How Do I Use the Edge Tool in SketchUp?

by

The Edge Tool is one of the key features in SketchUp that allows users to create and manipulate edges in their 3D models. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, understanding how to use this tool effectively is essential for creating precise and detailed designs. In this tutorial, we’ll explore the various functions and techniques of the Edge Tool in SketchUp.

Creating Edges

To create an edge using the Edge Tool, follow these simple steps:

  1. Select the Line tool from the toolbar on the left side of your screen.
  2. Click on the starting point of your edge.
  3. Move your cursor to the desired endpoint and click again to complete the line.

Congratulations! You’ve just created your first edge using SketchUp’s Edge Tool.

But, creating individual edges is just scratching the surface of what this tool can do. Let’s dive deeper into its capabilities.

Manipulating Edges

SketchUp allows you to manipulate edges in a variety of ways. Here are some useful techniques:

Push/Pull:

One of SketchUp’s most powerful features is its Push/Pull tool, which allows you to extrude edges into 3D shapes. To use this feature with the Edge Tool:

  1. Select an edge by clicking on it.
  2. Activate the Push/Pull tool from the toolbar or by pressing “P” on your keyboard.
  3. Click on the selected edge and move your mouse to extrude it in or out.
  4. Release your mouse button when you achieve the desired shape.

Offset:

The Offset tool is handy when you want to create parallel edges at a certain distance from an existing edge. Follow these steps to use it:

  1. Select the edge you want to offset.
  2. Activate the Offset tool from the toolbar or by pressing “F” on your keyboard.
  3. Click on the selected edge and move your mouse to set the desired distance.
  4. Click again to create the offset edge.

Editing Edges

SketchUp provides several editing options for working with edges. Here are a few key techniques:

Erasing Edges:

To delete an edge, simply select it and press the “Delete” or “Backspace” key on your keyboard.

Softening/Smoothing Edges:

In SketchUp, you can soften or smooth edges to give your models a more organic look. To do this:

  1. Select the edges you want to soften/smooth.
  2. Right-click on the selection and choose “Soften/Smooth Edges” from the context menu.
  3. In the dialog box that appears, adjust the slider to control the level of smoothing.
  4. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

These are just a few examples of how you can use SketchUp’s Edge Tool to create, manipulate, and edit edges in your models. Experiment with different techniques and explore other functionalities of this powerful tool to unlock its full potential. Happy modeling!