What Beam Generator does
Beam Generator creates load-bearing rectangular beam geometry directly inside your SketchUp model. Use it to span between walls, columns, or grid lines, or generate beams from a closed boundary. The tool respects host wall faces, level offsets, and structural depth so beams sit correctly in the assembly.
Workflow
- Activate Beam Generator and choose a generation mode: By Host Walls, By Grid Line, or By Closed Boundary.
- Select the host elements in the viewport. The preview highlights valid spans and insertion points.
- Enter section depth, width, and top or bottom offset from the reference level.
- Choose a material preset and click Generate to place the beam as a grouped component.
Dialog controls
Section size - type width × depth or pick from standard structural presets such as 230×300 mm, 230×450 mm, or 300×600 mm.
Top offset / bottom offset - raise or lower the beam relative to the host wall top or a reference plane.
Side offset - shift the beam horizontally when it must sit flush with a wall face or clear a column face.
Material - assign concrete, steel, or timber materials before generation; the choice is stored with the component.
Tips
Use a closed boundary when the beam needs to follow an irregular plan shape; the tool extrudes the resulting profile to the specified depth.
For load-bearing walls, set the beam bottom offset so the soffit aligns with door and window heads automatically.
Group-generated beams are placed on the Structural layer so they can be hidden or isolated during presentation views.
