How Do You Change the Length of a Line in SketchUp?

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SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software that allows you to create and manipulate various objects in a virtual environment. One common task when working with SketchUp is changing the length of a line. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to accomplish this.

Method 1: Using the Scale Tool

If you want to change the length of a line while maintaining its original proportions, the Scale tool is your best bet. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Select the line that you want to change the length of.
  2. Activate the Scale tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar or by pressing the “S” key.
  3. Click once on one end of the line and then move your cursor to stretch or shrink the line as desired.
  4. To lock the scaling along a specific axis, simply type in “x”, “y”, or “z” after clicking on one end of the line.
  5. Release your mouse button when you are satisfied with the new length of the line.

Note: The Scale tool can also be used on multiple lines simultaneously. Simply select all the lines you want to scale before activating the tool.

Method 2: Using Push/Pull Tool

If you want to change both the length and depth of a line, you can use SketchUp’s Push/Pull tool. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the face that contains your line.
  2. Activate the Push/Pull tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar or by pressing “P” on your keyboard.
  3. Click once on one end of the line and then move your cursor to extrude or retract the line in the desired direction.
  4. Type in the exact length you want for your line and press Enter.

Note: The Push/Pull tool is not limited to changing the length of lines. It can be used to create complex shapes by extruding or pushing/pulling faces in any direction.

Method 3: Using the Tape Measure Tool

If you need to change the length of a line precisely, you can use SketchUp’s Tape Measure tool. Here’s how:

  1. Select the Tape Measure tool from the toolbar or by pressing “T” on your keyboard.
  2. Click once on one end of the line that you want to change.
  3. Move your cursor along a desired path until you reach the desired length.

Note: The Tape Measure tool also allows you to create guidelines, which can be useful for aligning objects or constructing accurate geometry.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we explored three different methods for changing the length of a line in SketchUp. Whether you need a quick adjustment using the Scale tool, more control with the Push/Pull tool, or precise measurements with the Tape Measure tool, SketchUp has got you covered!

Remember: Practice makes perfect! So go ahead and experiment with these methods to become a pro at manipulating lines in SketchUp.