How Do I Add Trim in SketchUp?

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Adding trim in SketchUp can enhance the overall look and detail of your 3D models. Whether you are designing a house, furniture, or any other object, trim can give it a polished and finished appearance. In this tutorial, we will explore different techniques to add trim in SketchUp using various tools and features.

Using the Offset Tool

If you want to add trim around a rectangular surface or face, the Offset tool is your best bet. This tool allows you to create parallel lines at a specified distance from an existing edge or face.

To use the Offset tool:

  1. Select the surface or face that you want to add trim to.
  2. Go to the Tools menu and select Offset, or use the keyboard shortcut F.
  3. Click on the edge of the surface where you want to start the trim.
  4. Move your cursor inwards or outwards to specify the distance for the trim.
  5. Click again to finalize the offset.

The offset will create a new line parallel to the original edge at the specified distance. You can then use this line as a guide for creating your trim.

Cutting Trim with Intersect Faces

If you have already created a piece of geometry that represents your desired trim profile, you can use SketchUp’s Intersect Faces feature to cut out the trim from an existing surface or face.

To cut trim with Intersect Faces:

  1. Create a separate group or component for your trim geometry.
  2. Select both the surface/face and the trim geometry.
  3. Right-click on the selection and choose Intersect Faces > With Selection.
  4. Delete the unwanted parts of the surface/face to reveal the trim.

This method allows you to add intricate and complex trim designs to your models with ease.

Using Follow Me for Extruded Trim

If you want to add a decorative trim that is extruded along a path, SketchUp’s Follow Me tool is ideal.

To use Follow Me for extruded trim:

  1. Create a profile of the desired trim shape as a closed loop.
  2. Select the profile and activate the Follow Me tool from the Tools menu or by pressing G.
  3. Click on the path along which you want to extrude the trim.
  4. SketchUp will automatically generate the extruded trim along the path.

You can experiment with different profiles and paths to achieve unique and custom trim designs using this method.

In Conclusion

Adding trim in SketchUp can significantly enhance your models’ visual appeal. Whether you choose to use the Offset tool, Intersect Faces, or Follow Me, it’s essential to experiment and practice different techniques to perfect your trimming skills. With time and practice, you will be able to add stunning trims that elevate your SketchUp creations to a whole new level of detail and sophistication!