In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a rounded cube in Sketchup. A rounded cube is a three-dimensional shape that has rounded edges instead of sharp corners.
Creating a rounded cube can add depth and interest to your Sketchup models. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Sketchup
If you haven’t already, open Sketchup on your computer. Once it is launched, you will see the default workspace with a blank canvas.
Step 2: Draw a Square
To create a rounded cube, we first need to draw a square as the base shape. Select the Rectangle tool from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen (or press ‘R’ on your keyboard).
Click once on the canvas to set the starting point of the square and then drag your mouse to define its size. Hold down the Shift key while dragging to ensure that you draw a perfect square.
Tips:
- Pressing ‘L’ on your keyboard will let you draw squares from their center point.
- To enter precise dimensions for your square, type them in using the keyboard before drawing.
Step 3: Activate Follow Me Tool
The Follow Me tool allows us to extrude our square into a three-dimensional shape with rounded corners. Select the Push/Pull tool from the toolbar (or press ‘P’ on your keyboard). Click once on one side of the square and then move your mouse along one of its edges without releasing the click.
Important: While still holding down the mouse button, press and hold down Ctrl (Command key for Mac users) or Shift key until you see a preview of a circle at each corner of the square.
Step 4: Create Rounded Corners
Once you see the circle preview at each corner, release the Ctrl or Shift key and move your mouse to adjust the size of the rounded corners. Click once to complete the rounded cube shape.
Tips:
- Hold down Ctrl (Command key for Mac users) while adjusting to maintain symmetry in all corners.
- To enter precise dimensions for your rounded corners, type them in using the keyboard before clicking to complete.
Step 5: Customize and Refine Your Rounded Cube
Now that you have created a basic rounded cube, you can further customize and refine it to suit your needs. Use tools like Move, Scale, and Rotate to modify its position, size, and orientation. You can also use other Sketchup tools like Push/Pull or Offset to add more details or modify individual faces of the cube.
Pro tip: Experiment with different combinations of tools and techniques in Sketchup to create unique variations of rounded cubes!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to create a rounded cube in Sketchup.
By following these steps and exploring additional features in Sketchup, you can create complex shapes and models with ease. Start practicing and unleash your creativity!