How Do You Draw in Plan View in SketchUp?

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When it comes to drawing in plan view in SketchUp, there are a few key techniques and tools that you need to be familiar with. Plan view, also known as top view or bird’s eye view, allows you to create a two-dimensional representation of your 3D model from an overhead perspective. In this article, we will explore how you can effectively draw in plan view using SketchUp.

Setting up the Workspace

Before we dive into drawing in plan view, let’s make sure our workspace is properly set up. Open SketchUp and create a new file or open an existing one. Once the workspace is ready, we can start drawing!

Using the Rectangle Tool

The Rectangle tool is one of the most commonly used tools for drawing in plan view. It allows you to create rectangular shapes such as walls, floors, and furniture outlines. To use the Rectangle tool, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Rectangle tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
  2. Click once on a starting point for your rectangle.
  3. Move your cursor to define the width and height of the rectangle.
  4. Click again to finish drawing the rectangle.

Note: To draw a perfect square instead of a rectangle, hold down the Shift key while dragging your cursor.

The Line Tool

In addition to rectangles, you may need to draw straight lines in plan view. The Line tool is perfect for this purpose. Follow these steps to use it:

  1. Select the Line tool from the toolbar.
  2. Click once on a starting point for your line.
  3. Move your cursor to define the length and direction of the line.
  4. Click again to finish drawing the line.

Pro tip: To draw a perfectly horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line, hold down the Shift key while dragging your cursor.

Using Guides

Guides are incredibly helpful when it comes to drawing in plan view. They allow you to create reference lines or points that can assist you in aligning objects accurately. To create a guide, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Tape Measure tool from the toolbar.
  2. Click once on a starting point for your guide.
  3. Move your cursor to define the length and direction of the guide.
  4. Click again to finish creating the guide.

Note: Guides can be easily deleted by selecting them and pressing the Delete key on your keyboard.

The Offset Tool

The Offset tool is another handy tool for drawing in plan view. It allows you to create parallel lines at a specified distance from an existing line or shape. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Select the Offset tool from the toolbar.
  2. Click once on the line or shape you want to offset from.
  3. Move your cursor to specify the distance for the offset.
  4. Click again to complete the offset.

The Push/Pull Tool

The Push/Pull tool is essential for creating height or depth in your plan view drawings. It allows you to extrude flat shapes into three-dimensional objects. Follow these steps to use it:

  1. Select the Push/Pull tool from the toolbar.
  2. Click once on the shape you want to extrude.
  3. Move your cursor to define the height or depth of the extrusion.
  4. Click again to finish the extrusion.

Pro tip: To create multiple extrusions at once, double-click on the face or use the Push/Pull tool with a keyboard shortcut.

Conclusion

Drawing in plan view in SketchUp is a crucial skill for creating accurate and detailed 2D representations of your 3D models. By using tools like the Rectangle tool, Line tool, Guides, Offset tool, and Push/Pull tool, you can easily create complex floor plans, furniture layouts, and architectural designs. Remember to practice these techniques regularly to enhance your proficiency in drawing in plan view with SketchUp!