Rounded corners can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your SketchUp models. While SketchUp doesn’t have a native tool specifically for creating rounded corners, there are a few workarounds you can use to achieve this effect without spending a dime. In this tutorial, we’ll explore two methods: the Follow Me tool and the Bezier Curve extension.
Method 1: Using the Follow Me Tool
If you’re familiar with SketchUp, you’ve probably used the Follow Me tool before. It’s primarily used for creating extrusions along paths, but with a little creativity, it can also help us create rounded corners.
Step 1: Draw Your Corner Profile
First, draw the profile of your desired corner. This will be the shape that you want to make round. For example, if you want to create a rounded rectangle, draw a rectangle using the Rectangle tool.
Step 2: Create the Path
Next, create the path that your corner profile will follow. This path should outline the shape that you want your rounded corner to fit into. Use any combination of lines and arcs to create this path.
Step 3: Activate the Follow Me Tool
Select both your corner profile and path by holding down Shift and clicking on each element. Then, go to Tools > Follow Me or use the shortcut key “F” to activate the Follow Me tool.
Step 4: Apply Follow Me
Click on any part of your path with the Follow Me tool. The selected profile will extrude along the path, creating a rounded corner!
Note:
- The Follow Me tool works best when both the profile and path are on the same plane.
- If your corner has multiple segments, you may need to divide it into smaller sections and apply the Follow Me tool to each section separately.
Method 2: Using the Bezier Curve Extension
If you prefer a more precise approach or need to create complex rounded shapes, the Bezier Curve extension is an excellent tool to have in your SketchUp toolbox.
Step 1: Install the Bezier Curve Extension
First, open SketchUp and go to Window > Extension Warehouse. Search for “Bezier Curve” and click on the “Install” button next to the appropriate extension.
Step 2: Activate the Bezier Curve Tool
Once installed, go to Tools > Bezier Spline or use the shortcut key “B” to activate the Bezier Curve tool.
Step 3: Draw Your Rounded Corner
Click on four points in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to define the shape of your rounded corner. The first and last points should be placed where you want your curve to begin and end respectively. The middle two points control the curvature of your corner.
Step 4: Adjust Control Points
To fine-tune your rounded corner, you can adjust the position of each control point. Click on a control point and drag it to modify its position. Experiment with different positions until you achieve your desired shape.
Note:
- The Bezier Curve tool allows you to create both concave and convex curves by adjusting the position of control points.
- You can also convert existing lines or arcs into Bezier curves by selecting them and activating the Bezier Curve tool.
With these two methods, you can easily create rounded corners in SketchUp without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for the simplicity of the Follow Me tool or the precision of the Bezier Curve extension, you’ll be able to add a touch of style to your 3D models.