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
: 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:
The story of the Toolbar Editor extension is one of solving a long-standing frustration for SketchUp power users: the "cluttered workspace" problem. For years, users who relied on dozens of plugins—like FredoScale, RoundCorner, or JHS Power Bar—found their screens shrinking as each extension added its own bulky toolbar. The Solution: Consolidating Chaos
While SketchUp has a native way to create toolbars, it famously lacks support for non-native tools, meaning you couldn't easily mix and match buttons from different third-party plugins into one clean row. The Toolbar Editor (developed by @Aurelius) changed the game by offering a dedicated drag-and-drop interface.
Customization: Users could finally create a single "Master Toolbar" named something like "Daily Workflow" and populate it with only the 4 or 5 buttons they actually used from much larger plugin sets.
Organization: It introduced the ability to add separators and line breaks, allowing for visual grouping of tools that otherwise had no business being together.
Searchability: A built-in search filter allowed users to sift through hundreds of installed commands to find exactly what they needed to pin. A Legacy of Utility
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
. 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. toolbar editor sketchup full
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
Customising the workspace in is essential for high-level efficiency, especially when dealing with dozens of extensions. While SketchUp has native customisation tools, professional workflows often rely on the Toolbar Editor (also known as the Custom Toolbar Editor by ) to overcome default limitations. 1. The Core Limitation: Why use an Editor?
SketchUp’s native "New Toolbar" feature allows you to group basic tools, but it often struggles to integrate complex commands from third-party plugins. The Toolbar Editor extension addresses this by allowing you to: Consolidate Tools:
Mix native SketchUp tools with those from various extensions (like FredoScale or Joint Pushpull) into a single, cohesive bar. Custom Icons: Assign your own image files as icons for specific commands. Searchability:
Use a filter to find specific tools by name rather than scrolling through endless menus. 2. How to Use the Toolbar Editor (Full Steps)
To set up a "proper" custom toolbar using this extension, follow these steps: Access the Interface: Open the editor via Window > Toolbar Editor Create a New Bar: "+" button on the left to create and rename a new toolbar. Search & Populate: Type the tool name into the search field. Drag and drop
the desired tool buttons from the "Available Buttons" list into your new toolbar panel.
You can move buttons around to change their order or drop them out to the right to remove them. Apply & Restart: to save. Note that some changes require a restart of SketchUp to fully update the visual interface. 3. Professional Alternatives
If your needs go beyond simple custom bars, consider these pro-level alternatives: Lord of the Toolbars (LOTT): Developed by
, this is a more advanced workspace manager that allows for palettes, folders, and highly organized "super toolbars".
A quick-search "launcher" (similar to Spotlight or Alfred) that executes commands instantly by typing, reducing the need for visible toolbars entirely. 4. Native Tool Management (Quick Tip) For simple cleanup without extensions:
EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor! 11 May 2021 —
Mastering the toolbar editor allows you to create a workspace that fits your specific workflow, saving you clicks and making modeling faster.
+ icon, name the toolbar (e.g., "My Kitchen Design Tools").- icon next to the tool.A "Toolbar Editor SketchUp full" setup is not a feature you download; it is a discipline you adopt. By spending 20 minutes today to drag, drop, and organize your icons, you will save hours of cumulative mouse travel time over the next year.
Action Plan for Today:
ToolbarState.json file to the cloud.Stop hunting. Start modeling. Your full custom toolbar awaits.
Do you have a unique custom toolbar setup? Share your layout in the comments below, or tag us on social media with #SketchUpToolbarFull.
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. Toolbar Editor for SketchUp refers to a popular
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
stared at his SketchUp workspace, a cluttered mess of icons that felt more like a barrier than a tool. Every time he needed the Follow Me tool or a specific plugin, he spent five seconds hunting for it. In the world of high-stakes architectural visualization, five seconds was an eternity.
He had just downloaded the Toolbar Editor (Full Version). With a few clicks, the transformation began.
First, he wiped the slate clean. No more floating windows or "phantom" toolbars that disappeared when he switched monitors. He opened the editor and started dragging only the essentials into a single, sleek custom bar. The Custom Setup Primary Bar: Draw, Push/Pull, and Offset grouped together.
The Power Cluster: His favorite extensions, once buried in sub-menus, now had their own dedicated row.
