The Follow Me tool in SketchUp is a powerful feature that allows you to create intricate 3D shapes by extruding a profile along a path. It is one of the essential tools in SketchUp that can help you bring your designs to life. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use the Follow Me tool effectively.
Step 1: Selecting the Profile
To start using the Follow Me tool, you need to have a profile shape that you want to extrude. This shape can be any closed face or loop, such as a circle, rectangle, or custom shape. Select the profile by using the Line tool or any other drawing tool in SketchUp.
Step 2: Activating the Follow Me Tool
Once your profile is selected, activate the Follow Me tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar. Alternatively, you can access it by navigating to Tools > Follow Me.
Step 3: Clicking on the Path
After activating the Follow Me tool, click on the path along which you want to extrude your profile. The path can be any edge or series of connected edges in your SketchUp model. The path should form a continuous loop for successful extrusion.
Step 4: Completing the Extrusion
After clicking on the path, SketchUp will automatically extrude your selected profile along it. You will notice that as soon as you click on the path, SketchUp creates an instant 3D shape by sweeping your profile along it. The resulting shape will be determined by both your initial profile and the path you chose.
Note:
- If you want to create hollow shapes or shells using this method, make sure your profile has a hole or opening in it.
- If you want to edit the profile or path after extrusion, use the Select tool to click on either the profile or the path. This will allow you to make changes to your design.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are a few additional tips and tricks for using the Follow Me tool in SketchUp:
- Grouping: To avoid unwanted geometry interference, it is recommended to group your profile shape before using the Follow Me tool. This way, only the selected profile will be affected by the extrusion.
- Multiple Paths: You can use the Follow Me tool with multiple paths by selecting more than one path while holding down the Shift key.
This allows you to create complex shapes with ease.
- Reverse Faces: If your extrusion appears inside out, it means that some of your faces are reversed. Use the Reverse Faces tool (right-click > Reverse Faces) to fix this issue.
The Follow Me tool in SketchUp is a versatile feature that opens up countless possibilities for creating unique 3D shapes. By following these steps and experimenting with different profiles and paths, you can unleash your creativity and take your SketchUp designs to new heights!