In this tutorial, we will learn how to enable a section cut in SketchUp. Section cuts are a powerful feature that allow you to slice through your model and see its interior details. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Selecting the Section Plane Tool
To enable a section cut, we first need to select the Section Plane tool. You can find this tool in the toolbar on the left side of your SketchUp window. It looks like a small rectangle with an arrow pointing downwards.
Step 2: Placing the Section Plane
Once you have selected the Section Plane tool, move your cursor over to the desired location where you want to place the section cut. Click once to set the starting point, and then move your cursor to define the direction and length of the section cut.
Note: You can use SketchUp’s inferencing system to align your section plane with specific edges or guides in your model for precise placement.
Step 3: Adjusting the Section Cut
After placing the section plane, you can adjust its position and orientation by selecting it with the Select tool (the arrow icon) and using SketchUp’s editing tools such as Move or Rotate. This allows you to fine-tune the exact slicing angle or reposition it if needed.
Step 4: Activating the Section Cut
To activate the section cut and see its effect on your model, right-click on the section plane and choose “Activate” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can also select it and click on “Activate” in SketchUp’s Entity Info panel.
Tips:
- Hide/Unhide Geometry: When a section cut is active, SketchUp automatically hides the geometry that is not visible. To toggle the visibility of the hidden geometry, go to View > Section Planes > Hide/Unhide.
- Adjusting Section Cut Display: You can customize the appearance of your section cut by going to Window > Styles and modifying the section cut style options.
- Multiple Section Cuts: You can create multiple section cuts in your model by repeating steps 1-4. Each section cut can have its own properties and visibility settings.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned how to enable a section cut in SketchUp.
This feature allows you to explore and showcase the interior details of your 3D models with ease. Experiment with different section cuts to create stunning visualizations and communicate your design intent effectively.
Remember to save your work regularly as you make changes to your model. Happy SketchUping!