How Do You Repeat a Command in SketchUp?

by

In SketchUp, repeating a command can be incredibly useful and time-saving. Whether you want to duplicate an object, apply the same transformation to multiple elements, or perform any other action repeatedly, SketchUp provides several ways to repeat a command. In this tutorial, we will explore some of these methods.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to navigate through SketchUp’s tools and features, you’ll be pleased to know that many commands can be repeated with just a few keystrokes. By default, the keyboard shortcut for repeating the previous command in SketchUp is Ctrl+Shift+T. Simply press these keys in succession to execute the last command again.

The Context Menu

The context menu is another convenient way to repeat a command in SketchUp. Once you have executed a command, right-click anywhere in the modeling window to access the context menu.

At the top of the menu, you will see an option labeled “Repeat [previous command name]”. Clicking on this option will instantly repeat the last executed command.

Creating Custom Shortcuts

If you find that using the default keyboard shortcuts does not suit your workflow or if you want to assign specific shortcuts for your most frequently repeated commands, SketchUp allows you to create custom shortcuts. To do this:

  1. Go to Window > Preferences (SketchUp > Preferences on macOS).
  2. Select the Shortcuts tab.
  3. Click on the Add Shortcut button.
  4. A dialog box will appear where you can enter a name for your shortcut and specify the key combination.
  5. Type in a descriptive name for your shortcut in the Name field.
  6. In the Command field, choose the command you want to repeat from the dropdown menu.
  7. Enter your desired key combination in the Shortcut field. For example, you can use Ctrl+R.
  8. Click on the Add button to save your custom shortcut.

Your custom shortcut is now ready to use. Simply press the assigned keys to repeat the associated command instantly.

The Ruby Console

If you are familiar with SketchUp’s Ruby API or scripting capabilities, you can also use the Ruby Console to repeat commands programmatically. The Ruby Console allows you to execute Ruby code directly within SketchUp, giving you greater control and flexibility over your modeling workflow.

To repeat a command using the Ruby Console:

  1. Open the Ruby Console by going to Window > Ruby Console (or by pressing Ctrl+L).
  2. Type in or paste the code that represents the command you want to repeat. For example, if you want to repeat the ‘Move’ command, type in “Sketchup.send_action('selectMoveTool:')“.
  3. Press Enter or Return to execute the code and perform the desired action again.

The Ruby Console provides endless possibilities for automation and customization within SketchUp. If you are comfortable with coding or interested in exploring advanced techniques, learning SketchUp’s Ruby API can greatly enhance your productivity.

In Conclusion

Repeating commands in SketchUp can significantly speed up your modeling process and improve your overall efficiency. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the context menu, creating custom shortcuts, or utilizing the Ruby Console, SketchUp offers multiple options to suit your workflow and make repetitive tasks a breeze. Experiment with these methods and discover which ones work best for you.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you incorporate these techniques into your workflow, the more proficient you will become in navigating SketchUp and unleashing its full potential.