Printing a 2D drawing in SketchUp can be a useful way to create hard copies of your designs. Whether you need to share your ideas with colleagues or simply want a physical copy for yourself, SketchUp provides several options for printing your 2D drawings.
Printing Options:
There are two main ways to print 2D drawings in SketchUp: printing directly from SketchUp or exporting your drawing as an image file and printing it from another application.
Printing from SketchUp:
To print directly from SketchUp, follow these steps:
Step 1: Set up your view
Before you print, it’s important to set up the view of your drawing that you want to print. Use the Zoom and Pan tools to adjust the view until it looks perfect. You can also use the Orbit tool to rotate the view if needed.
Step 2: Adjust Print Settings
Once you have the desired view, go to File > Print Preview. This will open the Print Preview dialog box where you can adjust various settings.
Paper Size:
Choose the paper size that matches your printer or select “Fit to Paper” if you want SketchUp to automatically adjust the size.
Paper Orientation:
Select either Portrait or Landscape orientation depending on how you want your drawing to appear on paper.
Scale:
Adjust the scale of your drawing using the Scale drop-down menu. Choose a specific scale ratio or select “Fit View To Paper” if you want SketchUp to automatically adjust the scale.
Print Quality:
Choose between Draft, Normal, and High resolution depending on your preferences and printer capabilities.
Print Range:
Specify whether you want to print just the current page or all pages if your drawing spans multiple pages.
Step 3: Print
Once you have adjusted the settings, click on the Print button to send your drawing to the printer. Make sure your printer is properly connected and loaded with paper.
Exporting and Printing from Another Application:
If you prefer to export your drawing as an image file and print it from another application, follow these steps:
Step 1: Export as Image
In SketchUp, go to File > Export > 2D Graphic. Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the image file and select the desired image format (e.g., JPEG, PNG).
Step 2: Open in Image Editing Software
Locate the exported image file on your computer and open it in an image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Paint.
Step 3: Adjust Print Settings
In the image editing software, go to File > Print Preview or Print Setup (depending on the software) and adjust the print settings as needed. This may include selecting the paper size, orientation, scale, and print quality.
Step 4: Print
Once you have adjusted the settings, click on the Print button to send your drawing to the printer. Ensure that your printer is properly connected and loaded with paper.
Tips for Printing:
- Check Page Size: Before printing, ensure that your page size matches the size of paper loaded in your printer. Mismatched page sizes can result in cropped or distorted prints.
- Use High-Quality Paper: To get crisp and clear prints, consider using high-quality paper specifically designed for printing images or architectural drawings.
- Preview Before Printing: Always preview your print settings before sending the drawing to the printer. This allows you to double-check all the settings and make any necessary adjustments.
- Test Print: If you’re printing a large or important drawing, it’s a good idea to do a test print on regular paper before using expensive or specialty paper. This way, you can spot any issues or make adjustments without wasting valuable resources.
Printing 2D drawings in SketchUp is a straightforward process. Whether you choose to print directly from SketchUp or export your drawing as an image file, following these steps will help you create accurate and high-quality prints of your designs. Remember to always check your print settings and use the appropriate paper for optimal results.