How to Make a Sphere in SketchUp (5 Easy Methods, 2026)

SketchUp doesn't ship with a native sphere primitive — but making one takes less than a minute once you know the trick. This guide shows 5 different ways to make a sphere in SketchUp, from the classic Follow Me technique to fast plugin one-clicks. Works in SketchUp Free (web), Pro, and Studio.

Method 1: The Follow Me Tool (Native, Free)

This is the classic method every SketchUp user should know. It's built-in, works in every version including Free.

1. Draw a circle on the ground (any radius, e.g. 500 mm).
2. Draw a second circle vertically, centered on the edge of the first — same radius. Rotate it 90° so it stands up.
3. Select the flat horizontal circle's face as the path.
4. Pick the Follow Me tool (Tools > Follow Me) and click the vertical circle's face.
5. SketchUp sweeps the vertical circle around the horizontal path — you get a perfect sphere.

Tip: increase circle segments (type 48s before drawing) for a smoother sphere.

Method 2: Fredo Sphere Plugin (One Click)

If you make spheres often, install Fredo Sphere from Sketchucation. It creates any sphere with a single click and lets you control segments, radius, and even geodesic subdivision.

• Install Fredo Sphere via the ExtensionStore.
• Pick the tool, click to place the center, click again to set the radius.
• Done — you also get a clean quad-mesh version, ideal for subdivision or export to Blender.

Method 3: Half-Sphere (Dome)

Need a dome, not a full sphere? Use Follow Me with a half-circle profile instead of a full circle. Draw an arc from the north pole to the equator, then Follow Me around a horizontal circle path.

Method 4: Low-Poly Sphere for 3D Printing / Games

Full-detail spheres have thousands of edges — too heavy for 3D printing or real-time engines. To make a light one:

1. Draw a circle with 12 or 16 segments (type 12s before drawing).
2. Use the same Follow Me method with a matching low-segment profile circle.
3. Result: a faceted, low-poly sphere ready for STL export.

Method 5: 3D Warehouse (Fastest)

If you just need a sphere as a prop, search "sphere" in 3D Warehouse, download and place. Zero modelling required.

Common Problems & Fixes

• Sphere looks like a lump instead of round — increase circle segments to 48 or 64.
• Faces are inverted (dark grey inside) — right-click > Reverse Faces.
• Follow Me creates a spiral, not a sphere — you probably selected the wrong path. The path must be the horizontal circle's face, not its edge.
• Model gets slow — turn the sphere into a component after creation, and hide edges (View > Edge Style > Edges off).

FAQ: Making a Sphere in SketchUp

How do you make a sphere in SketchUp?

Draw two circles at 90° to each other, sharing a center point on the edge of the horizontal one. Select the horizontal circle's face, activate the Follow Me tool, and click the vertical circle. SketchUp sweeps it into a sphere.

Does SketchUp have a sphere tool?

No — SketchUp has no native sphere primitive. You either use the Follow Me technique, install a plugin like Fredo Sphere, or import one from 3D Warehouse.

How do I make a smooth sphere in SketchUp?

Increase the segment count of both circles before drawing them (type 48s or 64s and press Enter). More segments = smoother sphere but heavier file.

Can I make a sphere in SketchUp Free?

Yes. The Follow Me tool is available in SketchUp Free (web). Plugins are not, so stick with Method 1 or download a sphere from 3D Warehouse.

How do I make half a sphere or a dome in SketchUp?

Use the same Follow Me technique but with a half-circle (arc) profile instead of a full circle. The tool will sweep it into a dome.