In this tutorial, we will learn how to cut in Sketchup. Cutting is an essential skill that allows you to remove unwanted parts of your model or create intricate designs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, mastering the art of cutting will greatly enhance your modeling abilities.
Step 1: Select the Object
Before we can cut anything in Sketchup, we need to select the object or group that we want to modify. To do this, simply click on the object with the Select tool. You will notice that the selected object is highlighted in blue.
Step 2: Activate the Cutting Tool
Once you have selected the object, it’s time to activate the cutting tool. In Sketchup, this tool is called “Intersect Faces”. To access it, go to the “Edit” menu and choose “Intersect Faces” from the drop-down list.
Note:
Shortcut: You can also activate the cutting tool by pressing the “X” key on your keyboard.
Step 3: Choose Cutting Planes
After activating the cutting tool, Sketchup prompts you to choose one or more cutting planes. These planes determine where and how your object will be cut. There are three options available:
- Selection: This option allows you to select existing faces or edges as cutting planes.
- All: Selecting this option cuts through all faces and edges within your selection.
- All with Interior: This option cuts through all faces and edges within your selection, including interior faces.
Choose a suitable option based on your needs and click on the cutting plane(s) to proceed.
Step 4: Confirm the Cut
Once you have selected the cutting plane(s), Sketchup will show you a preview of the cut. Take a moment to inspect the preview and ensure that it aligns with your intentions. If everything looks good, click the “Enter” key to confirm the cut.
Step 5: Cleanup and Refinement
After performing the cut, you may notice some extra edges or faces that need to be cleaned up. Sketchup provides various tools such as Erase, Soften/Smooth, and Weld to help you refine your model after cutting. Experiment with these tools to achieve the desired result.
Note:
Undo: If at any point you make a mistake or want to revert your changes, simply press “Ctrl + Z” (Windows) or “Cmd + Z” (Mac) to undo the last action.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to cut in Sketchup.
Cutting is an invaluable technique that opens up endless possibilities for design and customization. Practice this skill regularly, and soon you’ll be creating intricate models with ease.