The recenter tool in SketchUp is a powerful feature that allows you to easily adjust the position of your model within the workspace. Whether you’ve imported a model from another program or simply want to change the center point of your current model, recentering can help you achieve a more efficient and organized workflow. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to use the recenter tool in SketchUp.
Step 1: Accessing the Recenter Tool
To begin using the recenter tool, navigate to the “Camera” menu at the top of the SketchUp interface. From here, select “Recenter” or use the keyboard shortcut Alt+Shift+C.
Step 2: Selecting an Anchor Point
Upon accessing the recenter tool, you will see a Target cursor appear on your screen. This cursor represents the anchor point that will define your new center position. Click anywhere in your model window to set this anchor point.
Tips:
- Hold down Shift while clicking to lock your anchor point to a specific axis (X, Y, or Z).
- Use arrow keys on your keyboard for precise positioning of the anchor point.
Step 3: Adjusting Center and Zoom
After setting an anchor point, you can now adjust both the center position and zoom level of your model using your mouse or trackpad:
- Pan: Click and drag with your mouse/trackpad to move around within your model window.
- Zoom In/Out: Use your scroll wheel or trackpad gestures to zoom in/out on your model.
- Orbit: Hold down the middle mouse button (or two-finger click on a trackpad) to orbit around your model.
Tips:
- Zoom Extents: Press “Shift+Z” to automatically fit your entire model within the window.
- Zoom Selected: Select an object or group, then right-click and choose “Zoom Selection” to focus on that specific element.
Step 4: Locking the New Center Position
If you want to lock in the new center position for future use, you can do so by navigating back to the “Camera” menu and selecting “Set Current View as Scene.” This will create a new scene with your current view settings, including the recentered position.
In Conclusion
The recenter tool in SketchUp is an invaluable feature that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the center position of your model. By following these steps, you can improve your workflow and create a more organized and efficient modeling experience.
Remember to experiment with different anchor points and utilize additional navigation tools for enhanced precision. Happy modeling!