How Do You Smooth Rounded Edges in Sketchup?

by

How Do You Smooth Rounded Edges in Sketchup?

Sketchup is a powerful 3D modeling software that allows you to create stunning designs and visualizations. One of the essential techniques in Sketchup is smoothing rounded edges, which can enhance the overall look and feel of your models. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to achieve smooth and polished edges in Sketchup.

Method 1: Soften Edges

If you want to smooth all the rounded edges in your model, the Soften Edges tool is your go-to option. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Select the object or group that contains the rounded edges you want to smooth.
  2. Go to the “Window” menu, choose “Soft / Smooth Edges” (or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E).
  3. In the “Soft / Smooth Edges” dialog box, set the desired angle threshold for smoothing.
  4. Click on the “Soften / Smooth” button to apply the changes.

This method works by automatically smoothing any edge with an angle below the specified threshold. It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a smooth finish on all rounded edges within your model.

Method 2: Smoothing Selected Edges

If you only want to smooth specific rounded edges while keeping others sharp, follow these steps:

  1. Select the edges you want to smooth using either one of these selection tools: Select or Move tool, Lasso tool, or Paint Bucket tool.
  2. Right-click on one of the selected edges and choose “Soften / Smooth” from the context menu.

This method gives you more control over which specific edges get smoothed. It’s useful when you want to create a contrasting effect between smooth and sharp edges within your model.

Method 3: Adding Extra Geometry

If you have a complex shape or curved surface with rounded edges, you can add extra geometry to achieve a smoother appearance. Here’s how:

  1. Select the edges you want to smooth.
  2. Right-click on one of the selected edges and choose “Divide” from the context menu.
  3. Adjust the number of segments based on your desired level of smoothness.
  4. Select all the newly created edges and use the Soften Edges tool as explained in Method 1.

This method allows you to control the level of smoothness by adding more segments. It’s particularly useful when dealing with organic shapes or intricate designs.

Conclusion

In Sketchup, achieving smooth rounded edges is crucial for creating realistic and aesthetically pleasing models. Whether you want to soften all rounded edges, selectively smooth specific ones, or add extra geometry for more control, Sketchup provides various methods to accomplish your desired results. Experiment with these techniques and find the approach that works best for your projects!