How do I enter exact dimensions?

SketchUp
#1

The tutorial video showed dimensions on the bottom right of the screen. No such thing on my screen. So I tried to sketch a 4x4 piece of lumber 8 ft long. I entered the appropriate dimensions, but the model does not resize to the entered dimensions, and when I click on it, some crazy dimensions come up like 133 ft along with the 8 ft dimension at the same time, clearly a conflict. The video made it look easy, but something ain’t right.

#2

Right click on the bottom ‘Frame’ of the workspace and select Measurement Label and then Measurement Value and you should get the measurement window appear in the bottom right corner. This window is only a display, you cannot click in it to enter information.
To make a 4"x4"x8’ length of timber, start with the rectangle tool,
Click and release to set the start point of your rectangle then move the mouse in the direction you want to go, let go of the mouse and type 4",4" and hit enter. This should have made you a 4 inch square. Now get the Push Pull tool, Click and release on the face of the square and move in the direction you want, let go of the mouse and type 8’ and hit enter. You should now have an 8 foot long 4 by 4.

#3

Thanks, that helps. Typical of most programs, the most useful features are hidden, LOL.

#4

The measurement window isn’t hidden by default.
You most likely closed it at some stage by either unticking it or by opening the floating Measurement toolbar.
And as for things being hidden, everything in life is hidden until you learn where it is or how to use it.

#5

Injecting accuracy into your model — Aidan Chopra Video Tutorial

#6

Hi folks.

Typical 4 x 4 are actually 3.5" x 3.5" in North America. You can enter 3.5,3.5 or 3 1/2",3 1/2" in the Measurement window. If your units are set to inches you can also omit the ".

Jean

#7

Yes, I was re-arranging tools to match the tutorial, and I must have turned it off.
George, I knew you a few decades ago, LOL.

#8

What is the height and weight your dimensions because of I have need the information. When I sketch on your tutorial I had need your dimension.