the world of 3D modeling, your workspace is your cockpit. Imagine a specialized tool—the Toolbar Editor for SketchUp

—as the ultimate dashboard upgrade for your creative flight. The "Workspace Warrior" Story

You are working on a complex architectural project. Your screen is a chaotic mess of floating windows and 20 different toolbars from various plugins like Joint Pushpull Here’s an interesting piece of trivia and insight

. You spend half your time hunting for that one specific "smooth" button buried in a menu. Toolbar Editor

(the "Full" version of your workflow). With this extension, you: Declutter the Chaos : You open the editor via Toolbar Editor and create a single, custom "Master Toolbar". Drag and Drop Power

: You search for your favorite tools—both native SketchUp ones and those from third-party plugins—and drag them into your new custom bar. Command the Code

: You find a useful Ruby snippet on a forum that automates a tedious task. Instead of learning to code, you just paste it into a new button within the editor. Maximize Your View

: You hide all the original, bulky toolbars. Your drawing area doubles in size, and every tool you need for this specific project is now in one neat row at the top of your screen. Key Benefits of the "Full" Setup Unified Interface

: Combine tools from different developers into one cohesive bar. Searchability

: Use a search filter to find that one elusive plugin icon among dozens. Custom Ruby Buttons

: Create your own shortcuts by adding custom Ruby commands directly to a button. Cleaner Renders

: Minimize UI distractions, which is especially helpful when working with heavy rendering engines like V-Ray. If you're looking for the most current version, Toolbar Editor v1.1.8

is the widely recognized stable release available on platforms like SketchUcation using this editor?

EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor!

The Toolbar Editor (specifically the one developed by Aerilius) is a powerful SketchUp extension designed to overcome the limitations of the software's native toolbar customization system. While SketchUp allows you to toggle native toolsets on and off, it historically struggled with integrating third-party plugin tools into a single, cohesive interface—a gap this editor fills. Key Features of Toolbar Editor Full

Unified Toolbars: Consolidate native SketchUp commands and tools from multiple plugins (like JHS Power Bar or QuadFace Tools) into one personalized toolbar.

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily create, rename, and organize toolbars by dragging icons from a master list into your custom panels.

Custom Ruby Buttons: Advanced users can create entirely new buttons by writing or pasting custom Ruby code directly into the editor.

Search and Filter: Quickly find specific tools among hundreds of installed plugins using the integrated search filter. How to Use the Toolbar Editor

Accessing the Editor: Once installed from the SketchUcation PluginStore or Extension Warehouse, go to Window > Toolbar Editor to open the interface.

Creating a New Toolbar: Click the "+" button on the left pane to create and name a new toolbar set.

Adding Tools: Find your desired tool in the right-hand list and drag it into your new toolbar panel. You can rearrange them or remove them by dragging them back out.

Applying Changes: Click Apply to save your layout. Note that some changes may require a SketchUp restart to display correctly. Comparison: Native vs. Plugin Editor Native SketchUp Toolbars Toolbar Editor (Extension) Custom Sets Limited to native commands on Windows Combine native & plugin tools User Interface Dialog-based selection Interactive drag-and-drop Scripting Not available Create custom buttons with Ruby Availability Free extension download Why Professionals Use It How to show Large Tool Set in SKETCHUP

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 Open View > Toolbars > Customize (the Toolbar

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

Mastering the toolbar editor allows you to create a workspace that fits your specific workflow, saving you clicks and making modeling faster.

Conclusion: Your Workspace, Your Rules

The default Toolbar Editor gives you a hammer. The full Toolbar Editor gives you a precision tool chest. By taking the time to strip away the tools you never touch, curate the extensions you love, and save your custom state, you transform SketchUp from a generic modeling tool into a precision instrument that matches your brain’s logic.

Stop adapting to SketchUp’s layout. Force SketchUp to adapt to yours. Open the Toolbar Editor today, click "New," and build the toolbar you wish you had years ago.

Call to Action: What is your most essential "must have" tool that you add to every custom toolbar? Share your setup in the comments below. And if you want a pre-built "Full Landscape Architecture" toolbar set, check our downloadable .skm file library.

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.

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

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.

Toolbar Editor for SketchUp — Detailed Post

Part 1: The Native Interface (The Basics)

This is the standard method available in every copy of SketchUp without installing add-ons.