In this tutorial, we will learn how to scale cabinets in SketchUp. Scaling allows us to resize objects while maintaining their proportions, which is particularly useful when designing custom cabinets for a space. Follow the steps below to scale your cabinets in SketchUp.
Step 1: Open SketchUp
If you haven’t already, open SketchUp on your computer and create a new project or open an existing one where you have already designed your cabinet.
Step 2: Select the Cabinet
Use the selection tool (shortcut: Spacebar) in SketchUp to select the cabinet you want to scale. Click on the cabinet to highlight it.
Step 3: Activate the Scale Tool
To activate the Scale tool, go to the toolbar on the left side of your screen and click on the Scale icon. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut S.
Step 4: Choose Reference Points
The next step is to choose reference points for scaling. These points will determine how much and in which direction you want to scale your cabinet.
- Select a Corner:
- Select an Edge:
To maintain proportions while scaling, it’s best to choose a corner as a reference point. Hover over one of the corners of your selected cabinet until you see a small square indicating that corner is selected.
If you want to scale only in one direction, such as making your cabinet taller or wider, you can select an edge instead of a corner. Hover over one of the edges until you see it highlighted with a small square.
Step 5: Scale the Cabinet
Once you have selected your desired reference point, click and drag your mouse to scale the cabinet. Pay attention to the dimensions displayed on the screen to ensure accurate scaling.
Step 6: Finalize the Scaling
After scaling, release the mouse button. SketchUp will automatically resize your cabinet based on your scaling actions. Take a moment to review the scaled cabinet and make any further adjustments if necessary.
Step 7: Save Your Work
Once you are satisfied with the scaled cabinet, don’t forget to save your work! Go to File > Save or use the shortcut Ctrl + S. This will ensure that your changes are preserved for future reference.
Tips:
- Use Guides:
- Undo and Redo:
- Create a Copy:
If you need precise measurements while scaling, consider using guides in SketchUp. Guides can help you maintain specific dimensions during the scaling process.
If you make a mistake or want to revert back to a previous version of your cabinet, you can use the Edit > Undo (shortcut: Ctrl + Z) or Edit > Redo (shortcut: Ctrl + Y) options in SketchUp.
If you want to scale multiple copies of your cabinet while keeping the original intact, use the Edit > Copy (shortcut: Ctrl + C) and Edit > Paste in Place (shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + V) options in SketchUp.
Scaling cabinets in SketchUp is a valuable skill for any aspiring interior designer or architect. With the ability to resize and customize your cabinets, you can create stunning and functional designs that perfectly fit your space.