Adding text in SketchUp is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your designs and convey important information. Whether you want to label objects, add dimensions, or create annotations, SketchUp provides several options for adding text to your 3D models.
Using the Text Tool
To begin adding text in SketchUp, select the Text tool from the toolbar or use the shortcut ‘T’ on your keyboard. Once activated, you can click anywhere on your model’s surface to create a text box.
Pro Tip: Before creating a text box, make sure you have an appropriate view of your model. Zooming in and adjusting angles can help ensure that the text is placed accurately.
After clicking on the model’s surface, a blinking cursor will appear inside the text box. Here, you can start typing your desired text. You can also paste copied text into the box.
Formatting Text
If you want to format your text in SketchUp, you have several options at your disposal:
- Bold Text: To make a portion of your text bold, simply wrap it within <b> and </b> tags. For example: <b>This is bold text</b>
- Underlined Text: To underline a portion of your text, use the <u> and </u> tags. For example: <u>This is underlined text</u>
Note: You can combine multiple formatting elements to create bold and underlined text by nesting tags within each other.
Create Lists
Sometimes, it’s helpful to organize text into lists. SketchUp allows you to create both ordered and unordered lists:
- Unordered List: To create an unordered list, wrap each list item with <li> and </li> tags. For example:
<ul>
<li>List item 1</li>
<li>List item 2</li>
<li>List item 3</li>
</ul>
- Ordered List: To create an ordered list, use the same structure as an unordered list but replace the <ul> tags with <ol>. For example:
<ol>
<li>List item 1</li>
<li>List item 2</li>
<li>List item 3</li>
</ol>
Editing and Manipulating Text
Once you’ve added text in SketchUp, you can easily edit and manipulate it to suit your needs. To edit existing text, double-click on the text box to activate the blinking cursor again.
Note: You can also select and delete existing text boxes by clicking on them and pressing the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.
To resize or move a text box, click and drag one of its corners or edges. This allows you to adjust the dimensions or reposition it within your model.
Changing Text Properties
If you want to change the font, size, color, or other properties of your text, SketchUp provides options in the ‘Entity Info’ window. Simply select the text box and make the desired changes in the ‘Entity Info’ panel.
Conclusion
Adding text in SketchUp is an essential skill for creating informative and visually engaging designs. By using the Text tool and applying formatting elements like bold and underlined text, creating lists, and manipulating text boxes, you can effectively communicate important information within your 3D models.
Remember: Practice using these text features in SketchUp to enhance your designs and create professional-looking presentations.