In this tutorial, we will learn how to cut a section in SketchUp for free. Cutting a section is a useful technique that allows you to view and work on specific parts of your model in more detail. Whether you want to showcase an interior design or analyze the structural components of a building, cutting sections can be incredibly helpful.
Step 1: Select the Section Plane Tool
To cut a section in SketchUp, you need to use the Section Plane tool. This tool is available in the toolbar on the left side of your screen. Alternatively, you can access it by navigating to Tools > Section Plane.
Step 2: Place the Section Plane
Once you have selected the Section Plane tool, click anywhere on your model’s surface to place the section plane. The section plane represents the imaginary cutting plane that will divide your model into two parts.
Tips:
- Position the section plane strategically so that it intersects with the areas you want to cut through.
- You can adjust the position and orientation of the section plane later if needed.
Step 3: Customize Section Properties
After placing the section plane, you can customize its properties according to your requirements. To do this:
- Select the section plane by clicking on it.
- Right-click on the selected section plane to open a context menu.
- Select “Entity Info” from the context menu.
Tips:
- You can change various properties like color and transparency of the section plane to make it more visible or blend in with your model.
- Experiment with different settings to achieve the desired visual effect.
Step 4: Cut the Section
Once you have placed and customized the section plane, it’s time to cut the section and view your model from a new perspective. To cut the section:
- Select the section plane by clicking on it.
- Select “Create Group from Slice” from the context menu.
Tips:
- The “Create Group from Slice” option creates a new group that includes all geometry that intersects with the section plane. This allows you to work on the cut section independently.
- You can also choose to hide or delete parts of your model outside of the cut section for better focus and clarity.
Congratulations! You have successfully cut a section in SketchUp.
Now you can navigate and work within this new perspective to refine your model or create stunning visualizations. Remember, cutting sections can be an invaluable tool for both design and analysis purposes, so don’t hesitate to utilize this technique in your SketchUp projects!