Grouping Geometry

Why Grouping Matters

One of the most common mistakes in SketchUp is not grouping geometry. By default, SketchUp creates raw geometry — edges and faces that automatically merge with any other geometry they touch.

This is often called “sticky geometry.”

If two objects touch and they are not grouped, their edges and faces will merge. When you move one face later, connected geometry can stretch or distort unexpectedly.

When this is useful
Quickly reshaping connected forms
Making broad adjustments to connected surfaces
Conceptual modeling where everything is meant to behave as one system

When this causes problems

Editing one object without affecting another

Moving elements independently

Managing complex 3D models where parts need to stay isolated

"Sticky Geometry"

Using Groups

A Group acts as a container. Geometry inside a group does not merge with geometry outside the group.

When two grouped objects touch, they remain independent. You can move, edit, or delete one without damaging the other.

Grouped Geometry

Group Before You Extrude

If you draw multiple objects or connected lines and extrude everything into 3D before grouping, separating those objects later becomes difficult and time-consuming.

Once geometry merges, isolating it requires careful cutting and repairing.

Grouping Workflow

Switch to Top View
Work in plan view before pushing forms into 3D. This makes it easier to clearly see the objects you are isolating.

Select the Objects You Want to Group

Select the edges and faces that should behave as one object.

Tip
Drag left to right to select only objects fully inside the box.
Drag right to left to select everything the box touches.

Create the Group

Right-click and choose Make Group.

Now the selected geometry is isolated from the rest of the model.

Extrude After Grouping

Double-click into the group.

Use Push Pull to extrude to your desired height.

All geometry stays contained inside the group.

When you exit the group by clicking outside it, the entire object acts as one unit and will not merge with other geometry.

How to Tell If You Are Editing Inside a Group

SketchUp provides visual indicators for editing in and outside a group.

Bounding Box Appears

When you double-click into a group, a dotted bounding box outlines its limits.

The Rest of the Model Fades

When editing a group, everything outside the group fades slightly.

If this fade is too subtle, adjust it:

Go to Window > Model Info > Components

Adjust the Fade Rest of Model slider.

Outside of Group

Inside of Group

Optional: Hide the Rest of the Model

Go to Window > Model Info > Components

Check Hide Rest of Model.

Now, when editing a group, everything outside it disappears completely.

Last updated by Abigail Green - February 2026

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