How Do You Push Multiple Surfaces in SketchUp?

Have you ever wondered how to push multiple surfaces in SketchUp? It’s a common question among beginners and even some experienced users.

Luckily, SketchUp offers a variety of tools and techniques that make it possible to push multiple surfaces with ease. In this tutorial, we’ll explore some of these methods and show you how to achieve the desired results.

Method 1: Push/Pull Tool

The Push/Pull tool is one of the most basic and versatile tools in SketchUp. To push multiple surfaces using this tool, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Push/Pull tool from the toolbar or press the “P” key on your keyboard.
  2. Click on one surface and start pushing it inwards or outwards.
  3. To select multiple surfaces, hold down the Shift key while clicking on each surface you want to push.
  4. Continue pushing or pulling the selected surfaces until you achieve the desired result.

Note: The Push/Pull tool works best when all selected surfaces are coplanar, meaning they lie on the same plane.

Method 2: Grouping Surfaces

If your surfaces are not coplanar or if you want more control over each individual surface, grouping them can be a useful technique. Here’s how:

  1. Select all the surfaces you want to push by clicking and dragging over them with the Select tool or by using the Shift key to select them individually.
  2. Right-click on any of the selected surfaces and choose “Make Group” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + G” (Windows) or “Cmd + G” (Mac).
  3. With the group selected, use the Push/Pull tool to push or pull the entire group.
  4. To edit individual surfaces within the group, double-click on the group to enter edit mode. From there, you can select and modify each surface separately.

Note: Grouping surfaces is especially helpful when working with complex models or when you need to push surfaces independently of each other.

Method 3: Extensions

If you’re looking for even more advanced options and flexibility when pushing multiple surfaces in SketchUp, consider using extensions. SketchUp has a vast library of extensions created by both the SketchUp team and third-party developers. Some popular extensions that can help with pushing multiple surfaces include:

  • JointPushPull by Fredo6: This extension allows you to push or pull multiple surfaces simultaneously while maintaining their connections.
  • Extrude Tools by TIG: With this extension, you can extrude multiple faces individually or collectively with ease.

Note: Before using any extension, make sure to download and install it from a trusted source. Extensions can greatly enhance your workflow but always exercise caution when installing third-party software.

In Conclusion

Pushing multiple surfaces in SketchUp doesn’t have to be a complex task. By utilizing tools like the Push/Pull tool, grouping surfaces, and exploring extensions, you can achieve precise results efficiently.

Remember to plan your model carefully and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your specific project. Happy modeling!