I am new to Sketchup and currently using Sketchup FREE to design some pantry shelves.
What I want to do is SO BASIC, I must have missed something somewhere (so please forgive me):
I have a number of cubiods (basically 3D rectangles) that represent different boards and sheets of wood in my build. To create each one, I used the rectangle tool to draw a rectangle. Then, I used the push/pull tool to create the 3rd dimension. Finally, I triple clicked on each (one at a time) and made it a component.
HOWEVER, I have some fine tuning to do. Now, that each cuboid is a component, how do I:
Find the current length, height, and width? When I select Entity Info, I just get the volume.
How can I change only 1 dimension? Is it possible do this digitally (i.e., type in the desired value for 1 dimension to resize it) instead of analog work with the mouse?
Extra Question: Is it possible to find the 3D position of a cuboid (I would assume using 1 corner as the reference point)? If so, is it possible to change the position digitally (i.e., type in the desired distance from the origin for 1 dimension at a time) and have the cuboid āsnapā to that position?
To find the current dimensions for a face/solid using native tools you could use the tape measure tool. There isnāt any native tool that gives you all the dimensions at once.
Thereās a extension called JDgetdimension but only gives you the initial bounding box dimensions.
To change only 1 dimension and type it you could use the Scale tool, as you may know by now you can scale only one axis of the object and enter a factor scale (ej. if you type 2 it scale double the size) but it you use a unit suffix it actually changes to that measure, ej. if you type 2m, 40cm, 6ā-4" and so on.
Last question Iām not really sure if itās possible.
Several methods: use the tape measure tool to āmeasureā the dimension, pull or hover over an edge.
Apply a dimension with the dimension tool which will attach to nodes int eh geometry and change with adjustments, open the component for editing and select a single edge then read in entity info.
Yes, The push/pull tool can modify the geometry you describe in any one direction, start the action then type in the amount you would like to add or subtract. In practice it is often easier to use the scale tool, select the object with the scale tool and green handles appear, select one handle and begin to move the handle in a direction, let go of the mouse and then type in the desired total dimension including the measurement unit, example: 3ā or 26" or 2.5m. The selected geometry will resize in that direction to the typed dimensions. The scale tool applied to the outside of a component will not affect other instances of the same component.
Yes, use the text tool applied to any given corner, drag the leader away from a corner and it will be autofilled with that nodes 3D location in the model units.
Yes, Grab a point of node with the move tool and begin the move, then let go of the mouse and type the desired 3D location of that point in brackets, example: [1,0,3] press return. If you want only adjust one vector, leave the other positions blank but keep the commas, example [,,3]
Hover over edges with the āTape Measureā tool to see their lengths.
Use the āScaleā tool on face mid grips to change the shelfās length in only that direction to arbitrary length. Then immediately type the length plus Units end hit [ Enter] to get that length.
To help achieve your goals, some time spent at the SketchUp Campus and at the SketchUp - YouTube channel will be very worthwhile. Both sites are from the SketchUp team. On the YouTube channel, pay attention to the Square One Series and Level UP series. They cover the basics for each tool.