How Do You Duplicate an Evenly in SketchUp?

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Duplicating an object evenly in SketchUp can be a useful technique when you need to create multiple copies of an element with equal spacing. Whether you are designing a floor plan, a furniture layout, or any other 3D model, duplicating objects evenly can save you time and effort.

Using the Move Tool

The Move tool in SketchUp allows you to duplicate and move objects. To duplicate an object evenly, follow these steps:

  1. Select the object you want to duplicate by clicking on it.
  2. Activate the Move tool by clicking on the Move icon in the toolbar or press the “M” key on your keyboard.
  3. Move your cursor away from the selected object until you see a copy of it. You can do this by dragging your cursor in any direction.
  4. To create evenly spaced duplicates, type the number of copies you want, followed by an asterisk (*) and then the distance between each copy. For example, if you want five copies spaced 10 units apart, type “5*10” (without quotes) and press Enter.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to duplicate objects evenly in SketchUp, here’s how:

  • Select the object you want to duplicate.
  • Press and hold down the Ctrl (Command on Mac) key.
  • Use the Move tool to drag and create a copy of the selected object.
  • Type “x” (without quotes) followed by an asterisk (*) and then specify the distance between each copy. For example, if you want three copies spaced 15 units apart, type “3×15” (without quotes) and press Enter.

This keyboard shortcut method allows for quick and efficient duplication of objects with even spacing, especially if you are working on a complex model with multiple elements.

Conclusion

Duplicating objects evenly in SketchUp can be a time-saving technique that helps maintain consistent spacing between elements in your 3D models. Whether you choose to use the Move tool or keyboard shortcuts, mastering this skill will enhance your efficiency and productivity in SketchUp.

So the next time you need to duplicate objects evenly, remember these techniques and enjoy the benefits of creating accurate and well-spaced copies in SketchUp!