How Do You Add a Circle to a Side in Sketchup?

Sketchup is a versatile 3D modeling software that allows users to create and manipulate various shapes and objects. One common task in Sketchup is adding a circle to a side of an existing object. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of achieving this.

Step 1: Select the Object

Before we can add a circle to a side, we need to select the object that we want to modify. Use the selection tool in Sketchup to choose the desired object. Once selected, it should be highlighted.

Step 2: Create a Face

In order to add a circle to a side, we need to create a face on that side first. To do this, right-click on the selected object and choose “Entity Info” from the context menu.

In the Entity Info dialog box, click on “Create Face”. Sketchup will automatically detect the sides of the object and create faces accordingly.

Step 3: Draw a Circle

Now that we have created a face on the desired side, it’s time to draw a circle. Select the circle tool from the toolbar or use the shortcut key “C”.

Click once on any point within the face you created in Step 2 to set the center of your circle. Then, move your cursor away from the center point and click again to set the radius of your circle.

Step 4: Push/Pull

The next step is to use Sketchup’s push/pull tool to extrude or inset our newly drawn circle. Select the push/pull tool from the toolbar or use its shortcut key “P”.

Click on your drawn circle and then move your cursor inwards or outwards depending on whether you want to extrude or inset respectively. Click again when you have achieved the desired depth.

Step 5: Smooth Edges

If you want to make the edges of your circle smoother, you can utilize Sketchup’s smoothing feature. Select the object with the circle and right-click on it.

From the context menu, choose “Smooth Edges”. This will give your circle a more polished appearance.

Step 6: Adjustments and Modifications

Once you have added a circle to a side, you may want to make further adjustments or modifications. Sketchup offers various tools and options to help you refine your design. You can use tools like Move, Scale, Rotate, or even additional drawing tools to customize your creation.

  • Note:
    • If you want to add a circle to multiple sides of an object, simply repeat Steps 2 through 5 for each side.
    • You can also use Sketchup’s follow-me tool to create more complex shapes along curved paths.

In Conclusion

Adding a circle to a side in Sketchup is a straightforward process that involves creating a face on the desired side and then drawing and extruding/insetting a circle. Remember that Sketchup offers numerous tools and features that allow for further adjustments and modifications. So go ahead and unleash your creativity!