Panels arranged around a curved surface in a SketchUp model.
Generate real-world surface layouts in SketchUp.
Create panel, board, and tile layouts with stacked layers, curved surfaces, and modeled corner joints. SurfaceLayout generates the individual 3D pieces, including material thickness and boundary cuts. Change the material size, spacing, or pattern and regenerate the layout instead of remodeling it piece by piece.
Coming soon Read the guide
WorkflowFrom surface to 3D layout
PatternsExplore layouts without redrawing
Switch between grids, staggered rows, herringbone, basketweave, and geometric patterns. Set consistent or repeating gaps, adjust the alignment, and regenerate the pieces and boundary cuts.
Grid
Fixed stagger
Free stagger
Herringbone
Basketweave
Alternating triangles
Diamond grid
Hex grid
Material dimensionsMatch the layout to your materials
Set the dimensions and thickness of your stock, from narrow boards to large panels. SurfaceLayout generates the layout and calculates boundary cuts from those sizes.
Rectangle
Square
Triangle
Diamond
Hex
LayersModel the layers behind the finish
Build up to three material layers on the same surface, each with its own dimensions, thickness, pattern, and spacing. Offset joints or change the direction between layers to represent the assembly. Each layer remains a separate SketchUp group. For lapped finishes, overlapping rows are available on the outermost layer.
SurfacesExtend the layout across curved surfaces
Cover flat faces, connected surfaces, and supported curves without unfolding the geometry or placing each piece by hand. SurfaceLayout maps the generated pieces onto your model.
Conforming or rigid pieces Follow the modeled surface with Conform, or use Rigid to keep panels flat as they cover the curve.
Choose the seam position Choose the opening seam on a supported wrapped surface to control where the pattern starts and ends.
View supported surfaces
Corner constructionGenerate the corner details
SurfaceLayout calculates how adjoining pieces meet from the corner geometry and material thickness. The joints are generated with the layout, rather than modeled separately. Use shared settings or specify each edge separately, with independent corner gaps and overhangs.
ButtChoose the covering piece, with beveled, recessed, proud, or open joint details.
MitreGenerate angled cuts that match the corner geometry.
WeaveAlternate the covering side from row to row where the pattern aligns.
Material planningGet a cutlist for every layer
Get quantities, finished dimensions, and grouped cut diagrams for each layer, including corner details and cut angles where applicable.
Identify compatible offcuts for reuse, then export a PDF to review, print, or share.
Revisions and presetsRevise the design without rebuilding it
Reopen a saved layout to change board sizes, joint spacing, or pattern direction. Regenerate the pieces instead of editing them one by one. Save piece, layer, and layout presets to reuse material specifications and layer stacks across projects.
Follow the quick start
The quick start covers surface selection, layout setup, and 3D generation. Read the quick start
FAQFrequently asked questions
What geometry can I start with? Start with selected faces in the main SketchUp model. Flat surfaces and supported curved or connected geometry are suitable. Detection does not read inside groups or components. Does it work on curved surfaces? Yes, on supported curves. Pieces can follow the modeled surface or remain flat. Flat panels may leave gaps, and some surface layouts are approximate. Review the layout warnings before using the result. What does SurfaceLayout add to my model? Individual 3D pieces, organized into a separate group for each layer. You can select and hide layers independently with SketchUp’s own tools. Can I change a layout later? Yes. Reopen the saved layout, revise its settings, and generate the updated pieces. The source geometry must remain available. Regenerating replaces the generated pieces, including manual edits inside them. What can I export? A PDF cutlist for each layer, with quantities, dimensions, cut diagrams, and applicable joint details. Excluded pieces are omitted. The diagrams are fitted to the page, not full-size cutting templates. Does it include nesting or CNC export? No. SurfaceLayout identifies compatible offcuts for reuse, but it is not a general nesting system. CNC export is not included.