SketchUp Extension

ZB Smart Dimensions

Create and edit native linear dimensions for groups and components from one compact dialog — with live viewport preview and flexible placement control.

Get on Extension Warehouse

Features

Manual Axis Placement

Choose any direction — +X, −X, +Y, −Y, +Z, or −Z — to place your dimension exactly where you want it.

Live Viewport Preview

See the dimension placement directly in your SketchUp model before committing. Non-destructive — nothing is created until you click Generate.

Per Object & Full Selection

Create individual dimensions for each selected object, or a single dimension spanning the entire selection — your choice.

Edit Existing Dimensions

Select existing linear dimensions and the dialog switches to edit mode automatically. Update the offset visually or by typing a new value.

Tag Management

Assign dimensions to Active Tag, a dedicated “Dimensions” tag, or any custom tag — keeping your model organised from the start.

Settings Persistence

Your preferred dimension type, placement, unit, and tag settings are remembered between sessions so you can jump straight in.

Manual

Requirements & Installation

Requires SketchUp 2026 or later.

Install from Extension Warehouse.

Basic Workflow
  1. Select one or more Groups or Component Instances in your model.
  2. Open Extensions > ZB Smart Dimensions > ZB Smart Dimensions…
  3. Set Dimension Type (Width, Depth, or Height).
  4. Set Placement direction (+X, −X, +Y, −Y, +Z, or −Z).
  5. Set the Offset Distance — how far from the object to place the line.
  6. Choose Mode: Per Object or Full Selection.
  7. Choose a Tag for the created dimensions.
  8. Click Generate.

All dimensions created in one operation can be undone with a single Ctrl+Z.

Editing Existing Dimensions

Select one or more existing linear dimensions in your model. The dialog detects them and switches into edit mode automatically.

Type a new offset distance, or drag the placement picker in the viewport to set it visually. Click Generate to apply.

Offset Units

The extension supports both millimetres and inches. Set your preferred unit in the dialog, then type plain numbers (interpreted in that unit) or use explicit units:

  • 300 — 300 in your current unit
  • 300mm — always 300 millimetres
  • 12in — always 12 inches
Reference Modes & Offset Rules

Object reference follows the object’s own transformed local axes. Model reference follows SketchUp world axes.

The offset direction must be perpendicular to the measure direction:

  • Measuring X → offset in +Y, −Y, +Z, or −Z
  • Measuring Y → offset in +X, −X, +Z, or −Z
  • Measuring Z → offset in +X, −X, +Y, or −Y

Only Groups and Component Instances are supported. Raw geometry, text, and guides are ignored.