In Sketchup, you can easily round the corners of a rectangle by using the Follow Me tool. This tool allows you to extrude a profile along a path, creating rounded edges in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Create a Rectangle
To begin, open Sketchup and select the Rectangle tool from the toolbar. Click and drag on the drawing area to create a rectangle of your desired size.
Step 2: Create a Profile
Next, select the Polygon tool from the toolbar. In the Entity Info window, set the number of sides to 24 (or any other number that suits your design). Click on one corner of your rectangle and then click on an adjacent corner to create a polygon profile.
Step 3: Position the Profile
Select the Moving Tool from the toolbar and move the profile so that it is positioned above one side of your rectangle. Make sure that it is centered and aligned properly.
Step 4: Use Follow Me Tool
Select the Follow Me tool from the toolbar. Click on your profile shape and then click on one edge of your rectangle. The Follow Me tool will automatically extrude and round all four corners of your rectangle based on the shape of your profile.
Note:
- The Follow Me tool works best when there are no intersecting lines or faces within your rectangle.
- If you encounter any issues with geometry or missing faces after using Follow Me, try cleaning up your model by erasing unnecessary lines or faces before attempting again.
By following these steps, you can easily round the corners of a rectangle in Sketchup and add a touch of elegance to your designs. Experiment with different profiles and shapes to create unique rounded edges for your models.