Extrude Faces

This tool operates in a similar way to the SketchUp Push / Pull except that it will always create a loop of new edges at the location of the selected faces.  This ensures that quad-based topology is maintained.  Other important features of this tool include:

• Extrude multiples face groups and surfaces
• Switch modes between individual, group, and normal modes using ALT
• Tap SHIFT to extrude freely in any direction

From Left to Right: Individual, Group, and Normal Extrude Modes

Extrude Modes

Press ALT to switch extrude modes.  

Individual Mode will extrude each of the selected faces individually.  Extruded faces will separate in this mode.

Group Mode will extrude each group of faces along the direction of the average normal of the face-group.  Extruded faces stay together in this mode.

Normal Mode will extrude faces along the direction of the vertex normals.  Extruded faces stay together in this mode.

Free Mode

By tapping SHIFT while extruding, you can then mode the extruded faces freely in any direction.  All faces will then move together in the same direction.  Tap SHIFT again to turn off free mode.