In SketchUp, dividing an object or a line into thirds can be a useful technique for creating precise and balanced designs. Whether you are working on architectural models or simple 3D illustrations, knowing how to divide objects into thirds can greatly enhance your workflow. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of dividing objects into thirds in SketchUp.
Step 1: Select the Object
To begin, select the object that you want to divide into thirds. This object can be a line, a face, or even a group of multiple elements. Make sure that the object is selected before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Create Guides
Next, we need to create guides that will help us divide the selected object into thirds. To create guides in SketchUp, go to the “Tools” menu and select “Tape Measure” or use the shortcut key “T”.
Place your cursor at one end of the object and click once to set the starting point of the guide. Then move your cursor along the edge of the object until it reaches approximately one-third of its length. Click again to set the endpoint of the guide.
Repeat this process to create another guide at approximately two-thirds of the length of the object. You should now have two guides placed along the edge of your selected object.
Step 3: Divide into Thirds
Now that we have our guides in place, it’s time to divide our selected object into thirds. To do this, select the “Line” tool from the toolbar or use its shortcut key “L”. Start drawing a line from one intersection point between your first guide and the edge of your selected object towards the corresponding intersection point with your second guide.
Once you reach the second guide, click to finish drawing the line. You should now have a perfectly divided object with two lines splitting it into three equal parts.
Step 4: Cleanup
After dividing your object into thirds, you can remove the guides that were used to assist in the process. Simply select the guides and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
Conclusion
Dividing objects into thirds in SketchUp is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your design workflow. By following these steps, you can easily create balanced and visually appealing models. Remember to experiment with different objects and explore how dividing them into thirds can enhance your designs.
Now that you have learned how to divide objects into thirds in SketchUp, go ahead and give it a try! Incorporate this technique into your next project and see how it adds precision and balance to your designs.