Can You Draw Dashed Lines in SketchUp?

SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software that allows you to create stunning designs and visualizations. Whether you are an architect, interior designer, or hobbyist, SketchUp provides a range of tools to bring your ideas to life.

One common question that arises when working with SketchUp is whether it is possible to draw dashed lines. In this tutorial, we will explore various techniques to achieve dashed lines in SketchUp.

Method 1: Using the Line Tool

The simplest way to create dashed lines in SketchUp is by using the Line tool and manipulating its properties. Here’s how:

Create a new line: Select the Line tool from the toolbar or press the L key on your keyboard. Click on the starting point of your line, move your cursor, and click again to set the endpoint.
Access the Entity Info window: Right-click on the line and choose “Entity Info” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can go to Window > Entity Info.
Change line style: In the Entity Info window, locate “Linetype” under “Properties.” By default, it is set to “Solid.”
Click on the dropdown menu and select “Dashed. “
Adjust dash length: To modify the length of each dash segment, use the slider next to “Dash Scale.” Move it towards the left for shorter dashes or towards the right for longer dashes.

Method 2: Utilizing Extensions

If you want more flexibility and control over dashed lines in SketchUp, there are several extensions available that can enhance your capabilities. One popular extension is “Dashed Lines” by Tomot. Here’s how to use it:

Install the extension: Visit the Extension Warehouse or SketchUcation Plugin Store and search for “Dashed Lines.” Download and install the extension following the instructions provided.
Access the Dashed Lines tool: After installation, you will find a new toolbar with the Dashed Lines icon.
Click on it to activate the tool.
Draw dashed lines: With the Dashed Lines tool active, simply click and drag to draw your desired dashed line segments. Release the mouse button to finish drawing.
Edit dashed line properties: After drawing a dashed line, you can select it and access various options in the “Dashed Lines” extension window. Adjust dash length, gap size, stroke width, and other settings as per your requirements.

Method 3: Manual Post-Processing

If you have already drawn solid lines in SketchUp and want to convert them to dashed lines without using extensions, you can achieve this through manual post-processing:

Select your solid lines: Use the Select tool (shortcut: Spacebar) to select all the solid lines you want to convert into dashed lines.
Create a component or group: Right-click on your selection and choose “Make Component” or “Make Group” from the context menu. This step is crucial as it allows us to modify only specific elements without affecting others.
Edit component attributes: Double-click on your newly created component or group to enter editing mode.
Select all the lines inside and access their Entity Info window.
Modify line style: In the Entity Info window, change the “Linetype” to “Dashed.” Adjust the dash length using the “Dash Scale” slider.
Exit editing mode: Once you are satisfied with the changes, simply click outside the component or group to exit editing mode. Your solid lines should now appear as dashed lines.

Conclusion

Although SketchUp does not have a built-in tool specifically for drawing dashed lines, there are multiple ways to achieve this effect. Whether you choose to use the Line tool’s properties, install an extension like “Dashed Lines,” or manually post-process your solid lines, you can add visual interest and variety to your SketchUp models.

Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your specific project requirements. Happy designing!