Hi there,
I’m new to SketchUp, but used to solid modeling. I’m going through the Trimble Learning, doing the Sketchup Modeling Practice course. Currently practicing polygons, and I always try to explore a bit further each command. I’m using a Mac. And I also use the Instructor for each command. One of the tips is:
Option “+” or Option “-” = Change the number of segments
That does not work at all. pressing the Option alone does indeed swap the polygon mode from circunsbribed to inscribed. But adding the “+” or “-” key does not do anything.
Any suggestion? Could this have been removed on SketchUp 2026?
Thanks in advance
Sofia
Curious, It is working for me on Mac in 26. I invoke the polygon tool, and holding down option key I press + or - and I get increasing or decreasing sides (you can also simply type #s to force any number of sides you want). This works before, during or after a polygon creation for me. Pressing and releasing the option key change the radius mode.
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When I want to make a polygon of a different number of sides, I use the tool as it is in the 6-sided (hexagon) and the measurement I want (but don’t type in the measurement window). then type the number of sides plus the “s” key. Bingo then I have the polygon I want.
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No. It wasn’t removed.
As @endlessfix suggests, you can also just type the number of sides. Seems like that’s a faster, more efficient way to do it.
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Thanks to all that replied!
Typing in the number of sides does work. Just not the OPTION “+” or “-”.
Will try a reboot to see if it works. 
If you haven’t done a second click, tapping Option does the circumscribed, inscribed change, and holding Option and tapping - or = does change the number of segments.
To save it maybe getting the wrong one, you can do the second click, and then Option - and = should change the number of segments, without any danger of changing between circumscribed and inscribed.
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Hi Colin,
Interesting, indeed holding Option and = does increase the number of sides in the polygon. but the OPTION + or OPTION - do not work at all (see video).
So if the OPTION = works to increase number of sides, what is the alternative to “-” to decrease the number of sides?
the other ways to increase and decrease the number of sides (either typing in the number of sides # prior to first click, or typing #s after the first click) do work.
I’ve recorded a small video showing that they do not work, but unfortunately does pass the limits for uploads. Also I did a reboot to the system.
Thanks again and sorry for the inconvenience.
Sofia
Sorry Colin, to be more precise the OPTION “0” does increase the number of sides (the “=” is on the same key as the “0”, but I’m not pressing the SHIFT key)
Now we’re getting somewhere. Do you have a non-english keyboard? For example the German QWERTZ layout or another? like so?
On the english layout the + and - are on the same keys as the = and _. This might account for the incorrect mapping of the keys for you, in the english version the = key does increase the sides as its the same key as the + and no shift is needed. You should not need to press shift but it’s odd that the 0 key works, did you try option held and the minus/underline key, it sounds like you did so you may need to hunt around a bit for the mapped key that works for minus on your keyboard? The original keys it’s mapped to look like this:
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Hi EF!
Yes! I’m on a Portuguese keyboard! So my “=” sits on the “0”. Nevertheless my “-” also sits on the “_” key. It is just located elsewhere! Sending you a picture. Will also try some other nearby keys! 
Thank you!
Hi EF,
No Luck, tried every single key on the keyboard, and none brings down the number of sides. At least now I know it’s not because I’m doing something wrong!
Maybe should be logged as a bug, because the “+” and “-” are still the “+” and “-” no matter what the keyboard is.
Thank you so much for your support!
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OK! Got it!
So the actual keys that work in my case is the “0” for increasing. It sits on the same key as the “=” but I’m not pressing SHIFT.
Was looking again at your keyboard and the the key that sits with “-” is the “_”. So is in my case. But the “-” does not work, it’s the “_” that works for me, and I do have to use the SHIFT as well.
Sorted but not ideal. Thanks to all that tried to help! I think I’ll stick with the (#S).
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So here’s a good lesson. Please, the next time some keyboard shortcut thing doesn’t seem to work for you, include the information about your keyboard.
I’m not sure why you wouldn’t prefer to type the exact number of sides for the polygon. In most cases fewer key presses would be required to just type in the number and press Return.
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Yeah I was going to suggest the shift with that key. In the English it’s really the = that does it as it’s dominant on the + key, the other might be flip flopped too. For what it’s worth I have never used these, just start the tool and type in the number of sides, way easier. But I totally get wanting to understand what’s going on. Satisfying to figure it out. 
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Hi Dave,
I will type in the number of sides yes. But when an instruction is clear and it does not work for me, I do like to understand exactly why it’s not working rather than just ignore it.
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