Are you new to SketchUp and wondering how to create rounded shapes? You’ve come to the right place!
In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to make rounded shapes in SketchUp. Let’s get started!
The Follow Me Tool
The key to creating rounded shapes in SketchUp is using the Follow Me tool. This tool allows you to extrude a 2D shape along a path, resulting in a smooth and rounded form.
Step 1: Draw the Profile Shape
To begin, draw the 2D shape that you want to round. This could be a circle, a rectangle, or any other closed shape. Use the Pencil or Rectangle tool to create your desired profile shape.
Step 2: Select the Follow Me Tool
To access the Follow Me tool, navigate to the toolbar at the top of your SketchUp window. Click on the Pencil icon and select “Follow Me” from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Apply Follow Me
Select your profile shape by clicking on it once. Then, click on a surface or an edge that you want to follow with your profile shape. As soon as you click, SketchUp will create a rounded form based on your profile shape.
If you want to create more complex rounded shapes, such as curved surfaces or intricate designs, you can use multiple paths for different sections of your profile shape.
Tips for Working with Rounded Shapes
- Edit: Once you have created a rounded shape, you can easily edit it by selecting the shape and using SketchUp’s editing tools. This allows you to refine your design as needed.
- Smoothness: If you want your rounded shape to have a smoother appearance, you can increase the number of segments in your profile shape.
This can be done by selecting the shape, right-clicking, and choosing “Entity Info.” In the Entity Info dialog box, adjust the number of segments to achieve your desired level of smoothness.
- Combine: You can combine multiple rounded shapes by intersecting or merging them together. This can be done using SketchUp’s Intersect Faces or Union tools, respectively.
Conclusion
The Follow Me tool is a powerful feature in SketchUp that allows you to easily create rounded shapes. By following these steps and experimenting with different profiles and paths, you can unleash your creativity and design intricate rounded forms in no time.
Now that you know how to make rounded shapes in SketchUp, it’s time to start exploring and incorporating them into your designs. Happy modeling!