How Do I Cut a Shape in Sketchup?

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Have you ever wondered how to cut a shape in Sketchup? Cutting shapes is an essential skill that every Sketchup user should know. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of cutting shapes in Sketchup using simple and easy-to-understand steps.

Step 1: Select the Shape

First, you need to select the shape that you want to cut. To do this, click on the “Select” tool in the toolbar, then click on the shape you want to cut. The selected shape will be highlighted.

Step 2: Activate the Cut Tool

Once you have selected the shape, activate the “Cut” tool. You can find this tool in the toolbar or by going to “Edit” > “Cut” in the menu bar. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut key “Ctrl + X” (Windows) or “Command + X” (Mac) to activate the Cut tool.

Step 3: Cut the Shape

With the Cut tool activated, click on one of the edges of your selected shape that you want to cut. A dotted line will appear along with a small scissor icon indicating that the shape has been cut.

Note:

  • Make sure that your cut line intersects with at least two edges of your selected shape.
  • You can also use multiple cut lines to create more complex cuts.

Step 4: Remove or Keep Cut Parts

Now that your shape is cut, you have two options – either remove or keep the cut parts.

To remove:

  • Select one of the cut parts by clicking on it.
  • Press “Delete” on your keyboard or go to “Edit” > “Delete” in the menu bar to remove the selected cut part.
  • Repeat this process for each cut part you want to remove.

To keep:

  • Select one of the cut parts by clicking on it.
  • Right-click on the selected cut part and choose “Make Group” or “Make Component” from the context menu. This will keep the cut part as a separate entity while preserving its geometry.
  • Repeat this process for each cut part you want to keep.

Step 5: Finalize and Edit as Needed

Once you have removed or kept the desired cut parts, you can further edit and refine your shape as needed. You can use Sketchup’s editing tools such as Move, Rotate, Scale, and Push/Pull to modify the shape according to your requirements.

In Conclusion

Cutting shapes in Sketchup is a fundamental skill that allows you to create complex geometries. By following these simple steps, you can easily cut shapes in Sketchup and unleash your creativity.

Remember to experiment with different cuts and explore the possibilities of this powerful feature. Happy designing!