How Do I Lock a Model in Sketchup?

Are you working on a complex project in Sketchup and want to protect your hard work from accidental modifications? Locking a model in Sketchup is a great way to ensure that your design remains intact and prevents any unintentional changes. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of locking a model in Sketchup using simple steps.

Step 1: Select the Model

To begin, open your Sketchup project and select the model that you want to lock. You can click on the model to highlight it or use the selection tool from the toolbar. Make sure you have the desired model selected before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Access Entity Info

After selecting the model, go to the “Window” menu at the top of your screen. From there, click on “Entity Info” to open the Entity Info dialog box. This dialog box provides detailed information about selected entities in your Sketchup project.

Step 3: Lock the Model

Within the Entity Info dialog box, locate the “Locked” option and check its box. Once checked, this will lock your selected model and prevent any modifications from being made accidentally.

Note: It’s important to remember that locking a model only prevents accidental changes; it does not protect your design from deliberate editing by other users or advanced techniques.

Step 4: Verify Lock Status

To ensure that your model is locked successfully, try moving or modifying it by clicking and dragging with different tools. You should notice that no changes are made to your locked model while other entities remain editable.

Additional Tips:

  • Create Layers: Organizing your models into different layers can provide an extra level of protection. You can lock entire layers instead of individual models, making it easier to manage the security of your design.
  • Save Backup Copies: It’s always a good practice to save backup copies of your Sketchup projects regularly. This way, even if accidental changes occur or the locked model gets modified, you can always revert to a previous version and avoid any major setbacks.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively lock your model in Sketchup and prevent any unintentional modifications. Remember to regularly save backups and use layers for added protection. Now you can work on your project with peace of mind, knowing that your design is secure!