In SketchUp, the axis of an object plays a crucial role in determining its position and orientation. By default, the axis is located at the center of the object.
However, there are situations where you may need to move the axis to a different location. In this tutorial, we will explore how to move an object’s axis in SketchUp.
Step 1: Select the Object
To begin, select the object whose axis you want to move. You can use the Select tool from the toolbar or simply click on the object.
Step 2: Activate the Move Tool
Next, activate the Move tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar or by pressing “M” on your keyboard. The Move tool allows you to manipulate an object’s position and orientation.
Step 3: Position the Axis
With the Move tool active, hover your cursor over one of the edges or corners of the selected object. Notice that a yellow handle representing its origin point appears at its center.
If you want to move the axis to a specific point on your object, click on that point with your cursor. Alternatively, you can also type in precise coordinates in SketchUp’s measurement box located in the lower-right corner of your screen.
Tips:
- To move an axis along a specific direction: Hold down one of the arrow keys (up, down, left, or right) after clicking on a point with your cursor. This constrains movement along that direction only.
- To align an axis with another edge: While moving an object’s axis, hover over another edge and press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. This snaps the axis to align with the edge.
Step 4: Confirm the Axis Position
After positioning the axis, click on a point or press “Enter” on your keyboard to confirm the new axis location. The object’s axis will now be moved to your desired position.
Step 5: Test the Axis Orientation
To verify that you have successfully moved the object’s axis, try rotating or scaling the object. You will notice that it rotates or scales around its new axis position instead of its original center.
Congratulations! You have learned how to move an object’s axis in SketchUp. This technique can be particularly useful when you need to align objects precisely or create complex transformations.
Remember to practice and experiment with different objects to become more proficient in manipulating their axes. With time, you’ll gain confidence in using this powerful feature of SketchUp.