How Do I Move and Copy in SketchUp?

Are you new to SketchUp and wondering how to move and copy objects within the software? Look no further!

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of moving and copying in SketchUp, step by step. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of these essential editing techniques.

Move Tool:

The Move tool is one of the most fundamental tools in SketchUp. It allows you to precisely reposition objects within your 3D model. To access the Move tool, follow these simple steps:

  1. Select the object(s) you want to move by clicking on them.
  2. Click on the Move tool icon in the toolbar or press the M key on your keyboard as a shortcut.
  3. Click and drag your selected object(s) to their desired new location.
  4. Release the mouse button to complete the move operation.

The Move tool also allows you to move objects along a specific axis. To do this, follow these additional steps:

  1. Select the object(s) you want to move.
  2. Hover over one of the colored axis lines that appear when using the Move tool, such as red (X), green (Y), or blue (Z).
  3. Click and drag along the desired axis to constrain your movement.
  4. Release the mouse button to complete the constrained move operation.

Copy Tool:

The Copy tool is another useful feature in SketchUp that allows you to duplicate objects quickly. To copy objects, follow these steps:

  1. Select the object(s) you want to copy.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key (Windows) or the Option key (Mac).
  3. Release the mouse button and then release the Ctrl/Option key to complete the copy operation.

You can also use the Copy tool to create multiple copies at once. Here’s how:

  1. Select the object(s) you want to copy.
  2. Type a number followed by an asterisk (*), e.g., ‘3*’ to create three copies.
  3. Paste it into SketchUp’s measurement input box at the bottom right of your screen.
    • Note: This method works for both moving and copying multiple objects simultaneously.
  4. Press Enter/Return.
  5. The copies will be created at regular intervals, based on your input value.

In Conclusion:

Moving and copying objects are fundamental skills in SketchUp that will significantly enhance your modeling workflow. By utilizing the Move and Copy tools effectively, you’ll be able to position and duplicate objects with precision and ease. Remember to practice these techniques regularly to become proficient in their use.

That’s it for this tutorial! We hope you found it helpful. Happy modeling!