Constraining edges or part of a mesh

[gmac]

I'm not really a newbie, but I think this is basic thing I don't under stand. In using the smooth tool, can you constrain the edges of the mesh so you don't pull them out of the shape they might be contained it? OR is there another tool or plugin that accomplishes this same idea? [see attached example]

in the example I 'smoothed' the left shape in one pull, but it pulls the edge out of the bounds of the curb. In the right example, I downsized the smooth diameter to one face smaller than the perimeter and started pulling.

This curb thing is just the fastest exmaple I could cook up, I was thinking of this for other things like creating a shape like a half of a full garbage bag and mirroring the shape to make it whole. I'd have to have the meeting edge to be co-planar.

thanks, Greg

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[mitcorb]

Hi:
It seems you are talking about the native Sketchup Sandbox tools on one hand, and suggesting Artisan on the other.
Constraining the perimeter can be done in Artisan, by whaat.
Correcting the rift in this particular case I believe has been addressed by TIG. I can't remember which tool it is, maybe something to do with Superdrape?
I could see a possible use of ThomThom's Vertex Tool.
Does this help?
[surprised that you have not been answered prior to this]

[gmac]

I couldn't have been the first guy to come across this I'm sure, so I figured it must be fairly obvious. (tho I was stuck). I will look at the things you mentioned. I can get it done, it just seems like the method I'm using takes longer than it should.

I've been thru and downloaded quite a few of the extensions, but honestly there's a lot there now and I could have missed a tool I may already have.

thx, I will report back what I find. - Greg

[mitcorb]

Hi, Greg:
You may already know about Fredo6's Curviloft, or TIGs Extrude Tools. With these you can define things better from the outset.

[pilou]

Soap Skin Bubble is very funny for some instant mountains & animations!