Logical Flow: Icons were organized by project phase—modeling on the left, texturing on the right.
By noon, his screen looked twice as large. The gray "ribbon fatigue" was gone. When a client called asking for a sudden change to the roof pitch, Leo didn’t fumble. His hand moved with muscle memory to the exact spot he’d mapped out.
The "Full" version didn't just give him more buttons; it gave him his focus back. He wasn't fighting the software anymore. He was finally just designing.
💡 Key Takeaway: A clean workspace isn't just about aesthetics—it's about removing the friction between your brain and the 3D model.
If you are looking for help with the Toolbar Editor plugin, let me know: Are you having trouble installing the extension? Do you need help grouping specific tools?
Are you trying to sync your toolbars across different computers?
SketchUp Toolbar Editor: The Ultimate Guide to Workspace Customisation
The Toolbar Editor (by Aerilius/Aurelius) is a essential extension for SketchUp users looking to streamline their 3D modelling workflow. Unlike SketchUp’s native customisation, which often limits you to standard tools, this plugin allows you to consolidate frequently used tools from various third-party extensions into a single, personalised toolbar. Key Features and Benefits
Multi-Plugin Integration: Combine tools from different plugins—like JHS Power Bar or Quad Face Toolbar—into one unified set.
Custom Ruby Buttons: Instantly create new buttons for specific Ruby commands or code snippets without needing to write a full standalone plugin.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: An intuitive visual editor where you can drag tools from a master list directly into your custom panels.
Search and Filter: Easily find specific tools among dozens of installed plugins using a built-in search filter.
Workspace Efficiency: Minimises the "toolbar clutter" that often results from having too many extensions installed, freeing up valuable screen real estate. How to Set Up the Toolbar Editor Getting Started
You can download the extension for free from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse or SketchUcation. Once installed: Access the Editor: Navigate to Window → Toolbar Editor.
Create a New Toolbar: Click the "+" button on the left panel and give your new toolbar a name.
Add Tools: Locate tools in the available list on the left and drag them into your new panel.
Save Changes: Click "Apply" to save your configuration. Note that you may need to restart SketchUp for some changes to take effect. Compatibility and Maintenance Tips
While the original plugin was designed for older versions (SketchUp 8 to 2014), the community has maintained it for modern releases.
Modern SketchUp Support: For SketchUp 2024 and later, users on the SketchUp Community Forums recommend using an updated registrar file (ae_toolbareditor.rb) provided by community members to ensure compatibility with newer Ruby versions.
Performance Note: Some users report that heavily customised toolbars can slightly slow down SketchUp’s startup time, so it is best to only include tools you use daily.
For those looking for alternative workflow managers, some professional users also recommend tools like Fredo's Lord of the Toolbars (LOTT), though the original Toolbar Editor is often praised for being simpler and more intuitive for basic customisation.
EASY Custom Toolbars in SketchUp with Custom Toolbar Editor!
The Toolbar Editor (by Aerilius) is a powerful SketchUp extension designed to overcome the limitations of the native toolbar system, specifically the inability to combine third-party plugin tools into a single custom toolbar. Key Features & Benefits
Consolidate Tools: Mix and match tools from various extensions (like JHS Power Bar or QuadFace Tools) into one personalized palette to save screen space.
Drag & Drop Interface: Easily add, remove, or rearrange buttons within the editor window.
Search Filter: Quickly find specific tools from a long list of installed plugins using the built-in search field.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Assign shortcuts directly within the extension's manager. How to Use Toolbar Editor Open the Editor: Navigate to Window → Toolbar Editor.
Create a New Toolbar: Click the "+" button on the left panel and give your toolbar a name.
Add Tools: Locate tools in the master list on the right. You can use the Search field to filter by name. Drag and drop items from this list into your new toolbar panel.
Organize Layout: Rearrange buttons by dragging them. You can also right-click to insert line breaks or separators to group tools logically. Apply Changes: Click the "Apply" button to save your setup.
Note: Some changes may require you to restart SketchUp before they appear in your workspace. Where to Get It
The extension is available for download on the SketchUcation PluginStore . Ensure you are running the latest version (currently 1.1.8) for compatibility with newer SketchUp releases.
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!
The method to open the customization window differs slightly between Windows and macOS.
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.