Isometric view is a powerful tool in SketchUp that allows you to view your 3D models from different angles. It provides a unique perspective and adds depth to your designs. In this tutorial, we will explore how to view isometric in SketchUp and take advantage of this feature to enhance your workflow.
Step 1: Select the Camera Tool
To begin, select the Camera tool from the toolbar. This tool allows you to change the camera’s position and orientation in the 3D space.
Step 2: Choose Isometric View
Once you have activated the Camera tool, navigate to the toolbar at the top of your screen. Look for the Perspective dropdown menu.
Selecting this dropdown will reveal a list of different camera views available in SketchUp, including Parallel Projection, which is what we need for an isometric view.
Step 3: Enable Parallel Projection
Parallel Projection creates an isometric view by removing any perspective distortion from your model. This means that all lines appear parallel and equally spaced.
To enable Parallel Projection, click on the Perspective dropdown menu and select Parallel Projection.
Step 4: Adjust Camera Orientation
Now that you have enabled Parallel Projection, it’s time to adjust the camera’s orientation to achieve an isometric view.
You can do this by clicking and dragging on any of the blue axis arrows that appear when you hover over your model. This will rotate the camera around your model and change its viewing angle.
Tips:
- X-Axis: Dragging the blue arrow pointing towards the right will rotate the camera along the X-axis.
- Y-Axis: Dragging the blue arrow pointing upwards will rotate the camera along the Y-axis.
- Z-Axis: Dragging the blue arrow pointing towards you will rotate the camera along the Z-axis.
Step 5: Fine-Tune Your View
If you want to fine-tune your isometric view further, you can use other navigation tools in SketchUp, such as Orbit, Pan, and Zoom.
The Orbit tool allows you to rotate your model freely in 3D space. The Pan tool lets you move your model horizontally or vertically, while the Zoom tool enables you to zoom in and out of your model.
Tips:
- Orbit: To orbit around your model, click and drag with the middle mouse button or use two fingers on a trackpad.
- Pan: To pan across your model, hold down Shift and click and drag with the middle mouse button or use two fingers on a trackpad.
- Zoom: To zoom in and out of your model, scroll up and down with your mouse wheel or pinch in and out on a trackpad.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to view isometric in SketchUp. By utilizing this feature, you can present your designs from different angles, making them more visually appealing and informative for clients or collaborators.
Remember to experiment with different views to find the best angle for your specific project. Happy modeling!