Extruding is a powerful feature in Sketchup that allows you to give depth and dimension to your 2D shapes. Whether you are designing buildings, furniture, or any other type of object, knowing how to extrude in Sketchup is essential. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of extruding in Sketchup step by step.
Step 1: Drawing Your Base Shape
To begin with, open Sketchup and create a new project. Use the drawing tools available to create the base shape that you want to extrude. This can be a simple rectangle, circle, or any other shape that suits your design.
Tips:
- Use the Line tool (L) to draw straight lines.
- Use the Circle tool (C) to draw circles or arcs.
- Use the Polygon tool (P) to draw regular polygons.
Step 2: Selecting Your Base Shape
After drawing your base shape, use the Select tool (Spacebar) to select it. You will know that your shape is selected when it highlights or becomes surrounded by a bounding box.
Step 3: Activating the Push/Pull Tool
To start extruding your shape, activate the Push/Pull tool. You can do this by clicking on the Push/Pull icon located on the toolbar or by pressing P on your keyboard. Once activated, your cursor will turn into a small square with arrows pointing up and down.
Step 4: Extruding Upwards or Downwards
To extrude your shape, simply click and drag your mouse either upwards or downwards. As you drag, you will see a preview of the extrusion in real-time. Release the mouse button when you have achieved the desired height for your extrusion.
Tips:
- Hold the Shift key while dragging to lock the extrusion direction to vertical or horizontal.
- Enter a specific value for the extrusion height by typing it followed by Enter.
Step 5: Editing Your Extrusion
If you need to edit your extrusion after creating it, simply double-click on the face of the extrusion. This will allow you to modify its shape, size, or height. You can also use other Sketchup tools such as Move, Scale, or Rotate to further refine your extruded shape.
Step 6: Saving Your Project
Once you are satisfied with your extrusion, remember to save your project. Click on File in the menu bar and select Save. Choose a location on your computer and give your file an appropriate name.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to extrude in Sketchup.
By mastering this technique, you can bring depth and realism to your designs with ease. Now go ahead and experiment with different shapes and forms to unleash your creativity!